Colorado University Athletics
Woelk: Keys to Colorado-Arizona State Game
October 09, 2015 | Football, Neill Woelk
TEMPE, Ariz. — A week ago, the Colorado Buffaloes played Oregon to a draw for 30 minutes, but couldn't sustain the effort for four quarters and came out on the short end of a 41-24 decision.
Saturday night, the Buffs will need a complete game when they attempt to record their first victory ever over Arizona State (ASU holds a 6-0 all-time series edge) in an 8 p.m. contest at Sun Devil Stadium (Pac-12 Networks).
Here are the keys to the Buffs hopes in the desert:
Early success in passing game. Although quarterback Sefo Liufau did have an early interception a week ago, he rallied to put together an overall good first half, guiding the Buffs to a pair of long touchdown drives and a field goal. As a result, the Buffs were able to keep up with the Ducks, even though the CU running game was struggling.
While Liufau has done a good job overall in managing games, and has come up with some big plays when necessary, he's also been inconsistent. It's a tall order for a patchwork offensive line against blitz-happy ASU, but the big guys up front need to give Liufau enough time to find — and connect — with his receivers.
ASU has been susceptible to a good passing attack. Southern California QB Cody Kessler scorched the Sun Devils for 272 yards and five touchdowns passing in a 42-14 win. Liufau hasn't had a big game all year, and Saturday would be the perfect time to chalk one up.
Contain Bercovici. ASU's offense revolves around standout quarterback Mike Bercovici — and one of the keys to containing him will be stopping ASU's run game early.
That's easier said than done, as the Sun Devils have been productive on the ground all season, including a 46-carry, 192-yard effort in last week's 38-23 win over UCLA.
Still, the Buffs have to have a better effort than they had against Oregon. Bercovici is a big threat — along with throwing two TD passes against UCLA, he also ran 34 yards for a score — but he's more effective when the ASU running game is up and running. If ASU establishes its ground game early, it means Bercovici will have time to operate in the pocket — and that means a long night for the Buffs.
Fast start. Yes, this is a given — but the Buffs can't count on dodging a bullet like they did against Oregon, when two early turnovers produced only seven Oregon points, thanks to a CU interception in the end zone.
ASU has a history of jumping on the Buffs early. A year ago, the Sun Devils took a 14-0 first-quarter lead in Boulder. In 2013, ASU led 25-0 after one quarter and 47-6 at the half.
The Buffs need to prove a point early with a quick stop or two and a score.
Turnovers. OK, another given — but it's no coincidence that the Buffs win when they win the turnover battle. They've had that edge three times this year and are 3-0 in those games.
Historically a team that takes care of the ball and forces turnovers, ASU hasn't been so successful in that regard this year. ASU has fumbled the ball away seven times and Bercovici has thrown three interceptions, including one in each of his last two games. Meanwhile, the Sun Devils have forced just seven turnovers.
Turnovers are the great equalizer. If the Buffs are successful in disrupting ASU's offense with a few takeaways, their chances of a first win over the Sun Devils will improve substantially.
Running game. The Buffs actually outgained the Sun Devils on the ground a year ago, running for 232 yards, including 118 from Christian Powell.
While ASU's defense is ninth in the nation this year in tackles for losses, averaging nearly nine per game, their gambling style is also susceptible to some big plays. If the Buffs can pop a few, it will force the Sun Devils to at least respect the run game — and maybe take some pressure off Liufau.
Pass rush. The Buffs have generated decent pressure on the quarterback this season, with 10 sacks in five games, including three against Oregon. ASU, meanwhile, has given up some sacks, including an astounding nine in a 38-17 loss to Texas A&M in the season opener.
If the Buffs can get to Bercovici early and often, it will disrupt the Sun Devils' rhythm. He's at his best when the Sun Devils are also running the ball effectively. If he's under pressure, he can be forced into making mistakes, and Colorado's secondary — eight interceptions by seven different players — has been a strength.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
