Buff Defense Continues Taking Aim At Takeaways

BOULDER — Every day, every practice at every opportunity possible, the Colorado coaching staff has talked turnovers to the Buffaloes.

The Buffs were among the nation's lowest ranked teams in the nation a year ago in turnover differential, giving the ball away 21 times while taking it away on just 11 occasions. It's that second number that has been the biggest concern this fall.

On the offensive side of the equation, the Buffs were actually in the upper half of the nation in 2014, with their 21 turnovers tied for 53rd in the nation.

But in terms of takeaways, only three Division I teams — Michigan, Washington State and Georgia State — saw their defenses produce fewer takeaways.

“It has to get better — it just has to, no question about it,” Buff defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt said after Wednesday's practice. “If it's that way again, we're going to have a hard time winning. You can still win if it stays that way, but it's much, much more difficult. You've got to give your offense a few more opportunities and stop the other team. It's that simple.”

The Buffs have spent a portion of virtually every practice this fall working on a variety of drills geared toward producing a few more takeaways. Defensive backs work on their receiving and tip skills. Defensive linemen dive after fumbles. Linebackers do both. Anything and everything to get the ball in their hands a few more times.

“That's the way you get better, a lot of drills,” Leavitt said. “You've got learn to trust your eyes. You have to see the ball released and have the confidence to make the play.”

Leavitt said he's seen improvement, but it hasn't been consistent.

“Some days are good, some days not so much,” Leavitt said. “You can never work at it too much.”

PRACTICE NOTES: Wednesday's practice in shells was one of those “good” days for the defense, as they finished the day with seven takeaways. That included interceptions from Ahkello Witherspoon, Jaleel Awini and Kenneth Olugbode. Olugbode's grab was a thing of beauty, as he went high up in the air for a pass over the middle and snatched it with his fingertips, a catch that would have made any wide receiver proud.

Offensively, highlights included a beautiful Sefo Liufau-to-Nelson Spruce long ball and a nice catch-and-run from wide receiver Colin Johnson.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Even though the Buffs will be replacing a pair of specialists who were four-year starters, head coach Mike MacIntyre said he's not worried about the Buffs' kicking game.

“I think the kids are very capable,” MacIntyre said. “They can do it. They have strong legs. They've just got to go out there and do it in a game. I have all the confidence in the world in them.”

MacIntyre still hasn't named a starting kicker or punter, but did say freshman punter Alex Kinney has “punted really, really well the last couple of days.”

MacIntyre said the Buffs would have another session or two of mock-game situations in Folsom Field before the coaching staff reaches a final decision.

SCHEDULE: The Buffs will practice Thursday night under the lights, then again Friday morning. The practices are closed to the public.