Buffs Continue Focus On Defensive Takeaways

BOULDER — Aside from the obvious — points allowed — one of the biggest improvements made by the Colorado defense a year ago came in the category of defensive takeaways.

In the span of one season, the Buffs doubled the number of forced turnovers, going from 11 in 2014 (eight fumbles, three interceptions) to 22 in 2015 (eight fumbles, 14 interceptions). It was enough to move them from 11th in the Pac-12 in turnover margin to seventh.

Perhaps even more impressive was the consistency with which Jim Leavitt's defense forced those turnovers. Colorado was one of only six schools in the nation to force at least one turnover in every game last fall, and the only Power 5 school to manage the feat.

Those turnovers also came at opportune moments.

In CU's win at Oregon State, it was an interception by Colorado defensive back Chidobe Awuzie in the final minute that clinched the win.

But there may have been no bigger takeaway for the Buffs last year than an interception return for a touchdown by Colorado linebacker Kenneth Olugbode in CU's 27-24 overtime win over Colorado State. With the score tied 17-17 in the third quarter, Olugbode snagged a ball jarred loose by fellow linebacker Rick Gamboa. Olugbode then turned upfield and didn't stop running until he had put 60 yards behind him, helping Colorado to a 24-17 lead.

No doubt, the Buffs would like to replicate that effort Friday when they meet the Rams in their season opener at Mile High Stadium (6 p.m., ESPN).

"You can win the game without takeaways, but it's a lot harder," Leavitt said after Monday's practice. "The general rule is you're not going to have a successful season if you don't protect the football and get the football. It's really pretty simple."

Under head coach Mike MacIntyre, the Buffs have typically been a solid team when it comes to ball security on offense. In the last two seasons, the Buffs have lost just 15 fumbles.

"That's always been a big emphasis of mine, takeaways and ball security," MacIntyre said. "We've done a good job of holding onto the ball for the most part since we've been year. Last year we jumped a lot in takeaways. One of the helps in that is that we've got better athletes on the field. We've got stronger, more mature guys who know right where to be."

The Buffs have continued to make defensive takeaways a focus this year. They work on specific drills on a daily basis, with linemen and linebackers concentrating on stripping the ball while defensive backs improve their pass catching skills. The Buffs have also instituted a variety of hand-eye coordination drills that should help them in possibly turning pass knockdowns into pass interceptions.

"We work on it, but until you play a game, you don't know what's going to happen," Leavitt said. "What we do know is it's got to become a conscious effort. Most takeaways are conscious efforts with your eyes, your hands. The only way to get better is if we make sure it's a conscious effort. Guys have to make it important to them."

Two years ago, the Buffs had just three interceptions all season, all by safety Tedric Thompson. Last year, Thompson again led the Buffs with three interceptions, but seven other Buffs also had at least one interception.

"It's something everyone has to work on," Leavitt said. "Do I think we're going to be better at it? I hope so, but we won't know until we get out there and play. But if we're going to be better as a defense, we have to be better at that. It's hard to win if you don't get the football for your offense."

CSU'S STARTING QB IS … Colorado State head coach Mike Bobo knows who is starting quarterback will be Friday night, but he's not saying — at least not publicly.

Bobo told the media on Monday that he has informed his quarterbacks who his starter will be, but he's not making the decision public. CSU's depth chart, released Monday, lists the No. 1 quarterback as transfer Faton Bauta or incumbent starter Nick Stevens or freshman Collin Hill.

At his weekly press conference, Bobo was asked what he hoped to gain by not making his choice public.

"I might gain an extra hour of Jim Leavitt trying to find tape on Faton Bauta," Bobo said. "Or Jim Leavitt watching Dorman High School to see what kind of player Collin Hill was in high school. Was he a guy that ran, was he a dropback guy? Coaches will watch hours and hours of tape. … I'd imagine they're going to watch a little bit more tape. It's not to gain some big, big advantage."

MacIntyre, for his part, believes the Rams will likely go with Stevens, last year's starter.

"He has very good accuracy and as the season went along he started getting more command of the game," MacIntyre said. "He can make all the throws and he handles their offense really well. As you watched the whole season, you can see the maturation."

EYES ON RAMS RUNNING GAME: In last year's game, CSU running back Dalyn Dawkins gashed the Buffs for 118 yards on 20 carries, along with 59 yards on six receptions. Asked how the Buffs hoped to better contain the 5-foot-9, 175-pound Dawkins this year, MacIntyre's answer was simple.

"Tackle him better," MacIntyre said. "He's a heck of a runner. He's quick, athletic. He's a darter. He'll find (a hole) and 'boom' he pops out of there quick. We've got to rally to him and hopefully we can get off some blocks better and be able to stop him."

The Rams also have a veteran offensive line, one that boasts three seniors and two juniors, including four starters who started against the Buffs a year ago, plus Nebraska transfer Paul Thurston (nephew of former Buffs Guy and Brant Thurston).

Overall, the Rams last season ran for 218 yards on 49 carries against the Buffs.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu