Buffs Defense Putting Playmakers In Position To Make Plays

BOULDER — When D.J. Eliot arrived as Colorado's defensive coordinator last winter, one of his first tasks was to identify CU's playmakers — then devise a way in Colorado's 3-4 base scheme to get those playmakers into position to do what they do best.

So far, so good. Two games into the season, the Buffs have put up some outstanding defensive numbers, highlighted by the most important statistic of all, the scoreboard.

In two games, the Buffs have allowed just one field goal in each, the first time since 1958 Colorado has not allowed a touchdown in either of its first two games. They will attempt to stretch that streak Saturday when they play host to Northern Colorado in a noon game at Folsom Field (Pac-12 Networks).

But along with the points allowed, there are other numbers that suggest Eliot's goal of getting playmakers into position to make plays is succeeding.

— Opponents have run 44 plays in positive territory this season (on CU's side of the 50-yard line) and gained just 88 yards, a scant 2.0 yards per carry.

— In four possessions inside the red zone, opponents have run a total of nine plays for a net minus-2 yards.

— The Buffs have allowed opponents to convert just 11 of 33 third-down attempts.

— CU has recorded four defensive takeaways (three interceptions and one fumble recovery), putting them on pace to match or exceed last year's total of 26 in 14 games.

— The Buffs have recorded eight quarterback sacks, again putting them on pace to exceed last year's total of 28.

"I think the players are playing hard," Eliot said. "They've played really well in the red zone and they've buckled down when the ball's gotten down there. I think they've tackled well, they've swarmed well, they've communicated well. There's still a lot of things that we can do better but I've been proud of their effort so far."

Of course, no one expects the Buffs to continue their touchdown shutout streak — but neither is CU's defensive performance thus far a surprise to those inside the Colorado locker room.

"When we go out there, we expect to make stops," safety Ryan Moeller said at Tuesday's weekly press conference. "The fact that we haven't given up a touchdown yet isn't surprising. It's something that we should strive to carry on through the entire season. … It's a great statistic for now but I'm looking forward to seeing the fourth down stops, third down stops, the three and outs, the turnovers, everything that we can produce and everything that will carry us through the rest of the season."

So far, four different Buffs have produced turnovers, seven have been in on sacks and six are averaging at least six tackles per game — the definition of "playmakers making plays."

"Ultimately it comes down to the them," Eliot said. "Players make plays. The players have played well, the players have listened well, the players have communicated well. They've done a good job."

The Buffs have produced playmakers in all three of the main position groups, with each adding an element of versatility that makes them extra valuable: linebacker Drew Lewis, defensive lineman Leo Jackson III and defensive back Evan Worthington.

Lewis has been in on 25 tackles already, including one for loss, as well as producing two third-down stops and three quarterback pressures. He's shown the ability to make plays from sideline to sideline, has been solid in pass coverage and has become a weapon in putting extra pressure on the quarterback.

"When we give him the chance to play in space, he's a really good football player for us," inside linebackers coach Ross Els said.

Worthington has 15 tackles this season — including 12 unassisted, second-best on the team — with two tackles for loss, a third-down stop, a pass breakup and an interception.

"Evan is just extremely fast for his size," Eliot said. "He makes a lot of plays just on his speed. He still makes some mistakes, assignment and technique, but his athleticism has made up for a lot of things and I'm excited to see how he progresses. He's a guy that's going to continue to make more plays and is going to continue to get better."

Jackson, meanwhile, leads the team in unassisted tackles (13) and has a team-leading four sacks. He is the only starting defensive lineman to also play in CU's nickel defense/pass rush scheme.

"He's a multi-dimensional lineman," head coach Mike MacIntyre said. "I knew Leo would have a great year this year."

But Eliot and his defense know the road gets considerably tougher in the near future. Looming not so far ahead on the schedule is the Sept. 23 Pac-12 opener with defending conference champ Washington at Folsom Field (8 p.m., FS1).

Tops on the list of priorities is reducing the number of big gains against the defense. Thus far, CU has already given up seven plays of at least 20 yards, a number Eliot would like to reduce significantly.

"I think we need to eliminate explosive plays," Eliot said of some of the Buffs' top priorities. "We've done a good job of winning first and second down and winning on third down, but we've had more explosive play than I'd like. So I think when we shore that up, our players will be playing even better."

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu