Buffs Defense Takes Aim At Containing WSU Pass Attack
November 08, 2018 | Football
BOULDER – After a rough four-game stretch, the Colorado Buffaloes' defense will try to get back on the right track Saturday in a 1:30 p.m. game against No. 10 Washington State at Folsom Field (ESPN).
In their last four games — all losses — the Buffs have given up an 427.5 yards per game. Their task Saturday will be a difficult one, as they face WSU graduate transfer quarterback Gardner Minshew II, who leads the nation with 329 completions and 3,517 passing yards, along with a Pac-12 leading 70.8 percent completion rate and 27 touchdowns.
"He has a powerful arm," CU senior linebacker Drew Lewis said. "We just need to be able to lock down their receivers with our defensive backs and get pressure on him."
A big reason Minshew is able to make big plays is a stellar offensive line that has  allowed just seven sacks this season, the fewest in the Pac-12 and tied for fifth-best in the nation.
"I think their offensive line is the best it's been since I've gone against (Washington State head coach) Mike Leach," CU head coach Mike MacIntyre said. "That's helping out their quarterback a ton. For what they do, they're big and they're protecting (Minshew) very well and he's able to make all the throws."
The Cougars lead the nation with 397.4 passing yards per game, but average just  71.8 yards on the ground.
While Minshew may be the focus of the "Air Raid" offense, the Buffs will be paying close attention to the likes of junior running back James Williams and sophomore wide receiver Tay Martin. Williams has 58 catches this season while Martin has 52. Martin and junior wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. are tied for fourth in the conference with seven touchdown receptions.
"Everybody in their offense is a weapon," senior linebacker Rick Gamboa said. "They get everybody the ball. They rotate receivers in and out so anybody on the field is a threat … we need to make sure we latch on, stay in coverage, and do our job. Same thing with the D-line. Whenever they get a chance to get a sack they have to stay in their rush lane and not let (Minshew)  out of the pocket and prevent giving him a lot of time."
Colorado's defense couldn't do enough to contain Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate last Friday night, as he threw for 350 yards and give touchdowns on just 17 completions. Several of Tate's long throws came when he extended plays by scrambling outside the pocket.
MacIntyre said Minshew's mobility will be a concern this week.
"(He) is a little more athletic than some of the guys (Washington State's) had," MacIntyre said. "He's extended some plays, which we're nervous about because extended plays hurt us last week."
This defense sees this upcoming game as an opportunity to prove themselves.
"This is the time to get under (Minshew's) skin and make it feel uncomfortable for him out there, Lewis said. "If we can get him rattled a little bit, then everything will fall apart on their end."
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