Woelk: Five Offense Priorities For Buffs In Fall Camp
July 27, 2018 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — The list of things the Colorado Buffaloes need to accomplish in fall camp is no doubt a long one.
There are areas in all three phases that must be improved if Mike MacIntyre's sixth CU team is going to thrust itself back into contention for a Pac-12 South title and a bowl bid.
But, in the interest of brevity, we'll hit five key points that will be on the Buffs' minds when they report for camp next Wednesday and hit the field for their first practice Thursday.
1. Develop offensive line cohesion. From protecting the quarterback to establishing control of the ground game, this is an obvious area that will be a focus from Day One.
A year ago, Colorado yielded 39 quarterback sacks — 11 more than the previous year. At the same time, CU averaged just 3.78 yards per rush attempt and converted just 41 of 62 third-down tries of 3 yards or less.
The impact of those extra sacks is exponential. It means that many more drives that ended prematurely, as well as a significant change in field position and the additional pressure put on the defense from those circumstances.
Meanwhile, an inconsistent running game — particularly in short-yardage situations — had a similar impact.
CU's line last year was hit early by suspensions and then injuries. In 12 games, the Buffs started six different O-line combinations.
This year, developing that missing consistency won't be easy, as the Buffs lost three starters from last year's team. But there were strong signs of improvement in spring ball, and the combination of returning starters Aaron Haigler and Tim Lynott Jr., along with some talented youngsters and returning players, is reason for optimism up front.
One big key will be developing cohesion. It won't be a surprise early in camp to see O-line coach Klayton Adams mixing and matching his combinations to find the group that works together best. The development of younger players, such as Colby Pursell, William Sherman and Jacob Moretti, along with the progress of veterans Josh Kaiser and Brett Tonz, will be instrumental in the process. If they come together like coaches believe they can, this could be an area that will see significant improvement.
2. Establish a running backs rotation — or identify an every down back. Understand, there will likely be no "replacing" Phillip Lindsay, who last year became the first back in Colorado history to put together back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
But there is also no reason to think the Buffs can't be an effective team running the ball; in fact, it won't be a surprise if the Buffs exceed last year's rushing total (1,886 yards).
One thing for certain: there are plenty of backs anxious to get their turn, and each has a particular strength. The opening camp depth chart has Kyle Evans atop the heap, with Alex Fontenot, Beau Bisharat, Travon McMillian and Donovan Lee all listed at No. 2. But  odds are one of those current No. 2 backs will be No. 1 by the time the Buffs open vs. Colorado State on Aug. 31.
Fontenot had an excellent spring, showing a great burst. Bisharat showed he can run with power inside. McMillian, a transfer from Virginia Tech, is the unknown, but given his play with the Hokies, he brings plenty to the table. Evans, meanwhile, is fully healthy after coming back from a hip injury, and can provide a great change-of-pace look, and Lee could be a third-down specialist.
It all adds up to a wide-open competition. It will be interesting to see how RBs coach Darian Hagan divvies up the carries early, and who begins to emerge as camp progresses.
3. Adjust to increased tempo under co-coordinator Darrin Chiaverini. While this is Chiaverini's third year as co-offensive coordinator (he's joined this year by Adams), it will be his first at calling plays from the booth.
"Chev" wasted no time in spring ball making it clear he wanted to take the offensive tempo up another notch. The idea is to put the ball in the hands of playmakers, especially the wide receivers, get them in space and do it all quickly.
When it works, it's a thing of beauty and can tire out an opposing defense in a hurry. When it doesn't, it means a three-and-out and more pressure on the CU defense. The Buffs made solid progress in spring ball, but there's plenty more work to be done. Which brings us to …
4. Perfect the timing between quarterback and receivers. This year brings virtually an entirely new group of receivers — just one starter, Jay MacIntyre, returns from last season — but truth is, it is a group that will be expected to improve CU's passing numbers.
It is a strong group with some big-time playmakers. From seniors MacIntyre, Juwann Winfree and Kabion Ento to sophomores K.D. Nixon and Laviska Shenault Jr., there is a wealth of talent. The group grew more comfortable with quarterback Steven Montez on a daily basis in the spring, and there were flashes of some terrific big-play potential. At the same time, the Buffs have also made sure the H-backs/tight ends are still part of the equation.
The key will be consistency. Montez spent a big portion of his summer studying film and dissecting defenses. If he can transform that knowledge into solid split-second decision making, he will get the ball to open receivers who have the athletic ability to make things happen.
If the Buffs can do that consistently, that up-tempo offense will be an effective weapon. Â
5. Move the sticks and put points on the board. Yes, this is obvious. But in a league in which big scores are common, the Buffs need to be a team that can win the shootouts.
Not that Colorado shouldn't be able to depend on its defense this year. The general consensus is that CU will be much improved on that side of the ball, and the Buffs shouldn't  have to score 45 points to win every game.
But, they will no doubt still see their share of those games when the scoreboard runs like a pinball machine — and with the skill position talent available, this is a team that has the potential to put plenty of points on the board.
Two years ago, Colorado leaned on its defense to win big games. This year, CU's offense has to develop the consistency that puts the Buffs in control and in position to make the plays down the stretch that make the difference.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
