Colorado University Athletics
Buffs LBs Lewis, Taylor Lead Sack Attack Against Bruins
September 29, 2018 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Headed into Friday night's game against UCLA, Colorado outside linebacker Drew Lewis had gone three games without a sack.
Lewis addressed that issue in a hurry under the Folsom Field lights. Lewis recorded his first sack of the season on UCLA's first possession of the night, then added another on the Bruins' second try with the ball, an excellent start to what might have been his best overall game yet in a CU uniform.
"In the first three games there were no sacks," Lewis said after the Buffs' 38-16 win. "I had some pressures, had a tackle for a loss or two, but no real sacks. I wanted to step that up and today was a perfect platform to do that in the Pac-12 opener."
Press box statistics credited Lewis with eight tackles, two sacks, another tackle for loss and one pass breakup. The fact that it came in a conference game was even more satisfying.
"They are a great opponent to play and the real bar is set at this level," said Lewis, who made the move from inside linebacker to outside in fall camp. "We are trying to take this forward to the rest of the Pac-12 season."
Also adding to CU's sack total was Buff back Davion Taylor, who recorded his first of the season. Both were part of an aggressive blitz package from CU defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot.
"He (Lewis) is getting more and more comfortable out there," head coach Mike MacIntyre said. "We brought him some more with some of the things we were doing. … Davion is also really starting to flash. Those two guys can really run and I think you'll kind of keep seeing that. They are starting to get really comfortable, see things, understand things. As the season goes on, I think they will make more and more plays."
After allowing 191 yards and 13 points in the first half, CU's defense held UCLA to just 98 yards and three points in the second half.
FOR OPENERS: While the Buffs improved to 3-5 in Pac-12 openers, Friday night was their first home win in a Pac-12 opener, improving their record to 1-4. Colorado also improved to 23-28-1 all-time in all black uniforms — and it was just their second win in the last 16 games in the look.
Speaking of all black, CU's end zones were painted black for the game — the first time in 496 home games that the Buffs painted their end zones.
MONTEZ NUMBERS: Quarterback Steven Montez was 22-for-26 for 237 yards and a score, as he passed the 1,000-yard mark passing for the season. He is now 91-for-120 (75.8 percent) for 1,092 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He has also rushed 29 times for 108 yards and three touchdowns. Montez completed his first 12 passes on first down, and was 13-for-14 on first down overall for 118 yards.
He is now 11-8 as CU's starting quarterback, including an 8-3 mark at home.
SHENAULT NUMBERS: CU wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. entered the weekend leading the nation in receptions per game and receiving yards per game. He didn't do anything to hurt those numbers with a 12-catch, 126-yard night with one touchdown. He has now caught 38 passes this season for 581 yards and four scores, and has also run the ball eight times for 28 yards for a pair of touchdowns.
UCLA coach Chip Kelly credited Colorado with utilizing Shenault in a variety of ways.
"You have to make sure you know where he is," Kelly said. "Mike (MacIntyre) does a really good job. They have him lined up in wildcat and they move him around. They do a good job on how they disperse him. He's a good football player. You have to give him credit."
POINTS ON THE BOARD: The Buffs have now surpassed the 30-point mark in all four games this season, the most since a five-game run in 2002. Overall, CU is averaging 40.3 points per game.
O-LINE SWITCH: The Buffs had their third different starting lineup on the offensive line Friday, with William Sherman at left tackle (his first start of his career), Brett Tonz at left guard, Colby Pursell at center, Aaron Haigler at right guard and Josh Kaiser at right tackle. Also getting ample playing time at right tackle was true freshman Frank Fillip.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
Â
Players Mentioned
