Buffs Report: OL Roddick Ready For Oregon Test
October 09, 2019 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — After getting his first career start last week against Arizona, Colorado guard Casey Roddick believes he can improve on that effort Friday when the Buffaloes (3-2 overall, 1-1 Pac-12) square with No. 13 Oregon (4-1, 2-0) in an 8 p.m. game at Autzen Stadium (FS1).
"I thought I did all right, but there were definitely some things I need to clean up," said Roddick, who started in place of regular Colby Pursell (out with a gall bladder issue). "I've spent the entire week working on those things and getting into the film room with Coach Kap (O-line coach Chris Kapilovic). I'm definitely more prepared this week, there's no doubt about it."
Roddick played a career-high 65 snaps at right guard against Arizona, a game in which the Buffs did not give up a sack and rushed for 159 yards, their second-highest total of the season.
But Friday they will see a defense that is a step above the Wildcats. Oregon has held its last four opponents to single-digit scoring and has allowed just one touchdown in its opponents' last 51 possessions. The Ducks lead the Pac-12 in scoring defense, yielding 9.8 points per game, and they are also first in the conference and tied for ninth in the nation in quarterback sacks, with 19 already this season. Oregon has managed to apply pressure on the quarterback without bringing extra help, with the majority of the 19 sacks coming from defensive linemen.
It will be the biggest test yet for a CU offensive line that has given up only five sacks all year.
"They're a very physical front," Roddick said. "They do a lot of great things up front and their front seven is phenomenal. We're going to have to have our best game. We have to be able to step back and protect (quarterback Steven) Montez in the pass game. If we give him time, he's going to complete the pass."
One factor in Roddick's favor is that he plays between a pair of veterans, center Tim Lynott and tackle William Sherman.
"Those guys have had a lot of starts, a lot of snaps," Roddick said. "They help me out a lot with technique, calls, things like that. Watching film with them has been beneficial as well."
Roddick now also has some experience under his belt. He played 59 snaps in a reserve role against Air Force, then got his first start last weekend.
"You really don't know what it's like until you get that game speed," he said. "We get great work in practice against the No. 1 defense, but when you get into a game, you get into that groove and then it becomes second nature. Those game reps are a big help."
SECOND HALF BUFFS: CU head coach Mel Tucker has placed a major emphasis on conditioning since his arrival, and it's paying off.
CU has outscored opponents 92-58 in the second half this season, including a 57-38 edge in the fourth quarter. That is already more points than Colorado scored all of last year in the final period (39).
TURNOVER TEST: While the Buffs are still among the nation's leaders in defensive takeaways with 12, the Ducks will provide a major test in that area.
Oregon has committed just five turnovers this season — four fumbles and only one interception. The Buffs, though, have committed just four turnovers this season — two interceptions and two turnovers — with CU's Montez on a streak of 97 straight passes without an interception.
TEAM CAPTAINS: Captains for the Oregon game will be quarterback Steven Montez, cornerback Delrick Abrams Jr. and punter Alex Kinney.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
