CU's Tucker Says Buffs 'Starting To Get Our Culture'

BOULDER — The message is sinking in.

That's the big takeaway Colorado coach Mel Tucker had after reviewing film of last weekend's 16-13 Buffaloes win over Stanford.

"We had success on Saturday because we had the discipline to do our jobs and our guys played together as a team," Tucker said after Tuesday's workout. "They're starting to get our culture in terms of everyone doing their job, trusting that the man next to us is going to do his job, and playing for each other, playing as a team. That's a that's a big part of what we're trying to accomplish here. Just everyone understanding what their role is and being a star in your role."

The win against a program known for its physical play, especially in the trenches, was also the kind of game that brought a smile to Tucker's face.

"They have a tremendous program," Tucker said. "They are known for being a physical program … We ran the ball on our terms. We were stout in the trenches. And again, we had a definite discipline to do our jobs on a consistent basis for 60 minutes."

Tucker was pleased with every phase of the Buffs' game as CU ended a five-game losing streak and improved to 4-6 (2-5 Pac-12). The offense, he said, was efficient and effective, particularly on two fourth-quarter drives that produced the game-tying and game-winning field goals. The defense played its best overall game of the year, and special teams delivered an outstanding punting game, good coverage on kicks and a 3-for-3 day on field goals, including the game winner.

"It was a strong defensive effort," Tucker said. "We had a lot of guys contribute. Guys are playing hard playing for each other doing their jobs, getting out there on third down and and making big plays, physical in the trenches. And it was an example, that game of complementary football. Offense, defense and special teams all working together to get the job done. So it was very good."

In the midst of their second bye week of the season — CU doesn't play again until the Nov. 23 home finale against Washington — the Buffs will use the week to work on improvement, but also utilize the opportunity to heal up a long list of bumps and bruises.

Thus, Tuesday's practice was conducted in helmets and shorts, with younger players putting on pads at the end for some contact work.

"We have to be a lot more mindful of the wear and tear on our players that play a lot," Tucker said.

ELECTRIC CROWD: CU's five-game average for home attendance this season is 50,563, which is actually slightly more than the stated capacity of Folsom Field (50,183).

According to the website sportspac12.com, that makes the Buffs the league's co-leader when it comes to stadium capacity average, joining Utah at 101 percent.

one of just two teams in the conference this year to be averaging over-capacity home crowds for the season, with the other being Utah. The rest of the list includes Oregon (98 percent capacity), Washington (97 percent), Washington State (88 percent), Arizona State (85 percent), Oregon State (76 percent), USC (75 percent), Arizona (72 percent), Stanford (69 percent), Cal (67 percent) and UCLA (56 percent).

That crowd support has not gone unnoticed by Tucker.

"Our fans are tremendous," Tucker said. " The stadium was electric and it was very impressive. Buff Nation was strong on Saturday."

KICKING UPDATE: Tucker said kicker James Stefanou, who missed last week's game with a hip injury, will have surgery and will miss the final two games.

Stefanou's replacement, redshirt freshman Evan Price, had a memorable day against the Cardinal. He kicked field goals of 23, 34 and 37 yards, with the 37-yarder coming as time ran out to give Colorado the win. He also kicked one PAT, and is 2-for-2 on extra points this year, as he had one the week prior against UCLA.

Price appeared in just two games in 2018, thus preserving his redshirt year. He was 4-for-5 on field goal tries and 5-for-5 on PATs. His only miss last season was a blocked attempt against Oregon State. Saturday's game winner matched his career long, as he also had a 37-yarder against Washington.

ABRAMS UPDATE: Tucker said cornerback Delrick Abrams Jr., who didn't play last week because of an injury, probably could have played if needed. Abrams will use this week to heal up and will likely be ready for the Washington game. His absence last week meant the Buffs started two true freshmen, K.J. Trujillo and Tarik Luckett, at cornerback.

SCHEDULE: The Buffs will practice again Wednesday and Thursday this week, then resume practice next Monday in preparation for the Huskies.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu