Buffs Offense Looks To Take Next Step Against Huskies
November 20, 2019 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — While the numbers were by no means gaudy, the Colorado Buffaloes' offense is coming off one of its more efficient efforts of the season in CU's 16-13 win over Stanford on Nov. 9.
Now the Buffs (4-6 overall, 2-5 Pac-12) would like to carry that momentum into Saturday, when they play host to Washington in an 8 p.m. game at Folsom Field (ESPN).
"We have to control things up front," CU offensive coordinator Jay Johnson said Wednesday. "That's probably one of the deepest defensive line groups I've seen. They play very well; they're physical, athletic guys. It comes down to that and, obviously, taking care of the ball. Then, when the play presents itself, you have to make the play."
Even though Colorado scored just 16 points — and only one touchdown — against Stanford, the Buffs controlled the game down the stretch. CU put together two six-minute drives in the fourth quarter to produce the game-tying and game-winning field goals.
On both possessions, the Buffs came up with the big plays Johnson mentioned to keep drives alive. CU converted two third downs and two fourth downs over the final two possessions as well as some big runs from Alex Fontenot to keep the clock running and keep the ball away from Stanford.
CU's run game was a key factor throughout the game, finishing with 172 yards on 41 carries. It was the Buffs' fifth 150-plus rushing game in Pac-12 play, and they are now fifth in the conference in Pac-12 games, averaging 154.7 yards per game .Fontenot is seventh in the league in conference games rushing at 78.1 per game.
That improved run game is a big step toward the kind of football head coach Mel Tucker wants to play — a punishing, time-consuming rushing attack that gives the pass game an opportunity to exploit a defense poised to stop the run.
"That's good for our football team," Johnson said. "As Mel talks about all the time, it's complementary football. We pride ourselves on that, being physical and running the football. Coach Kap (O-line coach Chris Kapilovic) has done a great job molding those guys, working through some injuries. At that particular spot, continuity is so important and we've had guys in and out, but they've done a nice job. That's been a big step."
The line received a nice boost against Stanford with the return of guard Colby Pursell, who had missed five games after gallbladder surgery. Pursell came in as a reserve in the game and played 24 snaps — making the Buffs 4-0 this year when he plays at least 20 snaps. Pursell continues to get more work in and will likely see more time this weekend.
Washington's defense has given up 149 rushing yards per game in Pac-12 play, but gave up 192 yards on the ground in a loss to Cal and 189 in a loss to Stanford (CU held Stanford to 139 yards rushing).
But UW's defense has produced nine interceptions and seven fumble recoveries. The Huskies start two freshmen at cornerback but also have a standout veteran safety in Myles Bryant.
"They obviously have some really good players but yet they're young a little bit, too," Johnson said. "But they've done some good things, they've created some turnovers. But as always, I like our skill set on the outside and I think our guys will rise up in the challenge."
BIG GAMES FOR EASON DON'T TRANSLATE TO WINS: Washington quarterback Jacob Eason has put up some nice numbers this year, completing 202 of 317 attempts for 2,472 yards, 20 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.
But the Huskies are at their best when Eason doesn't shoulder a particularly big burden. In the five games against FBS opponents in which Eason has attempted at least 30 passes, Washington is just 1-4. The only win was a 19-7 win over Oregon State in UW's last game, when the Beavers' only touchdown was an interception return for a score — the second straight game Eason has thrown a pick six.
When Eason has thrown fewer than 30 passes against FBS foes, the Huskies are 4-0.
But the Buffs have plenty of respect for Eason's arm. The transfer was actually Georgia's starting quarterback in 2016, Mel Tucker's first year with the Bulldogs as their defensive coordinator.
"I've known him for a long time," Tucker said. "Tremendous arm talent and can make all the throws. He can do some special things with the football."
SENIOR NUMBERS: Of the 17 seniors to be honored at Saturday's game in their final appearance at Folsom Field, six are fifth-year seniors. That group includes safety Lucas Cooper, linebacker Nu'umotu Falo Jr., punter Alex Kinney, center Tim Lynott Jr., quarterback Steven Montez and snapper J.T. Bale. The four-year seniors who have spent their entire careers at CU include tight end Beau Bisharat, quarterback Josh Goldin and kicker Davis Price.
None of those players ever lost to Colorado State, as the Buffs have won the last five in a row over CSU. Kinney played in all five games against the Rams, as he earned an injury redshirt year last season after the Colorado State game.
Another feather in the seniors' cap will be their record against Nebraska, against whom they have posted a 2-0 record in their time in Boulder.
Over the last 18 years, Colorado has had 330 of its 364 seniors from the team earn their degrees (90.7 percent).
STEADY STARTERS: After 10 games, only two Buffs have started every game on the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Nate Landman and safety Mikial Onu. Overall, 21 different players have started at least one game on defense, including four true freshmen.
On offense, six players have started every game: wide receiver K.D. Nixon, tackles Arlington Hambright and William Sherman, guard Kary Kutsch, center Tim Lynott Jr. and quarterback Steven Montez.
UW EXPLOSIVES: The Huskies have not been particularly adept at hitting the long ball this year. UW has just three offensive plays of 50 yards or longer, with the longest an 89-yard Salvon Ahmed run. Washington also has two 50-yard completions.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
