Buffs Defense Aims For More Takeaways, Fewer Explosion Plays
September 12, 2019 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Takeaways and explosive plays.
The Colorado defense has become very adept at the former. The Buffaloes would like to cut down on the latter.
After two games, the 2-0 Buffaloes are among the nation's leaders in four key takeaway statistics. CU is tied for second overall in takeaways with seven; tied for fourth in turnover margin (plus-2.5 per game); tied for third in fumble recoveries; and tied for eighth in interceptions.
They have no doubt been a huge key to both Colorado wins. In the 52-31 win over CSU, Colorado had four takeaways and no offensive turnovers, with each of the takeaways playing a vital role in the win
In last weekend's 34-31 overtime win over Nebraska, CU won the turnover battle again, 3-2 — and again, each of the takeaways was crucial. One fumble recovery ended a Nebraska drive early in the first half and the second put the Buffs in position for a game-tying field goal in the fourth quarter. Then, with NU trying to get in position for a game-winning field goal in the waning seconds of regulation, a CU interception ended the threat and sent the game into overtime.
But the Buffs' defense has also been susceptible to the big play — something they are aiming to correct Saturday when they play host to 1-0 Air Force in an 11 a.m. game at Folsom Field (Pac-12 Network).
"They try to get explosion plays and they take their opportunities and their shots," said CU defensive coordinator Tyson Summers. "We're trying to make sure that everything we're doing and defending is to prevent that from happening."
The Falcons create their explosion plays by pounding away with their run game, then exploiting a mistake by the defense.
"It might not happen every time — but it just has to happen one time that you go somewhere you aren't supposed to be and they shoot out of the gap and bust it for 30," said CU defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson. "There are so many options we have to cover, you have to stay focused on your assignment."
That's one area in which the Buffs have struggled this year. Colorado has given up eight touchdowns this season — four in each game — and five of those scores have come from 39 yards out or farther. Three of those were passing plays, but two came on the ground, a 41-yard scamper by CSU's Dante Wright and a 40-yard run by NU's Maurice Washington.
Those are the plays the Buffs want to prevent Saturday.
"There is a uniqueness to Air Force's option, what they do and the challenges they present," Summers said. "One of the harder parts to prepare for when it comes to option football is their ability to get explosion plays. A lot of teams do that in the running game and the passing game."
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
