Colorado University Athletics
Buffs Aim For First Half Consistency As They Prep For Trip To ASU
September 18, 2019 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — After three games, the Colorado Buffaloes' inconsistencies in the first two quarters have been well-documented and well-discussed.
But in all three games, the Buffs have come back to play well on both sides of the ball in the second half. CU opened up a close game at halftime in the opener to produce a 52-31 win over Colorado State; rallied from a 17-0 deficit to force overtime and ultimately collect a 34-31 win over Nebraska; and overcame a 23-10 fourth-quarter deficit to force another overtime before finally falling, 30-23, to Air Force.
In the last two games in particular, the Buffs' run game has helped provide that second-half boost to the offense. Against Nebraska, CU finished with 89 yards rushing, all in the second half. Against Air Force, Colorado tallied 88 of its 105 rushing yards total after halftime — including 56 on its last two possessions, both of which produced touchdowns.
Of course the question becomes, how can the Buffs dial up that productivity in the first two quarters?
It is not, as some may suggest, a simple matter of scheme. Colorado head coach Mel Tucker's emphasis on conditioning has no doubt been a factor, as the Buffs have simply worn down defenses late in games.
"As you go through the game, you're evaluating and you're trying to correct things, you're making adjustments, it goes back and forth," Tucker said. "They're physical on defense, we're physical on offense, it gets like that. In some cases, just maybe the time of the game has something to do with it when it's the fourth quarter and you're trying to exert your will on them, and they're trying to push on you."
It hasn't been just the run game that has sputtered in the first half. Overall, Colorado's offensive production has been much better after halftime. The 2-1 Buffs have scored 34 points in the first half this year and 72 after intermission, including 51 in the fourth quarter. Those 51 points in the final period are already more than CU scored in the fourth quarter all of last season (39).
That is no doubt a sign that Tucker's fourth-quarter emphasis is yielding dividends.
But given their druthers, the Buffs would much rather not have to continue to rally from early deficits. It is why they would like to improve their consistency and put together some solid starts, beginning with Saturday's 8 p.m. matchup at No. 24 Arizona State (Pac-12 Network) in the conference opener for both schools.
"It's always important," said CU offensive coordinator Jay Johnson after Wednesday's practice. "We try to do that every game. This game is no different. It's like Coach Tuck says, it's how we practice each and every day. Coming back to work, these guys have had a great week so far."
Johnson also said that CU has just missed on some big plays early in the run game because of one missed assignment or miscommunication. If they can fix those issues, there is no reason to think they can't open up the run game earlier.
"We're one guy away from having huge hits," Johnson said. "The guys see that in both of the last two games. We always talk about it, it's what we do. I think Coach Kap (O-line coach Chris Kapilovic) and the O-line and everybody has come back and has had great focus. That's why you practice and that's why it's a great team game."
It is why Tucker and his staff continue to stress details and consistency. The Buffs have proven they have the stamina to play well in the fourth quarter; now it's a question of making sure they have the discipline and focus to make those same plays earlier in the game.
"Whether it is the first quarter or overtime, if you execute you have success," Tucker said. "If you don't execute, and you are playing a good team, you aren't going to have success. I know we can play four quarters. I know we can play overtime. There is no lack of ability to strain and finish, physically. There is no lack of stamina. We can go as long as we need to go. It is going to be about execution and consistency."
That, Tucker said, is on the coaching staff. If players are physically able to execute, coaches have to figure out a way to get those players to consistently produce.
"How you go about doing that is really the art of coaching and teaching," he said. "How do you move the needle? How do you capture someone's mind to get them better on a day to day basis? I really love to coach and I have a passion for coaching because coaching is teaching."
HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE: Saturday's forecast for Tempe calls for temperatures in the upper 90s during the day, and still in the low 90s/high 80s by game time.
Tucker said CU trainers are making sure the Buffs will be well-hydrated, a process that does not start just on game day.
"You can't wait until the morning of the game and start to hydrate," Tucker said. "We have to make sure we emphasize hydration. The way we practice is important."
But, Tucker said, he believes his team is conditioned to play in any type of conditions.
"This is an all-weather football team," he said. "That's what you have to be, heat, rain, snow or whatever. It shouldn't matter. Everyone is going to be at the same temperature."
ASU DEFENSE A CHALLENGE: The 3-0 Sun Devils will almost certainly present the biggest defensive challenge the Buffs have faced this nation. They have given up just three touchdowns this season — one in each game, the second-best scoring defense in the nation thus far; and they have yet to give up a point in the first three quarters.
"They do a tremendous job," Johnson said. "They're unbelievably multiple. Very active with their front six and their blitz patterns. They have some very athletic guys that can get you out of balance and out of synch with what they do. It's one of those feast or famine — they might get you a little bit but you have to stay the course because they're very, very active in the different presentations, trying to create chaos for you up front. It will be a great challenge for us."
The Sun Devils have a solid corps of linebackers, led by last year's Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, Merlin Robertson, and fellow sophomore Darien Butler. Butler already has nine quarterback pressures this season, the most among Pac-12 linebackers. They also have an outstanding safety in Evan Fields, who has nine defensive "stops" this season, a play defined as a loss for the defense.
Colorado trails the all-time series between the two teams 8-2, including an 0-5 record in Tempe. CU's first win over the Sun Devils came in 2016, when the Buffs won in Boulder, 40-16. The Buffs also won last year in Boulder, 28-21.
BROADCAST: Saturday's game will be televised by the Pac-12 Network with Ted Robinson, Yogi Roth and Lewis Johnson.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
