Colorado University Athletics
Friday's Fast Five: Keys For Buffs At ASU
September 20, 2019 | Football, Neill Woelk
TEMPE, Ariz. — All Colorado coach Mel Tucker wants to see Saturday night at Sun Devil Stadium is consistency from his Buffaloes — from the opening kick to the final whistle.
If the 2-1 Buffs can manage that, Tucker likes their chances against 3-0 and 24th-ranked Arizona State in their 8 p.m. matchup (Pac-12 Network).
What the Buffs have shown so far is that they are capable of some very good moments on both sides of the ball. The offense has put up points in bunches in stretches; the defense has been stifling at times. It has been enough to collect two wins in three outings, including an overtime victory over then-No. 24 Nebraska.
But they haven't yet put together a complete game — on either side of the ball — and there would be no better time to make that happen than in their Pac-12 opener in a stadium where Colorado is 0-5 all time.
Thus, with an eye on CU getting its conference season off on the right foot, our weekly Fast Five:
1. Don't dig a first-half hole. Colorado has had to come back from deficits in all three games thus far, and trailed at the half in two of them. While they have managed to erase those deficits each week, it's not a trend they want to continue, especially against an ASU defense that has given up only seven points in each of its three games.
Producing an early lead won't be easy. The Sun Devils haven't given up a point in the first three quarters of any of their games this year. But ASU's defense hasn't been perfect. While the end product has been excellent, the Sun Devils have given up some big yardage numbers. Michigan State last week had 404 yards offense, converted 9 of 17 on third down and had six drives of at least eight plays in last week's 10-7 ASU win. But the Spartans also missed three field goals and lost a fumble — the only turnover of the game.
It means the Buffs have to be patient, put together some long, sustained drives and take advantage of every opportunity that arises. That will require establishing a run game early and getting quarterback Steven Montez in a rhythm. If they can do that, it will force the Sun Devils to play from behind — definitely not their forte'.
This has all the makings of another affair that will be decided in the final period. If the Buffs can wear out ASU's defense and make the Sun Devils' offense play from behind early, Colorado will be in position to put the game away in the final period.
2. Harass Sun Devils QB Jayden Daniels early and often and prevent explosive plays. The true freshman isn't easily rattled, and he is already proving he's a playmaker. He was outstanding in last week's game-winning drive at Michigan State, leading a 75-yard march that included a 40-yard pass, a scramble for a first down on fourth-and-13, then another run to convert a third-and-5.
Still, he can be hurried into bad throws. While he hasn't thrown an interception, he's been pressured to throw on the run, which affects his accuracy. He is playing behind an offensive line that has two true freshman, including left tackle LaDarius Henderson, and also a line that has already given up eight sacks. If the Buffs can force the Sun Devils into second- and third-and-long situations, they could make it a long night for Daniels. To do that, the Buffs will need good pressure up front from the defensive line — in particular Mustafa Johnson — as well as help from the edge to keep Daniels from escaping.
Keeping Daniels contained will be a big part of eliminating, or at least reducing, the explosive plays that have plagued CU's defense thus far. Colorado has given up eight touchdown plays of 25 yards or longer. If CU can force some early three-and-outs and prevent momentum-changing moments from ASU's offense, it will put pressure on the Sun Devils' defense. That could be a big difference-maker in the fourth quarter.
3. Play perfectly on special teams. OK, perfect isn't possible — but the Buffs have to make sure they don't have any costly miscues on special teams.
Last week, a rare blocked extra point — ending a streak of 107 consecutive successful PATs — ostensibly cost Colorado a win against Air Force. Those are the kinds of errors the Buffs can't afford Saturday in a game in which the margin of error will once again likely be very thin.
One positive for the Buffs: if they need a long field goal, CU kicker James Stefanou won't be rattled. His career long, a 53-yarder, came at Sun Devil Stadium two years ago.
4. Continue to win the turnover battle. Colorado's defense has been living at both ends of the spectrum this year. The Buffs are giving up 30.7 points per game — tied for 98th in the nation — but they have also produced 10 defensive takeaways, tied for second in the nation.
Those turnovers have kept the Buffs in games. Last week, Air Force had three touchdowns and three turnovers in its first six possessions. One of those turnovers, an interception in the end zone by CU's Mikial Onu, prevented the Falcons from taking a three-score lead into the locker room at the half.
Meanwhile, CU's offense has produced good ball security. Colorado has lost just one fumble and thrown two interceptions, putting the Buffs among the nation's leaders in turnover margin as well. The Sun Devils aren't prone to turnovers — no interceptions and two lost fumbles — but if the Buffs can force a couple Saturday, it will help their quest to make ASU play from behind.
5. Continue to win the fourth quarter. This won't be easy in the desert heat. Temperatures in Tempe are forecast to be in the mid-90s in the day, and still near 90 degrees by kickoff.
But the one area in which the Buffs have been consistent this year is a strong fourth quarter. They have outscored opponents 51-24 in the final period. If they can once again own the fourth, they will have a very good opportunity to come away with their first win ever at Sun Devil Stadium.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
