Friday's Fast Five: Buffs' Keys Vs. Cornhuskers

BOULDER — No doubt, Nebraska's offense was not firing on all cylinders in last week's 35-21 season-opening win over South Alabama. The Nebraska defense scored as many touchdowns — two — as the NU offense did in the win, and the No. 25 Cornhuskers' special teams threw in a score as well.

But those aren't numbers that reassure Colorado head coach Mel Tucker ahead of Saturday's nationally televised 1:30 home opener against the Cornhuskers at Folsom Field (Fox). Rather, they simply magnify Nebraska's ability to produce a game-changing moment in all three phases of the game. When a team scores on offense, defense and special teams, it means that team is a scoreboard threat no matter which unit is on the field.

So what do the 1-0 Buffs — fresh off a 52-31 win over Colorado State — need to do Saturday to make sure the 1-0 Cornhuskers don't have those opportunities Saturday at Folsom Field?

1. Contain NU quarterback Adrian Martinez. Yes, we know Martinez wasn't at his best against South Alabama, finishing the day with just 178 yards passing, no touchdowns and an interception, along with only six yards rushing.

But the Buffs spent the week preparing for the Martinez they saw last year in Lincoln. That quarterback rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns and threw for 187 yards and another score in a 33-28 Colorado win that wasn't decided until the final minutes.

Last week, the Jaguars kept Martinez in check by keeping him contained on the edges and getting pressure on him in the pocket. While that is easier said than done, it's what the Buffs have to do Saturday. If they can keep Martinez from getting free on the perimeter — and keep him from setting his feet and having time to throw — it will go a long way in preventing the Cornhuskers' offense from awakening.

2. Protect quarterback Steven Montez. While Colorado's QB had some outstanding numbers last year in Lincoln — 33-for-50 for 351 yards and three touchdowns — he also paid the price. The Cornhuskers sacked Montez seven times in the game, something that can't happen this year if the Buffs want to control the tempo.

Colorado's pass protection was solid in last week's opener. CU didn't allow a sack, and Montez was flushed from the pocket only a handful of times in the win over CSU. The Buffs will need the same type of protection Saturday. In a game in which both offenses have the potential to put up big numbers, the team that can control the tempo and put pressure on the opposing defense with long, time-consuming drives will be the team with fresher legs in the fourth quarter.

3. Establish a consistent running game. This doesn't mean the Buffaloes have to run for 243 yards like they did in the opener (of course, it would be nice if they did). But they do need to be able to pound the ball effectively and give themselves third-and-short situations on a regular basis.

If the Buffs can run the ball effectively — especially early — Nebraska won't be able to bring pressure from every angle all day. That means Montez will have time to distribute the ball to all of his weapons and keep the NU defense on its heels.

Last week, South Alabama threw the ball effectively against Nebraska, finishing with 231 yards and two touchdowns in the air. The Jaguars' longest pass play was just 36 yards, but they managed to put together some long drives, which kept NU's offense off the field. Nebraska ran just 17 offensive plays in the second half, with three of its drives ending in turnovers. Simply, a big part of South Alabama's defense was its offense.

Which brings us to …

4. Win the takeaway/turnover battle. Yes, this is one of those that could be included with just about every game, but if the openers for both teams are any indication, it will be doubly important Saturday.

While Nebraska did turn the ball over three times against South Alabama, NU's defense plucked five takeaways — three interceptions and two fumbles — and converted two of them into scores. Colorado, meanwhile, had a similar defensive effort in its opener with four takeaways and one defensive touchdown — but the Buffs offense also didn't turn the ball over once.

Turnovers were definitely a big part of last year's game. The Buffs converted two early Nebraska fumbles into touchdowns, then halted an NU drive in the second half with an interception. Meanwhile, the Buffs offense did not have a turnover all day.

CU's Tucker is a firm believer in turnover margin being a decisive stat and has made it a big emphasis on both sides of the ball. If the Buffs offense can avoid handing Nebraska some cheap momentum-changing plays, and if the defense can force a couple, it will bode well for the Buffs down the stretch.

5. Keep mistakes to a minimum; maintain composure. Colorado did a good job in the season opener limiting mental mistakes: just four penalties while the offense did not allow a sack and did not have a turnover. That's rare for any time of the year, but especially in the opener. It means Tucker and his staff's attention to detail and discipline is paying off.

But equally important will be the Buffs' reaction in moments of adversity.

Against CSU, Colorado's cool and calm reaction kept the Buffs in the game. The Rams twice took the lead in the first half, and both times CU didn't panic. Instead, the Buffs calmly put together scoring drives to regain the edge, including a beautiful two-minute drive at the end of the first half that sent Colorado into the locker room at halftime with the lead, some momentum and confidence.

Saturday's game will no doubt have its share of momentum swings in what will be an an electric Folsom atmosphere. If the Buffs can maintain their poise in those moments and not let them have a snowball effect, they will be in the game when it matters.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu

Players Mentioned

Steven Montez

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