Friday's Fast Five: Keys For Buffs Vs. UCLA
November 12, 2021 | Football, Neill Woelk
PASADENA, Calif. — It's been a while since Karl Dorrell's Colorado Buffaloes have won two games in a row.
Matter of fact, it's been almost a year since the Buffs knocked off San Diego State and Arizona in back-to-back weeks in the abbreviated 2020 season.
Since then, the Buffs have won just three of 11, including a 3-6 record this season (2-4 Pac-12).
But after an overtime win against Oregon State last weekend, the Buffs' bowl hopes are still alive, and they will be aiming to put together a modest two-game win streak Saturday when they head to the Rose Bowl for a 7 p.m. matchup with UCLA (5-4, 3-3).
The game will be televised by the Pac-12 Network, with KOA carrying the radio broadcast.
Speaking of streaks, at least one one will come to an end Saturday.
The Buffs haven't won in Pasadena since 2002, with five straight losses to the Bruins on their home turf since.
But UCLA's home-field advantage hasn't exactly been paying big dividends this year, as the Bruins have lost three in a row in the Rose Bowl.
What must the Buffs do to end their skid in Pasadena, collect their second straight win and extend the Bruins' home misery in the process?
1. Contain UCLA's run game. The Bruins are 29th nationally in rushing yardage, averaging 199.4 yards per game. Tailback Zach Charbonnet is averaging 88.6 yards per game (fourth best in the Pac-12) and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson is also a threat with his legs (he ran for 109 and threw for 303 in last year's 48-42 Colorado win in Boulder).
Stopping the Bruins on the ground will be a tall order for the Buffs, who once again will likely be without All-American linebacker Nate Landman. Without him over the last two games, CU has given up 256 yards rushing (Oregon) and 220 (Oregon State) in the last two games.
But if the Buffs can keep the Bruins in check on the ground, their chances of winning will be greatly enhanced, because UCLA has lived (and died) with its run game.
The key stat?
When the Bruins have rushed for at least 200 yards this season, they are 5-0. When they've been held to under 200, they are 0-4.
2. Start fast. We made this a key to last week's game and the Buffs came through, scoring their first opening-quarter touchdown since Week 2 of the season en route to an early 10-0 lead.
They'll need another quick start this weekend — but again, it won't be easy. The Bruins have outscored opponents 79-25 in the first quarter thus far this season, and opponents have scored just two touchdowns in the opening period.
But CU is familiar with quick starts against the Bruins. In last season's win, Colorado jumped out to a 35-7 first half lead, then held on down the stretch.
So how do the Buffs produce that early energy? Glad you asked …Â
3. Get quarterback Brendon Lewis in rhythm early. There's no question CU's freshman QB is playing his best ball of the season right now. He's thrown six touchdown passes in the last two games and no interceptions.
Last week, he completed his first four attempts of the night to put the Buffs in position for an opening drive field goal, then completed two on CU's next possession, including a 43-yard TD strike to Daniel Arias.
If Colorado can help Lewis enjoy some early success again, the Buffs will be in good shape.
4. Win the turnover battle. This is the second part of the fast start equation.
A year ago, the Buffs claimed four turnovers in the first half against UCLA, a very big reason for the early 35-7 lead.
But CU's defense hasn't exactly been a takeaway machine this year, claiming just seven in nine games. The Buffs did come up with a big interception by Isaiah Lewis last week to halt one Oregon State drive, but they'll likely need to force more than one this week — something they've accomplished only once all year (Arizona).
The flip side is that CU's offense has been outstanding in protecting the ball. Colorado has lost just six turnovers this year, and gone without a single turnover five times (a program record).
How important have turnovers been to the Bruins?
In Chip Kelly's four years at UCLA, they are plus-19 in turnovers in wins and minus-27 in losses. This year, UCLA has committed seven of its 10 total turnovers in its four losses.
Thus, if the Buffs can force a couple UCLA mistakes — especially early — it will be the kind of momentum boost that could change the complexion of the game.
5. Run the ball with authority. CU's rushing attack looked the best it has all season last week, grinding out 222 yards behind a rejuvenated offensive line, with Jarek Broussard rushing for a season-best 151.
It's a good bet the Bruins will focus first on stopping the run and see if Lewis can continue his hot streak — and it's why the Buffs must be able to mash out some tough yards.
UCLA's run defense is solid, giving up just 116.6 per game (19th in the nation), and the Bruins have held four opponents to under 100 yards (all victories).
But if the Buffs can hammer the Bruins inside and convert some short-yardage situations, they can dictate the tempo and be in the game down the stretch.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
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