Fast Five: Keys For Buffs Vs. Utes
November 25, 2022 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — The Colorado Buffaloes have one more chance Saturday to put another win in the books in what has been a long and difficult 2022 season.
But the task for the 1-10 Buffs (1-7 Pac-12) — who have faced a top 15 opponent in each of the last three weeks — doesn't get any easier in the season finale. The No. 14 Utah Utes (8-3, 6-2) pay a visit to Folsom Field for their annual season-ending matchup still harboring slim hopes of landing a spot in the Pac-12 championship game and they need a win over Colorado to keep those hopes alive.
Saturday's game will mark the first time since 1973 that Colorado has faced a ranked team in four consecutive weeks. It will also be the final appearance at Folsom Field for as many as 19 Colorado seniors.
The Buffs are heavy underdogs against a Utah team that hasn't quite lived up to preseason expectations, but still boasts a potent attack on both sides of the ball. The Utes are No. 16 in the nation in scoring offense (37.3 points per game) and 24th in scoring defense (20 points per game) — and they are the only team thus far this year to defeat No. 5 Southern California.
So how do the Buffs pull off the upset?
1. Force some errors from Utah quarterback Cameron Rising. Rising has been a solid performer for the Utes all year — but he's also shown a tendency to make errant throws under pressure.
He threw three interceptions — and no touchdown passes — in last weekend's pivotal 20-17 loss to Oregon, and also had an interception and no touchdowns in a midseason loss to UCLA.
But getting to Rising isn't easy. Utah has given up just eight quarterback sacks all year. The Buffs need to put pressure on him, but more importantly, disguise their coverages and make Rising see openings where they don't exist.
2. Create some early momentum. If the Buffs are going to be in this one, they have to produce some game-changing moments early, get the crowd behind them and put the Utes on their heels.
Colorado has big-play capability on offense. The Buffs need to manufacture a couple of those long gainers early. If Colorado can build some early confidence, it will go a long way in keeping the Buffs in the game.
3. Don't give the Utes any freebies. The Buffs have had far too many self-inflicted wounds this year that have given opponents momentum.
Utah's defense is outstanding in forcing mistakes. The Utes have recorded 30 quarterback sacks and 22 takeaways. Colorado has to limit those opportunities for Utah on Saturday.
4. Shorten the game. Running the ball against Utah isn't easy. The Utes are allowing just 115 yards per game on the ground, 23rd best in the nation.
But Colorado can put together long drives by mixing in a short passing game. Saturday is tight end Brady Russell's final game as a Buff. It would be fitting to see him have a big day in his finale.
5. Play with abandon. Quite simply, the Buffs have nothing to lose. They need to gamble when the opportunity presents itself, do the unexpected and force the Utes to adjust.
This is one last chance for the 2022 Buffs to leave a positive imprint. A win over the Utes would be one heck of a way to do just that.
