Friday's Fast Five: Keys For Buffs Vs. Ducks

BOULDER — In their first eight games this season, the Colorado Buffaloes have seen their fair share of high-powered offenses and game-changing quarterbacks, ranging from TCU and Max Duggan to UCLA and Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

But Saturday's matchup against Oregon and quarterback Bo Nix at Folsom Field (1:30 p.m., ESPN) might be the most difficult challenge yet for the Buffs defense.

After a horrendous start to the season — a 49-3 loss to Georgia — the Ducks (7-1 overall, 5-0 Pac-12) and Nix have rebounded in a big way, rolling to seven straight wins while scoring at least 41 points in every game along the way.

Nix has been a critical cog in the machine. The Ducks are ranked third in the nation in total offense (525.8 yards per game), with Nix responsible for 332 yards per game (277 rushing, 55 passing).

Meanwhile, Oregon's defense has been excellent at times but inconsistent at others. The Ducks are allowing just 106 yards per game on the ground, but they have given up 78 points in the fourth quarter and are allowing 280 yards per game in the air.

Of course, the Buffs (1-7, 1-4) have struggled on both sides of the ball this season. CU has held an opponent to under 38 points just once — a 20-13 overtime win vs. Cal — while the offense has surpassed the 20-point mark only once, last weekend's 42-34 loss to Arizona State.

So how do the Buffs deal with the Ducks?

Our Fast Five keys:

1. Big plays early. The Buffs have to build some early momentum in this one. That could mean a big play on offense, a takeaway on defense or even a special teams punch.

But Colorado can't afford to let the Ducks jump out to a big early lead. Colorado isn't built to come from behind (although the Buffs did shave a 22-point deficit down to eight in the final period last week against ASU) and this isn't a game in which they want to play catchup.

So how do the Buffs accomplish that?

2. Make Nix uncomfortable early. Oregon's quarterback has been outstanding in his last seven games, throwing for 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

But he hasn't been perfect. He did have two interceptions against Cal last week, one reason the Bears were able to build a 10-7 lead early in the second quarter before the Ducks found their footing. He's also more than willing to take chances and throw into tight windows — meaning the Buffs have to have tight coverage and get the ball in the air for a possible pick.

At the same time, Colorado has to put some pressure on him in the pocket, get some hits on him early and force him to hurry his throws.

3. Utilize their playmakers. Over the last few weeks, Buffs fans have been treated to a glimpse of what they hope will become a steady feature in the future — big plays from wide receivers Jordyn Tyson and Montana Lemonious-Craig.

When the Buffs are able to get that duo involved, good things happen. (If CU's receivers need any extra motivation, they should get it when they line up across from former teammate Christian Gonzalez, who bolted from Boulder after last season to play cornerback for the Ducks.)

But it's not just Tyson and Lemonious-Craig. Running back Deion Smith has shown potential for chunk plays, both as a runner and receiver, and this could be an opportunity to get CU's tight ends more involved.

Colorado has to find a way to get those players the ball in space. As mentioned earlier, teams have been relatively successful in the air against Oregon. Georgia threw for 439 yards against the Ducks, Washington State threw for 375 in a 44-41 Oregon win and UCLA managed 262 in the air in a 45-30 Oregon win.

If Colorado can put the Ducks on their heels early in the air, it will open up the run game and give CU a chance to establish some rhythm.

4. Win first and second down. This goes for both sides of the ball.

When the Buffs offense has "third and manageable" — i.e. third-and-5 or less — they have a conversion rate of better than 50 percent. On third and long, the ratio drops dramatically.

Defensively, the Buffs have to force the Ducks into obvious passing situations. The Ducks don't have one workhorse back; instead they depend on a stable of capable rushers. Colorado's defensive line has to keep them in check and make Oregon go to the air on third down.

5. Make some memories. The Buffs have been eliminated from postseason contention. But with three of their last four games against ranked teams, they have a chance to put something in their memory banks that will resonate for years to come.

This is an opportunity. CU players have a chance to make something of that.

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