Colorado University Athletics
Buffs vs. Stanford: What You Need To Know
October 13, 2023 | Football, Neill Woelk
COLORADO BUFFALOES (4-2, 1-2)
vs. STANFORDÂ (1-4, 0-3)
 TEMPE, Ariz. — Colorado's Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders made it clear earlier in the week that he's not interested in discussing bowl game possibilities for the Buffaloes at the moment.
"We want to win," Sanders said at his weekly press conference. "I don't give a darn about no bowl right now. We want to win. If that's part of the package at the conclusion of the season, winning, I'm all for it … (But) one of my least concerns right now is a bowl."
Still, while bowls might not be on Coach Prime's mind, a victory over the Cardinal under the Friday night lights would leave the Buffs needing just one win over their last five games to become eligible for the postseason. A fifth victory would also match the most wins by CU in any of the previous six seasons.
Along with winning, one of Sanders' top priorities is for the Buffs to put together a solid 60-minute game. CU has produced three fourth-quarter comebacks for wins — and barely missed a fourth against USC — but Coach Prime is by no means a fan of living on the edge on a consistent basis.
He'd rather see the Buffs take control early, then pull away down the stretch.
That's something Colorado certainly has the ability to do against a struggling Stanford squad that hasn't scored more than 23 points in its last four games — all losses.
Nuts and bolts for the contest:
KICKOFF: 8:20 p.m., (MT), Folsom Field (50,183).
TV, RADIO: The game will be televised by ESPN with Mark Jones and Louis Riddick in the booth and Quint Kessenich on the sidelines. The radio broadcast will be carried by KOA (850 AM) with Voice of the Buffs Mark Johnson and Gary Barnett upstairs and Andy Lindahl on the sidelines. KOA's coverage begins at 6 p.m.
ON THE INTERNET: The game can be heard on the internet at CUBuffs.com. Live statistics will also be available at CUBuffs.com.
THE COACHES: Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders has a 4-2 record at Colorado in his first year as CU's head coach after three seasons at Jackson State, where he compiled a 27-6 record. Troy Taylor is 1-4 in his first year with the Cardinal after a four-year stint at Sacramento State, where he compiled a 30-8 record.
THE SERIES: The Friday the 13th game will be the 13th meeting of the two programs, with the series currently tied at 6-6. Colorado has a 4-3 lead in Boulder.
WHAT'S AT STAKE: Bowl eligibility might not be a concern for Coach Prime at the moment, but a victory would move the Buffs one step closer to the postseason — something fans are anxious to have happen this year.
TEAM LEADERS: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders leads the nation in passing yards (2,020) and is second in passing yards per game (336.67). He has completed 186 of his 256 attempts for 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Six different Buffs have caught at least 14 passes, led by Xavier Weaver (43-507 yards, two touchdowns) and Jimmy Horn Jr. (39-376, four TDs). On the ground, Dylan Edwards leads CU with 217 yards on 47 carries.Â
Defensively, cornerback Omarion Cooper and safety Shilo Sanders have both been in on 32 tackles. Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig has a team-best three interceptions while Amari McNeill has 2.5 sacks.
For Stanford, Ashton Daniels leads the Cardinal in passing (48-80, 561 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions), but the Buffs could see the more mobile Justin Lamson get the start.
Stanford does have a pair of solid running backs in Casey Filkins (197 yards rushing) and E.J. Smith (160), both of whom are averaging more than 6 yards per carry.
Defensively, the Cardinal has been getting outstanding production from outside linebacker David Bailey, who has 19 tackles, including four sacks.
KEY MATCHUP: Colorado's front seven vs. Stanford offensive line. The Cardinal haven't run the ball particularly well, averaging 149 yards per game on the ground. If the Buffs can bottle up the Cardinal rushing attack early and force Stanford to the air, they'll have a chance to bump up their sack total. Stanford has given up 18 sacks this season.Â
UP NEXT:Â The Buffs have a bye week next week before returning to action Saturday, Oct. 28, at UCLA. Kickoff time has yet to be determined.
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