Friday, November 17
Pullman, Wash.
8:30 PM

Colorado

at

Washington State

Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig
Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig has 3 interceptions this year for CU.

Buffs At Washington State: What You Need To Know

November 17, 2023 | Football, Neill Woelk

COLORADO BUFFALOES (4-6, 1-6)
at WASHINGTON STATE  (4-6, 1-6)

 PULLMAN, Wash. — Colorado's Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders has been a model of patience lately.

As his Buffaloes' losing skid has hit four games, Sander has remained positive, pointing to the progress Colorado has made.

But CU's coach has also made it very clear in recent weeks that he is accustomed to winning — and instead of coming oh-so-close as the Buffs have done in recent weeks (three one-score losses), the expectation from his chair is that Colorado will collect a win Friday against Washington State.

"We  got to take care of the little things," Sanders said. "We got to start tackling better, we got to block better, we got to run the football better. We got to make the plays that we need to make.  Third down plays offensively, third down plays defensively. We got to be wise out there on the field and not beat ourselves with foolish penalties … That's something we're challenging our team to do and I feel like they're going to respond."

The nuts and bolts from Friday's game:

KICKOFF:  8:30 p.m. (MT), Martin Stadium (32,952).

TV, RADIO: The game will be televised by FS1 with Tim Brando and Spencer Tillman. The radio broadcast will be carried by KOA (850 AM) with Voice of the Buffs Mark Johnson and Gary Barnett upstairs and Bobby Pesavento on the sidelines. KOA's coverage begins at 6:30 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 4-6 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.  Jake Dickert is in his second full season as WSU's helm after taking over midway through the 2021 season and sports a 14-14 record.

THE SERIES: Washington State leads the series 7-6, including a 3-1 record in Pullman and wins in each of the last three meetings. 

WHAT'S AT STAKE: The winner Friday will keep their bowl hopes alive. The loser will take over sole possession of last place in the conference standings.

TEAM LEADERS: Buffs quarterback Shedeur Sanders has thrown for 3,144 yards and 26 touchdowns, and needs just 57 more yards and three touchdowns to become Colorado's all-time single-season leader in both categories.

Three Buffs have at least 45 receptions, led by Xavier Weaver (65-for-867, 4 TDs). Jimmy Horn Jr. has caught 54 passes for 536 yards and six scores while Travis Hunter has 45-for-532 and three touchdowns.

Dylan Edwards leads the Buffs with 278 yard rushing. Sanders has rushed for 394 — but has lost 492 yards on 48 sacks.

Defensively, safety Shilo Sanders and safety/linebacker Trevor Woods each have 56 tackles. Sanders also has an interception and three forced fumble while Woods has two interceptions. 

Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig and Travis Hunter each have three interceptions.

Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward has thrown for 3,127 yards, 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions this season, and he's also rushed for 114 yards and six touchdowns.

WSU has three receivers with at least 47 catches, led by Lincoln Victor (73 catches, 723 yards, four touchdowns). Kyle Williams has 53 catches for 711 yards and four scores while Josh Kelly has 47 receptions for 687 yards and seven TDs.

Linebacker Kyle Thornton leads WSU with 76 tackles, including 4.5 for loss. The Cougars have just 17 sacks this season, with edge rusher Brennan Jackson leading the team with 6.5. Defensive back Sam Lockett III leads WSU with two of the Cougars' six interceptions.

KEY MATCHUP: Colorado's defensive line vs. Washington State quarterback Ward. CU can't afford to let Ward escape the pocket and make plays upfield. But if the Buffs can make him uncomfortable, they can take advantage of his tendency to be careless with the ball — he has fumbled 11 times and lost seven.  

UP NEXT:  The Buffs wrap up their regular season next Saturday at Utah.



 

Players Mentioned

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