Colorado University Athletics
Colorado
Oregon State
Buffs Vs. Beavers: What You Need To Know
November 04, 2023 | Football, Neill Woelk
COLORADO BUFFALOES (4-4, 1-4)
vs. No. 16 OREGON STATE (6-2, 3-2)
BOULDER — Can another voice in the play calling department make a difference for the Colorado Buffaloes' offense?
Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders' Buffs will find out Saturday night when the Buffs play host to 16th-ranked Oregon State in an 8 p.m. game at Folsom Field (ESPN).
The Buffs this week moved offensive analyst Pat Shurmur into the co-offensive coordinator role, joining Sean Lewis. The move comes after CU's offense, which was a national leader early in the season, has slipped in recent weeks. The Buffs have scored just 30 points in the last six quarters plus two overtime periods, and while CU is still sixth in the nation in passing yards per game (330), the rushing attack is 128th in the nation (78.6 yards per game).
Shurmur will be in the booth while Lewis will remain on the sidelines. Both will have input on play calls but it is clear Coach Prime is looking to inject some life into an offense that last week scored just one touchdown and three field goals in a 28-16 loss to UCLA while also allowing seven quarterback sacks.
The Beavers bring a balanced attack to Boulder, averaging 187 yards per game on the ground and 252 in the air while scoring more than 36 points per game. Defensively, Oregon State is giving up just 21 points and 346 yards per game.
Nuts and bolts for the contest:
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. (MT), Folsom Field (50,183).
TV, RADIO: The game will be televised by ESPN with Dave Fleming and Brock Osweiler in the booth and Kayla Burton on the sidelines. The radio broadcast will be carried by KOA (850 AM) with Voice of the Buffs Mark Johnson and former Buff standout Tyler Polumbus 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 4-4 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. Jonathan Smith is in his sixth season at Oregon State, where he is 32-33.
THE SERIES: Oregon State leads the all-time series, 7-6, with Colorado holding a 4-3 edge in Boulder.
WHAT'S AT STAKE: The Buffs need a win to snap a two-game losing streak and boost their postseason hopes. The Beavers still have an outside shot at earning a spot in the Pac-12 title game and they also need a win to maintain their top 25 standing.
TEAM LEADERS: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders is still among the nation's leaders with 2,637 yards and 22 touchdown passes and just three interceptions. The Buffs have two receivers with at least 50 catches — Xavier Weaver (55 for 717 yards and 4 touchdowns) and Jimmy Horn Jr. (50-471, 5 touchdowns). Dylan Edwards leads CU in rushing with 262 yards on 58 carries.
Defensively, safety/linebacker Trevor Woods leads Colorado with 48 tackles and he also has two interceptions. Safety Shilo Sanders has 41 tackles and one interception, safety Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig and cornerback Travis Hunter each have three interceptions and edge rusher Jordan Domineck has a team-best five sacks.
Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has thrown for 1,791 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions. Running back Damien Martinez has rushed for 763 yards and wide receiver Silas Bolden has 37 catches for 522 yards and four scores. Tight end Jack Velling has 21 catches and eight touchdowns.
Defensively, linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold has 74 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions, defensive end Andrew Chatfield has four sacks and safety Akili Arnold has 49 tackles and two interceptions.
KEY MATCHUP: Colorado's offensive line vs. Oregon State defensive line. The Beavers have 26 sacks this year and are allowing just 188 yards per game on the ground. Colorado has to protect Sanders in the pocket and also establish at least the threat of a run game.
UP NEXT: The Buffs play their home finale next Saturday at noon (MT) when they play host to Arizona in a game to be televised by the Pac-12 Network.
