Colorado
Oregon
Buffs At Ducks: What You Need To Know
September 23, 2023 | Football, Neill Woelk
NO. 19 COLORADO BUFFALOES (3-0)
at NO. 10 OREGONÂ DUCKS (3-0)
 EUGENE, Ore. — Oddsmakers aren't giving Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders' Buffaloes much of a chance this weekend in their Pac-12 opener.
Those who are supposed to know about such things have installed Colorado as a three-touchdown underdog against the high-flying Ducks.
Of course, those who are supposed to know about such things haven't known much about the Buffs this year. The last time CU was a three-touchdown underdog, the Buffs marched into Fort Worth and delivered a 45-42 win over then-No. 17 TCU in the season opener.
Now, they have another chance to prove the doubters wrong (again), and once again it will be on a national television network (1:30 p.m., ABC).
Not that anyone in the Colorado locker room is underestimating the Ducks. Oregon has a dynamic offense that is averaging 58 points per game (second in the nation), led by quarterback Bo Nix and a bevy of talented receivers and running backs.
Defensively, Oregon has also been quietly efficient this year, limiting opponents to just 158.7 yards per game passing, best in the Pac-12.
But Colorado, led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders, has also posted impressive numbers. Sanders is second in the nation in passing yards per game (417) and the Buffs have six players with at least 11 receptions.
Defensively, Colorado's numbers aren't great, as opponents are averaging 460 yards and 30 points per game. But the CU defense has also produced 10 takeaways this season, including an interception returned 80 yards for a touchdown and six others with the opponent inside Colorado's 25-yard line.
Nuts and bolts for the contest:
KICKOFF:Â 1:30 p.m., Autzen Stadium, (54,000).
TV, RADIO: The game will be televised by ABC with Joe Tessitore and Jesse Palmer in the booth and Katie George on the field. The radio broadcast will be carried by KHOW (630 AM) with Voice of the Buffs Mark Johnson and Gary Barnett in the booth and Bob Pesavento on the sidelines. KOA's coverage begins at 11:30 a.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 3-0 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. Dan Lanning is in his second year as the head coach at Oregon, where he has compiled a 13-3 record.
THE SERIES: Oregon leads the overall series, 15-9, with wins in the last three meetings. Colorado's last victory over the Ducks was a 41-38 victory in Eugene in 2016.
WHAT'S AT STAKE: A Colorado win could very well vault the Buffs into the top 10 of the national polls and make them a serious contender for the Pac-12 title. A victory for Oregon would keep the Ducks in the top 10 and make them 4-0 for just the second time since 2014.
TEAM LEADERS: Colorado is led by QB Sanders, who has completed nearly 80 percent of his passes (107-136) for 1,251 yards, 10 touchdowns and just one interception. Six Buffs have at least 11 catches, led by Jimmy Horn Jr. (26-247 yards) and Xavier Weaver (25-386).
Defensively, Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig and Trevor Woods each have a pair of interceptions while Shilo Sanders has 19 tackles, an 80-yard interception return for a touchdown and a forced fumble.
Oregon's Nix is 76-for-98 for 893 yards and eight touchdowns and has not thrown an interception this season. Running back Bucky Irving has 27 carries for 216 yards and three touchdowns (8.0 per carry) and Jordan James has 155 yards and five touchdowns on 21 carriesÂ
Defensively, DB Tysheem Johnson has 20 tackles, including two for loss and a sack, while defensive tackle Popo Aumavae has two sacks.
KEY MATCHUP:Â Colorado defensive line vs. Oregon offensive line. While the Ducks have racked up plenty of yards in the air, they can also line up and pound the ball. The Ducks are averaging 222 yards per game on the ground, and it won't be a surprise to see them play a little smashmouth early to try to open up the lanes for the passing game.Â
UP NEXT:Â The Buffs return home next Saturday for another top 10 opponent, as No. 5 USC visits Boulder for a 10 a.m. matchup at Folsom Field (Fox).
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