Photo by: Tony Harman
Defense Looking Forward
September 30, 2025 | Football
BOULDER — Colorado's offensive attack has been the focal point in the headlines through the Buffaloes' first five weeks of the season, but as the team prepares to head down to Fort Worth, Texas, this week, the defense is creating some chatter.
The Buffs (2-3, 0-2) felt that they had opportunities to hold BYU last Saturday night and leave Folsom Field with a win. Instead, Colorado dropped its second conference game of the season, leaving with more questions than answers.
CU held BYU to 3-for-11 on third down conversions, but the Cougars were able to keep the ball moving down the field, converting on 2-of-3 fourth downs.
One pivotal series came late in the third quarter with BYU pinned back on a 3rd and 17, but the Cougars' quarterback scrambled for 16 yards and then converted on 4th and 1, extending the drive that ultimately led to the game-winning touchdown."
"Just running to the ball, that play is killing me right now," sophomore Tawfiq Byard said after the loss. "I just want to apologize to Buff Nation. You guys were out there rocking. You guys showed that we're really a top program in this country, as far as the fan aspect. Now we just have to go out there and show it. We have to get to the ball. We have to run to the ball. We have to stay in our gaps, and we have to go get the quarterback."
Head coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders wasn't at a loss for words on Tuesday, during his weekly press conference. When pressed about the team's ability to make plays, he got right to the point.
"We know what we need to do. We just got to do it. We know exactly what we need to do. We just got to do it. It's not a mystery."
For the Buffs, TCU offers a new week and a clean slate.
"We just have to do what we have to do," freshman London Merrit commented on Tuesday. "We have to keep working hard and just forget what was going on in the past and focus on the future. Coach Prime talks about being able to forget and so that's like forgetting a big play and just going on to the next."
Right on cue, Coach Prime echoed Merritt's words.
"We challenge our guys every week to play the game, play by play," Coach Prime expressed. "Forget the last play. Let's go to the next play."
The Horned Frogs' offense is another that has been able to move the ball without complications this season, ranking 12th in the FBS in passing yards per game (320.8) and 10th in 3rd down % (.577). TCU is averaging 6.8 yards per play this season and 454.2 yards per game.
"That team presents you with a lot of problems with temp," Coach Prime indicated. "So, we're practicing tempo right now, and we're familiar with the tempo offense. That's the same offense we featured our first year here."
The path to success for the Buffs' defense is a familiar one, according to Merritt.
"All we have to do is just keep working hard, get in the playbook, and study our film."
The Buffs (2-3, 0-2) felt that they had opportunities to hold BYU last Saturday night and leave Folsom Field with a win. Instead, Colorado dropped its second conference game of the season, leaving with more questions than answers.
CU held BYU to 3-for-11 on third down conversions, but the Cougars were able to keep the ball moving down the field, converting on 2-of-3 fourth downs.
One pivotal series came late in the third quarter with BYU pinned back on a 3rd and 17, but the Cougars' quarterback scrambled for 16 yards and then converted on 4th and 1, extending the drive that ultimately led to the game-winning touchdown."
"Just running to the ball, that play is killing me right now," sophomore Tawfiq Byard said after the loss. "I just want to apologize to Buff Nation. You guys were out there rocking. You guys showed that we're really a top program in this country, as far as the fan aspect. Now we just have to go out there and show it. We have to get to the ball. We have to run to the ball. We have to stay in our gaps, and we have to go get the quarterback."
Head coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders wasn't at a loss for words on Tuesday, during his weekly press conference. When pressed about the team's ability to make plays, he got right to the point.
"We know what we need to do. We just got to do it. We know exactly what we need to do. We just got to do it. It's not a mystery."
For the Buffs, TCU offers a new week and a clean slate.
"We just have to do what we have to do," freshman London Merrit commented on Tuesday. "We have to keep working hard and just forget what was going on in the past and focus on the future. Coach Prime talks about being able to forget and so that's like forgetting a big play and just going on to the next."
Right on cue, Coach Prime echoed Merritt's words.
"We challenge our guys every week to play the game, play by play," Coach Prime expressed. "Forget the last play. Let's go to the next play."
The Horned Frogs' offense is another that has been able to move the ball without complications this season, ranking 12th in the FBS in passing yards per game (320.8) and 10th in 3rd down % (.577). TCU is averaging 6.8 yards per play this season and 454.2 yards per game.
"That team presents you with a lot of problems with temp," Coach Prime indicated. "So, we're practicing tempo right now, and we're familiar with the tempo offense. That's the same offense we featured our first year here."
The path to success for the Buffs' defense is a familiar one, according to Merritt.
"All we have to do is just keep working hard, get in the playbook, and study our film."
Players Mentioned
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