Looking for the quick version of BuffsBlog? This is it. No filler today. Just the essentials that you need to know before CU kicks off against TCU. Short, sharp, and straight to the point. Let’s jump in.
Quarterback: Difference Maker
- Josh Hoover, junior QB, emerging as one of Big 12’s best.
- Through 4 games: 1,242 yards, 11 TD, 1 rush TD, 4 INT.
- At least 242 yards passing every outing; confident, aggressive downfield.
- Weakness: Arizona State exposed him with disguised coverages and pressure (2 INT, 6 sacks). CU needs to pressure and not giv up big plays.
- CU Key: Replicate ASU: disguise looks and collapse the pocket.
Running Backs: Meh
- Kevorian Barnes (lead back) injured since Week 2; still team leader (156 yds). Limited in practice, “hopeful” for Saturday.
- Without him: Trent Battle/Jeremy Payne ineffective (50 yds on 15 carries vs. ASU).
- CU Key: If Barnes plays (likely), must contain. If not, CU can suffocate run game. Make TCU one dimensional and get Walker, Wade, McPherson and Merritt screaming off the edges in the pass rush.
Receivers: Talented
- Eric McAlister: 13 rec, 320 yds, 3 TD (questionable, DNP Wednesday).
- Jordan Dwyer: 20 rec, 299 yds, 2 TD.
- Joseph Manjack IV: 15 rec, 236 yds, 1 TD.
- Hoover distributes well even without McAlister.
- CU Key: Limit explosive perimeter plays; force short gains.
Defense: Mid
- Strong opener vs. UNC (222 yds allowed).
- Since: 453 yds to Abilene Christian, 384 to SMU, nearly 500 to ASU.
- Issues: tackling, gap integrity, consistency.
- Leader: #3 LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr (21 tackles and 3 sacks in last two games v. SMU and ASU).
- CU Key: Stay balanced: attack through air and ground, sustain drives. CU should be able to effectively move the ball against TCU.
Special Teams: Not Good
- Starting kicker Kyle Lemmermann is out with an injury, and backup Nate McCashland has gone just 1-for-2 on field goals.
- CU Key: If the game comes down to a kick, that could play in Colorado’s favor.
Keys to CU’s Victory
- Pressure Hoover early; disguise coverages.
- Exploit TCU’s run defense with balanced offense.
- Prevent big plays from WRs (esp. if McAlister out).
- Control tempo—long, sustained drives wear down TCU defense
Go Buffs!
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Thanks – I think CU has a real shot at pulling the upset. TCU’s defense is not good, as you note, and if the defense can make TCU 1-dimensional (which admittedly we’ve struggled at this season) then we can slow them down. Hopefully it’s a great game.
CU’s defense has been so disappointing stopping the run that I have my doubts about whether we can stop the run and force TCU to throw. As a general rule, TCU throws about 55% of the time, while Air Raid teams throw the ball about 70% of the time. I really believe if TCU is throwing it 65%+, then CU has a shot because we’ve made them one dimensional.