Even with a top-notch quarterback and a plethora of weapons within the ability positions, the Colorado Buffaloes are attempting to get their offense going.
CU was spectacular in an opening-game win at TCU, however since then has sputtered via giant chunks of the final three video games.
Sluggish begins have plagued the Buffs (3-1, 0-1 Pac-12). So have penalties and means too many sacks. However, because the Buffs put together to host No. 8 USC on Saturday (10 a.m., Fox), maybe essentially the most urgent want is to discover a working sport.
“We’ve acquired to run the ball,” head coach Deion Sanders stated this week. “Not solely that, we’ve acquired to implement quick and intermediate, in addition to the deep passing sport. However the principle factor, you’ve acquired to guard your quarterback. I don’t care who you might be, you’ve acquired to guard the quarterback.”
Shedeur Sanders has been sacked a whopping 22 instances in 4 video games and one factor that might assist shield him is getting the run sport going.
The Buffs are averaging 55.8 speeding yards per sport, rating 132nd nationally. Solely FBS newcomer Sam Houston State is averaging much less, at 42.0.
Sacks definitely play an enormous function in that. The Buffs have misplaced 207 yards on sacks and that impacts the speeding whole. However, as a gaggle, the working backs have simply 300 yards in 4 video games. The working backs are averaging an honest 3.9 yards per carry, however the Buffs haven’t used them typically. CU’s working backs have simply 77 carries in 4 video games.
Offensive coordinator Sean Lewis leaned extra on his run sport at Kent State the previous 5 years. Below Lewis, the Golden Flashes ran the ball 59.2% of the time from 2018-22.
Up to now this 12 months, that’s flipped, with 59.4% of the Buffs’ performs being passes. That’s, partly, to benefit from Shedeur Sanders’ proficient arm. However, might the Buffs profit from extra of a dedication to the run sport?
Coach Prime stated that may’t occur till the Buffs really begin working nicely.
“That’s similar to asking your spouse are you dedicated to meal each night time if she will be able to’t prepare dinner,” he stated. “We’ve acquired to have the ability to prepare dinner the meal earlier than we might decide to it. We gotta be capable of prepare dinner the working sport earlier than we decide to it.”
Freshman Dylan Edwards leads the Buffs with 157 yards and is averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Anthony Hankerson and Sy’veon Wilkerson have had some first rate runs, as nicely.
The Buffs additionally lastly acquired Alton McCaskill into the combination late in Saturday’s 42-6 loss to Oregon. The Houston switch and AAC freshman of the 12 months in 2021 had 17 yards on 5 carries in his first motion since a 2022 knee damage.
“He’s getting higher and higher,” Coach Prime stated. “We need to see him hit it, a little bit extra physicality, get the shoulders over a little bit bit. However as you’ll be able to see, he has it. He simply has to place it collectively in due time, however he’ll. I don’t doubt him for nothing. He’s a fantastic working again, however we’ve a backfield full of fellows that may get the job finished. However he’s particular.”
The Buffs are going to wish him and others to be particular quickly with a purpose to reverse the fortunes of the speeding assault.
Again in motion
Senior receiver Javon Antonio returned to motion towards Oregon after lacking two video games with a shoulder damage. He additionally caught his first three passes as a Buff, for 42 yards.
“It felt nice, simply figuring out I could possibly be there for my teammates,” Antonio stated. “Being on the market, serving to out the workforce and getting again to chemistry with Shedeur was nice.”
Notable
Going into this week, CU is final within the Pac-12 in speeding protection, permitting 206.5 yards per sport. USC is eleventh, permitting 136.5 yards per sport. … Amongst Energy 5 convention groups, USC ranks first or tied for first in sacks (16), tackles for loss (41) and compelled fumbles (eight). … USC is 8-0 in August/September video games underneath head coach Lincoln Riley. … CU is tied for second nationally with 11 takeaways.
