LUBBOCK, Texas — With a Big 12 championship game berth now very much in play, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes can’t afford a stumble.
As Coach Prime said earlier this week, “Every game is a playoff game to us. It’s been that way all season … It’s a single-elimination tournament.”
Indeed, while the Buffs (6-2 overall, 4-1 Big 12) are in good position to earn a spot in the Dec. 7 title game in Arlington, Texas, one loss in any of their final four games would dampen those hopes considerably.
Thus, Saturday’s 2 p.m. (MT) game at Texas Tech (6-3, 4-2) becomes the latest “most important game of the season” for CU.
Like the Buffs, Texas Tech has outperformed preseason expectations — at least those of the media. The Red Raiders were picked ninth in the annual media poll, but are now tied for fourth in the Big 12 standings, just one game behind second place Colorado and Iowa State.
Simply, the winner of Saturday’s game will maintain contender status while the loser will drop a critical spot, particularly when it comes to tie-breakers.
The Buffs come into the game with a two-game win streak, three straight wins on the road and the benefits of a bye week. The Red Raiders, meanwhile, bounced back from consecutive losses to record a 23-22 win over previously unbeaten and then-No. 10 Iowa State last weekend.
Texas Tech boasts a balanced offense but a porous defense. TTU leads the Big 12 in scoring (36.4 points per game) and is last in points allowed (almost 35 per game).
The Buffs, meanwhile, have a potent offense and a rejuvenated defense that has come up with big plays at critical moments all season. It’s a matchup that favors Colorado — and thus our weekly Fast Five.
1. Attack Texas Tech’s vulnerable secondary. The Red Raiders have given up at least 270 yards passing seven times this season while yielding 20 touchdown passes. That includes five TD passes by Baylor and four by Cincinnati.
CU quarterback Shedeur Sanders and the Buffs’ wide receivers should be able to exploit that secondary. Led by Travis Hunter (60 catches, 757 yards, 8 touchdowns), the Buffs have four receivers with at least 27 receptions. Saturday should be another opportunity for Colorado’s passing game to put up some big numbers.
2. Contain TTU running back Tahj Brooks. The Texas Tech standout has been the Red Raiders’ bread and butter this year. He’s fifth in the nation in rushing, averaging nearly 131 yards per game and he’s hit the 100-yard mark in every game he’s played this season.
Colorado’s run defense hasn’t been dominant by any stretch. The Buffs are giving up 155 yards per game on the ground. But if they can contain Brooks, they can force some quick three-and-outs and give the offense a few extra possessions — which is all they should need.
3. Limit big plays. The Red Raiders have recorded 49 plays of at least 20 yards this season. They’ve shown an ability to score from just about anywhere on the field, which has allowed them to overcome deficits several times.
CU’s defense needs to limit those explosive plays and make the Red Raiders grind out their drives.
4. Win the sack battle. The Buffs have given up 26 sacks this year, but only one in each of their last two games. Meanwhile, CU’s defense has recorded 22 sacks, second-best in the Big 12.
TTU hasn’t exhibited a powerful pass rush this year, with just 11 sacks. But the Red Raiders have also given up just 14, presenting a challenge for Colorado’s front seven.
If the Buffs can get to Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton, they can force some mistakes and silence a sold-out Jones AT&T Stadium crowd.
Morton isn’t easily rattled. He’s thrown just five interceptions this year. But if the Buffs can even hurry him into some third-down incompletions, it could be the difference down the stretch.
5. Continue to limit self-inflicted wounds. The Buffs have been very good in recent weeks in not committing silly penalties, limiting their turnovers and playing solid assignment football.
Simply, they haven’t beaten themselves. They have made big plays on both sides of the ball at critical moments and they’ve put themselves in position to make those plays.
If they can continue to play that kind of sound fundamental football they’ll return from West Texas with another win.
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Story by Neill Woelk, Contributing Editor for CUBuffs.com. Content courtesy of the University of Colorado at Boulder.
