The Colorado Buffaloes are leading the PAC-12 South, which is about as likely as Washington and Washington State staying ahead of Oregon, but that’s what the standings say, and the standings never lie. Needless to say, Buffs fans are loving it.
If that’s not enough, the 6-2 Buffaloes are also ranked 21st in the AP poll right now. This marks the first time that they’ve been ranked since the 2005 season. The playoff committee also think highly of CU, putting them 15th in the first rankings of the year.
This week, the Buffaloes are facing the 3-5 UCLA Bruins in a matchup that will be won and lost on the ground. UCLA’s ground game has struggled all year, averaging a meager 2.8 yards per carry and only managing 46 yards on 16 carries in their last game. CU’s strong run defense (29th in FBS, allowing about 130 yards per game) should shut down UCLA’s rushing attack completely, leaving space for pass rushers like OLB Jimmie Gilbert, who leads the Buffaloes in sacks, to keep the pressure on UCLA backup QB Mike Fafaul (Manhattan Beach native and 2015 Pac-12 Conference Freshman Offensive Player of the Year, Josh Rosen, is reportedly out for the remainder of the season after missing the last two games. Great news for Colorado.).
Meanwhile, the Colorado offense is ranked 32nd in rushing yards in FBS, averaging 216 yards per game. Expect a big week from RB Phillip Lindsay, and maybe a little extra from Kyle Evans and QB Seto Liufau, as the Bruins run defense is only in the middle of the pack.
Of course, you never know when a division rival comes to play. It’s vital that CU stays focused and doesn’t lose their shot at a big bowl game (or the very long odds of making the College Football Playoff), made possible during their bye last week, when the Buffaloes leaped to the top of their division thanks to Utah’s loss. If they can win out and make it to, let alone win, the PAC-12 Championship (likely against Washington), CU will be one of the top teams outside of the CFP.
With all the help they need, every week is a must win for the Buffaloes, especially against a weak division rival like UCLA. Utah is likely to win this week against Arizona State. Thankfully for Colorado, the Buffs are too.