Photo Courtesy: John Martinez Pavliga
Game Info
Colorado Buffaloes vs. Oregon State Beavers
Saturday – October 24 – 9:30 pm CT
TV: PAC12
Reser Stadium – Corvallis
Current Records
Colorado Buffaloes (3-4, 0-3)
Oregon State Beavers (2-4, 0-3)
Colorado can bounce back from their recent losing streak with a win over Oregon State. The Beavers are struggling just like the Buffs but with a less talented team. This game will be the turning point of CU’s season. If they lose this one the bowl selection committee will all but write this team off. Let’s look into how the Buffaloes will pull this one off!
Buffaloes Offense
The key to beating O-State is ball control. If you look at the season stats across the board Colorado averages more first downs than every opponent they faced this year. Their average gain on first down is 5.90 per play and 3rd down efficiency is 63.6%. The problem is not sustaining long drives and scoring in the red zone. Rushing yards through seven games is 1526 on 184 attempts, average rushing yards per carry is 4.6 and 191.7 per game. But all that equals out to 33 points per game and losing three in a row! The O-line is make shift and blocking for a running QB like Sefo Liufau is a task in itself. Let’s see if the guys can turn it around on Saturday.
Buffaloes Defense
Quarterback sacks play an intricate part in controlling the opposition. This year the Buffs have 15 sacks for a net loss of 81 yards. 34 quarterback hurries, 30 passes broken up and 8 fumble recoveries. Sounds good right? But majority of the defensive stands are in the first, second and mid-third quarters. The fourth quarter of play is when the Buffs struggle because they’re tired. I say putting fresh players in it would only give them playing experience. Don’t wait until a starter goes down and you have an inexperienced DB or linemen in the game at a crucial time. If you’re going to play lights out football, put those other kids in because your team needs a rejuvenation in every part of the offense and defense!
Prediction
If the Buffaloes put together long drives and score touchdowns in the red zone they will be fine. Oregon State’s team mirrors the Buffs in every offensive and defensive category. The team needs this win to be relevant in the bowl selection process. Six wins gets in you, five will allow you to go to the nearest sports bar and watch like everyone else. Buffaloes 31 – Oregon State 20
