Photo Courtesy: John Martinez Pavliga
Game Info
Massachusetts Minutemen vs Colorado Buffaloes
Saturday – September 12 – 12:00 PM – MT
TV: Pac-12 Network
Folsom Field – Boulder
With last week’s loss to Hawaii with seconds on the clock, Buffaloes fans across the country are worried about this one. UMass is unpredictable! If you look at the Buffs schedule, one would you thought that the first two games of the season were a lock with victories. Last week the Buffaloes underestimated Hawaii and the result was an 8 point loss. Fans could blame the refs for bad calls but truthfully speaking the boys lost a winnable game. Coach Mike MacIntyre called a decent game but execution was horrible. In order to get back on track both sides of the ball must play like they want to win!
Buffaloes Offense
The keys to victory starts with the quarterback. QB Sefo Liufau needs to pass for at least 200 yards. He played horribly last week. The average quarterback across the country passes for 200 and a winning quarterback protects the ball. The offensive line must protect him at all costs. Getting a holding penalty isn’t always a bad thing. Picking your quarterback off of the turf is! Sacks and knockdowns plays a big part in a quarterback’s psyche. He will develop mistrust for his line, abandon the plays and run whenever he sees danger. When your best offensive weapon develops the “Deer In Headlights Syndrome” you basically have to start over!
Buffaloes Defense
The defensive line will have their hands full …Literally! Head Coach Mark Whipple’s pro style office is known for putting up points. Blake Frohnapfel starts under center for the Minutemen. His leadership on and off the field gives his team a chance to win. He’s also on four watch list for national quarterbacks. Davey O’Brien Award, Wuerffel Trophy and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award just to name a few. The Buffaloes cornerbacks and safeties have to keep their eyes in the backfield at all times. Containing UMass will be a difficult task if they can’t stop the pass.
Prediction: If the UMass passing game is stalled, the Buffs have a chance. But.. I believe the Buffs will pull it off by the score of 28-24! Let’s see what happens on Saturday!
