Colorado football is far from where they would’ve imagined at this point in the season.
But with three games left, there isn’t time for the Buffaloes (3-6, 1-5 Big 12) to roll over and quit. No. 14 Houston (7-2, 4-2) is set to make the trip to Boulder, bringing a high-powered offense. One loss away from Bowl game elimination, this game holds weight for Colorado.
Shutting down speculation about the future or his job security, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders has his vision locked on one game.
“We're not thinking about the three wins. With all due respect, that's a tremendous goal. We're thinking about one day, one play at a time,” Sanders said. “That's really where we are…We’re thinking about, ‘Hey, man, we need a good day of practice today. We get a good day of practice tomorrow. Then the next day.’”
The Buffs have lost five of their last six games and have fallen below their personal expectations for the season. The offense is scoring just 19.78 points per game while the defense has allowed 28.33. Across the board, multiple issues have led to their lack of success.
After starting the season 2-0, the drought certainly dampened a talented roster. Colorado’s head coach, although not comfortable with the losing, hasn't changed his approach to getting to his team.
“I don't flinch. They know who I am and my expectations all the way across the board. This is not common to me. I don't like it. I don't enjoy it one bit,” Sanders said. “This is not indicative of who we think we are. I think the coordinators are doing a phenomenal job, the best they can. I think the kids are fighting.”
Friday’s matchup certainly won’t be easy, but with the Buffs season hanging in the balance, they have no choice but to fight.
Houston’s offense is putting up 35.44 points per game and 470 yards per game, making it one of the most explosive in the country. The Cougars are led by quarterback Conner Weigman, who’s thrown for 2,280 passing yards and 22 touchdowns to just two interceptions.
What makes him even more dangerous is his ability to hurt defenses with his legs. He’s rushed for 279 yards and seven rushing touchdowns, adding to the versatility of the offense. Colorado will have to key in on him, as well as the weapons around Weigman.
“Those guys can really get after it. Really stout on the run,” Sanders said. “We have some matchups that we like versus their defense, but we gotta have a balanced attack running the football as well as throwing the ball.”
Houston has allowed a respectable 21.33 points per game but has shown some inconsistencies throughout the season. For Colorado’s offense, which has also been up and down, they will need to find a way to put points on the board to compete.
Regardless of the game plan, players have to execute and play with effort.
“Guys are energetic. Coaching staff is implementing what they need to implement to improve,” Sanders said. “Definitely not happy with the record, where we're standing, but we have not given up. We have hope. We have tremendous hope.”
Coaches Mentioned
