There are a plethora of issues with the Colorado Buffaloes contributing to their three-game losing streak, and they’re not all on the quarterback.
After Colorado fell 29-7 to Texas Tech on Saturday, much of the blame was put on quarterback Isaac Wilson. But that was even after making the change from Julian Lewis to Wilson as the starter. The same problems still remained.
Postgame, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders alluded to the QB position as the reason for their offensive struggles this season. Certainly, Wilson’s three interceptions and Colorado’s inability to score points cost them.
But have the Buffs truly set up their two young quarterbacks for success this season? The numbers tell a different story.
With the time off, there is no media availability, and the Week 7 starter hasn't been named. For whoever gets the nod, here are three places the Buffs need to improve during the bye week.
Commit to a running back
For a young quarterback, the running game should be his best friend. But as the season has progressed, the Buffs have moved further and further from the “run first” offense they showed earlier in the season. Starting from Week 1, they’ve run for 183, 180, 180, 83 and 78 yards through five games.
However, the inability to constantly feed one back has hurt the Buffs. Micah Welch is the team’s leading rusher but has received just 44 carries for 228 yards. Since fumbling against Northwestern in Week 3, he has had only 11 rush attempts in two games.
Because of that inconsistency with fumbling issues, the run game has taken a clear step back. In the Texas Tech loss, Richard Young had the most rushing attempts out of the backfield with a lousy four carries.
It's unacceptable for the Buffs ground game to try and get rolling without featuring a primary running back. Even when the Buffs rotate and find a hot hand, no back has been given more than 11 carries in a game. The other two faces they’ve cycled through have been JaQuail Smith 38-for-192 and Damian Henderson II 26-for-131.
Whether the Buffs decide to go with any of the three, they need to feed one more than ten times in a game. It’s far too late in the season to rotate through them every game. During the bye week, a candidate has to rise to the top.
Find a returner
When it comes to starting an offensive drive, field position can be a big factor. Even ten yards on a return is equivalent to picking up a first down.
Those moments matter, but for the Buffs, it has just been another lackluster part of special teams that has cost them. Like the running game, there have been a lot of young men with opportunity, but inconsistencies among them have kept the unit from thriving.
So far, they have used Boo Carter, DeKalon Taylor and Quinton Gibson as punt/kick returners with no improvement or differences. The Buffs are averaging just 2.33 yards per return in the punt game, while giving up 12.5
In the kick return game, the discrepancy is even higher, with the Buffs gaining 16.9 yards while opponents get 33.1. Setting the Buffs back further than their opponents has been one way special teams have contributed to the lack of offensive production.
Colorado has consistently had more yardage than their opponents, even while losing, which the numbers back up: they're simply having to drive farther. The Buffs need to find someone who can field watches correctly and know what to take out and what to leave in.
The return unit can be game changing, if the Buffs figure out a solution.
Get more weapons healthy during the bye
That last point may seem simple, but it's true for the Buffs. Injuries have decimated the offense early into the season, with numerous projected and day-one starters missing time or even games during the early stretch.
Specifically, the tight ends room and wide receiving core have been beat up for the Buffs. Two key weapons who excelled during the spring and summer were WR Danny Scudero and TE Zach Atkins. Because of injury and their limited action, the two are a combined 8-for 52 yards on receptions this season.
Other notable Buffs who’ve missed time on offense are WR DeAndre Moore Jr., TE Charlie Williams, center Demetrius Hunter and RB Henderson II. The health of the offensive unit and getting some guys up to full speed during the bye has to be a priority.
While the entire country is dealing with injuries, the Buffs also need to make sure their personnel choices and management of their down men are done correctly. If the Buffs can get Scudero or Atkins back after the bye, it will provide a huge boost to whoever the starting quarterback is.
The Buffs will be back at home on Oct. 17 to take on the Utah Utes at 8:15 p.m. MT (ESPN or ESPN2).
Players Mentioned
