After a 27-24 loss to then No.11 Utah, Colorado quarterback Isaac Wilson believes the Buffaloes have something to build on.
“I feel confident; I just need to eliminate the little hiccups some would call it, but they’re big mistakes in my eyes,” Wilson said. “I need to get the ball to my playmakers…offense can do it. We have the ability to do it; we can execute. Coach [Brennan] Marion is dialing it up for us.”
While the offensive struggles have contributed mightily to the Buffs' (2-4, 0-3 Big 12) four-game losing skid, the numbers back Wilson’s optimism for improvement.
Halfway through the season, the offense has put up just 19.50 points per game in six contests. While it’s not good enough for any standard, the strength of schedule hasn’t helped the Buffs. Colorado has faced some elite defenses that have given other teams fits.
Here are the defensive points-per-game allowed by each opponent the Buffs have faced in their defeats through Oct. 22: No. 24 Northwestern (17), Baylor (14.67), No. 8 Texas Tech (17.67), No. 10 Utah (14.83).
The gauntlet of a schedule isn't an excuse for the Buffs' poor play; penalties and self-inflicted errors have played a role, but it shows how costly mistakes can be.
However, each of their next three games features defenses that have given up 20 points per game or more. That list in order is: Oklahoma State (23.67), Kansas State (20), Arizona State (32).
At least on paper, the Buffs should have an easier time finding the endzone moving forward. But the players will have to make that change.
Although the Buffs lost to Utah, their offense put up a season-high 24 points against a Power 4 team. With Wilson set to make his third start in the Black and Gold, he has the full support of his teammates.
Running back DeKalon Taylor, who scored his first touchdown against the Utes, says their play against a top foe will carry over into this weekend. Facing off against the Cowboys (4-2, 2-1 Big 12), their offense will have to produce.
“I feel like we started finally playing like ourselves. How we preach that we're always going to play,” Taylor said. “We came around in that second half with a mission on our mind. So I feel like that's going to carry in that momentum…Instead of starting off slow, we're going to start off hot and finish the game hot.”
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