COLORADO AT NO. 12 MIAMI
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado (2-0): Running back Hugh Charles has dazzled in his first two starts with 206 yards and two touchdowns, but he faces his stiffest test yet against a speedy Miami defense. Quarterback Joel Klatt has managed the offense the way he has been asked by CU coaches, but he needs to play mistake-free Saturday if CU is to win. He has passed for 469 yards and two touchdowns, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes.
Miami (1-1): Quarterback Kyle Wright is improving at a rapid rate. The sophomore, who looked shaky in the opener against Florida State when he tossed two interceptions, did not make a big mistake in the victory over Clemson last week. With speedy wide receivers such as Sinorice Moss, all Wright has to do is solve CU’s zone coverages to have success. Cornerback/kick returner Devin Hester is the game-breaking kind of player who can make an impact on defense with superior cover skills, as a punt and kick returner with exceptional speed, and perhaps even on offense in a gadget-play scenario. Hester has 116 all-purpose yards.
KEY STAT
Miami is 7-0 in home openers the past seven years. The ‘Canes rarely lose at home, and almost never against unranked teams.
KEY FOR COLORADO
Efficiency. If Colorado is to leave the Orange Bowl with a victory, it needs to minimize mistakes and take advantage of any opportunities. Sloppy play will lead to an ugly loss.
KEY FOR MIAMI
Focus. After playing Florida State and Clemson, CU is the first nonranked team the Hurricanes play. Miami, a huge favorite, must resist the urge to view the game as a respite.
CHRIS DEMPSEY
