BOULDER — The week has just begun, but Colorado’s defensive secondary already is on the clock.
Colorado players get today off, leaving CU defensive backs four days to prepare for the nation’s most-prolific passing attack. Texas Tech (6-2, 2-2 Big 12) hosts the Buffaloes (4-4, 2-2) at 10 a.m. (KMGH-7) in Lubbock.
The ABC network had better allot more than three hours for this one. With all the first downs and stoppages in play, the game could go on for a while.
“It seems like no matter what you do against a team like that, they’re going to rack up 70 plays on you,” CU safety Daniel Dykes said Sunday. “It can wear you out.”
Setting up in the spread formation with four or five receivers on nearly every down, Texas Tech averages 56.5 pass attempts per game. Junior quarterback Graham Harrell leads the nation in total offense (434.8 yards per game), touchdown passes (32) and completions (37.8).
“It makes for an explosive offense and a lot of sleepless nights for defensive coaches,” said Greg Brown, who coaches CU’s defensive backs.
Texas Tech went down firing in its 41-10 loss at Missouri on Saturday. Harrell completed 44-of-69 passes for 397 yards.
Colorado’s defense played about as well last year against Texas Tech as anybody could. In a stunning 30-6 victory over the Red Raiders in Boulder, the Buffs limited Harrell to 236 yards passing. Only Texas Christian held Harrell to fewer yards (204).
Last year’s game marked the first victory in Dan Hawkins’ coaching tenure at CU.
“We mixed things up (defensively) against them,” Hawkins recalled Sunday. “That’s what you have to do.”
Fortunately, Colorado has played against several teams that employ the spread offense.
“We’re not going to see anything new,” Dykes said. “Texas Tech just does it better than everybody.”
Colorado ranks 34th nationally in pass defense. That rates in the upper third of major-college programs. But the Buffs have intercepted only six passes in eight games and could not come up with a pick Saturday in the 19-14 home loss to Kansas.
Expect a more aggressive attitude from the CU defense Saturday in Lubbock.
“The last two games (including a 47-20 loss at Kansas State), our defense has been sitting back,” CU senior linebacker Jordon Dizon said. “We sit back and see what they’re trying to do to us. We have to strike a blow. We have to do something that sparks us. Somebody’s got to make a play.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
