Colorado coaches and players remain convinced that the Buffaloes will begin to win more than their share of close games. Two double-overtime losses in conference play, though, cast doubts.
Second-year CU coach Mike MacIntyre said his team works hard on late-game situations during the week. The Buffs haven’t had much to show for that work, though.
Colorado (2-6, 0-5 Pac-12) is coming off a double-overtime home loss against UCLA. The Buffs also lost in double overtime at California, fell by five points to Oregon State and squandered a second-half lead against Colorado State. Their only close victory was 41-38 at Massachusetts in the second week of the season.
With its young lineup, Colorado has not shown the ability to gain comfortable leads against good teams.
So, if CU is to upset Washington (5-3, 1-3) at Folsom Field on Saturday, the Buffs likely must figure out a way to finish strong.
Against UCLA last week, CU was forced to settle for field goals late in regulation and in each overtime.
“I don’t necessarily know if it’s jitters,” CU offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren said. “It just comes down to ‘Man, I’ve got to make a play at a clutch time and I can’t make this little mistake.’
“I think sometimes, a player tries to get it all back at once. Or he tries to win the game on one play instead of just thinking, ‘Do my job with a great attention to detail, and if I do it over and over it will happen for us.’ “
Learning to win is all about repetition, MacIntyre said. He has pointed out that his San Jose State teams lost most of their close games during his first two seasons (2010 and 2011) with the Spartans but reversed that trend in 2012 and nearly won them all.
Colorado players spend a lot of time working on how to handle pressurized scenarios, MacIntyre said.
“We set up two-minute drills, overtime drills, drills where our defense has to stop them, drills where our offense has to keep the ball for two minutes, four minutes,” MacIntyre said.
CU junior defensive lineman Josh Tupou said the Buffs have to learn how to close out a game.
“It’s something we can work on in practice — finishing plays, finishing periods, even finishing all the lifts and sprints,” Tupou said.
The Buffs have been outscored 62-7 in the first quarter of their past three games, so the first order of business is to get off to a much better start. That involves protecting sophomore quarterback Sefo Liufau against a Washington defense that ranks second nationally in sacks (34). Liufau’s 11 interceptions are the most among Pac-12 quarterbacks.
“It’s just being smart with the ball,” Liufau said, “and I haven’t done that recently.”
Tom Kensler: tkensler@denverpost.com or
When the Buffs run
Colorado’s running backs must enter Saturday’s Pac-12 game in Boulder brimming with confidence after amassing a season-high 233 rushing yards last weekend in CU’s double-overtime loss to UCLA. The challenge is ramped up this weekend. Washington ranks third among Pac-12 teams in rush defense, allowing just 128.5 yards per game. Edge: Even
When the Huskies run
Washington doesn’t have a Chris Polk or Bishop Sankey anymore, but the Huskies know how to run. And that includes athletic quarterback Cyler Miles, a former Mullen High School star. Because of injuries, star linebacker Shaq Thompson also played running back last weekend and gained 98 yards on 21 carries against Arizona State. CU, ranked last among Pac-12 teams in rushing defense, will have its hands full. Edge: Washington
When the Buffs pass
Colorado’s passing attack has kept the Buffaloes in games this season, averaging 280.4 yards per game. Washington ranks second nationally in sacks (34) and already has six defensive touchdowns. But if CU protects Sefo Liufau, there is no reason he can’t be effective. Edge: Colorado
When the Huskies pass
Miles sat out last weekend’s loss to Arizona State because of a concussion but is expected to be in the lineup against CU at Folsom Field. A sophomore and first-year starter, Miles has been inconsistent. But his .662 completion percentage and ratio of 10 touchdown passes against one interception portend of a bright future. CU has only three interceptions, all by safety Tedric Thompson, who is likely out because of a concussion. Edge: Washington
Special teams
There’s been nothing special about Washington’s kicking game or return teams. Meanwhile, CU punter Darragh O’Neill and place-kicker Will Oliver seem to excel at home. Edge: Colorado
Tom Kensler, The Denver Post
