Arizona’s dual threat quarterback Anu Solomon could ruin CU’s homecoming, feasting on a defense that is missing its top three inside linebackers (Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images).
Boulder — Last year as a redshirt freshman, Arizona dual threat quarterback Anu Solomon tormented Colorado, throwing for 211 yards and four touchdown passes while rushing for another 115 in a 38-20 Arizona win.
This season he has completed 92-of-145 passes and is averaging 224 yards per game with a quarterback rating of 153.4.
Tasked with stopping him is a CU defense that is missing its top three inside linebackers. The four inside linebackers who can play are three freshmen and a sophomore. What do they have to do to contain Solomon and the Wildcats’ spread offense?
“You’ve got to read your keys,” CU coach Mike MacIntyre said. “The thing he does, he just keeps the play alive. In coverage you have to stay on your guys. Your linebackers have to stay in the right gap. If you’re a defensive end, you’ve got to stay in your right gap. He creates plays, and we’ve got to be able to run him down sometimes. He really can keep the play alive for a long time. Thatap where they make some big plays.”
Arizona is ranked ninth in the nation in offense at 530 yards per game and is seventh in scoring (42.3).
