SAN JOSE, Calif. — Colorado will try to add one more chapter in a storybook season when it plays No. 4 Washington on Friday night in the Pac-12 championship game at Levi’s Stadium.
Following is a scouting report by Denver Post college football reporter Nick Kosmider:
When Colorado runs
Gametracker:
carried the ball only 12 times in Colorado’s win over Utah last week, a result of the Utes stacking the box to slow CU’s 1,000-yard rusher. CU’s rushing attack is not limited to Lindsay, however. runs through the tackles in a way Washington coach Chris Petersen said he’s rarely seen from a quarterback. The Huskies have been hard to run against this season. They rank 23rd in the country against the rush at 127 yards per game. Edge: Even.
When Washington runs
Miles Gaskin has produced nearly identical numbers to Lindsay, averaging 98.3 yards per game to go with 10 touchdowns. The Buffs are coming off a stellar performance against the run against Utah, when they held running back Joe Williams, who had rushed for more than 1,000 yards in the previous five games, to 97 yards on 26 carries. Also of note: CU has allowed only 10 rushing TDs all season and has not allowed any in seven of its last eight games. Edge: Colorado
When Colorado passes
The resurgence of , who has 17 catches for 215 yards in his last two games, bodes well for Colorado’s offense. He’s able to stretch the field, as is junior . Washington’s secondary is among the best in the country and has the athletes to keep up on the outside against almost any team. Still, if Ross and Fields can stretch Washington’s corners, the Buffs will need players such as , and (gametime decision) to step up over the middle. The pass rush of the Huskies is what gives its secondary room to operate. Edge: Washington
When Washington passes
The Colorado secondary is playing with supreme confidence and for good reason. The Buffs rank fourth nationally in pass efficiency defense and surrender only 5.4 yards per attempt. The rise of first-team all-conference outside linebacker (9½ sacks) has created turnover takeaways for an advantageous defense. Jake Browning, the Pac-12 offensive player of the year, makes very few mistakes as Washington’s sophomore quarterback. He loves to go deep to his favorite target, wide receiver John Ross, who has gone over 1,000 yards receiving this season. Edge: Colorado
Special teams
Ross is one of the most electric players in the country as a returner. CU has been bitten all season by teams with a good return game. If CU is forced to punt from deep in its own territory, the Buffs could be in trouble. Just last week they fell in a hole after giving up a punt return for a touchdown. CU also gave up a 93-yard kickoff return last week. While kickers and have steadily improved as the season has gone on, sending either out for a crucial kick at this stage is an iffy proposition, at best. Edge: Washington.
Three things to watch
1. The Buffs must start quickly
Anyone who watched the Apple Cup knows how quickly Washington can light up the scoreboard. Before Washington State knew what happened, the Huskies had built a 28-3 lead in the first quarter. As productive as CU’s offense has been at times, it isn’t built to dig out of that deep a hole. The Buffs have excelled all season in keeping games tight, and they must absorb Washington’s big shots early.
2. Protecting Liufau
Washington is among the nation’s best teams at bringing significant pressure with its front four, allowing a talented secondary to blanket receivers and force mistakes. The Buffs must be able to handle the rush of Washington’s defensive line and force the Huskies to bring extra pass rushers if they want to get to Liufau, thus creating opportunities for receivers to win outside matchups.
3. Beware the trick play
Petersen became well-known while coaching Boise State for busting out the perfect trick play at the perfect time. Remember how many gadget plays Boise used in a cinderella upset of Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl? Petersen has shown he will dial up the same kind of creativity at Washington, and the Buffs must be ready to handle the unconventional.