The University of Colorado takes its first Pac-12 road test of the season with an 8:30 p.m. Saturday kickoff at UCLA. Following is a scouting report by Denver Post college football reporter Kyle Fredrickson.
When Colorado runs
Senior Phillip Lindsay has averaged nearly five yards per carry with four touchdowns, but he was stymied in the Buffaloes’ lopsided home defeat against Washington, only running for 68 yards on 19 carries. Lindsay’s rush lanes should widen this week as UCLA ranks last among Football Bowl Subdivision teams in stopping the run with 307.5 yards allowed per game. Edge: Colorado.
When UCLA runs
Junior Soso Jamabo rushed for 100 yards last week at Stanford, becoming the first Bruin to do so since 2015, and UCLA has four returning starters on its offensive line. Meanwhile, CU was dominated in the run game against Washington, giving up 254 yards on the ground. But both position groups, CU’s defensive line and UCLA’s tailbacks, have been inconsistent to this point. Edge: Even.
When Colorado passes
CU’s receiver talent stacks up with the Pac-12’s best, but ’s six interceptions, including three last week, have so far dampened what might be a dynamic air attack. Senior Shay Field leads CU with 24 catches for 293 yards and two touchdowns. UCLA’s pass defense has much to prove, too, as one of 16 teams nationally to have given up double-digit touchdown receptions (10). Edge: Colorado.
When UCLA passes
Josh Rosen leads the country in average passing yards (440.8) and passing touchdowns (16) while seven different Bruins have recorded reception scores. Senior wideout Darren Andrews and sophomore tight end Caleb Wilson are each over 400 yards receiving. The Buffaloes’ secondary has individual talent, but the unit has allowed nine catches of 15 or more yards in the past two games. Edge: UCLA.
Special teams
CU looks to rebound from having a punt blocked against Washington, but first-year Buffaloes kicker James Stefanou has impressed by hitting 5-of-6 field-goal attempts from 30-39 yards out, and both attempts from 40-49. Neither UCLA nor CU have returned a kickoff or punt for a score this season. Bruins’ place-kicker J.J. Molson has made 4-of-5 field-goal attempts. Edge: Even.