Game Plan
When the Buffs run
After weeks of waiting, tuck-it-and-run finally returned for CU last week vs. USC. There was some good: seven carries for 45 yards. And some bad: a brutal hit that briefly knocked him out of the game and left him dazed. Will CU be willing to risk the latter when the former helped stoke a Buffs run game (196 yards) that needed it? They may have no choice against an improving Bruins run defense. Edge: Even
When the Buffs pass
In addition to his read-option work last week, Montez flashed the arm so many fell in love with back in 2016, completing 27 of 43 passes for 324 yards and three TDs vs. the Trojans. Laviska Shenault put on his cape again as well, grabbing nine balls for 172 yards. Facing the nation’s fourth-worst pass defense (306.8 yards per game), a repeat performance isn’t out of the question. Edge: Buffs
When the Bruins run
The run game many expected to see from Chip Kelly’s Bruins when he arrived in Westwood a year ago has finally materialized — just not in the same style as Kelly’s Oregon-blur days. The methodical, bludgeoning Bruin attack has ground its last two opponents into pieces, piling up 480 yards in wins over Stanford and ASU. RB Josh Kelley accounted for 340 of those. Add it all up and it’s tall task for a Buffs run defense that’s had its ups (ASU) and downs (Air Force). Edge: Bruins
When the Bruins pass
It’s no coincidence the Bruins showed signs of life after QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson returned from injury two weeks ago. The dual-threat sophomore, who is averaging 322.2 passing yards per game, is a stabilizing force for an offense stocked with underclassmen. And the Buffs defense — second-worst in the country at 327.3 yards per game — is ill-equipped to stop him. Edge: Bruins
Special teams
If this thing comes down to the kickers, the Buffs have to like their chances. CU junior James Stefanou has been steady as ever this fall, making 12 of 15 field-goal attempts, including 10 of 11 inside 40 yards. On the other side of the field, senior JJ Molson has struggled, connecting on just 5 of 8 kicks with two misses inside of 40 yards. Edge: Buffs
Three things to watch
1. Viska’s time
The won’t encounter a worse pass defense than the one they’ll meet in Pasadena on Saturday (except maybe the one they see in practice). With Laviska Shenault coming off his biggest game of the season, can he and quarterback Steven Montez take advantage?
2. Not so rosy
It’s rarely easy to win in the Rose Bowl in Pac-12 play, even when the Bruins are dreadful. CU has yet to do it once since joining the conference in 2011, losing all four games by a combined 69 points. Their lone win in Pasadena? Back in 2002, when Gary Barnett’s Buffs beat Bob Toledo’s Bruins 31-17.
3. Road to a bowl
With both teams sitting at 3-5, Saturday’s game is a must-win if either team wants to go bowling. UCLA still has games at Utah and USC, while the Buffs still have Stanford (home), Washington (home) and Utah (road) on their schedule.
Predicting Friday’s game
Mark Kiszla: Bruins 31, Buffs 27
Buffs start season strong, stumble down the stretch. has seen this movie.
Sean Keeler: Bruins 34, Buffs 28
The Buffs, while saltier vs. USC, have given up 5.2 yards per carry the last two weeks. If Chip Kelly doesn’t get cute, he’ll get what he came for. But no promises there.
Matt Schubert: Bruins 38, Buffs 28
Not pulling out last week’s home game against USC had to be crushing. With UCLA’s house seemingly back in order, hard to see CU rebounding in Pasadena.