It obviously will take a collective effort for Colorado to go on the road and put up a win in the season opener.
While Buffaloes fans are understandably curious and excited to witness the unveiling of new coordinator Brennan Marion’s Go-Go offense, the more critical matchup for the Buffs might be on the other side of the ball.
Defensive coordinator Chris Marve, also in his first season at CU, has expressed confidence that the more physical, more violent mentality he has attempted to instill has progressed at all levels of the Buffs’ defense.
“We’re really excited about the opportunity and challenge in front of us,” Marve said. “Obviously we have to shore up the game plan that we have in place, so that we feel really good about the plan going into (Georgia Tech).”
In last year’s season opener, Georgia Tech marched into Folsom Field and rolled up 320 rushing yards against the Buffs. A whole new cast of defenders will be on the field for the rematch in Atlanta on Thursday (6 p.m. MT, ESPN), and setting a more physical tone against Georgia Tech’s strong rushing attack likely will be one of the biggest keys for the Buffs on opening night.
“I think at every level of the defense there’s been what I’d characterize as incremental progress,” Marve said. “Thatap what you want to see. As long as there’s progress on a daily basis, we’re getting better both individually and collectively, we like the opportunity you have in front of you to go accomplish the mission.”
Familiar faces
Marion previously was the head coach at Sacramento State, and he brought three players with him to Boulder who are well-versed in the Go-Go offense — receiver Ernest Campbell, plus running backs JaQuail Smith and Damian Henderson II.
CU’s offensive coordinator is confident all three players will make a smooth transition to the power conference level.
“Ernest, he really has turned it on at camp,” Marion said. “He really got back to what makes Ernest special, being that deep threat outside the hashes that can really stretch the defense. On any great team you have to have one of those guys. Itap been good to see Ernest stretch the field again and get running. He has get-out-of-jail-card speed.
“Dame, I’m just proud of where he’s at as a man. He’s always been able to play football. His problem has been the off-the-field stuff. So his growth, his maturity, his character … he’s just being like a grown man. He’s a good human, especially coming where he came from, Compton, California, and all the things that he’s seen. And JaQuail, we just call him ‘green.’ He’s a young buck. JaQuail can do anything with a football. When he came to Sac State, I was like, ‘I don’t know how we got him.’ The guy that got him for me is now working at Auburn, so he had a great eye for talent. He’ll be ready to roll.”
Front wall
One of the biggest question marks offensively for the Buffs will be along the offensive line. Regardless who fills those five spots Thursday, Marion said he expects intensity and plenty of physical play.
“Violence and effort up front. In the trenches, it has to be nasty. There’s only one way it can be up there,” Marion said. “You can work on all the cute stuff — your footwork, your pass set — but if you’re not violent, if you’re not attacking off the ball, if you’re not trying to take another man against his will and take his soul, then you just can’t be on our offensive line. We won’t put anybody out there that does not have (that mentality).”
