BUFFS GET TIME OFF AT VERY GOOD TIME
Colorado’s football bye week could not have arrived at a better time after tough losses to Arizona State and Southern California. Up next, the Buffaloes (5-6, 2-6 Pac12) will play for bowl eligibility Nov. 25 at Utah (5-5, 2-5) in the regular-season finale. A look at a checklist before CU takes on the Utes:
1. Get healthy. A no-brainer, really. The Buffaloes have several players facing a variety of injuries that should have an opportunity to heal before the Utah game. Cornerback Isaiah Oliver (leg) returned from a two-game absence against Southern California but played only in the first half. Safety Ryan Moeller (unspecified) was held out entirely but was listed as day to day in the latest CU injury report. Wide receiver Shay Fields also suffered concussion symptoms in the loss to USC but will now have an opportunity to complete the medical protocol. If all three Buffs are ready to play in two weeks, CU’s chances at victory rise greatly.
2. Unload the playbook. If CU has been holding on to a trick play or two or three over the course of 11 games, now is the perfect time to put that on display. Defensive end/tight end George Frazier in the wildcat? Another pass from wide receiver Bryce Bobo? Whatever the gimmick, CU will probably need some type of unusual spark in what should be a raucous road environment to create momentum given its offensive struggles much of the season. An extra week of installation in practice could go a long way in ensuring its proper execution. The Buffaloes must rely on the strengths of their base offense to win, especially on tailback Phillip Lindsay and the ground game. But creativity will also be essential.
3. Embrace the rivalry. CU’s decision to bolt the Big 12 for the Pac-12 after the 2010 season halted its long-standing conference rivalry with Nebraska — which left at the same time for the Big Ten. The closest resemblance of that classic rivalry today? It has to be Utah, even if it is a forced rival. For the most part, the games have been wild and unpredictable. In consecutive seasons the matchup has carried great ramifications, with CU claiming the Pac-12 South Division title against the Utes at Folsom Field last fall. Should Utah fall against Washington on Saturday, it will also be playing for bowl eligibility against the Buffs. So inevitably, the loser will have even more reason to despise the winner. That should be all the motivation CU needs for a strong performance.