Pac-ing punch for league

BOULDER» After being dealt his first loss as the head coach of the Colorado football team, Mel Tucker was eager to get back on the practice field Monday morning.

He was in good spirits coming off the field, too.

“It felt good getting out there and I feel even better coming off the field today with our focus and our resolve and just turning the page and getting ready for Arizona State,” Tucker said. “It was a good day’s work.”

CU (2-1) is coming off a 30-23 overtime loss to Air Force and has a quick turnaround to get ready for Saturday’s trip to Tempe, Ariz., to take on No. 24 Arizona State (3-0) in the first game of Pac-12 Conference play. Kickoff is 8 p.m. (Pac-12 Network).

“You only get so many shots (to play),” Tucker said. “You get into league play and it actually sometimes ramps up a little bit. … Our league is very competitive. We have a lot of great coaches in our league, great players, everyone has got guys. It’s a tremendous challenge.”

Part of that preparation includes fixing some issues that cost them against the Falcons. The Buffs struggled offensively, especially on the line, and gave up big plays on defense once again.

“Not to get into specifics, but we need more consistency in our performance and we need better execution,” Tucker said. “It really drills down to details. We’ve evaluated everything we’ve done and we do that every week. We have three games with our guys. As we see them in game situations more, we’re able to make adjustments in our planning and our preparation in order to get better execution.”

The preparation for Arizona State will include at least one lineup change.

Safety Aaron Maddox is expected to miss four to five weeks after suffering a laceration to his left leg Saturday. Junior Derrion Rakestraw took Maddox’s spot in the lineup Saturday and could start in Tempe, Ariz.

“We need everyone, so everyone gets reps during the week,” Tucker said. “You never know when your number is going to be called. If you’re in the game, you’re a starter. It’s the next man up mentality. I have confidence in our guys to step up and get the job done.”

If not Rakestraw, it could be Sam Noyer’s number that gets called. The former quarterback, who converted to safety last month during camp, was listed with the second team last week.

“Sam has made tremendous progress, and I have a lot of respect for Sam and how he’s gone about his business to learn what to do and how to do it and to compete,” Tucker said. “He’s also a guy who can help us.”

Freshman Mark Perry is still developing, but the Buffs like his progress.