Opportunity Awaits Buffs As Sun Devils Visit Folsom Field
October 15, 2016 | Football, Neill Woelk
Colorado can maintain at least share of Pac-12 South lead with win
BOULDER — If you believe there's such a thing as a "must win," then Saturday's Colorado-Arizona State game at Folsom Field (6 p.m., Pac-12 Networks) … well, it doesn't quite fit the bill.
Not, at least, from a purely logical standpoint. With five conference games remaining for both teams, there is ample time for each to still make a legitimate run at at Pac-12 South title. No matter what happens Saturday, there will be a next week.
But in terms of opportunity, of momentum, of emotion — simply in terms of the Buffs making a statement that they are indeed legitimate Pac-12 contenders — it would be hard to find a Buffs game in the last 10-plus years in which Colorado has had more to gain.
The host Buffs are 4-2 overall, 2-1 in the Pac-12 and were ranked in the nation's top 25 a week ago before slipping from the rankings after a narrow 21-17 loss to USC. The visiting Sun Devils are 5-1, 2-1, and they bring with them their first top 25 ranking of the season (No. 24 USA Today), one earned by virtue of their 23-20 win over UCLA.
The opportunities for the Buffs are many.
A win would keep them in at least a tie for the Pac-12 South lead, depending on the outcome of the Utah-Oregon State game. It would move them one step closer to bowl eligibility, end a 23-game skid against ranked teams, almost certainly earn them at least a few more votes in the weekly polls, and end an 0-7 skid against ASU.
But maybe most importantly, it would simply lend more weight to a goal they've quietly been talking about since the season began: this is a team aiming to play for a Pac-12 championship.
So, pivotal? Must-win? Do-or-die?
"I think it's an important game, I don't know about pivotal," said Buffs quarterback Sefo Liufau, whose injured ankle has kept him from starting CU's last three games and might still be a factor Saturday. "I think there are a lot of pivotal games in a season."
Liufau is correct, of course. After Saturday, the Buffs will still have three more home games — two against Pac-12 South foes — plus two more contests on the road, with one against a South opponent. It's hard to see a game in the future that doesn't have some major implications.
But, Liufau also allowed, "It's an important game, to be able to play for top of the South, especially at home. You want to go out there and put on a good showing and ultimately come out with a win."
Interestingly enough, the Buffs find themselves in the opposite position of a week ago. Then, they were a ranked team on the road against an unranked foe, and were still the underdog.
Saturday, as the unranked team at home against a ranked team, they are the experts' pick — all five ESPN Pac-12 bloggers predicted a CU victory.
To get that win, the Buffs must solve a gambling, blitzing Arizona State defense. While the Sun Devils give up more passing yards than any other FBS team in the nation, they also are among the nation's leaders in tackles for loss, and last week had five quarterback sacks in their win over UCLA. Simply, the Sun Devils are willing to give up a big play now and then in return for a drive-killing sack or tackle for loss.
Defensively, the Buffs must stop the Sun Devils one-two punch of running back Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage, then put pressure on either gimpy quarterback Manny Wilkins or true freshman Dillon Sterling-Cole. The Sun Devils have said they expect Wilkins to start; if he's unable to go, they'll turn to Sterling-Cole.
But most of all, the Buffs need to do what they've done when they've been at their best — find some quick rhythm for their up-tempo offense, get out of the gate quick and give their defense the opportunity to go into attack mode.
"I think we're rebounding pretty strong," said CU safety Afolabi Laguda earlier in the week. "Coach Mac has been on us about practicing hard and getting that intensity back. Last Saturday we came out flat and didn't play Colorado football, so we're definitely trying to get our edge back this week. It's about us. We have to prepare better throughout the week."
One factor in the Buffs' favor is playing at home. In three games within the state borders this year, CU has outscored opponents 147-20, including a 47-6 win over Oregon State, a game that took on added prestige after the Beavers' win over Cal last weekend.
But the Buffs have also historically never matched up well with the Sun Devils. In their seven previous meetings — all played since the series debut in 2006 — the closest the Buff have come was a 14-point loss (38-24) two years ago in Boulder.
"Our guys love playing at home, love playing in the state of Colorado and they really enjoy playing at Folsom," MacIntyre said. "I believe they come out with a little bit more energy, a little bit more excitement. We should protect our home turf. Every school wants to do that."
BROADCAST: The Pac-12 Network crew will have Roxy Bernstein on play-by-play, Anthony Herron as analyst and Lewis Johnson on the sidelines. KOA radio will broadcast the game with Mark Johnson and Gary Barnett.
CU IN 60: CU officials are encouraging Buffs fans to show up early for the game, promoting a "CU in 60" effort by asking fans to enter the stadium at least 60 minutes before game time. The benefit is not only avoiding lines entering the stadium, but also a chance to enjoy the amenities and activities in CU's Indoor Practice Facility, where a variety of activities are available, including areas for kids. The IPF is inside the stadium "footprint," meaning fans can visit the facility for some pregame snacks and entertainment and not have to re-enter the stadium.
Tailgate and parking lots will open at noon Saturday and gates to the stadium will open two hours prior to kickoff. The traditional team arrival and Buff Walk down the east side of the stadium will occur at approximately 3:45 p.m.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
