Buffs Aim For Better Run Defense, More Pass Rush Opportunities

BOULDER — One year ago, the Colorado defense made a modest improvement in its quarterback sack totals, finishing with 27 for the season — five more than the previous year.

But in the pass-happy Pac-12, that's by no means good enough. The Buffs were still just 10th in the conference in sacks a year ago, trailing the top four teams in the league — Arizona State, Oregon, USC and Utah — by double digits. Colorado also had just one player — Jimmie Gilbert with six sacks — in the top 14 in the league.

This year, though, CU head coach Mike MacIntyre and defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt believe the Buffs could be ready to significantly increase those numbers, for a variety of reasons.

For starters, the Buffs have both of their top pass rushers from a year ago returning in outside linebackers Gilbert and Derek McCartney (five sacks in 2015).

But equally important, CU's run defense should be significantly better, which means the Buffs should be able to force teams into more passing situations — and thus have more opportunities to get to the passer.

A year ago, the Buffs were 10th in the Pac-12 in rush defense, yielding nearly 200 yards per game and 5.0 yards per carry. If Colorado can reduce those numbers this year, it will mean more opportunities to turn their outside pass rush loose.

"Last year, our run defense just wasn't very good," Leavitt said recently. "We've got to get better there this year. We've got to be able to stop some people and do it consistently. For us to make a real big move this year, we've got to be better against the run. We've got to shore that up."

Thus far, the Buffs have the look of a defense ready to accomplish just that. The return of 325-pound nose tackle Josh Tupou has been a boost to the interior of the line, and Jordan Carrell, Samson Kafovalu and Leo Jackson III all added strength and size in the offseason. When the front line includes Tupou, Carrell and Kafovalu, it's a group that averages more than 300 pounds per player. Throw in Timothy Coleman Jr. and Jase Franke into the mix and it's a group with more depth and experience than any CU defensive line in recent memory.

As MacIntyre said Wednesday, it's a group that looks like a Pac-12 defensive line.

Another factor in improving the Buffs' run defense will be the inside linebackers — another place the Buffs have some solid depth with Kenneth Olugbode, Addison Gillam and Rick Gamboa. Each of those players has led the team in tackles once in the last three years.

"If all three of them stay healthy, you've got three good linebackers that are all leading tacklers and have a nose for the football," MacIntyre said. "That way we can keep those guys fresh. I think that will help in our run defense."

It that happens, it will be good for everyone involved.

"If we can get the opponent throwing the ball more and in true passing situations, to me they (Gilbert and McCartney) should be close to double digits (in sacks)," MacIntyre said. "They've shown the ability, both of them. Derek's stronger, Jimmie's a little bit quicker. They've shown flashes, especially in the spring and early in this camp. I feel good. I still think they should be close to double-digit guys."

MORE CONFIDENCE IN KICKERS: Both field goal kicker Diego Gonzalez and punter Alex Kinney have had outstanding camps, and MacIntyre said Wednesday he has great confidence in both.

A year ago, Gonzalez struggled at times, particularly from the left hash. But throughout camp, the senior has been money from everywhere on the field.

"He's been real consistent," MacIntyre said. "The ball is just popping off of there quicker. That shows his leg is alive and better."

Gonzalez was hampered by a lingering injury last fall, one that limited his kicking early in camp. This year, he's completely healthy and has been kicking regularly.

Kinney, meanwhile, has become much more consistent after his true freshman season, thanks in part to improving his drop.

"He's hitting the ball more consistently and he's got such a strong leg, even if he doesn't hit it just perfect, he still gets a pretty good distance," MacIntyre said. "He's doing well. He's doing well. He's not near as nervous, he's more confident in his hands, everything."

PRACTICE NOTES: Seven NFL scouts were on hand at Wednesday morning's practice. There have been more scouts on a regular basis at CU practices this year, a clear sign that the talent level is improving. … The Buffs are scheduled to practice in the evening on Thursday and Friday (weather permitting). "We just want to get out and catch balls under the lights, special teams, things like that," MacIntyre said. The Buffs open the season under the lights with a 6 p.m. game Sept. 2 vs. Colorado State in Denver. …

With just seven practices remaining until the opener, there's no doubt that coaches, players and staff are all aware of how close the opener actually is. Tiny mistakes or miscues that might have gone unmentioned in the first few days of camp are no longer being tolerated, and coaches and players are pushing each other to attend to even the smallest of details. Players appear to be buying into the increased focus and there's no doubt a heightened awareness exists in everything from individual to team drills.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu