Buffs Aim To Get Offense In Rhythm Early Against Sun Devils

BOULDER — With their best offensive performance of the season still fresh in their minds, the Colorado Buffaloes head to the desert Saturday in hopes of replicating that effort against Arizona State (7 p.m., Pac-12 Network).

If the 5-4 Buffs (2-4 Pac-12) can get quarterback Steven Montez into a rhythm early, it will go a long way in helping them meet that goal against the Sun Devils (4-4, 3-2).

One week after Montez was benched at halftime of a 28-0 loss at Washington State, the sophomore returned last week to produce his best performance of the year, a 347-yard, three touchdown effort that saw him complete 20 of his 26 attempts with no interceptions in a 44-28 win over Cal.

Maybe the most important of Montez's afternoon was a quick start, one that set the tone fo the rest of the game. After a three-and-out on CU's first possession, Colorado put together five consecutive scoring drives, with Montez completing seven straight passes for 194 yards and a pair of touchdowns at one point in the stretch while finishing the half 11-for-16 for 242 yards.

"We have to get Steven in that rhythm early where he's hitting balls like he was last week," Buffs co-offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini said. "When we do that, everything just starts clicking. That's really the key for our success is getting Steven into that flow early and getting some tempo going."

Last week's offensive effort was by no means all passing. Running back Phillip Lindsay once again played a major role, carrying 33 times for 161 yards. Getting Lindsay headed downhill will once again be a priority, but as Chiaverini noted, "Phillip's going to get his yards. We know that."

The ASU will pose a different challenge than the one presented by Cal last week. The Sun Devils, under first-year defensive coordinator Phil Bennett, have relied on a solid front seven to produce some outstanding recent efforts, including back-to-back wins over then-unbeaten Washington and Utah.

The 13-7 win over the Huskies turned heads around the conference. ASU held UW to just 230 yards total offense, including just 91 on the ground.

"They played really well up front," Chiaverini said. "In the run game they were able to get penetration and stymie Washington's run game. They just did a good job of controlling the field."

Prior to Bennett's arrival, the Sun Devils were a gambling defense that was usually among the league leaders in tackles for loss, but was also prone to giving up big plays. In last year's 40-16 win Colorado win in Boulder, the Buffs hit the Sun Devils with three long plays, including a 75-yard Lindsay touchdown run (CU's longest play of the year) and a 66-yard Sefo Liufau touchdown pass to Shay Fields.

But under Bennett, the Sun Devils have reeled in that gambling style to a degree. They still have 25 sacks this year, but appear to be picking and choosing their spots more carefully while relying on their front four to put pressure on the quarterback.

"We just have to do what we did last week," Chiaverini said. "That was exciting. We had good timing with the receivers, the O-line was blocking really well and Steven was standing in the pocket. I feel like we're hitting our stride now. It feels good, even in practice. The rhythm and timing of the offense is much better than it was a couple of weeks ago."

SALUTE TO SERVICE GAME: Saturday's game will be ASU's "Salute To Service Game," an annual recognition of the U.S. armed forces. The game will feature a special uniform, designed in part by the Pat Tillman Foundation, which honors the former Sun Devils standout and NFL player. Tillman, who left a lucrative professional career to enlist in the U.S. Army, died in action in Afghanistan.

"I'm honored that we're the team that gets to play in that and that our young men get to see that and understand it," head coach Mike MacIntyre said. "They're bringing a bunch of families, so it's a unique night. They're wearing special uniforms. It's always great to honor our country and I'm glad that we're able to be a part of this game and the special meaning that's behind it."

ONE-TWO RB PUNCH: The Sun Devils are averaging just 121.4 yards per game on the ground, but have two capable backs in Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage. Richard has rushed for 379 yards and five touchdowns while Ballage has 378 yards and five touchdowns.

"I'm glad this is the last time we'll see them," MacIntyre said. "They're excellent players."

BIG DEVIL: Colorado's secondary will be paying close attention to ASU wide receiver N'Keal Harry, who has 54 catches for 713 yards and three touchdowns.

"He's so big (6-4, 216 pounds) and he's athletic," MacIntyre said. "Sometimes guys that big and that strong – he's rocked up – usually they can't turn. They're tight. He can just flip his hips and turn and catch and get by people. The other thing is that he's really tough, so he doesn't see anybody coming at him. He's able to catch it and not take a hit. They even put him in the backfield and run him at wildcat. He's an excellent, excellent player."

PUTTING FUN BACK IN THE GAME: CU linebacker Rick Gamboa, also a team captain, said a meeting with fellow captains Derek McCartney and Afolabi Laguda helped get the defense back on the right track.

"Defensively, last week was one of the best games we've had throughout the year and I think as a defense, after that Arizona game, we were reaching for the next two games," Gamboa said. "As captains, me and Afolabi and Derek all came together and talked to the defense and told them that we need to start having fun again. On defense, people weren't playing with passion or emotion and I think Saturday we showed that we were having fun. We were celebrating as a team and as a defense and I think that helped us."

SPECIAL TEAMS STANDOUT: Sophomore Beau Bisharat has been a standout on special teams this season, leading the Buffs with 21 special teams points. His seven total tackles, three of which have been inside the opposing 20 yard-line, are the most by any Buff on special teams this year. Along with his seven tackles, Bisharat has been credited with two knockdown or springing blocks on a kick return, has downed two punts, has forced four fair catches and was the first downfield on a kickoff or punt that altered the return path two times. Bisharat also ranks third on the team in rushing with 59 yards on 20 attempts.

PAC-12 CREW: Saturday's Pac-12 Networks crew for the television coverage will include Roxy Bernstein, Anthony Herron and Lewis Johnson.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu