Fast Five: Keys For Buffs Vs. Utes
November 24, 2017 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — If history is any barometer, Saturday's Colorado-Utah matchup in Salt Lake City (8 p.m., FS1) will go down to the fourth quarter.
That, at least, is what their previous six meetings would suggest. There have been high scoring games (a 42-35 Utah win in 2012) and low-scoring affairs (17-14 in 2011) — but throughout their time together in the Pac-12, there has been one constant: the games have been close. Since the two teams joined the Pac-12 in 2011, the largest margin of victory in their six meetings has been a mere seven points.
Another constant has been that there is usually something at stake, and this year is no different. With two 5-6 teams meeting, Saturday's winner gets to play again; the loser is done for the year.
So what must the Buffs do Saturday to win the game and extend their season?
1. Win the turnover battle. Obviously an important factor in every game, it appears to have a bigger-than-normal influence when the Utes are involved.
Utah's defense is No. 15 in the nation in producing takeaways, forcing 22 this year. But the Utes have also been uncharacteristically careless with the ball, turning it over 24 times (123rd in the nation), resulting in a minus-two overall ratio.
What has that meant for the Utes? When they have won the turnover battle this year, they are 4-1. When they've lost the turnover battle, they are 0-4 (1-1 when it's been even).
The statistic has not been as telling for the Buffs. They are 3-3 when when owning the turnover edge and 1-3 when coming out on the short end of turnover column.
Still, it is clear that turnovers are a major indicator for Utah. If the Buffs can win that battle Saturday, they'll be in the game down the stretch.
2. Keep Tyler Huntley in the pocket. Utah's sophomore quarterback is a good passer but is equally dangerous when he takes off and runs. He has officially rushed for 480 yards and four touchdowns on 143 carries this year, but if you subtract sack totals, that rushing number jumps up to 547 yards.
Along with adding a dimension to Utah's offense running the ball, Huntley's mobility also allows him to extend passing plays and give receivers a chance to get open. In last week's narrow 33-30 loss to Washington, Huntley was an extremely efficient 19-for-27 for 293 yards and two scores with just one interception, and he hit those numbers by avoiding the pass rush several times long enough for his receivers to get a step on their defenders.
It will likely take some creative pass rush schemes utilizing blitzes from all over the field by the Buffs to keep Huntley guessing. If they can prevent Huntley from improvising, it will be a big step toward keeping the Utes' offense in check.
3. Establish some offensive momentum early. This is not a game or place for the Buffs to try to play catch up, especially on Utah's Senior Day.
When Colorado moves the chains early, it's usually a good sign. That means getting running back Phillip Lindsay moving early and quarterback Steven Montez in a rhythm. If the Buffs can control the clock and tempo, they will be in position to make plays that make the difference in the fourth quarter.
4. Keep Utah's special teams in check. Overall, Colorado's special teams have been good for most of the season, currently ranked in the nation's top 20 in overall efficiency.
But the Utes, who have finalists for both the Lou Groza Award (kicker Matt Gay) and Ray Guy Award (punter Mitch Wishnowsky), have also made a habit of springing special teams surprises. Last week against Washington, they successfully executed an onside kick and a fake punt.
Those are the kind of momentum-shifting plays the Buffs can't afford to give up in a close game.
5. Win the battle of the "wills." Coaches from both teams have spent the week saying this game will come down to how much each team wants to play again this season.
Truth is, it has been a long year for both squads. Both have lost their share of narrow decisions — games they could have won but let slip away. Both entered the year with hopes of playing for a Pac-12 title, and neither believed they would be needing a win in the regular season finale just to become bowl eligible.
No doubt, some of that disappointment has seeped into the psyche of both teams. If there are any players on either team who would secretly like to put this year behind them … they will likely get their wish Saturday night.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
