Colorado University Athletics
Woelk: 10 Takeaways From Buffs' Win Over Texas State
September 10, 2017 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Two games into the 2017 season, the Colorado Buffaloes haven't exactly followed the script most envisioned.
An offense many thought would be unstoppable has shown flashes of its potential in stretches — the Buffs have scored 34 of their 54 points in roughly two quarters of play — but they haven't yet dialed in the consistency they would like to see.
Meanwhile, a defense that was an unknown at the beginning of the season and one that many predicted would take time to gel has yet to give up a touchdown while allowing just two field goals.
But while the script may have been a surprise, the ending has been what most expected: a 2-0 record after Saturday's 37-3 win over Texas State in the Buffs' home opener, with next Saturday's home meeting with Northern Colorado next on the agenda (noon, Pac-12 Networks).
What did we learn from the Buffs' latest outing? Here's our latest installment of "10 Takeaways:"
1. CU's pass rush is alive and well. One of the bigger questions surrounding the defense coming into the season was how the Buffs would replace the 10.5 sacks produced last year by senior outside linebacker Jimmie Gilbert.
The Buffs seem to have found the answer — and we're not basing this just off Saturday's six-sack performance against the Bobcats (although that was nice to see). We also saw plenty of potential in that pass rush against CSU in the opener, when Colorado got to Rams QB Nick Stevens two times and put pressure on him for much of the night.
What D.J. Eliot's defense has done thus far is bring pressure from a variety of places and get production from a variety of players. The Buffs' nickel defense front four, which usually includes linebackers Derek McCartney and Jacob Callier as stand-up rush ends and Leo Jackson III and Timothy Coleman as down linemen, has been solid.
Jackson, in particular, has been terrific so far. A starter two years ago, when he recorded two sacks, he has four already this year (one in the opener, three vs. TXST). He's the only one of CU's three starting defensive linemen to play in the nickel package.
"He's a multidimensional lineman," head coach Mike MacIntyre said. "He can play in the 3-4 and when we're in nickel he can pass-rush too. He has a great ability now – he weighs 285 and he's stouter. I knew Leo would have a great year this year. … He's got good potential to play after this level."
Thus far, seven different Buffs have been involved in sacks, an indicator of the different places from which the Buffs can bring pressure. Overall, they have eight sacks in two games, putting them well on pace to hit the 28 they recorded last season.
2. Isaiah Oliver continues to show he's among the best corners in the nation. Saturday, he opened the game by chasing down Texas State's Anthony Taylor after a 55-yard run for a touchdown-saving tackle. In the third quarter, he added a spectacular interception when he perfectly timed a throw from Damian Williams on a deep route, leaped into the air, tipped the ball back into his hands and then returned the pick 41 yards. It was an eye-popping moment — but something he seems to produce on a weekly basis. Here's hoping he's added to the Thorpe Award watch list soon.
3. Newcomers continue to make key contributions. The most obvious in Saturday's game, of course, was the 55-yard fumble return for a score by wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., who scooped up an Oliver fumble on a punt return and went the distance. But there are plenty of others who are getting their names in the box score, ranging from K.D. Nixon (his first catch as a Buff) to kicker James Stefanou (perfect on 3 FG tries and four PATs) to defensive lineman Chris Mulumba (4 tackles).
4. Depth at wide receiver. Even with the offense not yet firing on all cylinders over long stretches, CU's receivers are getting their catches. Bryce Bobo (15) and Shay Fields (11) are already in double digits in receptions. Meanwhile, Juwann Winfree continues to round into form, adding two catches to his season total Saturday. The Buffs have seven receivers who are legitimate threats to make plays. As the fine-tuning continues, it will be a difficult group to cover.
5. Not all sacks are solely the O-line's fault. After Steven Montez was sacked twice early Saturday, the Buffs didn't give up another sack.
One factor was the insertion of sophomore Isaac Miller at left tackle early in the game. Miller, a talented youngster who's been hampered by injuries, is a player CU coaches have high hopes for and he showed plenty of promise Saturday.
But another factor was Montez staying in the pocket longer. When Montez hits the escape button too early, his linemen don't know where he is and it's more difficult to shepherd the pass rush in the right direction. When Montez stood in the pocket longer in the third quarter, he was more accurate and his protection was better. (Remember — Montez had just three starts coming into this season, and he's still learning and improving on a weekly basis. His third quarter Saturday was excellent, and the guess here is he'll take another step next week.)
As for the O-line, the Buffs expect senior tackle Jeromy Irwin to return to the lineup after a two-week hiatus on the sidelines. Irwin's presence should help a line that is still searching for every-play consistency, something O-line coach Klayton Adams will no doubt be stressing this week. What they accomplished in the third quarter Saturday was a good sign; if they can build on that next week it will be a solid step.
6. So far, CU's special teams are solid. In just about every area, the Buffs' kicking game has been very good. Sophomore Davis Price has kicked off 12 times with 10 touchbacks (and one of those that wasn't a touchback came from the 20 after a penalty and CU's coverage team tackled the returner at the 17-yard line). Punter Alex Kinney has kicked 11 times for a 45.7-yard average with six inside the 20, and Stefanou is 4-for-5 on field goals and 5-for-5 on PATs.
7. Third-down conversions must improve. In two games, the Buffs are just 11 of 29 on third-down tries, including a 4-for-15 day Saturday.
Weird stat of the week? On all three scoring drives in the third quarter Saturday, the Buffs did not convert a single third down (they did convert a fourth down try). That's not a trend they will want to try to extend. It's great when you can score without ever hitting third down, but convert even a handful more on those other drives and the consistency they are looking for on offense will manifest itself in a hurry.
8. Evan Worthington is a beast. When he last played at Colorado two seasons ago as Evan White, he was a talented youngster who didn't live up to his potential. Now, after a year away from the program, Worthington is a far more mature — and even more talented — young man who has a future at the next level. Playing just about everywhere in the secondary, Worthington makes plays on the ball in the air, is a sure tackler, can rush the quarterback and simply has an instinct to be where the action is.
9. The Bryce Bobo career highlight reel will be a keeper. Bobo made yet another terrific one-handed catch Saturday, something that people have come to expect. Whenever Bobo goes up for a jump ball against a defender, Buffs fans love their odds. He has a knack that few other receivers possess of being able to get a hand on the ball and bring it back to his body for a catch.
10. It's early. Patience isn't a bad thing. While some Buffs fans — and the media — are grumbling about CU's lack of offensive consistency and rhythm, it's only fair to remember that it's just two games into the season and they're still averaging 27 points and nearly 400 yards per game. One more thing to remember? It's a safe bet the Buffs haven't shown all their cards on offense. Just a guess.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
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