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The Colorado Buffaloes are in a must-win situation to preserve their bowl eligibility, and their Week 10 conference clash with the Arizona State Sun Devils in Tempe is critical. With four games remaining, the Buffaloes can afford only one more loss if they want to reach a bowl game.
Offensive Storylines
The offenses will be the focal point of this matchup. Arizona State's offense has been its calling card, while Colorado is hoping to keep pace. The Buffaloes' main objective on offense will be to avoid losing the game for their team. Turnovers have been a persistent issue this season, stemming from a mix of fumbles by running backs and interceptions thrown by quarterback Isaac Wilson.
In Colorado's Week 9 victory over the Kansas State Wildcats, the team largely overcame those struggles, which was a major factor in the win. The lone turnover came when DeKalon Taylor burst forward for a 30-yard rush before fumbling the ball through the end zone on an attempt to score. The Buffaloes were able to overcome that setback, thanks in part to Wilson's turnover-free performance. It was his first start for Colorado without throwing an interception, and while he didn't win the game, he certainly didn't lose it. The Buffaloes leaned on their run game in that matchup, with Richard Young recording 120 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. Expect a similar approach today.
Arizona State's Offensive Firepower
The Sun Devils' offensive story has been far different from Colorado's this season. While the Buffaloes have merely been hoping their offense can pull its weight, Arizona State has hung its hat on its offense. The Sun Devils have posted similar yardage numbers to Colorado, but the primary difference has been their ability to capitalize on drives. Arizona State hasn't had the same turnover struggles as Colorado, scoring 236 points this season compared to the Buffaloes' 168. That success has been due in large part to the Sun Devils' reliance on star receivers Reed Harris and Omarion Miller. Harris is the nation's 11th-leading receiver with 804 yards and eight touchdowns. Colorado can't afford to lose track of Miller, as the former Buffalo will be looking for revenge against his old team.
Colorado's Defensive Strategy
The Buffaloes will once again need to lean on their defense. While the unit has struggled to create turnovers this season, it has slowed down some of the best offenses in the Big 12. In this game, the key will be relying on the pass rush to get after freshman quarterback Jake Fette. With defensive lineman Dylan Manuel questionable, look for defensive lineman Santana Hopper to create disruption on the interior, while Lamont Lester Jr., Toby Anene, and Yamil Talib wreak havoc on the edges.
Key Analysis
Colorado's ability to protect the football will be paramount against an Arizona State offense that has been efficient and explosive. The Buffaloes' defense, which has been stout against high-powered offenses, must generate pressure on Fette and contain Harris and Miller. If Colorado can avoid turnovers and control the clock with its running game, it has a chance to keep its bowl hopes alive. However, the Sun Devils' scoring prowess and big-play potential make this a challenging matchup.