Coach Prime's Buffaloes try to knock off 16th-ranked Beavers: Week 10 Preview
The Colorado Buffaloes (4-4) look to end their two-game skid against the 16th-ranked Oregon State Beavers (6-2). Deion Sanders went into the bye week with defensive struggles and came out with a better effort last week against UCLA. However, that isn't the same case with the offense.
There were several issues time and time again with Shedeur Sanders being sacked seven times last week. The game proved to be more than the Buffs could handle. With a matchup of grit and determination, Colorado struggled to answer the call with the Bruins defeating the Buffaloes 28-16. After many offensive stalls, in part due to the offensive line, some changes were made. Former NFL coach Pat Shurmur will be taking over the play-calling duties. With another PAC-12 matchup in tow, something had to be done.
The Beavers bolster an impressive rushing attack that ranks fourth in the PAC-12. As a whole, they average 439.6 yards per game behind Clemson transfer DJ Uiagalelei, but it's very much a run-first attack. Oregon State's defense will be looking to hunt Shedeur Sanders all night. A huge boost for them being fourth in pass defense and third in sacks with a total of 26. Colorado has to try and establish a balanced attack, if they want to stop this slump they’ve been in.
Oregon State has won three of their last five games, but came off a loss to Arizona last week. The Beavers average 36.4 points per game and look to get back on track after the unexpected 27-24 blunder in Tucson. The Buffs have to garner some type of run defense if they want to slow down OSU and keep points off the board.
As mentioned in the past, Sanders can’t continue to take punishment like he’s sustained so far this season. The 41 sacks allowed will catch up after a while and the Buffaloes offense has to make it their mission to block. The defense is starting to come full circle and showed out in the first half of last week’s game. Like Coach Prime says, "Show us you’re better than what people say."
Two-way star Travis Hunter has to be implemented in both facets of the game, if this is going to go Colorado’s way. As another PAC-12 opponent steps up for the challenge, it’ll be up to CU to back them down and win one for the Homecoming crowd in Boulder.
Colorado faces No. 16 Oregon State at Folsom Field on Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. ET with a nationally televised broadcast on ESPN.
