After an electric 27-24 overtime victory against Colorado State in the Rocky Mountain Showdown last week, the University of Colorado football team (2-1) will take on Nicholls State (0-2) this Saturday at Folsom Field at 11:30 a.m.
The Buffs are coming off back-to-back wins for the first time since 2013, when they dispatched Colorado State and Central Arkansas early in the season.
The Colonels, who play in the FCS Southland Conference, stand in the Buffs’ way.
Nicholls State looked somewhat sloppy in their two losses at University of Louisiana-Monroe and Incarnate Word. In the Colonels’ first game, they were flagged for 10 penalties for a total of 102 yards. Similarly, at Incarnate Word, the Colonels committed 11 penalties and lost 75 yards.
Offensively, Nicholls State has had some trouble piecing things together, especially in their passing game. Junior quarterback Tuskani Figaro hasn’t thrown for more than 113 yards in a game this season.
Regardless, Colorado will have to find a way to suppress junior wide receiver C.J. Bates, who is in his first year in a Colonels uniform after transferring from Louisiana-Lafayette. He had four receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown last week against Incarnate Word. Keep in mind that the Colonels passed for 136 yards.
The Buffs should look forward to this week’s matchup, mainly because they have an excellent opportunity to run the ball. The Colonels’ defense has not been good this season at stopping the run game. They gave up 364 yards on the ground in their first two games.
That could be all the Buffs need. Two weeks ago against the University of Massachusetts, the Buffs pounded the Minutemen for 390 yards on the ground at an average of 6.6 yards per carry.
The Buffs should be in a good state of mind for this week’s game. They are gaining confidence and seem to iron out the kinks more and more every week. If they stay focused, eliminate the penalties and mental mistakes, and come ready to play 60 minutes of good football, then Saturday should be a very winnable game.
Contact CU Independent football beat writer Justin Guerriero at justin.guerriero@colorado.edu and follow him on Twitter @TheHungry_Hippo
