Coming off a 41-point loss to Oregon at home last weekend, the Buffs have yet to play at the same level as a fast-tempo team. At this point, their biggest weakness lies in defensive coverage of long-distance passing.
The Buffs head into Saturday’s game against Arizona State in Tempe, Ariz., with a 2-2 record overall, with an average of 28 points per game. The Sun Devils, on the other hand, stand at 3-2 and 42.2 points per game.
Colorado Head Coach Mike MacIntyre said he has showed the Buffs the talents of Todd Graham, Arizona State head coach, and Taylor Kelly, starting quarterback, to prepare his team this week at practice.
“Arizona State is a very good football team,” MacIntyre said.
The Sun Devils pose a major threat to Colorado’s hit-or-miss game performances so far this year. The Devils run an attacking-style defense and aim to cause turnovers, MacIntyre said. Their offense runs much like that of Oregon and Oregon State. The Sun Devils are primarily a passing team and they’ve been very successful with junior quarterback Kelly, who has thrown over 300 yards per game this season.
“They play fast, and they also have some fast players,” MacIntyre said. “A lot of the high-tempo offenses have a lot of similarities, and a lot of things do carry over.”
MacIntyre said the Buffs have gotten used to running alongside fast-paced teams, and he hopes their experience so far this season will show on Saturday.
Buffs’ junior quarterback Connor Wood has thrown 1,092 yards so far this season. Kelly, with one more game under his belt, has thrown for 1,732 in five games. Kelly has thrown 22 touchdowns with six interceptions in his last eight games, going into last season.
Senior defensive lineman Chidera Uzo-Diribe said Arizona State will be another tough team to beat.
“They have a really great quarterback and good running back. They can throw the ball,” Uzo-Diribe said. “It’s going to be another fast-paced team that likes to throw the ball around.”
On the other side of offensive play, the Devils are a poor rushing team, which opens up a window for the Buffs. By improving their defensive pressure on Kelly and his receivers, the team can keep Arizona State’s scoring to a minimum.
“They’re a great opponent. They beat Wisconsin and they beat USC,” junior wide receiver Paul Richardson said. ”For us to go in and beat that caliber of an opponent would be great for our team as far as self esteem, and as far as energy and hype.”
The game is set to start at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer at Alissa.noe@colorado.edu.
