It’s gameday!
The Buffs enter today’s matchup with FBS newcomer Delaware on the heels of a gut-punch loss to Georgia Tech and will be looking to get right in front of the home crowd. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. MT this Saturday, and while this game was likely scheduled as a tune-up game, Colorado suddenly finds itself needing a statement win.
Coming off last week’s disappointment, the expectation will be for this team to take control early and get back on track. A strong showing could reset the tone
for the season. A slow start, though, would raise even more questions.
Colorado
The Offense
Last week brought a mixed bag from CU’s offense, but it was clear that something was missing. The passing game never really found its rhythm and the play calling leaned heavily on dump-offs, screens, and tight end checkdowns to keep the chains moving. It was enough to stay competitive for most of the game, but not enough to fully open up the offense.
That should change this week. In his postgame press conference, Deion Sanders made it clear that the lack of downfield passing “will get fixed,” so expect Kaidon Salter to be more aggressive pushing the ball vertically, whether it is to Colorado’s rebuilt receiving corps or in longer-developing route concepts. Colorado will be without Omarion Miller, likely their best wide receiver, so expect to see a plethora of receivers like Drelon Miller, Joseph Williams, Sincere Brown, Hykeem Williams and more get involved.
One of the bigger questions heading into this week is what kind of role Julian Lewis will play. The true freshman, five-star recruit backup did not see action last week, but Deion made it clear that Juju will see the field this week in some capacity. Will we see Lewis get some real wartime snaps early in the game, or will Sanders play it safe and hold off on playing him until garbage time? We’ll just have to watch to see.
The Defense
Defensively, there was a lot to like in last week’s showing. The pass rush showed flashes, the secondary held up well in man coverage and the linebackers were flying around. What did not get fixed, and ultimately cost them, was the run defense.
That should not be as much of a concern this week. Delaware is not a team that is going to win the game on the ground. They are pass-heavy and quick to get into tempo, so I expect Colorado to stick with the same general identity. That means aggressive man coverage on the outside, five defensive backs on the field, and rangy linebackers playing in space. Thankfully, that’s exactly where the Buffs excel.
The key will be whether that front seven can stay disciplined and not over pursue. Delaware may not have the firepower Georgia Tech brought to the table, but they will find seams if you let them.
The Fightin’ Blue Hens
While the Buffs are the clear favorite, this Delaware team is not to be taken lightly. The Fightin’ Blue Hens dropped over 40 points in half their games last season and have an experienced quarterback running the show.
Third-year signal caller Nick Minicucci is the engine of this offense. He saw significant snaps at the end of last season and was sharp, finishing the year with 13 total touchdowns to just four picks. He picked up right where he left off last week, tossing three touchdowns and rushing for another in a blowout win over Delaware State.
For Delaware, it is all about keeping Minicucci upright. If the Buffs front can generate pressure and force him off platform, they will stall this offense quickly. If not, he is smart enough to take what the defense gives and keep the chains moving.
Prediction
After a tough week one loss, I expect the Buffs to come out angry and aggressive. This matchup feels a lot like last year’s home game against Oklahoma State, a chance to bounce back, build rhythm and get a lot of different guys involved.
I predict Colorado will cover the 23.5-point spread, as well as for the game to hit the over at 50.5, though not by much in either direction. The Buffs have too much talent on both sides of the ball to let this one stay close for long, but Delaware should be good enough to grab a couple scores of their own.
Colorado 45
Delaware 17
