With Colorado beginning their season tonight against Georgia Tech, they are looking to get off on the right foot and build momentum before their first Big 12 game.
This game will serve as a test for the Buffaloes on both sides of the ball. Defensively, this will show whether their run defense has really improved from last season and put the linebacker group to the test right away. Offensively, this game will provide the first glimpse into how quarterback Julian Lewis will perform in his first full season as the starting quarterback.
If they are going to win this game, here are five things Colorado has to get right.
1. Contain Georgia Tech's run game
This is probably the biggest key to the game. The Yellow Jackets are going to try and rely on their run game to carry them through,
like they did last season in the opener. It worked last season, and Colorado cannot allow that to happen again. Georgia Tech may have one of the best running backs in college football, so this is not an easy task. But if they are going to have any chance of winning this game, they cannot give up 146 rushing yards as they did last year.
2. Exploit Georgia Tech's young secondary
The Yellow Jackets are going into this game with a very inexperienced secondary, particularly at safety, while Georgia Tech is solid at cornerback. However, on the safety side, they could have freshmen getting their first taste of college football playing meaningful snaps in this game. This is something Colorado will want to exploit to create some explosive plays and get on the board.
3. Get after Alberto Mendoza
Colorado was horrible in the sack department last season, recording 13 sacks in 12 games. However, this opener is their chance to prove they have improved on the defensive line with all the new transfers that will be seeing action in this game. Georgia Tech's starting quarterback, Alberto Mendoza, has limited college experience, especially since he served as his brother Fernando Mendoza's backup last season. It would really help the Buffaloes get a win in this game if they could keep Mendoza uncomfortable and get him on the ground a few times.
4. Touchdowns, not field goals
Especially because Georgia Tech is going to try to control the game on the ground, which will minimize how many possessions Colorado has, the Buffaloes are going to have to take advantage of every drive. If they are going to win this game, they cannot settle for field goals. They have to get in the end zone. This is something they struggled with last season, only scoring a touchdown on 62.5 percent of their red zone trips and settling for field goals 25 percent of the time. That will not fly against Georgia Tech.
5. Establish the ground game
Just as Georgia Tech will try to control the game on the ground, Colorado needs to establish its ground game. They have a talented running back room that should keep the sticks moving and allow the Buffaloes to pick up first downs. But they will have to do this consistently if they are going to win this game.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Five keys for Colorado football to beat Georgia Tech in Week 1
