Colorado had two weeks to figure out how to stop Utah's offense and fix its own offensive issues under new quarterback Isaac Wilson. After losses to Baylor and Texas Tech, Colorado is looking to finally get its first Big 12 win of the season against the Utes.
Historically, the Buffaloes have struggled against Utah. Last season, the Utes routed Colorado 53-7. However, the last time Colorado played Utah in Boulder, the Buffaloes won 49-24, although Colorado had a Heisman winner on that team and Utah was a far lesser team.
While it seems unlikely anyone from Colorado will win the Heisman this season, they still have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball to give themselves a chance against one of the country's best teams in Utah.
To pull off the
stunning upset, here are five things Colorado must do right.
No turnovers
This was key to their game against Texas Tech, too. They stayed competitive with the Red Raiders in the first half because they didn't turn the ball over. However, when interceptions piled up in the second half, the game slipped away from Colorado. To avoid repeating history against Utah, the Buffaloes must protect the football; they cannot afford turnovers.
They need a 100-yard rusher
Part of Colorado's problem is their inability to get points on the board because they aren't sustaining drives. In the season opener, part of their success in controlling the tempo and the line of scrimmage came from their ability to run the ball. No one has figured out how to stop Utah's offense yet, so the Buffaloes need to prepare to score points. Based on their previous games, they won't get points on the board without a solid run game and one of their running backs taking charge.
Generate at least two turnovers
Upsets are built on surprising plays. It would be a surprise to see the Utes turn the ball over multiple times. Colorado's defense has forced multiple turnovers only once this season, in its Week 2 win over Weber State. While playing Utah is different from playing Weber State, the defense has shown it can take the ball away. They must rise to the occasion in this game if the Buffaloes are going to win.
Avoid special teams mistakes
This is usually a key to the game for Colorado. It seems like there is at least one special teams mistake every game. Usually, it is a missed field goal, and the Buffaloes have at least one in three games this season. Any critical special teams mistake, including a missed field goal, can shift momentum dramatically. The Buffaloes need all the help they can get, so they cannot afford momentum to shift away from them because of an easily fixed special teams issue.
Joseph Williams needs at least one touchdown
Colorado's top receiver this season is easily Joseph Williams. He has emerged as one of the conference's top receivers through the first six weeks of college football. The Buffaloes need points to win, and odds are, if they put up a lot of points, it means their top offensive player finds the end zone at least once.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Five keys to a Colorado football upset over No. 11 Utah in Week 7
