Stop the run.
That sounds simple, but it is the central test facing the Colorado Buffaloes and head coach Deion Sanders when they visit Georgia Tech on Thursday night. The Yellow Jackets are expected to use a run-heavy offense, with quarterback Alberto Mendoza adding another problem for Colorado's linebackers.
Georgia Tech will play at home with an 8 p.m. ET kickoff, making this an immediate test for the defense as it tries to establish a new identity this season.
However, I believe Colorado's offseason preparation should matter here.
New offensive system acting as a training ground
The Go-Go offense has forced the Buffaloes defense to deal with motions, shifting formations, misdirection and quarterback-run responsibilities for months. That sounds like a perfect practice environment for the Georgia
Tech offense, which will want to create confusion with mismatches involving Mendoza.
Both offenses share a commitment to misdirection, multiple backfield looks, and quarterbacks who can be part of the rushing attack. That should create an entertaining chess match, but my early opinion is that Georgia Tech has the more reliable run game.
Colorado has a versatile collection of backs, with Damian Henderson II giving the Buffs a bigger downhill option. At the same time, Micah Welch and Alabama transfer Richard Young could handle power runs or stretch plays. DeKalon Taylor and JaQuail Smith add speed and give Brennan Marion more ways to stress the Yellow Jackets defense.
What Georgia Tech's running game brings to the table?
The Yellow Jackets, however, bring more proven production. Michigan transfer Justice Haynes ran for 857 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, while Malachi Hosley added 697 yards and seven scores. Georgia Tech also ran for 320 yards in its 27-20 win over Colorado last season.
That can't happen again.
The Buffs have spent the offseason facing Marion's Go-Go offense, but still, preparation is not the same as stopping it in a game. Colorado's new defense has an immediate chance to change the narrative from last season, but they cannot afford any miscommunications or soft tackling.
The Buffs are set to play Georgia Tech on Thursday, Sept. 3.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football's biggest challenge against Georgia Tech is clear
