After winning their season opener against Georgia Tech, Colorado is now turning their attention to Weber State for their first home game of the season.
This game will help build momentum for the Buffaloes, who haven't lost to an FCS team since September 2012. Defensively, they looked like a much improved unit in their opener against the Yellow Jackets. Their run game was strong as well, although their passing attack could use some work before their Big 12 opener against Baylor.
Still, you can never take any game for granted because upsets are possible every week in college football. So, here are five keys for Colorado against Weber State.
Control time of possession
A good strategy to win against any opponent is to control the clock. Colorado's offense leaning on the run
game requires using a lot of time if it is successful. That was the case against Georgia Tech since the Buffaloes held the ball for over 34 minutes. Weber State also seems to struggle with time of possession. In both games so far this season, they have not won the time of possession, including their win this season, when they had the ball for only 22 minutes. If the Buffaloes control the clock throughout the game, they should come away with the win.
Ball security
The best way for an upset to occur is through turnovers. For example, SMU nearly lost to Florida State because of four costly mistakes. To keep Weber State from upsetting Colorado, the Buffaloes cannot turn the ball over. That wasn't a problem against Georgia Tech, which is why Colorado won. Ball security is also something to strive for all season, but it's especially important here to prevent a shocking upset.
Make Weber State's offense one-dimensional
Arguably Weber State's top player is wide receiver Noah Kjar, one of the best players in the Big Sky Conference so far. He has over 100 receiving yards in both of the Wildcats' games and four total touchdowns. If Colorado can shut down the passing attack, which largely depends on Kjar, Weber State will have to rely on the ground game, which plays into the Buffaloes' defensive strength because Colorado's run defense is much better this season.
Weber State also has a strong rushing attack, as they had two backs with over 80 rushing yards in their last game. However, the run game's efficiency will drop significantly if they cannot get the passing attack going.
No major special teams miscues
If it were not for Georgia Tech's kickoff return for a touchdown, Colorado's opener would not have been close, as the Yellow Jackets offense could not score an offensive touchdown. Colorado has a history of special teams miscues, particularly under head coach Deion Sanders. A miscue on special teams can alter the entire momentum of a game and could also allow Weber State to pull off a shocking win. The Buffaloes need a cohesive special teams unit.
Touchdowns, not field goals
This was one of the keys to the opener, and it is something the Buffaloes should do every week. Colorado should blow out Weber State in this game, and if they are going to do that, they need to come away with touchdowns in the red zone. The Buffaloes also need to build chemistry in their passing game, and scoring touchdowns in the red zone is a great way to build that chemistry for the rest of the season.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Five keys for Colorado football to beat Weber State in Week 2
