For the second week in a row, the Colorado Buffaloes will face an inexperienced quarterback. However, this time, it is not due to injury. Arizona State benched their starter, Cutter Boley, and have settled on freshman Jake Fette as their quarterback.
Colorado at least has some film to work with this since Fette played the entire game last week against BYU. Both teams come into this game needing a win to keep their bowl chances alive, although the Buffaloes may be a little more desperate since it took them until last week to get their first conference win.
If Colorado wants to build on last week's momentum, they must do these five things right.
Contain Reed Harris
Part of what BYU did so well against Arizona State last week was holding their top receiver, Reed Harris,
to just one reception for four yards. The Sun Devils don't have enough depth at receiver to make up for the loss of production if Harris can't get going. So, if Colorado's defense can force Fette to target other receivers, it would make things a lot easier on the Buffaloes' defense.
Get pressure on Fette
Nothing rattles a young quarterback more than being unsettled in the pocket. The Cougars understood that last week, sacking Fette six times. Colorado has a lot of talent on the defensive line, including Gideon Lampron, who is coming off a career game against Kansas State. The Buffaloes need their defensive line to step up to win.
Run the ball efficiently and often
Colorado finally got their run game back on track last week with 43 carries for 222 yards and three touchdowns. The Buffaloes' running backs averaged 5.2 yards per carry. Richard Young had the bulk of the carries with 24 attempts for 120 yards and two touchdowns. He should be a factor in this game as well, with some of Colorado's other backs mixed in. An average of at least five yards per carry would be good for the Buffaloes.
No turnovers
The Buffaloes cannot go one game without a turnover. Last week, quarterback Isaac Wilson wasn't even responsible for Colorado's only turnover. Instead, running back DeKalon Taylor fumbled as he neared the goal line. If Colorado is going to make a late-season push, they need to protect the football.
Get Joseph Williams involved early
Reed Harris is regarded as one of the best receivers in the Big 12, but Joseph Williams is too. He needs to be involved early for Colorado's offense so they can get things going through the air and on the ground. Williams had five receptions for 89 yards last week against Kansas State. A similar performance this week, or better, would help Colorado get another Big 12 win.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Five keys to a Colorado win over Arizona State in Week 10
