Colorado's defense failed to stop Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker last week, and Week 9 won't be any easier as they prepare to face Kansas State and quarterback Avery Johnson.
Kansas State's offense depends on Johnson, their leading passer with over 1,300 passing yards and leading rusher with over 450 rushing yards. If the Buffaloes want their first Big 12 win, they need to shut him down. That is, if he plays. Johnson and K-State's other quarterbacks are all banged up heading into this weekend's matchup.
How Avery Johnson can change this game
Kansas State has been struggling in conference play as well. However, they got their first Big 12 win against Kansas two weeks ago, and they won on the ground. They had a two-headed monster with Joe Jackson and Avery Johnson, who both
had over 130 rushing yards.
That is typically how Johnson changes games. He has two games this season with over 100 rushing yards, but no game with over 300 passing yards. Johnson missed last week's game against Arizona State with an injury, and his status for this game is uncertain. But Colorado needs to prepare as if he will play.
How Colorado slows Johnson down
First, because of his injuries, Johnson may slow down if he plays. But the best way to slow Avery Johnson down is to keep him in the pocket. Johnson struggles as a traditional pocket passer, as shown by his only 300-yard game against a Power Four team in his four-year collegiate career.
If Johnson plays, and Colorado can keep him in the pocket, they should have a lot of success against this offense and keep the game close. The Buffaloes might also force a turnover or two out of Johnson if he tries to force the ball downfield.
Prediction
With the other injuries in Kansas State's quarterback room, they'll try incredibly hard to get Avery Johnson on the field. If he plays, Colorado should have success keeping him in the pocket, since their defense has played well all season except against Oklahoma State. Especially since Johnson is injured, he'll play more cautiously than usual, which will also help contain him. Perhaps Colorado can finally grab that elusive conference win.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: How Colorado can slow Kansas State QB Avery Johnson if he plays
