Friday's Fast Five: Keys For Buffs Vs. Oregon

EUGENE, Ore. — Last week, the Colorado Buffaloes played well enough to win in two of three phases against fourth-ranked Michigan — and paid dearly for their mistakes in the third area.

A host of special teams miscues led to three Wolverines touchdowns, the difference in a 45-28 win.

Saturday in Oregon, the Buffs can't afford any such slipups. While the Ducks aren't technically a top 25 team, they are still a talented, dangerous bunch — and these Buffs still aren't good enough to make many mistakes and expect to win.

What they'll be aiming to do Saturday when they invade a raucous Autzen Stadium and take aim at halting a six-game Oregon win streak in the series:

1. Prevent special teams breakdowns. OK, stop me if you've heard this one before — which, of course, you have if you read last week's Fast Five ahead of the Michigan game.

The importance hasn't changed. Rather, if anything, it has increased in significance, because this much is guaranteed: the Ducks have seen the film. They know where the Buffs were vulnerable a week ago, and they'll do everything in their power to see if they can exploit that weakness again — if it still exists.

The Buffs spent plenty of time this week working on their special teams to eliminate those weaknesses. They tweaked their protection scheme, experimented with some personnel changes and believe they'll be ready for whatever Oregon throws their way.

While last week's breakdowns were indeed game-changing, one game does not indicate a trend. If the Buffs can fix the issues this week, the Michigan game will be an aberration instead of a worrisome development.

It's not as if the  Buffs have to win the special teams battle as much as they can't afford to lose it. In their first two games, they were basically error free in that area, and they need to return to that form again Saturday in order to prevent a major momentum shift.

One added twist: Colorado will be utilizing a new kicker. With starter Diego Gonzalez out for the year with an Achilles injury, field goals and kickoffs will be handled by either junior Chris Graham or true freshman Davis Price.

2. Limit Oregon's rushing attack / protect the edge. Notice we didn't say stop Oregon's run game. Even with a relatively inexperienced offensive line (four redshirt freshman starters), the Ducks will still be able to run the ball with some success on just about everybody they play.

The key for the Buffs will be to not give up the big, gashing plays. A year ago, two of the Ducks' four longest plays against Colorado in a 41-24 win were runs, including a 62-yard run by Taj Griffin and a 29-yard scoring burst from Royce Freeman.

Both players are back this year (although Freeman's status isn't known after he left the Nebraska game in the first quarter with an injury and word from Eugene is that he may not play). This time around, the Buffs have to make the Ducks work for their yards on the ground and — if at all possible — force Oregon into third-and-long situations and make quarterback Dakota Prukop be the difference maker.

The second part of the equation is to protect the edge and force plays inside. The Buffs did that well reasonably against Michigan until they lost OLB Derek McCartney. They can't afford to let Oregon's speedy backs — or Prukop — get around the edge and turn upfield in space.

3. Win the third-down battle by running the ball effectively. Buried by the problems on special teams last week was Colorado's ineffectiveness on third down at Michigan. The Buffs finished the game just 1-for-13 on third down, with too many of those plays third-and-6 or longer — nine, to be exact.

The Buffs have to give themselves a chance on third down, which means being able to run the ball effectively at times. Oregon has given up more than 500 yards rushing this year and eight rushing touchdowns. Even more importantly, the Ducks have allowed opponents to convert almost 90 percent of their third-down rushing attempts. That's good news for the Buffs, as Colorado is 19-for-25 on third-and-5 or shorter this year, but just 5-for-25 on third-and-6 or longer.

Defensively, it's the same story. The Buffs did give up one key third-and-long last week — a 54-yard completion on third-and-14 that led to a touchdown — but still limited to the Wolverines to just 5-for-16 for the day.

Colorado's defense has been particularly stout on third-and-6 or longer, limiting opponents to just three conversions in 28 tries. It's why containing the Oregon run game will be so important — force the Ducks into third-and-long, and the Buffs should like their chances.

4. Protect the quarterback. It doesn't matter if it is senior Sefo Liufau or redshirt freshman Steven Montez — the Buffs have to make sure whoever is under center has enough time to get the ball to his receivers.

The Ducks' pass rush isn't particularly fearsome up front, but they do have nine sacks on the year, with at least four coming from linebackers and defensive backs, meaning they'll attempt to confuse Colorado's quarterbacks by disguising some coverages and bringing pressure off the edge or up the middle with some blitz packages.

If Liufau plays, his experience should give him an edge in recognizing that pressure. The inexperienced Montez, though, may have problems in that regard and it will be up to his line and his running backs to give him as much help as they can.

The Buffs' offensive line has been solid thus far. While they did give up four sacks against Michigan, most of those came in the second half, when the Wolverines were teeing off on Montez.

If Colorado can give its quarterback — whoever it is — enough time to open up the short passing game, it will go a long way in giving the Buffs a chance to establish some offensive rhythm and produce some momentum.

Another twist here: Liufau is a proven runner. Montez has similar abilities. If he's the guy Saturday and can extend a play or two with his legs, or pick up some yards on the ground, he'll make Oregon's defense think twice about sending the house.

5. Win the turnover battle. Yes, this item should be on the list just about every week — which is why it's here today.

The Buffs have forced at least one takeaway in 16 straight games, the longest current such streak in the nation. It's an important part of their game, as evidenced by Derek McCartney's fumble return for a touchdown in Michigan.

But while it's important in every game, it's even more important on the road. There's nothing that quiets a home crowd faster than an interception or fumble recovery. Autzen Stadium is loud, and the best way to silence the roar early will be for the Buffs to come up with a fumble or interception.

Do it early and they'll have a little momentum on their side. Do it late in the game and it could be the play that sends them home singing the CU fight song.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu