1-4, 0-0
NR (AP) NR (Coaches Poll) |
October 8th, 2011 |
4-0, 0-0
7th (AP) 4th (Coaches Poll) |
Must Be Disruptive, Take Chances
19 consecutive road game losing streak. 30 point under dogs against the 7th ranked team in the country who has the #1 NFL pick at quarterback. Saying the odds are stacked against the Buffs today would be an understatement. The Buffs are heavy underdogs and over matched. So what do you do when you're a big underdog? Mix it up. Take chances, throw deep, bring seven. Yes, it all could back fire but surely playing safe, playing just to stay in the game will ultimately end in a loss. Find a way to make life difficult for Stanford and Andrew Luck. Ultimately, no one expects you to win so go out and get it.
Get Momentum Early
We all know the road woes and usually when the Buffs get behind early, it gets ugly really early (see California a year ago). This is more a key for survival. A 14-0 start for Stanford would be a recipe for disaster. It will be key for the Buffs to get a stop against Stanford on the first drive, get some confidence.
Come Out Throwing
Listen, the only two things that have worked this year is WR Paul Richardson turning in big plays (hopefully he plays, rumor is he is injured) and RB screens to Rodney Stewart. Common football knowledge says run the ball, take time of possession up but Stanford has a top 10 run defense, Colorado has a horrible run offense. It just won't work today. Get the ball in your play maker's hands, that is the only way you win.
Mental Mistakes Must Be Non Existent
The Buffs have struggled mightily with penalties and special teams play. Any sort of run on penalties or poor special teams play, Stanford scores 50 and this game is over quickly.