Colorado Buffaloes Vs. Ohio State Buckeyes: Q&A With Inside The Shoe

Here's the second of our three Ohio State Q&A's, this time with Inside the Shoe.

Q: Who are the #1 play-makers on offense and defense?

 On defense it would Columbus, Ohio native LB Doug Rippy. He has been far and away, Colorado's best defensive player this season. He is second on the team in tackles with 26, averaging 8.7 a game and two total sacks. Rippy has been all over the field and has made a big impact in his first year as a full time starter.

On offense, WR Paul Richardson is Colorado's best playmaker. Like we said above, he set a Colorado record with 284 yards against Cal. He has four touchdowns and is ranked 11th in receiving yards per game with 120. The true sophomore emerged late last season to be a big time threat and he continues to show that ability in 2011.

RB Rodney Stewart is also an offensive threat for the Buffs. He is only 5'8", but one of the strongest players on the team and is unbelievably shifty. It is scary to think where this offense would have been without Stewart the past few years. He moved into fourth place on CU's all-time rushing yards list, closing the Colorado State game with 2,967 career rushing yards. He is within striking distance of being the top Colorado running back ever in terms of rushing yards.

Q: After getting your first win against Colorado State, can the momentum of that game help with trying to beat Ohio State?

 It is certainly better than losing to Colorado State and going into the game 0-3 with absolutely no momentum. The good news for Buff fans is the team progressed from the game against Hawaii to the game against California. We saw some flashes of brilliance, but still plenty to improve. While many are still uneasy about this team after the Colorado State game, getting a win was still a positive step forward.

Head over to Inside the Shoe to check out the rest...