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 1-8, (1-5)
NR (AP) NR (Coaches Poll) |
November 10th, 2012 |
5-4, (2-4)
NR (AP) NR (Coaches Poll) |
This game changed big-time when Matt Scott was ruled out of the game with a concussion. How can the Buffaloes take advantage?
New quarterback, new game plan
We've finally gotten what we've been asking for. A new quarterback will be under center for the Buffaloes when they take the field against the Wildcats. Who that will be, we don't yet know. But we have to hope that Jon Embree and Eric Bienemy have put together a game plan that will allow either of them to succeed. When they have seen the field at times this year, both Connor Wood and Nick Hirschman have been thrown right into the fire and asked to run the standard offense and they have had to run for their lives. Run the ball and use short passes to allow these guys to get comfortable. This game may be on the road, but the Wildcat defense is significantly worse than anything the Buffs have seen over the last month. Take advantage.
Wear down Ka'Deem Carey
Sophomore running back Ka'Deem Carey has had a great season, leading the Wildcats rushing attack to over 190 yards per game, good enough for third in the nation. But Carey is not a big kid. At 5'10, maybe 200 lbs, he uses his speed to avoid taking on big hit (although he isn't afraid to run between the tackles). The Buffs need to constantly attack Carey and force him to grind out all of his yards. If the running game stalls, turnovers will happen and Colorado may have a shot.
Attack Denker from all directions
With fantastic senior quarterback Matt Scott sidelined with a concussion, junior B.J. Denker will lead the Wildcats attack. This is incredibly significant. Scott is a perfect fit for a Rich Rodriguez offense and he knew it inside and out. Denker went 2-for-5 for 12 yards when he came in against the Bruins. If Colorado can get to Denker early and not allow him to get comfortable, it will be a whole new ball game. The Buffaloes pass rush has struggled over the past few weeks as the competition increased. Time to get it going again.
Start first, shut down the crowd
11:30 is not a normal start time in Tucson. The locals are used to afternoon games at the earliest and a ton of night starts. This weekend is homecoming at Arizona (a big deal that brings lots of alums back) and there was definitely a ton of imbibing going on at all of the local watering holes late last night. Just like it would be if this game was in Boulder with an early start, the fans, especially students will slowly filter in during the first quarter. If they can walk in to a deficit, the Buffs may be able to take them out of the game before they even get started.
What are your keys to today's game?