Colorado Buffaloes Vs. Fresno State Bulldogs: A Statistical Preview

Advantage	Conf	National	Actual	Category	Actual	National	Conf
	Rank	Rank				Rank	Rank
	10	105	96.5	Rushing Offense	121.5	90	9
	3	8	370.5	Passing Offense	332	19	3
	8	44	467	Total Offense	453.5	47	3
	6	33	39.5	Scoring Offense	46.5	16	1
	4	13	77	Rushing Defense	183.5	82	5
	5	28	163..47	Pass Efficiency	145.02	51	3
	6	34	317.5	Total Defense	479.5	106	11
	10	65	25.5	Scoring Defense	38	107	10
	8	103	32.55	Net Punting	40.93	26	3
	5	37	8.5	Punt Returns	25.29	6	1
	6	85	19.64	Kickoff Returns	21.78	58	4
	5	27	1	Turnover Margin	-.5	82	7
	10	80	240.5	Pass Defense	296	101	10
	7	28	102.1	Passing Efficiency Defense	159.6	105	12
	8	67	1.5	Sacks	.8	73	4
	9	78	5	Tackles For Loss	5.64	9	1
	10	90	2.5	Sacks Allowed	9	8	1

You guys, this is so much better than last year. Of course, this was the game last year that ruined the Buffs statistically for the rest of the season (although it certainly wasn't the only one...). Let's dig into the numbers and see what we can learn.

Neither team has had success on the ground through their first two games and both have high-powered aerial attacks that should be back and forth all day so the running game takes a back seat here right? Well, if one of these teams can get it going on the ground then they should have the upper hand just by keeping the opposing offense off the field. The opponents aren't quite comparable (Cal Poly is the worst, but Rutgers is the best), but it looks like CU should have an easier time running the ball then the Bulldogs.

In fact almost (we'll get to that in a bit) every defensive statistic for Fresno is abysmal. Total defense is 106th in the country and they haven't played a team that warrants those kind of numbers. DeRuyter is an offensive guy (this is sarcasm, for the Fresno newbies) and that's where this teams strength lies. If the Buffs are smart with the ball, they shouldn't have ANY issue putting up points at home.

This game is going to be a HUGE test for the CU secondary. The Bulldogs have receivers all over the field that can and will make plays. The Buffs are going to have to get pressure on Carr and it isn't going to be an easy task. The Bulldogs are 9th in the country in Sacks Allowed, which is pretty mind-blowing when you consider how much they throw.

The Buffs haven't been so good at protecting Connor Wood and they've had trouble blocking for the run game. Well Fresno is 9th in the country at Tackles for Loss. It's the one thing on defense that they have done well so far. Not an exciting combo.

You know how the Buffs have been terrible covering kickoffs and punts so far this season? Well the Bulldogs are pretty good at returning them. Look for special teams to be another huge key to this game (basically written my keys to the game post already!).