Colorado (1-1) is set to face Colorado State (1-1) in a high-stakes rivalry game, but questions linger about their ability to establish the run. Head coach Deion Sanders is well aware of the problem. "I feel like we got the right guys," Sanders said, per Kyle Bonagura of ESPN. "You may see us shake something up a little bit. Phil Loadholt is a wonderful offensive line coach. [Offensive coordinator] Pat [Shurmur] does a tremendous job in calling plays as he did in the first game [against North Dakota State].”
The Buffaloes' offense showed promise in their season opener, racking up 504 total yards, including a staggering 445 through the air. But the ground game was lackluster, managing just 2.6 yards per carry for a total of 59 rushing yards. Last week’s loss to Nebraska only magnified these issues, as Colorado’s rushing attack hit a new low with 16 yards on 0.7 yards per carry.
Shedeur Sanders was forced to carry the load, throwing for 244 yards and a touchdown, but the Buffs’ inability to protect him became evident when he was sacked five times. This performance echoed their struggles from last season, where Colorado ranked last in FBS in yards per carry (2.31) and allowed the most sacks among Power 5 teams (56). They were one of just three teams in the country to rush for less than 1,000 yards and their 827 yards was 150 less than the second-lowest offense.
Heading into this weekend, Colorado’s 71 rushing yards rank dead last among teams that have played at least two games this season. To make matters worse, leading rusher Dallan Hayden (14 carries, 52 yards) is expected to be sidelined for this matchup against Colorado State.
Despite these offensive line shortcomings, the Buffs remain 7-point favorites (o/u 58.5) for Saturday’s game, according to BetMGM. BetQL predicts a 13-point victory for Colorado, with a final score of 34-21. However, given last year’s thrilling overtime victory, where CU edged Colorado State 43-35, there’s reason to believe this game could be closer—and high-scoring.
Shedeur Sanders lit up Colorado State’s defense last year, going 38-for-43 with 438 yards and four touchdowns. With Colorado's continued struggles on the ground, it will likely be up to Sanders once again to lead the charge through the air.
Colorado State had a big day in this matchup last year, with quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi throwing for 367 yards (with three TD’s and three INT’s) and wide receiver Tory Horton hauling in 16 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown in their last outing. Colorado will be without one of their key defensive players, safety Shilo Sanders, who is recovering from an injury. His absence could provide a critical opening for Colorado State’s passing attack.
I’m betting the over, but am not comfortable backing Colorado to cover until they can effectively run the football and also protect Sanders when he drops back to pass.
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