5 questions heading into Colorado vs Washington State
Colorado has another pivotal Pac-12 tilt on Saturday night against Washington State in Pullman. We pose five burning questions heading into the #Pac12AfterDark matchup.
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1. Can Colorado show up on defense?
After Colorado held CSU and Texas State to a combined six points to start the season, the Buffs have taken a huge step back defensively in Pac-12 play. In their last three games, Colorado has allowed 467, 567, and 569 yards. Those three games were against UCLA, Arizona, and Oregon State, who let's face it, are not the strongest Pac-12 teams.
Colorado ranks No. 97 nationally in total defense with their run defense being especially weak. Washington State boasts an air raid offense, and their passing offense ranks No. 3 in the country. But WSU isn't necessarily just a one-trick pony. They are a physical team and can run the ball if need be.
Still, Colorado's defensive strength (to be generous) is the secondary, led by Isaiah Oliver and Afolabi Laguda, so WSU's offense could play into CU's favor.
The Buffaloes' desperately need a good defensive performance.
2. How will Washington State bounce back from last week's loss?
Friday night games have been upset city in the Pac-12 this season as USC lost on a Friday night to Washington State, and the Cougars lost to Cal this past Friday. Washington State lost to the Bears 37-3, which is absolutely shocking. The Cougs were a surefire top ten team after their dominance this season.
But how will WSU bounce back in their matchup against the Buffs? It's likely that Leach will have his crew fired up and bounce back strong. Colorado will need to come out ready.
3. Will Edwards or Udoffia play?
Colorado had their fair share of attrition from last year's roster and even lost guys like N.J. Falo and Anthony Julmisse before the season. The Buffaloes need everyone available on defense on the roster, and the Buffs were without two of their key contributors against Oregon State.
Nose tackle Javier Edwards is day-to-day as he suffered a sprained ankle against Arizona, and cornerback Trey Udoffia has been dinged up with a knee sprain since the UCLA game and is probable for the game.
Colorado needs Edwards to plug up running lanes and draw double teams, and they certainly need Udoffia healthy to help limit WSU's passing attack.
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4. Will the Colorado offense start fast?
I think a key aspect of this game will be Colorado's ability to start fast. Colorado's offense has been much improved of late, but getting in a whole early would be disastrous for the Buffs.
Scoring won't come easy as Washington State's defense is very good and ranks No. 7 in passing defense, No. 35 in rushing defense, and No. 10 in total defense. But Colorado has been good on offense this season, outscoring opponents 59-38.
5. Any chance up an upset?
The betting line for the game sits around 10.5 points in favor of WSU, and I think the final result will be spot on with the betting line. My prediction for the game is Colorado 24, Washington State 35. There's certainly a chance for an upset though if Colorado can run the ball well and show up defensively. I just don't have much faith in this defensive group after how epicly bad they've been in the past two weeks.