As we continue to preview the Buffs heading into the 2016 season, today we take a look at our three biggest preseason concerns.

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With a schedule as daunting as Colorado’s, especially in the front end with games on the road against Michigan, Oregon, and USC it’s likely that Colorado will have to rely on everyone on the roster to contribute. When you’re playing in a Power 5 Conference, quality of top tier players in a necessity. Does Colorado lack quality caliber second string players? You could argue that or argue it’s lack of back ups with experience.

Playing behind Sefo Liufao at Quarterback is likely RS-Freshman Steven Montez who didn’t play a game last year as he was red-shirted. Playing behind Phillip Lindsay at Running Back, it’s likely Michael Adkins II who has been injury plagued throughout his career or Donovan Lee who ran for just 303-yards in 2015 or Sophomore Kyle Evans who was just put on scholarship on Monday, August 18th. Now at the receiver position they have plenty of depth, this should be their offensive strength this year.

The more quality big bodies the better, up front underclassmen like John Lisella, Aaron Haigler, and Tim Lynott who is expected to start at Guard have shown promise, but only Lisella saw playing time in 2015, playing in 361 snaps.

On the defensive side of the football the defensive line looks ready for whatever comes their way, thanks to the return of Samson Kafovalu and Josh Tupou, throw in other experienced guys like Jordan Carrell, Leo Jackson, and Timothy Coleman, things are looking good.

Rising down linemen such as Frank Umu, Brett Tonz, and Eddy Lopez lack game experience, but should be ready to answer the bell if called on. At the backer position the two’s look formidable with guys like Terran Hassellbach, Drew Lewis, NJ Falo, and Akil Jones each having solid showings in August. Don’t forget about Sophomore Rick Gamboa who led the team in tackles last year.

The Colorado Secondary has a few playmakers after the one’s. Safety Afolabi Laguda shined during their mid August scrimmage, Nick Fisher also had a good showing, and True Freshman Trey Udoffia has had a good August Camp.

Overall it’s easier to have confidence in the defensive two’s than the offensive two’s at this point.

We can’t gauge Senior Quarterback Sefo Liufau based off his sophomore season when he balled out and threw for 3,200-yards and 28 touchdowns or base him off his junior season in 2015 when he threw for 2,418-yards and 9 touchdowns, we have to talk about Liufau in the present. Now while last Saturday was a meaning less practice scrimmage, Liufau clearly has some work to do before the Buffs’ September 2nd game against Colorado State.

Throws into the red-zone didn’t look tight, his one deep ball he threw was under thrown, he wasn’t getting the ball out quick enough, etc. With all that said, he’s a proven veteran team leader, but if he isn’t getting the job done early on will Head Coach Mike MacIntyre try out RS-Freshman Steven Montez or Senior Jordan Gehrke? Neither Montez or Gehrke have serious game experience, which is scary should something not work out with Liufau.

Raise your hand if you think the Colorado State game is a gimme for the Buffs. Do the same for games against Oregon State, Arizona State, UCLA, Arizona, Washington State, and Utah. Those are their easier games. They also play Michigan, Oregon, USC, and Stanford, those four games mind you are on the road.

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By HighlandsCPA

Offense in general.

OL is an unknown

RB is a weak unit

WR is unknown other than Fields

TE has rarely produced, possibly because Sefo doesn't look at the middle of the field a lot as evidenced by increased production after he went out last year. QB depth is a concern. Lisfranc injuries from what I understand are easily aggravated.

By dtownbuff

For me it's simply depth. If our starters play to their potential we have the chance to win 6-7 games. We will still have a dog fight and have to hang on in the second half due to inability to rotate as much as some of the teams we face, but the talent along the first string is bowl worthy.If we have any injuries at QB, RB, OL, DL or LB we are in trouble. That's where the real issue lies. If we only had one thin position we could likely cope but we are thin on so many places.The other issue is see is that our RB are not nearly good enough to carry the offense in the pac 12 and we still don't have a dominant back for inside the 20s. I think we will once again look like the Buffs of last year and the Broncos of the last 15 (minus out short lived Peyton manning years). We will put up a lot of yards between the 20s and then struggle in the red zone. Just like last year it won't be coaching that's the issue. It's the fact that we just don't have a dominant runner and line for the Pac 12 red zone

By TroutBuff

It will be the OL for me until I see a drastic improvement. I've been saying it for several years now, but there are very few aspects on the offensive line that you can adequately assess without a functional line. Emmett Smith was a great running back, but he would've been garbage without his line. No QB in the world can play at all when you're getting A gap pressure. Period. So that's what I'm concerned about, and I'm hoping that this is the year where we can finally see if Sefo has it.

By CU Punish

1.a. QB

1.b. OL

2. BL

It looks like the defense will be decent. Not great, not bad. Bend don't break. Gives up yards, but creates some pressure and turnovers at times and keeps the opponent in check. I see a good 2 deep everywhere but corner. The offense is such a big question mark. Looks like they will move the chains both on the ground and through short passes, but that won't be enough to be very good in the P12.

Unless one of the WR's suddenly becomes the second coming of Paul Richardson then we are going to see a lot of 31 to 27 type games where the Buffs come up short. I'm praying that Sefo can shake off the rust and be the man this year. Doesn't need to be perfect, but don't blow games with stupid mistakes. That is all I ask. Lastly, we will all know what this team is going to be after the RMS is over.

If the Buffs lose or squeak out a win, then it is going to be very, very difficult to get to a bowl game. If the Buffs come out and dominate, then there is some reason to be optimistic (even though CSU is down this year). Jeez, I've become so jaded! I'm supposed to be optimistic and pumped for the season but my expectations are low. I just really, really hope that this team has in fact improved and really turns the corner this year. Another coaching change could really sting. I like HCMM, but there are really no excuses for not getting to a bowl game.

Go Buffs.

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Don't Miss: Tuesday Practice Report | August Football Camp Coverage | Roster