Keys to Victory: Pac-12 Championship

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The No. 8 Colorado Buffaloes and No. 3 Washington Huskies matchup in Santa Clara, CA., this Friday in the 2016 Pac-12 Championship. The title game will be a defensive battle, boasting the Pac-12’s top two defenses in the Buffs and the Huskies. For Colorado to come away with a win on the road, they need to succeed in nearly every facet of the game. There are a handful of matchups that will have the biggest impact on the outcome of the contest.

Sefo Liufau has to get the ball to his offensive weapons

That might seem obvious, but it will be especially important this week. The Huskies’ defense will present a serious challenge to the veteran quarterback, and spreading the ball around will keep Washington on their toes. Shay Fields, Bryce Bobo (if healthy) and Devin Ross are all explosive options, but the Huskies have a secondary nearly as dominant as Colorado’s. Defensive backs Sidney Jones, Budda Baker and Taylor Rapp have all been dangerous playmakers for Washington. The trio will be a huge challenge for Colorado’s offense. Liufau and his receivers have to get the better of Washington’s defensive backs, and winning some one on one match ups could make or break the Buffs’ success.

It will be imperitive to get the run game going as well. In Colorado’s two losses this season, running back Phillip Lindsay was held to 51 and 57 yards, with no touchdowns in either game. The Huskies have a solid run defense, but if Lindsay can get going, he will really give the Buffs’ offense a boost. This is something to definitely focus in on as Lindsay only had 12 carries last week.

Colorado’s secondary needs to play shutdown… Again

The Buffs’ group of defensive backs has been exceptional this season. Their secondary houses the most disruptive players in college football, with corner Akhello Witherspoon and safety Tedric Thompson tied atop the NCAA rankings in passes defended. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie has been a force as well, making plays and forcing turnovers all over the field. This week, they face one of their toughest challenges to date with the explosive Washington offense. Quarterback Jake Browning and wideout John Ross have been impressive all season, and will put the Buffs’ secondary to the test. Keeping Ross in check and putting pressure on Browning will be perhaps the most important task for Colorado this weekend.

The Buffs need to beat the Huskies’ offensive line

Washington’s tough front line has been key to the success of their quarterback, as well as that of running back Myles Gaskin this season. Colorado will have to find a way to get around them, as they attempt to both contain the run and put pressure on the quarterback. Forcing mistakes out of Browning won’t be easy, as he’s thrown a ridiculous 40 touchdowns to seven interceptions this season. The Buffs need to keep him under pressure and maybe cause a turnover or two to stay competitive in this game. Linebacker Jimmie Gilbert will be a big part of that pressure, leading the team with nine sacks on the season, he is capable of getting to the quarterback and breaking up plays. Colorado will need that kind of disruption Friday night.

The Buffaloes have been underdogs all season. They have been doubted, underestimated and written off time after time.

“I don’t think anyone has picked us to win,” said Liufau. “I don’t think anyone wants us to win.”

This is not the same Buffs’ team that went 4-9 last year, and they have all of the tools in place to come away with a win and a Pac-12 title this weekend. Dominating in the secondary and executing a multi-faceted offense will give Colorado their best and maybe only shot at taking down Washington and bringing a championship back to Boulder.