Buffs Film Room: Brenden Rice is the spark the Colorado offense needs

The Colorado Buffaloes’ offense has started to show signs of improvement after a dismal start to the 2021 season. While Brendon Lewis’ growth has primarily been the reason for Colorado’s offensive improvement, the emergence of Brenden Rice has given fans hope for the present and future.

Rice played sparingly in his true freshman season in 2020 but still earned a reputation for creating big plays and has continued to build on that success by charting two 100-yard games in the month of October.

Rice made waves in Boulder as soon as he announced his commitment to the program in 2019 because of his last name. Although he is the son of NFL-great Jerry Rice, Brenden Rice’s game is starting to talk for itself as the Buffs offense begins to find its footing.

Big Play Brenden

When the Arizona Wildcats made the trip to Boulder a few weeks ago, the Buffs offense used that opportunity as a “get right” game as they dismantled the Wildcats in a 34-0 win. Rice played a big role in the Buff’s blowout coming down with two huge receptions.

Brendon Lewis simply launches one up for Rice and the receiver Mosses the defensive back for a big gain of 31 early in the Buffs’ route of Arizona.

Rice wasn’t done clowning on the Wildcat defensive back as he found himself able to connect with Lewis again in the second half.

This time, Rice wins with pure speed and shows a natural ability to track, catch and accelerate through the football at the catch point.

The Buffs traveled to Autzen Stadium for a much bigger challenge against the Oregon Ducks last weekend and despite the jump in talent for the Buffs’ competition, Rice showed that he has the ability to be a huge part of Colorado’s future success.

Lewis launches up another bomb for Rice as he shows off his ability to play above the rim again and adds another Moss highlight to his young highlight reel.

Rice secured his second touchdown of the season later in the fourth quarter against the Ducks.

Lewis’ risky throw pays off as the football finds its way between two Duck defenders for Rice.

Rice’s Use Moving Forward

The Buffs have counted on Rice in the return game in multiple contests for the 2021 season and while he has yet to score a touchdown on special teams, Rice has a 28.2 yards per kick return average on the season.

Rice’s big-play ability has become too apparent to ignore and offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini has been getting creative with ways to get the ball into Rice’s hands.

Colorado’s downfield passing attack has been inconsistent throughout 2021 so screens and extended handoffs like this have been crucial to the Buffs’ ability to move the chains this year. Rice proved himself to be a reliable option to create plays in the screen game vs. Oregon.

Another impressive play for Rice with the ball in his hands early and in space.

The Buffs broke out a reverse late against Oregon and while it’s only a modest 17-yard gain, it became apparent that the Buffs trust young Rice with the ball in his hands and will give him opportunities to make an impact in the game.

Looking To the Future

Offensive inconsistencies have plagued the Buffs’ 2021 season and have made it hard at times for the team to stay in games the entire four quarters. While the schedule does the Buffs no favors as the calendar turns to November, looking back on October, there is reason to believe that offensive fireworks could be returning to Boulder sooner rather than later.

Brendon Lewis and Brenden Rice have been able to build some chemistry and both have shown the individual ability to create a big play with the ball in their hands in the open field.

Bowl eligibility is still in play for Colorado and they will need Lewis and Rice to take another step if this team hopes to continue playing football late into 2021.