BOULDER – The transformation of Colorado Buffaloes football has been nothing short of spectacular to witness. The surging program, headed by coach Mike MacIntyre, has already completed one of the most impressive turnarounds in college football history. The Buffs had won ten games over three seasons from 2013-2015, including a 4-9 run last year. They were looking up at the Pac-12 from the NCAA’s basement. Now they sit at 10-2 with a shot at the Pac-12 Championship and their first bowl berth in over a decade.
Colorado’s climb is no fluke. They have built an impressive and balanced team on both sides of the football, and they have worked hard for every yard and victory.
The explosiveness of Colorado’s offense has kept them on the board in high-scoring matchups. It boasts a trio of wideouts who churn out yardage, and a running back who eclipsed 1,100 yards on the season. But it is their No. 13 ranked defense in the country that has burst into the spotlight, stabilizing the team in every game and garnering national attention for the program.
Specifically, it is the Buffs’ secondary that houses some of the most talented defensive players in all of college football. Safety Tedric Thompson and cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and Ahkello Witherspoon are all seniors and all indispensable playmakers in the Colorado defense. They have been one of the most consistent and dominant units of the 2016 season.
In fall camp, the Buffs secondary was searching for an identity, as the three leaders sought NFL careers and to cash in on their abilities. They landed on the name “Money Gang,” a moniker that has translated to a mindset for the group. While some scouts have doubted their abilities in the past, deservingly all eyes remain upon them.
Touted as the most disruptive defensive player for the Buffaloes heading into this season, Awuzie was responsible for 46 total tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception and seven passes defended in the regular season. It’s near impossible to over-hype the damage he is capable of. Awuzie sets the edge, gets to the quarterback, and breaks up passes. He is just as dangerous on special teams, making a potentially game-saving play against Utah this past Saturday. Projected as an early to mid-round draft pick in 2017, Awuzie has been the definition of a shutdown corner for the Buffs for the past few years. His senior season has cemented his status as one of the most dominant players in college football.
On the other side of Awuzie in the Colorado backfield is fellow cornerback Witherspoon, who has recorded an interception, a forced fumble and 20 other passes broken up this season. Witherspoon has staked a claim as one of the most underrated corners in the game. He has had an exceptional 2016 season, including a spectacular end zone interception against Oregon. He is a big part of the shutdown tandem that repeatedly held opposing wideouts out of the end zone this year.
Senior safety Thompson exploded for the Buffs this season as a defensive playmaker. A reliable cover guy in the past, this year he found himself in more crucial scenarios and did not disappoint. He tallied seven interceptions (placing him third among NCAA players) and 14 more passes defended. Perhaps his most important contribution to Colorado has been his uncanny ability to be everywhere on the field all at once. Thompson’s exceptional reading of opposing offenses makes him invaluable in the backfield and sets him up for huge defensive plays. Thompson and corner Witherspoon are tied for first in NCAA total passes defended, with 21 a piece.
Statistically, the two most disruptive forces in college football both belong to Colorado’s secondary. And the third member of the secondary’s leaders, Awuzie, is avoided by opposing quarterbacks at all cost.
Separately, the triumvirate of secondary standouts top statistical charts. Together, they are an unwavering front. The success the Buffs have experienced this season is largely due to the play of their outstanding defensive backs. As the Colorado secondary continually shut down opponents’ offensive weapons, they allowed their own offense a chance to keep games tight. More than once, the secondary made a game-winning stand or handed the Buffs another shot at the end zone. The championship-caliber performances game in and game out by the Colorado defensive backs has forced the world of college football to pay attention to the Buffs again.
The Buffs are truly back, with a Pac-12 Championship on the line and a bowl game on the horizon. The success of the 2016 season belongs to the entire team, but it was the secondary that made CU great again.
