Keys to Victory: Colorado vs. UCLA

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BOULDER – This Thursday, the 15th ranked 6-2 Colorado Buffaloes play host to the 3-5 UCLA Bruins in a Pac-12 showdown that carries serious conference implications. The outcome of this game, along with an upcoming contest against Utah, will be impactful in determining the Buffs’ Pac-12 Title hopes. As the Bruins come to Boulder to challenge the Buffs’ stout defense and explosive offense, there are a handful of matchups that will be important to watch.

Colorado’s defensive backs vs. UCLA’s wideouts

Colorado’s secondary has been explosive this season. While NFL bound Chidobe Awuzie has kept his exceptional play going, his fellow defensive backs have excelled as well. Ahkello Witherspoon has had an impressive senior season, with ten passes defended over eight games. Tedric Thompson too has been unreal this year. Thus far, he’s amassed 36 total tackles, four interceptions, and six passes defended. Thompson has been an unstoppable playmaking force, and his statistics alone cannot do justice to how disruptive he is for opposing offenses.

INTERCEPTION | Thompson with another pick and the offense gets the ball back with 6:23 left #TheRise #beatStanford https://t.co/aTmEY5Epv6

— Colorado Football (@RunRalphieRun) October 22, 2016

This week, Thompson and the rest of the secondary will be charged with containing the Bruins’ talented trio of wideouts. Wideout Kenneth Walker III has 358 yards and three touchdowns on the season, Jordan Lasley has 348 yards and three touchdowns and Darren Andrews has 485 yards and three touchdowns. UCLA leans heavily on their passing game to put points on the board since their run game has struggled this season. They are going to without starting and standout quarterback Josh Rosen, leaving backup Mike Fafaul to lead the offense. Faufal has thrown as many interceptions as he has touchdowns in his span as the starter this season (eight of each). He should give the surging Buffs’ defense the opportunity to force some turnovers, which they’ve done to an almost unprecedented level. Keeping the passing game in check will be a challenge for the Buffs’ secondary, but it is an area where they should hold a serious advantage.

Colorado’s run game vs. UCLA’s defensive line

The Buffs’ backfield has been a huge asset this year, with Phillip Lindsay and Kyle Evans leading the charge on the ground. Lindsay, in particular, is having quite the season, with 745 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Of those, 350 yards and three touchdowns have come over his last two games. Lindsay has been a huge part of Colorado’s success this year, fighting for every yard and establishing himself as a dual-threat back with 227 yards and a touchdown through the air as well.

Liufau finds Fields for another Buffalo Touchdown! Buffs up 28-24 beginning of second half. #gobuffs https://t.co/D1oVPD5KE6

— Colorado Buffaloes (@cubuffs) September 17, 2016

This week, Lindsay and Evans are poised to take advantage of the Bruins’ defensive line and rack up points for the Buffs. UCLA’s defensive front houses serious talent, including defensive end Takkarist McKinley, a disruptive player who makes big plays along their defensive line. However, UCLA has struggled to stop the run in a few of their matchups this season, including recently allowing 332 yards to one of Utah’s Joe Williams. Lindsay and Company should be able to exploit this weakness, making the run game another matchup that favors the Buffs.

Sefo Liufau and the receiving corps vs. UCLA’s secondary

The veteran quarterback Liufau, has been a steady leader this season despite his early injury. He’s propelled the Buffs to victory through the air and on the ground when necessary. His wideouts have been significant contributors to the offense as well, piling up yardage with explosive plays. Shay Fields leads the Buffs in receiving, with 563 yards and six touchdowns, while Devin Ross has 491 yards and five touchdowns and Bryce Bobo has 468 yards and two scores. The receivers dominate opposing defenses, creating separation and making plays downfield.

Liufau finds Fields for another Buffalo Touchdown! Buffs up 28-24 beginning of second half. #gobuffs https://t.co/D1oVPD5KE6

— Colorado Buffaloes (@cubuffs) September 17, 2016

This week, the wideouts will line up against a solid Bruins’ secondary, perhaps their most talented group of players. Defensive back Randall Goforth has been a key playmaker for UCLA, excelling in coverage and helping to lead the Bruins to their ranking as one of the top pass defenses in the Pac-12. On Thursday, he will attempt to contain Colorado’s receivers downfield. Picking apart UCLA’s secondary and burning them for big plays could be the biggest challenge that the Buffs face this week. Liufau and his receivers will need to keep the offense moving through the air for Colorado to be successful.

While the Bruins’ hold a 9-2 all-time record against Colorado, it is the Buffs who have the upper hand this week. In the past few years Mike MacIntyre has had Jim Mora Jr.’s number and when factoring in the Buffaloes’ recent play, Colorado should cruise. The Buffs are putting together an incredible season, with firepower on both sides of the ball — a steady run game, defensive prowess and leadership at the quarterback position should all lead Colorado to a victory this Thursday over UCLA.