Three questions ahead of the Alamo Bowl

Colorado is back in the postseason!

For just the second time in the past 13 years the Buffs will play a bowl game on Tuesday, as they face off against the No. 20 Texas Longhorns. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST on ESPN at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Here’s what we’re watching for as Colorado tries to bounce back from a loss to Utah and end the 2020 season on a high note.

Who wins the Sam vs. Sam battle?

During his media availability on Monday, Colorado head coach Karl Dorrell told reporters that the talent level of Texas is comparable to that of the Pac-12 opponents that the Buffs have faced this season — except for one major difference: quarterback Sam Ehlinger.

According to Dorrell, Ehlinger is the best quarterback that his team will see this season, not only because of his talent but also because of the experience he brings to the table.

Dorrell’s quarterback, Sam Noyer, has plenty of talent but he doesn’t have nearly as much experience as Ehlinger. Despite the shortened season, Ehlinger is wrapping up his third consecutive 25-touchdown season (he’s only thrown 20 total interceptions in that time) and he’s looking for the fourth bowl game victory of his career.

While Ehlinger’s detractors may say his dual-threat game won’t translate to the next level, it’s clear that Ehlinger is one of the top quarterbacks in Texas history and one of the best in the nation as well.

Noyer only has five games under his belt but a win over Ehlinger’s Longhorns could kickstart national attention as he approaches his final year in Boulder. It won’t be easy to outduel his opponent though.

Can Colorado overcome the loss of Nate Landman?

Colorado will be missing a few players, but none has been as consistently productive as senior linebacker Nate Landman.

Landman racked up all sorts of awards, including being named one of the top eight linebackers in the country by the Butkus Award Committee. In his absence, three linebackers have competed for the opportunity to take the field.

Junior Jon Van Diest is listed as the starter on this week’s depth chart, but he’ll likely split the time Quinn Perry and Marvin Ham. It won’t be easy to replace the centerpiece of the Colorado defense.

Luckily for the new guys, they’ll have vets like Carson Wells, Akil Jones and Mustafa Johnson around to lighten the load.

Can Texas replace the stars who opted out?

The Buffs aren’t the only ones who will be missing players on Tuesday.

Texas’ star safety, Caden Sterns, opted out of the end of the Longhorns’ season a few weeks ago, following a disappointing campaign. Sterns was outplayed by his partner at the back of the Texas defense, Chris Brown, who opted out of the Alamo Bowl last week.

Without their top two safeties, the Longhorns will have to turn to their depth. One backup safety switched to the offensive side of the ball recently, so Texas has moved cornerback Jalen Green to safety. It’s safe to say the Buffs will be testing the Longhorn secondary on Tuesday.

The Longhorn front seven will be missing multiple pieces as well. Defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham opted out and so did edge rusher Joseph Ossai.

Ossai figured to be a first-round draft pick this April and he showed why this season. He led the Longhorns with seven sacks and was as much of a factor in the run game as he was in the passing game.

The Texas offense will be missing two pieces up front, including left tackle Samuel Cosmi, who is one of the best linemen in the country. Outside, the Longhorns will be missing lesson receiver Brennan Eagles who has been a rare consistent option for the Texas offense.

With all of the opt outs, several Buffaloes — including Carson Wells, Mustafa Johnson and the Buffs’ receivers and secondary — will have much more favorable matchups than was initially expected.