The Colorado Buffaloes defense is going to need Lamont Lester Jr. and Santana Hooper to play out of their minds this week, because Utah’s Devon Dampier is an absolute problem, and he is bringing one of the most wild offenses in college football to town. Dampier is a true dual-threat quarterback, already stacking up 1,134 passing yards and 15 total touchdowns through just five games. The dude averages 11.4 rushes per game, and that’s just a taste of what Colorado has to deal with.
Utah’s Offense Is a Headache, and Lester’s Return Is CRUCIAL
Utah’s first-year offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven is cooking up something special, running a two-quarterback offense that puts both Dampier and backup Byrd Ficklin on the field at the same time. Ficklin could line up at running back, tight end, or receiver, keeping defenses guessing on every single snap. And if that wasn’t enough, running back Wayshawn Parker is a menace, causing issues out of the backfield on screen plays and powering the ball between the tackles. This Utah offense is seriously high-flying, and statistically, Colorado has a history of giving up yards and points.
Colorado’s defensive line has a massive job ahead. They have to put pressure on Dampier constantly. Luckily, Lester is expected back this week after missing the Texas Tech game with an injury he got at Baylor. His ability to beat blockers off the line and disrupt the offense is exactly what the Buffs need. Hooper and Lester have to bring it, and the entire defense needs to maintain gap containment, forcing Dampier and the Utes’ running backs to play behind the chains for all four quarters. This is easier said than done, especially with a history like Colorado’s.
Buffs’ Offense Is a Mess While Utah’s Defense Is Stone Cold
If Colorado’s defense has a huge task, their offense might have an even bigger mountain to climb. The Utes’ defense is statistically one of the stingiest in college football. Colorado’s “Go-Go” offense, which only averages 10.3 points per game against Power 4 teams, is going to be tested hard. The biggest question mark hanging over the Buffs right now is who even starts at quarterback?
There’s been a lot of talk about former five-star Julian Lewis not being mentally into the game, so how he’d play if he gets the nod against Texas Tech is anyone’s guess. Former Utah QB Issac Wilson got the start against the Texas Tech Red Raiders last time out and it was rough. He completed 26-of-44 passes for 290 yards and a touchdown, but his four turnovers were a total disaster for the Buffs’ offense. That pick-six he threw in the end zone to extend the Red Raiders’ lead? Ouch. It was a catalyst for their struggles. Oh, and get this, Colorado’s offensive play sheet was actually left in a hotel bar and picked up by Texas Tech fans. You cannot make this stuff up!
To even have a chance, the Buffs need to establish their rushing attack. The Utes have disruptors on their defensive line too, and they’ll be looking to blow up Colorado’s offense early and often. Colorado’s got to find a way to strike Utah’s defense fast and often to slow down their aggressive play. Will the Buffs finally get out of their own way? From the coaching staff to the players, we’re all about to get our answer very soon.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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