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The Coach Prime Magical Mystery Tour continues this week as the Colorado Buffaloes visit the Arizona State Sun Devils in Pac-12 action on Saturday. The much-scrutinized Buffaloes come into this matchup at 3-2 on the season while the host Sun Devils are just 1-4 on the season. The opening kick is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST.
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One thing the Colorado Buffaloes haven't done since Deion Sanders took over as head coach is fly under the radar. Last week, the Buffaloes welcomed 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams and the nationally ranked USC Trojans to town. The Trojans raced out to a 34-14 halftime lead but the Buffaloes wouldn't quite. A furious rally fell just short, however, as the Trojans took down the Buffaloes 48-41. Colorado is now 3-2 on the season and 0-2 in the Big 12.
“A wonderful college football game,” Coach Prime said in his post-game press conference. “I just addressed the team and told them I love each and every one of them, coaches included because they were resilient. They did not give up and they had multiple opportunities to give up. They fought to the end.”
Colorado was once again led by its offense on Saturday. They rallied back from two big deficits, 31-14 and 48-21 before falling just short. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders continued his outstanding season with 371 yards passing while completing 30-of-45 passes. He threw four touchdown passes and had an interception in the loss. Freshman wide receiver Omarion Miller had a breakout game with seven catches for 196 yards a touchdown. The Buffs were even able to run the ball, finishing with a season-high 193 yards on the ground. Anthony Hankerson led the way with 74 yards and a touchdown. Colorado generated 564 yards of total offense in the game, 318 of which came in the furious second half rally.
Unfortunately for the Buffs, they could not contain Williams in the game. They allowed 498 yards of total offense to USC including 403 yards passing by Williams and six touchdown passes. Colorado did have four tackles for loss in the game and two sacks. They picked Williams off one time in the game for their only forced turnover.
Colorado will try to end their two -game losing streak on Saturday as they travel to Arizona State. Colorado comes into this matchup with the 31st ranked offense in the country. They are just 120th on the ground, however, relying nearly solely on their passing attack. Luckily, the Buffaloes passing attack is elite thanks to QB Sanders. They are ranked fifth in the country in passing through five games. In the red zone, they have been deadly as they rank #2 in the country in red zone offense efficiency. Defensively, the Buffaloes have not had nearly the level of success the offense has had. They are 128th in the country in total defense. The Buffs are 110th against the run and 123rd against the pass. The latter number has certainly not been helped by matchups with Oregon and USC in consecutive weeks. Colorado has been good in the red zone defensively, ranking 14th in red zone efficiency.
Colorado has been very efficient with the ball despite how often they put it in the air. They are ranked eigh th in the country in turnover differential thus far. Not surprisingly, given so many new faces on a team together for the first time, they have made plenty of mental mistakes. Colorado ranks 128th in penalties thus far this season.
Injury Report: CB T. Hunter (abdominal), TE L.Passarello (knee) are out. S S.Sanders (kidney), CB K. Breedlove (undisclosed) and S M.Slusher (undisclosed) are questionable.
Free Daily NCAAF Lock Pick: Florida International vs New Mexico State 9:00pmET CLICK TO SEE PICK NOW