Entering Saturday’s contest, the Central Florida Knights (3-1, Big 12 1-1) had averaged nearly 400 rushing yards per game. Stopping the vaunted rushing attack of UCF was a priority all week for the Colorado Buffaloes (4-1, Big 12 2-0), and they were determined to stop it.
In its 48-21 victory, Colorado limited the Knights to just 177 rushing yards. In addition, running back RJ Harvey was kept under 80 yards rushing. However, the Buffaloes allowed quarterback KJ Jefferson to trot for 76 yards, many of which came when Colorado was already two scores ahead. The success Jefferson found came mostly from read options or plays he extended with his legs.
The return of defensive tackle Chidoze Nwanko, who missed the previous two games due to injury, played a large role in the Buffs' success in between the tackles. The “Block Bully” had 2 total tackles but excelled in his normal role of holding double teams. The stat sheet does not properly reflect the impact and leadership he brought to the group. In the postgame press conference head coach, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders acknowledged his importance.
“Chidoze is the leader, he’s a dog and everyone follows his footsteps. He is strong as an ox; you really can’t move him and he gets leverage and does his job,” Sanders said. “The guys kind of feed off that because he’s a vocal leader, he's a visible leader and he works his butt off at practice. So I am proud of him.”
The Colorado front seven made their presence felt in the passing game as well. The Buffaloes racked up five sacks and had Jefferson in uncomfortable situations regularly. During training camp getting pressure on the quarterback was a point of emphasis on the defensive line. As a team, the unit had 13 tackles for loss.
Defensive end Arden Walker played a pivotal role in the defensive success. Filling in for the injured Dayon Hayes, he had six total tackles and was constantly creating chaos in the Knights’ backfield. Setting the edge, Walker stepped up big for the Buffaloes.
Bursting onto the scene this game was defensive end Taje McCoy. With four total tackles and two sacks, McCoy had the best statistical game. Also in the middle of the line, Shane Cokes provided a physical presence all night and forced a fumble in the third quarter.
Colorado’s strength and speed overwhelmed the UCF offense. Jefferson struggled to connect with his weapons without a clean pocket to maneuver in. Playing with a lead proved beneficial for the Colorado defensive front, and with a consistent rotation a fresh face was ready to chase the ball carrier on every play.
It was no secret what Colorado needed to do to secure a victory, stop the run. Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston has put his players in a position to succeed on the field and they have done just that. Once again, the defense only allowed seven points after halftime, further cementing them as one of the best second-half defenses in college football.
Heading into a bye week, the team will be riding the momentum of three straight wins. Safety Shilo Sanders’ return is imminent and Coach Prime will be ready to have every starter on the field healthy for the first time since Week 1. If the defense continues to perform at this level, Colorado will have a chance to compete for a Big 12 title.
Cover photo by Roberto Patrick Gerra/Sko Buffs Sports
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