The Colorado Buffaloes (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) defense has been noticeably stout in the second half of games this season.
With key players returning from injury this week, head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders is confident in his team to get a victory.
During Tuesday’s press conference, Coach Prime addressed the injuries that have plagued his team so far. With the Buffs taking on an undefeated conference opponent in Central Florida (3-0), they must fire on all cylinders to earn a victory.
“I feel good about what we’ve been accomplishing versus the run defensively. We gotta improve in some certain areas. We get Chidozie (Nwankwo) back this week as well. That’s a tremendous plus because of his attitude, his leadership, and the way he works,” Sanders said.
Before the injury, Nwankwo, a defensive lineman, had three tackles and a sack in two games. However, it's his ability to occupy double teams that makes him a force in the run game. Having the “Block Bully” back helps the Buffaloes.
A projected hurricane is expected to make landfall in Florida this week. Heavy wind and rain could play a factor in how both teams play. The Knights ran for over 280 yards in their come-from-behind victory against TCU. They have also had two weeks to prepare for Colorado due to a bye week. Playing at the “Bounce House” in expected rain gives all the advantages to UCF. Nwankwo will be needed in the interior.
Quarterback KJ Jefferson is known for his ability to run with the football accumulating nearly 500 yards on the ground last season. Running back RJ Harvey is coming off a 1,400-rushing-yard season and has shown no sign of slowing down. The Knights offense is averaging 375 yards rushing per game.
“Shilo (Sanders) is on pace to be back, I’m not gonna count this week out. But if he holds off this week that’ll give him two more weeks, which is pretty smart,” Sanders added.
If Sanders were to return this week Colorado would gain depth in the secondary. His presence as a leader on the field is valuable to the unit. UCF offers plenty in the passing game with Jefferson throwing for nearly 300 yards and 3 scores in his last outing.
On the offensive side of the ball, Colorado will have its starting running back Dallan Hayden return. The running game has shown some improvement in recent weeks with true freshman Micah Welch taking full control of the spotlight without Hayden. They will need to be at their best in wet conditions Saturday.
“(Dallan) Hayden is going to play. He worked his butt off today, he looked great. He looked like he hadn’t missed a beat,” Sanders said.
Traveling cross country creates an additional challenge for the Buffaloes, as this weekend will be a homecoming for many of the Florida-based players on the team. Sanders is focused on handling business and not letting distractions affect the team. The travel this week will also be different than normal, as Coach Prime stated that the team will be leaving town on Wednesday to avoid complications with severe weather approaching Florida on Thursday.
“It’s good now, until you get down there and play. You got to win. We don’t wanna go down there and think it's just a field trip. We wanna go down in there and win,” Sanders said. “Were practicing our butt off trying to make sure we dot our I’s and cross our T’s…It starts in practice.”
Kickoff specialist Jace Feeley suffered a torn ACL in the game against Baylor last week. Sanders confirmed Cristiano Palazzo will continue the kickoff duties for Colorado. Alejandro Mata will continue to kick field goals.
“The one thing I can honestly and wholeheartedly say. We’re getting better every week in different fascists of the game,” Sanders concluded.
The Buffs must continue to improve if they wish to compete in their first year back in the Big 12.
Colorado’s game against UCF kicks off at 1:30 p.m. MT on Saturday on Fox.
Cover photo by Cristian Blanco/Sko Buffs Sports
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