The Colorado Buffaloes (6-2, Big 12 4-1) pulled off a convincing win against the Cincinnati Bearcats (5-3, Big 12 3-2) by a score of 34-23. and the offense rushed for over 100 yards. However, there was more to the victory than meets the eye.
On the offensive line, the Buffaloes have employed an untraditional tactic that has garnered success in recent weeks. Colorado has been rotating their offensive guards, not because of bad play, but to keep players fresh. With Cincinnati playing only three down linemen, the numbers were in Colorado’s favor.
The Buffaloes opened the game with Jordan Seaton at left tackle, Tyler Brown playing left guard, Hank Zalinskas commanding center, Kareem Harden at right guard, and Phillip Houston capping the group at right tackle. This starting five would only remain intact until mid-way through the second quarter. Offensive line coach Phil Loadholt has been in charge of the changes.
Khalil Benson was the first player rotated into the lineup, replacing Kareem Harden at right guard. Having experience as a starter allows Benson to keep chemistry among the offensive line active. This is particularly helpful with the fast tempo of CU’s offense that allows little time for error. Benson remained in the game until halftime.
Starting the third quarter, the third offensive line group made itself onto the field, featuring Justin Mayers at left guard. Colorado’s offense did not take a dip, even with both starting guards resting. Towards the end of the third quarter, the guards would once again shuffle. The violence and nastiness of the group were on full display in the fourth quarter. As the defense tired, the guards started putting bodies on the floor. Cincinnati was out physicaled in the trenches.
“We practiced it all week man. We showed resilience all week and you got to work, and we did what we had to do,” Benson said postgame. “Especially being experienced players on the team, we already kind of knew what to look for and everything. We just had to get out there and execute, so everything fell into place.”
Even when Cincinnati's offense made a late push, the Buffs responded with points to keep them out of range. This was made possible by the fresh lineman who passed off every twist and front presented to them. Regardless of who was in the game, the offensive line remained consistent. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders was only sacked once on 30 attempts, which he admitted did not fall on the O-line. The flow of the run game did not stop when players rotated; in fact, it improved.
During the post-game press conference, head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders had a positive outlook on how Loadholt’s method fared during the game.
“It keeps guys fresh, it throws the opposing team off when they're rotating as well, and I think people should do that more in college football because the defensive line is rotating,” Sanders said. “So having fresh linemen to rotate, they’re getting playing time, now they may not dip and jump in the portal at the conclusion of the season. It's tremendous that we have that type of depth that we can do that.”
Coach Prime is all too familiar with the transfer portal and how modern college football operates. The awareness to rotate and maintain a core group of more than five linemen is a testament to Colorado’s ability to bring change. The trust Sanders has in his staff and Loadholt allows the unit to be successful.
“That's his line, that's his thing and I love everything he stands for. I love the way he challenges those guys, the way he supports them, the way he shows them love,” Sanders said. “But he gets on him pretty tough. I love everything about him.”
As the season continues, it is clear the offensive line is learning how to play together. They are cleaning up missed assignments, creating holes, and most importantly taking care of the quarterback. The team will need to lean on them to secure a top bowl game.
Heading into the bye week, the Buffs will have time to heal and prepare for Texas Tech on Nov. 9.
Cover photo by Cristian Blanco/Sko Buffs Sports
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