Buffs welcome Cowboys into Folsom Field: Preview

Colorado's defense takes the field against Houston (Photo by Hannah Howell/Sko Buffs Sports)

Charging behind Ralphie VII for the first time, the Colorado Buffaloes (1-2) welcome the Wyoming Cowboys (2-1) for a cross-border showdown. 

Both teams are coming off a significant loss. Colorado’s ship sailed through rocky waters in Houston, receiving a 36-20 beatdown from the Cougars. Wyoming struggled to keep up at home, losing to the Utah Utes 31-6. 

Keys to Colorado’s offense have been returned to Kaidon Salter, who will walk out as the starting quarterback Saturday night. He sat behind Ryan Staub in their loss, but he will get another chance at redemption, while freshman Julian Lewis looks on.

Offensively, they have shown flashes of success without being able to maintain it. The roulette of quarterbacks did damage to a growing unit, which could look to rely on the run game. With the best offensive line in head coach Deion Sanders' tenure, all hope is not lost.

Colorado has rushed for over 100 yards in every game, splitting carries between Simeon Price, Micah Welch, and Dekalon Taylor. Relying on the run can lead to more opportunities through the air. Pass game coordinator and tight ends coach Brett Bartolone shared what his unit needs to do to be successful. 

“Consistency, that’s all,” Bartolone said. “My guys, the message remains the same. You do your job, you do your role…Nothing changes from that standpoint.” 

For the Cowboys, defense has been the strength of their team, only allowing an average of just under 13 points per game. In their most recent game against Utah, they were able to keep the Utes to just three points scored in the first half until inevitably collapsing.  

Historically, Wyoming has possessed a blue-collar attitude to take on any challenger. The Cowboys are familiar with playing in the box state due to their rivalry with Colorado State. A win against the Buffs would mean bragging rights and a confidence spark for the Pokes. 

Led by quarterback Kaidon Anderson, the Cowboys' offense has struggled, averaging just under 16 points per game. Receiver Chris Durr Jr. is the most explosive weapon in the air for Wyoming, with 17 receptions for 284 yards and two touchdowns. Durr will be the number one target in the offense.

On the ground, they are averaging 159 yards per game. For Wyoming, smashmouth football isn’t a question; it's a guarantee. Looking at Colorado, they will try to replicate the success that other offenses have had on the Buffs. 

Colorado’s defense has been abysmal through three weeks, allowing an average of 430 yards per game.

Unable to find a consistent starting secondary, the Buffs have rotated four safeties and three different cornerbacks opposite DJ McKinney. Safety Tawfiq Byard is coming off a standout game with 14 total tackles, but without consistency, the unit has been attacked relentlessly. 

Up front, the defensive line has left much to be desired. Although the offense’s inability to stay on the field has hurt them, they have only had four sacks on the season, while allowing an average of 204 yards per game. 

Physicality will be set from the first whistle, while plenty of weaknesses are apparent on both sides. Representing Colorado, a win is mandatory for the Buffs to avoid the worst start to Sanders’ tenure. 

Folsom Field will be the site for the kickoff, which is set for 8:15 p.m. MT on ESPN