Bye week blues: Three things Colorado can do to make a bowl game

Colorado's offensive line sets up against Iowa State (Photo by Christian Blanco/Sko Buffs Sports)

Six is the magic number. For the Colorado Buffaloes (3-4, 1-3 Big 12) to become bowl eligible, that is.  

With three victories on the year, Deion Sanders and his squad are halfway there, but to Sanders' dismay, the Buffs have already matched their loss total from a year ago.

The roller-coaster ride has now taken a halt during the bye week, with Colorado prioritizing rest and recovery. The Buffs will have a slim margin of error to make the season a success, but still have the time to do so. 

Five games remain on the schedule, including an additional bye week in November. With dreams of playoffs likely over, here are three things Colorado can do to extend their season and make a bowl game.

Rely on the offensive line 

Colorado’s offensive line has been a model of consistency throughout the season. Even with the changes at quarterback and injuries to running backs, the unit has cleared the way for 1003 rushing yards so far. Impressively, they are also doing it with an average of 4.3 yards per carry. 

Entering the colder months of the year, weather conditions will begin to be a factor in these games. Having the ability to gut out close contests on the backs of the big boys will be an advantage for the Buffs. A commitment to running will take pressure off the quarterback and open lanes for play-action passes. 

Colorado’s best player is arguably tackle Jordan Seaton, and utilizing his leadership and play will be crucial. The week off gives time for injured backs Simeon Price, Dekalon Taylor and Dre'lon Miller to get back into the lineup and boost the team.

Create turnovers 

The inability to get off the field has hurt Colorado this year, allowing an average of 404 yards per game. The lack of turnovers has been a big cause of these defensive struggles. Courtesy of safety Tawfiq Byard, the Buffs’ defense earned its first takeaway since week two against Iowa State last Saturday. 

The interception is one the Buffs need to build on, looking down the ladder half of the season. Gaining extra possessions for the offense will be key to the team’s success. Wet conditions can slick the football, creating more opportunities for a takeaway. 

Defensive leaders like Byard will need to elevate their play in the back end for the defense to accomplish this.

Steal a road win 

Mathematically, it will be impossible for the Buffs to become bowl eligible without winning at least one road game, assuming they win out at home. Utah, West Virginia and Kansas State are no easy task and each provides a unique stadium environment that is hostile to opposing teams. 

The Buffs are 0-2 outside of Boulder this season and have lost by a combined 30 points. The film says it will be an uphill climb, but the Buffs could look at a 2-5 West Virginia Mountaineers team as a game they are capable of winning. Regardless of where a victory may come, it will require a whole team effort to make it possible. 

At the very least, Colorado would need to win three of their next five games to get to bowl eligibility for the second consecutive year. The cards are laid out, and the fate of the season rests in their hands.

Their first game back will come against a familiar foe in enemy territory. Colorado kicks off against the Utah Utes next Saturday, Oct. 25, at 8:15 p.m. MT.