The Colorado Buffaloes (6-2, 4-1 Big 12) have the week off after a 34-23 victory against the Cincinnati Bearcats (5-3, 3-2 Big 12) last week. The second bye week is a new addition to the college football schedule for the 2024 season, but the Buffs and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur do not mind an extra week of rest and game planning.
“I find [bye weeks] advantageous,” Shurmur said on Wednesday.
Shurmur emphasized how his offense and the rest of the team cannot get ahead of themselves going into the season's final four games. Many people have noticed the rest of Colorado’s schedule to finish out the season and have made predictions: some have the Buffs finishing as high as 10-2.
The final four games for Colorado are as follows: at Texas Tech, vs. Utah, at Kansas and vs. Oklahoma State. At the beginning of the season, this seemed like a gauntlet. However, as the year has progressed, those teams’ seasons have not panned out as planned, leaving an easier road for CU down the stretch.
Another emphasis from Shurmur on Wednesday was how the Buffs have been able to run the ball the past two weeks and how that needs to continue. Sophomore Isaiah Augustave has taken control as the lead back for the Buffs with a 91-yard performance last week, while the Ohio State transfer, Dallan Hayden, has also contributed to the run game.
Micah Welch hasn’t gotten much action since bursting onto the scene in the Colorado State game due to a hamstring injury he has been nursing.
Shurmur also gave credit to his athletic offensive linemen who have helped open up the playbook for him. Most notably, Jordan Seaton, the hyperathletic true freshman, has been used to pull across the formation in recent weeks which has helped the run game prosper.
Despite having one of the most explosive passing offenses in the country, Shurmur made it clear that it wouldn’t be possible for the passing game to succeed without a somewhat successful ground attack.
“I love to pass the ball,” Shurmur said. “But when you’re running the ball and gaining yards, that helps the play-caller.”
The Buffs have two weeks to prepare for Texas Tech. Traveling to Lubbock will be one of the toughest environments they have played in all season, but the Buffs have been road warriors with three consecutive road victories by at least 19 points.
Next Saturday’s game time is still to be determined, with an announcement likely to come on Saturday. For now, the Buffs will be rooting for Texas Tech, as a win over No. 7 Iowa State (7-0, 4-0 Big 12) would tremendously help Colorado’s chances of reaching the Big 12 Championship game.
Comments