Stuck in first gear: Marion’s 'Go-Go' offense still waiting to take off
Under offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, Colorado’s “Go-Go” scheme has started pedestrian.
The Buffaloes have averaged just nine points per game over their three-game losing streak, but the young, energetic Marion isn’t ready to press the panic button yet.
“I don’t give a damn what y’all say,” Marion said Wednesday. “I think I’m that dude still.”
While Marion remains confident, the offense has been inconsistent through five games. One reason why is the lack of a rushing attack. Colorado averages just 3.7 yards per carry this season, which ranks 117th out of 138 FBS programs. CU’s leading rusher, Micah Welch, only got two carries in the loss to Texas Tech.
“The run game will be fine. The running backs will be fine,” Marion said.
The Buffaloes will try to change their game plan after the loss to the Red Raiders, in which quarterback Isaac Wilson threw an eye-opening 44 passes. Wilson turned the ball over three times, and Colorado won’t want him to do that on Saturday against his former team, the No. 11 Utah Utes.
“If you take away the turnovers and you accumulate 350 yards at quarterback, you would be one of the hottest quarterbacks in the country,” said Marion
The problem is, using the word "if" in sports is never a good thing.
Saturday will be Wilson’s seventh start against a Power Four opponent, and the Buffs need to take care of the football if they want any chance of pulling off the upset.
One thing you can’t take away from Wilson’s debut in the Black and Gold is that, unlike Julian Lewis, he didn't look scared to sling it. Wilson threw 10 attempts 15 yards or farther against the Red Raiders and completed three.
Against a Utah defense that won’t leave much room to coast, Marion needs his “Go-Go” to find another gear. Colorado fans will hope to see a better version of “that dude” on Saturday night.
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