What does Colorado’s defense need to do better after Northwestern?
The Colorado Buffaloes defense began its year looking like one of the better units in the Big 12. Two weeks later, it looks like one of the worst.
Head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders promoted linebackers coach Chris Marve to defensive coordinator after last season’s coordinator, Rob Livingston, took a job with the Denver Broncos. So far, Marve hasn’t fared much better.
In 2025, Livingston’s unit allowed over 30 points per game, 23.3 by the end of week three. Through three games, Marve’s unit has allowed 25 points per game, the worst mark in the Big 12. That included a performance that saw FCS’ Weber State score 21 points —a team the Buffs should’ve shut out.
The Buffs also have allowed the third-most yards per game of any conference team. Opponents have averaged over 350 yards per game against the unit, most recently 421 yards from Northwestern, who beat them 41-7.
Because Colorado has allowed so many yards, they’ve also allowed quarterbacks to get hot. Last season, teams found success in mobile quarterbacks who could extend plays; this year they’re finding success all around.
Northwestern quarterback Aidan Chiles threw for 241 yards and three touchdowns while adding two tuddys on the ground. In week one, Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza threw for 237 yards, but the Buffs didn’t allow a touchdown. Even Weber State quarterback Nate Dahle found success, throwing for 244 yards of his own.
Allowing opposing quarterbacks to throw for an average of 241 yards —the fifth-worst mark in the Big 12— and completing 58%of their passes is how teams are finding weaknesses in the Buffs’ defense. This trend also allows opponents to have long sustained drives.
Fifteen opponent drives have resulted in a score or a missed field goal this season. Of those 15, 11 of them were six or more plays, and nine of them were three and a half minutes or more. Against Northwestern, four of the Wildcats’ seven scoring drives were longer than three and a half minutes, and five of them were longer than six plays.
The Buffs have also struggled on third-down. On a third-and-eight or longer, opponents have ripped off big plays, a pass of over 15 yards or a run over 10 yards, seven times, and have converted on over 40%of their third downs. The conference average is just 33%.
By allowing long sustained drives, the Buffs keep opponents’ offenses on the field and allow scores. When drives were held to five plays or fewer that weren’t at the end of a half, nearly 60% resulted in a punt. Just three of them were touchdowns, and three of them were fumble recoveries.
These woes can’t be attributed to a lack of turnovers. Colorado has forced four turnovers this season, which is in the top half of the Big 12.
The Buffs open up Big 12 play next week when they travel to Waco, Texas, to face the Baylor Bears. Competing against conference opponents will be a tall task, and if Colorado can’t get its defense in check, they’re in for another long season.
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