Woelk: Takeaways From Buffs Win Over San Diego State

BOULDER — With barely 48 hours of prep time and one day of actual practice to get ready for San Diego State, the Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday accomplished what is quickly becoming a trademark of the Karl Dorrell era:

Turn obstacles into opportunities and then maximize those opportunities.

Fact is, Saturday's game against the Aztecs had plenty of downsides. A game against an opponent CU had not previously scouted at all, an opponent that had plenty to gain (and little to lose) — and the chance of dropping a game back in the Pac-12 South standings because of a last-minute schedule switch.

Simply, there were pitfalls aplenty awaiting at Folsom Field.

But instead of panicking, Dorrell, his staff and his players greeted the opportunity with an attitude that is rapidly becoming a mantra for the program: make the most of what is on the table and forget about the rest.

That is exactly what the 3-0 Buffs did. They came up with a defensive plan that rendered the Aztecs punchless on offense and an offensive plan that controlled the clock, limited SDSU's offensive opportunities and dictated the tempo from opening kick to final whistle.

The result was a workmanlike 20-10 win over a Mountain West squad that had made a name for itself against Pac-12 opponents (5-1 in their previous six meetings). After an unplanned week off, the Buffs needed a game to regain their edge, and while Saturday's affair might not have won many beauty contests, it did get Colorado back in game day mode.

That importance of that opportunity can't be overstated, particularly with two more Pac-12 games directly ahead — next Saturday at Arizona, followed by a Dec. 11 (Friday night) home game against Utah. While securing a Pac-12 South title is not totally in Colorado's hands — the Buffs will need a little help from USC's opponents over the next couple of weeks — they are at least still squarely in the hunt.

So what did we learn from Saturday's game?

1. Colorado's defense is making big strides. Granted, the Aztecs didn't present the same kind of offensive firepower of, say, a UCLA.

Still, CU's dominant defensive effort was impressive. CU held SDSU to 155 yards total offense (79 rushing, 76 passing), limited the Aztecs to just 4-for-17 on third-down conversion attempts, and recorded 11 tackles for loss, including four quarterback sacks.

Perhaps most importantly, the defense gave up only a field goal and pitched a shutout in the second half.

What we're seeing develop on D-coordinator Tyson Summers' side of the ball is an attack that puts more and more responsibility on CU's best players. Linebacker Nate Landman had three sacks — all on third down blitzes — while outside 'backer Carson Wells had four tackles for loss. The Buffs also got their DBs into the action, with Chris Miller and Derrion Rakestraw each in on tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

No doubt, the defense will need to come up with another big game down the stretch run. Saturday's effort was a huge confidence boost that should help when that situation arises.

2. CU's offense can control tempo with the run game. Do not underestimate the importance of an offense that eats clock. The Buffs' deliberate, time-consuming attack not only took a toll on the SDSU defense, it also kept the Aztecs' offense off the field.

It is the result of a renewed emphasis on the run game, one that is perfectly willing to hammer out yardage in short chunks and keep the clock moving. It is a patient philosophy that hasn't always been evident in recent years, but one that O-coordinator Darrin Chiaverini is now embracing wholeheartedly.

It is also an attack that will pay dividends not just this year, but in future seasons as it once again becomes part of the Buffaloes' identity.

3. Dorrell continues to build depth. In three games this season, Colorado has had three different players lead the team in receptions — junior tight end Brady Russell, sophomore wide receiver Dimitri Stanley and redshirt freshman wideout La'Vontae Shenault.

Shenault's six-catch effort Saturday, which included a beautiful leaping grab for a 15-yard gain in the second quarter, was a nice introduction to what could be ahead for the Colorado youngster. The Buffs also got two receptions from true freshman Brenden Rice, another nice sign for the future.

But it's more than just the wide receivers. Running back Jarek Broussard (third straight 100-yard game) is just a sophomore. Fellow RB Joe Davis, also a sophomore, had seven carries, and freshman RB Jayle Stacks saw some crucial snaps. Meanwhile, the Buffs continue to get young players important time on the defensive side of the ball.

One more note on developing depth: throughout fall camp, the Buffs looked to be well stocked at tight end. But CU's staff made sure to get plenty of players reps in practice — and that foresight paid off Saturday. With CU decimated by injury at the spot, the Buffs turned to walkon C.J. Schmanski as their starter.

Because Schmanski had gotten some time in camp, he was prepared, and he delivered two receptions Saturday, along with a good effort in the run game. That's the kind of preparation that often goes unnoticed — until the time comes when it is critical.

4. It's still a growing process for Sam Noyer. After the first two games, it seemed that Colorado's senior quarterback could do no wrong.

But the Aztecs were clearly intent upon putting Noyer into unfamiliar and uncomfortable situations, and they finally forced a mistake when they picked off a pass to the sidelines and went 57 yards to the end zone.

It's no doubt a pass Noyer would love to have back, but it was also a great learning experience for someone who started his first college game less than a month ago. He'll learn and be a better quarterback because of it.

Noyer's instincts are excellent and he has the savvy presence of a veteran. He can make play with his legs as well as his arm and he has earned the complete trust and respect of his teammates.

Saturday, the Aztecs presented a challenge he hadn't yet seen (and hadn't had ample time for which to prepare). But in the  end, he overcame his first critical mistake of the season to deliver enough plays down the stretch to help the Buffs to a win. It was a big step in his growth process, and one that will pay off down the stretch run.

5. Bowl games are nice, but … We might be in the minority here, but we loved Dorrell's response about the importance of CU clinching bowl eligibility.

"We still have a season to play," Dorrell said. "I'm not even thinking about a bowl right now. I'm focused on the next task in front of us, which is Arizona."

Understand, Dorrell fully appreciates the magnitude of bowl appearances. He knows how important they are to the overall development of a program.

But he also knows the Buffs are still in the hunt for a Pac-12 South title and championship game appearance — and in terms of what's important today, there's no question which has priority.

The simple fact is that if the Buffs learn to play winning football on a regular basis, bowl games will take care of themselves. Dorrell did, after all, coach five straight bowl teams at UCLA. He's no stranger to the process.

But he no doubt has his eyes on a bigger prize — and it was good to hear him make clear that he wants this team focused on the immediate future, not a postseason appearance that is still far down the road.

6. Preparation, preparation, preparation. This is actually a piece of all of the previous takeaways — but give CU's coaching staff an "A" for getting ready to play the Aztecs in what amounted to 48 hours notice. CU coaches came up with game plans on both sides of the ball that were perfect for the situation, and they installed those plans in what had to be a record amount of time.

At the same time, give the players an "A" as well in this category. Having a new game plan thrust at them at a moment's notice is difficult, to say the least — but they digested and then executed the plans in excellent fashion.

It's yet another sign of Dorrell's influence. No panic, no excuses, no nervous trepidation.

Instead, the Buffs did exactly what they've done since the day Dorrell stepped through the Champions Center door: they assessed the situation, prepared in every way possible, then maximized the opportunity.

That is an attitude and approach that will serve them well for years to come.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu