Has anyone heard the story of David versus Goliath? It’s the epitome of a true underdog story and one that fits the battle Colorado will be faced with this weekend, as they’ll take on Jim Harbaugh and the University of Michigan in the Big House.

Colorado isn’t necessarily known for big wins. They’ve managed to lose 22 straight games to ranked opponents, 11 of which have come under current head coach Mike MacIntyre, but this feels different, and a victory over Michigan would prove it.

Here are my three keys to victory:

Force The Pass

In Michigan’s first two games, their opponents focused on stopping the run, and to some extent, they did. In the process, though, they opened up the flood gates for the passing attack.

If the Buffs are going to beat the Wolverines, they need to do the same. They need to force Michigan to beat them over the top. Yes, Wilton Speight threw for four touchdowns and carved up Central Florida last week, but Central Florida doesn’t have cornerbacks like Chidobe Awuzie.

If Colorado can stop the pass, they might have a fighting chance.

Win The Turnover Battle

Colorado and Michigan have both been forcing turnovers early in games. While that much was expected of the Wolverines, one of the top defenses in the country, the Buffaloes have turned heads in the early season with their tenacious defensive play.

But while Colorado has forced five turnovers, they’ve also given up three. It hasn’t hurt them so far, but against an opponent like Michigan, you can’t afford to give away possessions.

If Colorado can limit those fumbles and not force any erratic passes, they’ll make sure they’re in the game down the stretch.

Have Balance, But Find Shay Fields

Michigan has not played a quarterback of Sefo Liufau’s caliber this season, and that may cause them to overlook how good he really is. As a multidimensional quarterback, he creates problems for opposing defenses in areas of containment. Defenses must decide if they want to rush and be vulnerable to scrambles or force him into the pocket and hope he doesn’t beat them with his arm.

If the Buffs can get Liufau and Phillip Lindsay involved early in the running game, though, that’s when Shay Fields will become a real weapon down field. And with Michigan’s star corner, Jourdan Lewis, dealing with an injury, he may be able to break a few.

If all else fails, at the very least, Colorado has to try and keep the game close and show to others that, despite the loss, the Rise is Real and Colorado is going to be a team that will be ready and playing for a bowl at years end.

It also helps that Michigan is paying Colorado $1.4 million for the game. So why not get the money and also a win out of the deal. Perhaps a “Miracle in Michigan 2” can be a new phrase that we hear in Boulder for years to come.