This year’s Colorado football team is doing a great job of erasing the recent past. The Buffaloes are 5-2 overall and tied for first place in the Pac-12 South, in prime position to snap a streak of 10 consecutive losing seasons.
But now is not the time for the Buffaloes to relax.
Colorado, fresh off last Saturday’s 40-16 win over No. 24-ranked Arizona State, faces another good test this week when it travels to Stanford to face a team it hasn’t beat since 1990. Stanford has been one of the nation’s most successful college programs the past several years and has set a standard for physical play in the Pac-12.
Here are some things to watch in Saturday’s 1 p.m. game (MST) at Stanford Stadium.
Colorado’s defense
The Buffaloes’ defense deservedly gets a lot of credit for the team’s turnaround this season: It ranks first in the Pac-12 in total defense, third in sacks and third in turnovers forced. Colorado is only allowing 314.1 yards per game, which ranks 15th in the nation.
Will Christian McCaffrey play?
A strong preseason Heisman Trophy candidate, Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey has been hobbled by a leg injury this season. McCaffrey was held out of last Saturday’s game against Notre Dame and his status for the Colorado game is unclear. When he’s played, he’s been great, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and 8.5 yards per catch while also being a key component in the Cardinal return game. Bryce Love filled in nicely for McCaffrey against Notre Dame with 129 yards rushing on 23 carries.
Colorado’s offense
Don’t forget the Buffaloes’ offense. Colorado is averaging 515.3 yards of total offense per game and running back Phillip Lindsay rushed for 219 yards against Arizona State to become the first CU running back to top the 200-yard mark in 14 years. Lindsay has rushed for 619 yards and nine touchdowns this season.
Senior quarterback Sefo Liufau returned to the field last week and passed for 265 yards against the Sun Devils. Liufau hadn’t started since being injured against Michigan earlier in the year. Steven Montez passed for 823 yards and seven in touchdowns in Liufau’s absence.
