Colorado Buffaloes Week 3 Game Preview

Alright, let’s get ready to rumble. The Colorado Buffaloes are hitting the road for the first time this season, and it’s not just any road trip. They’re heading down to Houston for their Big 12 Conference opener, and let’s be honest, this one feels like a coin toss in a hurricane.

After a 1-1 start, nobody really knows what to make of this Colorado squad. Is this the team that showed flashes of brilliance, or the one that made us question if they remembered which way the end zone was? What felt like a guaranteed win on the calendar a few months ago now has all the certainty of a weather forecast in Texas. If Colorado wants to prove they’re not just here for a participation trophy in the Big 12, they’ll need to dig deep.

 So, grab your popcorn, because here’s the game plan for how the Buffaloes can walk out of Houston with a 2-1 record and some much-needed conference swagger.

Unleash the Blitz and Wreak Havoc

Let’s cut to the chase: Colorado’s defense has been about as intimidating as a kitten in a yarn shop when it comes to creating negative plays. Through two games, they haven’t exactly struck fear into the hearts of their opponents. That needs to change, and it needs to change now.

Last week, we saw them dial up the blitz more often. If they’re going to stick with that strategy, those blitzes can’t just be for show. They need to get home faster than a pizza delivery guy on a Friday night.

 Remember that pressure they brought against Georgia Tech? That’s the energy we need. If they can get in Houston QB Conner Weigman’s face, make him hear footsteps, and disrupt his rhythm, they’ve got a fighting chance. A quarterback can’t throw darts downfield when he’s busy picking grass out of his helmet.

It’s Time for Offensive Fireworks

Ryan Staub, you’re up. Last week against Delaware, Staub injected some much-needed life and “wow” factor into a Colorado offense that was sputtering like a ’92 sedan. We need more of that. A lot more. The Buffaloes’ offense can’t afford to be a one-hit wonder.

 Consistent, explosive plays are the name of the game. Big gains keep the Cougars’ defense guessing and, just as importantly, give our own defense a breather on the sidelines. We all saw what happened against Georgia Tech when the defense was gassed by the fourth quarter. Staub’s ability to create something out of nothing is the secret sauce this offense has been missing. If he can bring that big-play magic to Houston, the Buffs will be in a position to win this thing.

The Linebackers Need To Become a Brick Wall

The film doesn’t lie: Houston has a running back who just rumbled for over 130 yards. Colorado’s run defense needs to show up, and that responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of the linebacking corps. It’s time to put the “line” back in linebacker and start stuffing those running lanes.

 We saw glimmers of hope against Delaware; the group looked significantly improved, filling gaps and making solid tackles. If that wasn’t a fluke, and they can continue that upward trend, it will be a game-changer. The mission is simple: contain their star running back. Force the Cougars to become a one-dimensional passing team, and suddenly, this game looks a whole lot easier for our secondary to handle.

Protect the Pigskin at All Costs

Here’s a fun stat: both the Buffaloes and the Cougars have been turnover machines, but in a good way. Both teams have forced at least one turnover in each of their first two games. But here’s the kicker: Colorado’s offense has been squeaky clean, playing a turnover-free brand of football.

 That pristine record is about to face its biggest test. TDECU Stadium will be loud, hostile, and designed to rattle a young offense. This game will demand near-perfection. If Staub can tune out the noise, ignore the screaming fans, and continue to protect the football like it’s the family jewels, it will be a massive advantage for the Buffaloes. Winning the turnover battle on the road isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity.

Keep the Quarterback In His Cage

Weigman is the kind of player who gives defensive coordinators nightmares. He’s a running quarterback who isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder and take on a linebacker. While he might not have the same wheels as Georgia Tech’s Hayes King, he’s more than capable of gashing a defense that isn’t disciplined.

 Colorado has to be smarter. They need to read his eyes on option plays, maintain their assignments, and above all, keep him contained in the pocket. Don’t let him get outside and create chaos with his legs. Make him stand in there and beat you with his arm. With the talent the Colorado Buffaloes have in their secondary, that’s a matchup they should win all day long. If they can turn him into a pocket passer, they should be cruising back to Boulder with a 2-1 record.