They are averaging 1.6 yards a carry and their top runner in any game this year is 57 yards. Second worst in the nation. 132 of 133. USC has 2 of the top 30 I think pressure guys in Alexander and Byrd nationally. Which means Sanders will have to run around a lot. USC is vulnerable to the run. Sanders like Caleb, doesn't like to run. He's also not a fast and mobile. Sanders leads the nation in getting sacked at 24, and you can't survive D1 football being hit that many times. Heaven forbid their backup has to play. USC is 3rd nationally in sacks and best in nation at negative yard plays Tackles for loss. USC gives up big plays, and I am sure we will see 3-4 of those for Colorado.
I just don't think 3-4 big Colorado plays will be enough to overcome a non existent run game and USC pressure that will slow Sanders down.
On D, Colorado is terrible. They are 102nd in 3rd down defense conversion at 45%. Colorado is 108th ranked in terms of expected points per play. I assume that means how many plays it takes to score 3 or 7. They are 119th in defenseive success rate, not sure what that is, but probably a measure of getting off the field. Meanwhile, they are playing a team that is the nation's best on offense in expected points per play, points per game, and offenseive success rate. and who we know is very capable of scoring in bunches, and from long distance. Any play, anywhere on the field.
I think if Colorado did better against the run and ran it better I would give them more of a shot here.
I did not look to see what ASU looked like before the USC game, so maybe CU has a legit shot. But a quick glance here says no.
Just like ASU, they have a line made up of primarily 2 and 3 star turds with limited experience. It's not a Power 5 calibre line. 208 and Grinch will still play too much press man coverage and blitz too much. Bad tackling and altitude will cause the game to be close after giving up too many big plays. Arrogance.
do you think CU would get shut out at home by Sac St? There's your answer.