What we learned from Colorado’s rough showing at Nebraska

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Dante Dowdell (23) stiff arms Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Preston Hodge (24) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

As a longtime follower of Colorado football, Saturday’s game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers has me feeling like Robin Williams from the movie “Jumanji.” Seeing issues from years past — particularly last season — has me asking, “What year is it?”

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Colorado’s offense was bogged down by protection issues and a lack of a run game, which caused the defense to be constantly on the field. Add in problems getting Nebraska off the field on third downs and some terrible bounces, and you have the recipe CU fans have seen too often over the past two seasons.

Here are five takeaways from the Buffs’ deflating 28-10 loss at Nebraska:

One step forward, two steps back for the offensive line

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) throws away the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Given the talent Colorado brought in and the encouraging signs we saw in Week 1, I believed the Buffs’ offensive line had turned a corner regarding their pass protection. Those beliefs were dashed on Saturday as quarterback Shedeur Sanders was under assault from the first possession of the game. Whether it was scheme-related or a talent gap, that protection is unacceptable and will likely result in Sanders getting hurt again.

The offensive play calling was frustrating and confusing

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) passes against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive lineman Jimari Butler (1) during the first…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/learned-colorados-rough-showing-nebraska-190521990.html

Author : Buffaloes Wire

Publish date : 2024-09-08 19:05:21

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