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Even with a top-notch quarterback and a plethora of weapons in the skill positions, the Colorado Buffaloes are trying to get their offense going.<\/p>\n
CU was impressive in an opening-game win at TCU, but since then has sputtered through large chunks of the last three games.<\/p>\n
Slow starts have plagued the Buffs (3-1, 0-1 Pac-12). So have penalties and way too many sacks. But, as the Buffs prepare to host No. 8 USC on Saturday (10 a.m., Fox), perhaps the most pressing need is to find a running game.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got to run the ball,\u201d head coach Deion Sanders said this week. \u201cNot only that, we\u2019ve got to implement short and intermediate, as well as the deep passing game. But the main thing, you\u2019ve got to protect your quarterback. I don\u2019t care who you are, you\u2019ve got to protect the quarterback.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shedeur Sanders has been sacked a whopping 22 times in four games and one thing that could help protect him is getting the run game going.<\/p>\n
The Buffs are averaging 55.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 132nd nationally. Only FBS newcomer Sam Houston State is averaging less, at 42.0.<\/p>\n
Sacks certainly play a big role in that. The Buffs have lost 207 yards on sacks and that affects the rushing total. But, as a group, the running backs have just 300 yards in four games. The running backs are averaging a decent 3.9 yards per carry, but the Buffs haven\u2019t used them often. CU\u2019s running backs have just 77 carries in four games.<\/p>\n Offensive coordinator Sean Lewis leaned more on his run game at Kent State the past five years. Under Lewis, the Golden Flashes ran the ball 59.2% of the time from 2018-22.<\/p>\n So far this year, that\u2019s flipped, with 59.4% of the Buffs\u2019 plays being passes. That is, in part, to take advantage of Shedeur Sanders\u2019 talented arm. But, could the Buffs benefit from more of a commitment to the run game?<\/p>\n Coach Prime said that can\u2019t happen until the Buffs actually start running well.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s just like asking your wife are you committed to a good meal every night if she can\u2019t cook,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to be able to cook the meal before we could commit to it. We gotta be able to cook the running game before we commit to it.\u201d<\/p>\n Freshman Dylan Edwards leads the Buffs with 157 yards and is averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Anthony Hankerson and Sy\u2019veon Wilkerson have had some decent runs, as well.<\/p>\n The Buffs also finally got Alton McCaskill into the mix late in Saturday\u2019s 42-6 loss to Oregon. The Houston transfer and AAC freshman of the year in 2021 had 17 yards on five carries in his first action since a 2022 knee injury.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s getting better and better,\u201d Coach Prime said. \u201cWe want to see him hit it, a little more physicality, get the shoulders over a little bit. But as you can see, he has it. He just has to put it together in due time, but he will. I don\u2019t doubt him for nothing. He\u2019s a great running back, but we have a backfield full of guys that can get the job done. But he\u2019s special.\u201d<\/p>\n The Buffs are going to need him and others to be special soon in order to reverse the fortunes of the rushing attack.<\/p>\n Senior receiver Javon Antonio returned to action against Oregon after missing two games with a shoulder injury. He also caught his first three passes as a Buff, for 42 yards.<\/p>\n \u201cIt felt great, just knowing I could be there for my teammates,\u201d Antonio said. \u201cBeing out there, helping out the team and getting back to chemistry with Shedeur was great.”<\/p>\n Going into this week, CU is last in the Pac-12 in rushing defense, allowing 206.5 yards per game. USC is 11th, allowing 136.5 yards per game. \u2026 Among Power 5 conference teams, USC ranks first or tied for first in sacks (16), tackles for loss (41) and forced fumbles (eight). \u2026 USC is 8-0 in August\/September games under head coach Lincoln Riley. \u2026 CU is tied for second nationally with 11 takeaways.<\/p>\n Keeler: Sean Payton, tanks for nothing! Unless Broncos' plan is landing USC QB Caleb Williams, why is Vance Joseph still here?<\/li>\n Keeler: Where's Cormani McClain? Stuck in Deion Sanders' doghouse. There's only one way out. "It's time to grow up."<\/li>\n Suzanne Morphew's remains found in Saguache County<\/li>\n Lauren Boebert escorted out of "Beetlejuice" musical in Denver after "causing a disturbance"<\/li>\n One person hit, killed on I-25 near Castle Rock<\/li>\n Kiszla: 70 points will leave scar on Broncos that can only be erased by cleaning house<\/li>\n Six buddies open gay bar in former Prohibition Bar space on East Colfax<\/li>\n Broncos four downs: Worst coaching job in NFL history? Sean Payton, that now belongs to you.<\/li>\n Opinion: Republicans should be laughing at Boebert too — that they're not is a sign of the times<\/li>\n Here's how the Floyd Hill project on I-70 will affect ski traffic this winter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nMichigan State fires coach Mel Tucker for bringing ridicule to school, breaching his contract<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n
\nCSU Rams got the finish they wanted, now look to build on it<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n
\nColorado football: Travis Hunter not ready for return to field for Buffs<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n
\nMountain West power ratings: Air Force jumps, SDSU falls and Fresno State tightens its grip on the top spot<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n
\nWhat to make of Colorado? Don’t overthink the Buffs, just enjoy them<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nBack in action<\/h4>\n
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