CU travels to Seattle to play the Washington State Cougars this Saturday. This game is actually a make up for a game that was canceled in 2001 do to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Both teams are coming off wins that very nearly were loses. The Buffs needed an impressive goal line stand combined with a little help from CSU clock management. WSU had to come from behind in order to beat New Mexico in over time despite missing 3 extra points.
This is the sixth meeting between the two teams, with CU holding a 3-2 advantage. The Cougars came to Boulder last year and used the big play to dismantle the buffs. Despite out gaining WSU 348 to 310, the Buffs managed to lose by 21 points, 47-26. A 97 yard kick off return and a 41 yard interception return were among the huge mistakes CU made. That along with plays of 77 and 74 yards through the air pretty much sealed the deal for the Buffs.
This year CU comes in with a running attack that has not been seen in Boulder since 2002. Purfiy’s 189 yard performance should worry a WSU team that gave up 186 yards on the ground to the Lobos last week. Playing at sea level should also do wonders for the Buffaloes running backs and O-line that looked a little tired towards the end of the game at Folsom last week.
Let’s hope Coach Hank can figure out what went wrong with his pass defense. Against the Lobos Washington St. QB Josh Swogger passed for all three WSU TD’s. In the first scoring drive, Swogger led an 82 yard march down the field in which he completed 8 passes. The Buffs had better figure out how to cover or get some pressure. I would prefer it if they did a whole lot more of both.
The Cougars have never hosted a team from the Big XII, and the last time they played host to a Big 8 team was 1982 against… you guessed it, the CU Buffs. CU walked away from that one with a 12-0 win. While I don’t think the score will be the same, I think CU can earn the same results. They have to keep the ball away from last years NCAA leaders in take-aways, with a smart, ball control offense focused on the running attack. They also have to get some pressure on Swogger. If they can hit him early and keep him out of rhythm CU’s speed at LB and Secondary should be able to stop the Cougar’s. Finally, Klatt and his receivers have to get on the same page. The WSU ball-hawks could make it a very long afternoon if they don’t.
1:30 Mountain, ABC Regional Coverage

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