Pac-12 Football - 2021 Colorado Buffaloes Preview
Our Colorado Buffaloes preview 2021 observes that for the first time since 2016, this team recorded more wins than losses last season. The Buffaloes finished second in the division, winning three and losing one, while going 4-2 overall. Last season, Colorado’s ground game averaged 212.3 YPG, ranking third while the pass attack put up just 201.5 YPG, ranking 10th. They were ninth in the conference in points per game, averaging 28.5. On the other side of the ball, the Colorado defense allowed 31.7 PPG, ranking eighth. Going into this season, there are issues for this team on both offense and defense.
Colorado Offense
When it comes to quarterback, there are questions regarding who will start. Last season, Sam Noyer played well, earning second-team all-conference honors, but in the second half of the season, his performance suffered. Noyer had offseason shoulder surgery, which resulted in him being absent from spring sessions. Dual-threat freshman Brendon Lewis could be the better alternative. In his debut in the Alamo Bowl, he led the team to three scores. J.T. Shrout, an experienced transfer from Tennessee, will also have a shot at starting QB. The receiving corps is talented and includes tight end Brady Russell, who missed last season due to surgery. Also starting is Brenden Rice, who can be explosive, and Dimitri Stanley, who led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and average yards per catch.
Last year’s Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, running back Jarek Broussard, returns. In 2020, he carried the ball 156 times gaining 895 yards while averaging 5.7 YPA and scoring five TDs. QBs Noyer and Lewis are both premium rushers. Alex Fontenot, who was the team’s top ground gainer in 2019, is back after missing last season due to injury. The O-line returns four starters. It’s hoped that with last season’s experienced they’ll show improvement.
Colorado Buffaloes Preview 2021 - Defense
The defense is talented and has been helped by the transfer portal. Last season, DE Terrance Lang, the anchor of the frontline, recorded 3.5 TFL and two QBH. The linebacking unit includes last season’s top two tacklers and premium defenders, Nate Landman (53 TKLs, 4 SCKs, 5 TFL) and Carson Wells (37 TKLs, 6.5 SCKs, 9.5 TFL, 4 PBU). This is the best unit on this side of the ball.
The secondary is a concern. However, free safety Isaiah Lewis, who had a breakout season last year, is a lynchpin. Along with seven PBU, Lewis recorded 33 tackles, two QBH, and 1.5 TFL. Corners Mekhi Blackmon (6 PBU) and Christian Gonzalez (5 PBU) are a solid team but need to step up their play. Strong safety Mark Perry is good but has had injury issues.
Specialists
Our Colorado Buffaloes preview 2021 notes that last season Rice had one punt return, which he ran back 81 yards for a TD. Stanley, who averaged 7.7 YPR, will be the mainstay punt returner. Bell will handle kickoffs. In 2020, he averaged 21.6 YPR. Placekicker Evan Watts is back after hitting 16-of-16 extras and 6-of-8 field goals. Last season was Australian Josh Watts first time as a punter. He averaged 41.3 YPP and placed 11-of-35 within the 20.
Colorado Buffaloes Preview 2021 - Projection
In 2020, the Buffaloes played in their first bowl game since 2016. Colorado lost to Texas 23-55. Our Colorado Buffaloes preview 2021 does not see this team posting a winning record. They play the toughest schedule in the Pac-12 that includes out-of-conference teams Minnesota and Texas A&M, as well as USC, Arizona State, Oregon, and Washington. With a schedule like that, there’s very little room for error.
Pac-12 Football - Colorado Buffaloes 2021 - Predictions:
Fifth Place - Pac-12 South
No Bowl Berth