Colorado vs. Delaware preview: Buffs look to bounce back
BY LEOPOLDO RIVERA IV | 365 Sports
In a Saturday afternoon showdown, the Colorado Buffaloes (0-1) welcome the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens to Folsom Field for Week 2.
The Buffs had a night to forget last Friday, losing 27-20 to the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets (1-0). Defensively, they gave up 463 total yards of offense and were gashed for 320 on the ground. Colorado had no answer for quarterback Haynes King, who hit pay dirt three times, even after starting the game with three turnovers.
Offensively, the Buffs showed flashes of the run game but struggled to put together long drives. Quarterback Kaidon Salter was unable to get on the same page with his receivers, as running back Dakalon Taylor led the team with three receptions and a touchdown.
Delaware is hitting the road fresh off a 35-17 win over rival Delaware State Hornets.
After making the change to quarterback Nick Minicucci in the first quarter, the Fightin’ Blue Hens found an offensive rhythm. He connected on 28 of his passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns and toted the rock for nine carries, 44 yards and a score. The Buffs will have to be on the lookout for Jake Thaw and Kyre Duplessis, who each racked up seven catches and touchdowns last Thursday.
Although limiting Delaware State to 17 points was a plus, a weakness was exposed in the trenches, where the Hornets managed to collect 200 rushing yards on Delaware. Upfront Delaware poses a significantly less physical threat than Georgia Tech did last week.
For Colorado, they hold the size and speed advantage at the skill positions and should dominate in the trenches. Fueled by a loss, the Fightin’ Blue Hens will have their hands full for another sold-out crowd in Boulder.
With Delaware willing to play man coverage and test Colorado’s receivers, it will be the perfect opportunity for Kaidon Salter to get into a rhythm. The most essential component of a Colorado victory will be the ability to run the ball with its trio of backs.
Defensively, the Buffs can get back on track by stopping the run against a more pass-heavy team. There will be opportunities for their ball-hawking secondary to make plays and capitalize on mistakes. Cainting the legs of Minicucci will be a factor as well.
The Fightin’ Blue Hens could look to mimic Georgia Tech’s recipe by using the legs of Minicucci and firing shots to the corner opposite of DJ McKinney. Trying to establish the run could be beneficial if Delaware shows a commitment to it.
The game will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CST on Fox.