CU takes on talented Miami (OH)
On Saturday, Miami (Ohio) of the Mid-American Conference will visit Folsom Field, and the Buffs hope they can work on the small details in practice to ensure a win against the RedHawks.
“Last year we would have been excited to even be in it. This year were playing to win,” quarterback Cody Hawkins said.
As the Buffs lost for the second straight week, falling to the Florida State Seminoles 16-6, and going 1-2 on the season, the offense mustered 279 total yards and one score. The CU defense held the FSU offense to only 221 total yards.
But Colorado’s two turnovers and the two different Florida State drives starting inside Colorado’s territory led to three field goals and a touchdown in the Seminoles’ victory.
“Just get a little better with the little things. We had our opportunities; we just need to execute,” Cody Hawkins said. “You know we make those two field goals in that game, we’re going down to tie it with a field goal (late in the fourth quarter).”
The “little things” to improve on might start with the CU run game that ranks 117th in the country, churning up a lonely 44.7 yards per game.
The CU offensive line didn’t help much against a tough Florida State defense last Saturday. CU rushed for a dismal minus-27 yards.
“Our line just has to get better at the little things: footwork, reading the defenses,” said CU Offensive Line Coach Jeff Grimes. “We’re young and we’re getting better.”
Fortunately for the offense, the RedHawks defense heads into Saturday’s game after granting 47 points to the unranked Cincinnati Bearcats on Sept. 15th, and 41 points to the unranked Minnesota Gophers the previous week.
Even with the obvious struggles of the RedHawks defense, Cody Hawkins isn’t convinced that a victory is a sure thing.
“They’re tough. They throw a lot of things at you,” Hawkins said. “Lot of zone blitzes . They’re a combo of Arizona State and CSU. We’ll have to play good as a team.”
Another concern for the Buffs heading into Saturday’s game is special teams.
Place-kicker Kevin Eberhart missed two field goals against Florida State that changed the tone of the game. Eberhart has started off the season hitting three-of-six field goals.
“The first two games I was ok. Just last game, I just lost a little focus.” Eberhart said. “It’s the little things. I was a little out of sync and my technique was a little off, but I’ll get it.”
Looking to even up their record, it appears it’s the little things that will make the big difference for the Buffs against the Redhawks.
Contact Staff Writer Brent New at brent.new@colorado.edu.
