As the final stretch of the season nears, the CU football team hopes to make the best of their remaining games.
Rodney Stewart gains a few yards late in the 4th quarter Friday night at Folsom Field when Colorado lost to USC 42-17. The Arizona Wildcats will visit Boulder this Saturday in the Buff's last home game of the season. (CU Independent/Andrew Kaczmarek)
After a losing streak against some of the best the FBS has to offer, Colorado will be getting a breather against Arizona (2-7, 1-6) who, like CU, has also been struggling in the win department.
Despite Arizona’s record, CU defensive back Travis Sandersfeld isn’t taking the Buffs’ opposition lightly.
“They got two premier receivers out there,” Sandersfeld said. “Great guys, probably going to the NFL I’m guessing, great quarterback. He’s an athlete out there. It’s going to be another week in the Pac-12. It’s going to be hard and it comes down to who’s the best team on that day and who makes the least mistakes.”
The Buffaloes will be taking on Arizona quarterback Nick Foles. Foles has 3260 yards this season with 22 touchdowns. Colorado head coach Jon Embree said he feels that he’s one of the best they’ve faced this year.
“Nick, one thing that jumps out to me is how accurate he is throwing the deep ball,” Embree said. “He throws the deep ball really well. He is a big kid. I’ve heard stuff about him. Brownie (defensive coordinator Greg Brown) and Tui (defensive line coach Mike Tuiasosopo) have validated a lot of stuff.”
Luckily for CU, a few previously injured players may be returning to a defense that’s been weakened this season as a result.
“It’s good to have them back,” Sandersfeld said of his previously injured teammates. “They fought hard when they were not out there with us. They’re on their way back to help us out.”
The Colorado offense may have a chance to return to form.
With both Paul Richardson and Rodney Stewart back, the Buffs offense hopes that the two can get everything going against Arizona.
Even with two strong players back in the lineup, wide receiver Toney Clemons knows going up against Arizona’s defense will be no easy feat.
“Pac-12 defense: fast, athletic, physical, sound,” Clemons said. “They’re going to come to play. They’re on scholarships too. They earn their scholarships every week. We’ve got to come prepared. I haven’t seen them make too many mistakes, especially in the back half. They’re real energetic—they play with a lot of passion, energy and confidence. They’re the prototypical Pac-12 defense.”
The Buffs hope to be prepared in order to secure their first win in the Pac-12. CU faces the Arizona Wildcats at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Shay Knolle at shay.knolle@colorado.edu.
