UPDATE: The Colorado Buffaloes are scrambling to correct their disastrous run defense after giving up an alarming 422 rushing yards in a crushing 53-7 loss to Utah last Saturday night. With their upcoming game against Arizona set for October 28, 2023, at 5 p.m. (FS1), urgency is high as the Buffs seek to reclaim their season.
Defensive ends coach George Helow expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “It was embarrassing, something I’ve never been a part of before.” The Buffaloes now find themselves ranked 134th out of 136 FBS teams in rush defense, allowing an average of 217.25 yards per game, which has surged to a staggering 658 yards over the past two games. This desperate need for improvement is paramount as they prepare to face a less formidable Arizona team.
As they gear up for the matchup, Helow emphasized the necessity of taking ownership and making critical corrections. “We’ve got to own it and correct it and get better,” he said during Wednesday’s practice. “We’ve had really good talks as a defensive staff about what we need to do moving forward.”
Arizona (4-3, 1-3 Big 12) may not pose the same challenges as Utah, which leads the Big 12 in rushing offense, but they still present a significant threat with running back Ismail Madhi, who has rushed for 445 yards this season. Helow warned, “We can’t let him bounce out to the second level. The guy’s really fast.” This highlights the urgency for the Buffs to secure their defensive edges and tackle effectively.
In addition to focusing on Madhi, the Buffs must also be wary of Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita, who, while not a traditional dual-threat, has the potential to break free and create plays with his legs. Helow insists that stopping the quarterback requires a unit-wide effort, stating, “It’s collectively as a unit.”
Defensive end Keaten Wade described reviewing the humiliating film from the Utah game as a tough but necessary process. “We watched the film on Sunday and got the corrections that were needed,” he stated. “Definitely just bringing a different type of energy this week in practice, just having more fun and doing our job together.”
Helow took responsibility for the run defense, acknowledging, “I’m the run game coordinator. I have a job to do. We didn’t get it done. I’ll speak for myself. I’m responsible for that.” This sense of accountability reveals the pressing need for improvement as the Buffs aim to bounce back.
With the stakes higher than ever, the CU Buffs must shift focus quickly if they hope to salvage their season against Arizona. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Buffs can rise to the occasion and turn their fortunes around on home turf at Folsom Field.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds and the Buffs prepare for what could be a turning point in their season!
