Buffs looking to end two-game losing skid
Colorado returns to the familiar confines of Folsom Field after a pair of road losses as the Buffaloes play host to Oregon State on Saturday afternoon in Boulder.
The Buffs (5-2, 2-2 Pac-12) can not only break its recent slide with a win but can become bowl eligible by downing an Oregon State team (1-6, 0-4 Pac-12) seeking its first conference victory.
For Colorado head coach Mike MacIntyre, the sky isn’t falling. But it could use some support.
“First of all, the guys on the other side of the ball had something to do with that,” MacIntyre said.
“Second of all, (it) sounds simplistic, but we just missed on a few things. We’ve had some penalties that hurt us on a couple plays that got called back that would have been in scoring areas. Then we just have to execute a little bit better.”
The begins with reigniting an offense that was averaging 37.8 points in its first five games, all Buffs’ victories. Colorado has just four touchdowns in its last seven quarters as MacIntyre’s offense has slowed with an injury to Laviska Shenault Jr.
The sophomore leads the nation in receiving with 130 yards per game, but he missed the Washington game after being limited to 72 yards before injuring his toe against Southern California. Colorado has some depth at wide receiver, but the Buffs are a different team when the versatile Shenault Jr. is on the field.
Colorado quarterback Steven Montez (1,734 yards, 12 touchdowns) sure would welcome back his favorite target, who was listed as day-to-day early this week.
“It is kind of like being backed into a corner,” Montez said of the team’s fighting mood after dropping two straight games. “The only way you are getting out of there is to come out swinging. That is what we plan on doing Saturday.”
The Beavers’ quarterback situation has more questions than it does answers.
With starter Conor Blount (concussion protocol) and Jake Luton (high ankle sprain) working through injuries, head coach Jonathan Smith could turn to Jack Colletto, owner of 166 yards and an interception on 17 of 32 passing.
MacIntyre knows the fine line that teams walk when it comes to their health.
“You only get so many opportunities to play,” MacIntyre said.
“I talk to our guys all the time that your role can change at any time. The week before, we had four starters playing and the next week, those four starters didn’t even make the trip. You’re not guaranteed your next game, so you better play every chance you get.”