What We Need To See From the Colorado Buffaloes vs. Wyoming

The Colorado Buffaloes have a do-or-die game against the Wyoming Cowboys up next on the schedule.

How can the Buffaloes secure a win and get their season back on the right track? Let’s look.

Coach Prime & Pat Shurmur Embracing the ‘Kaidon Salter Offense’

The Colorado Buffaloes’ quarterback conundrum has largely been a self-inflicted wound this season. Yes, Kaidon Salter is a clear downgrade from Shedeur Sanders, but still, he has played well when given the opportunity.

In Week 1, in an offense that clearly wasn’t tailored to his strengths, Salter accounted for 202 of Colorado’s 305 yards between his rushing and passing, and earned an above-average QBR of 57.6. In Week 2, he led the offense on consecutive scoring drives and looked much-improved in an offense that fit him better, and was only benched because Ryan Staub happened to catch fire against a lackluster Delaware defense.

Reportedly, Coach Prime and his staff have arrived at the right decision and are planning to start Salter on Saturday. Beyond simply starting him, though, the Buffs' coaching staff must embrace him and his talents to get the most out of the offense this season.

Salter shouldn’t have to worry about a short leash when he’s looked far superior to the team’s other options when playing Power-4 competition. He also shouldn’t be forced into Pat Shurmur’s antiquated, pro-style, pocket-passer-friendly offense, like a square peg in a round hole.

Last year’s offense was the most prolific passing attack in Buffs history, and it’s a fool’s errand to think you’re immediately going to replicate that the next season. Nonetheless, the Buffs have more than enough talent to field a dynamic offense, provided their coaching staff is willing to adapt.

Effective Run Defense vs. Wyoming’s Three-Headed Monster

Outside of quarterback, Colorado’s underwhelming run defense has been the most concerning problem from the first quarter of the season.

Even with a better showing against Delaware, where they ‘only’ allowed 84 yards on the ground, CU’s run defense is allowing 205 rushing yards per game. Not only that, but the book is out -- this is the way to attack Colorado.

Against the Buffaloes, Houston carried the ball 53 times, Georgia Tech rushed 47 times, and even with a negative game script, Delaware attempted 30 carries.

Enter the Wyoming Cowboys and their three-headed rushing monster of Sam Scott, Terron Kellman, and Samuel Harris, who have each totaled over 130 rushing yards this year. Plus, Kellman and Harris are each averaging more than 7.0 yards per carry.

With Wyoming not boasting the same Power-4 talent that both Houston and Georgia Tech have, it would be a terrible omen if Colorado is out-muscled up front yet again.

High-End Weapons Emerge on Offense

Returning to the offense, while the quarterback battle has raged, the lack of new and exciting skill players has fallen under the radar.

Shedeur Sanders was a major reason for the offense’s success the past two years, but the team’s deadly cast of weapons – led by Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr., Lahjontay Wester, and Will Shepherd – was equally important.

With the limited flashes we saw of Drelon Miller, Omarion Miller, Isaiah Hardge, and Kaleb Mathis, and a bevy of exciting transfers joining the fray, there were practically no worries about how the team would reload, with their previous cast of stars heading to the NFL.

Unfortunately, the Buffs have failed to find their new go-to weapons.

Only three players have averaged over 40 yards from scrimmage per game so far this season, and none are averaging 50 yards from scrimmage per game. The much-hyped Miller and Miller duo has combined for just 133 yards total this season.

While there’s plenty of room for improvement for the defense, the Colorado Buffaloes still need their offense to lead the way if they’re going to be competitive in the Big 12. For that to happen, they need to figure out their quarterback situation and find some go-to weapons for that signal-caller to use.