Colorado Football: 3 keys to victory over Arizona State in Week 4

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BOULDER, CO – SEPTEMBER 7: Wide receiver Tony Brown #18 of the Colorado Buffaloes celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown reception with wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson #1 during a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Folsom Field on September 7, 2019 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

3. Colorado must get off to fast start

If the Buffaloes want to win this game, they have to avoid starting off slow. This is the best defense they’ve faced all season. Nebraska is still building its identity in year two under Scott Frost and Air Force — although a veteran group — is undersized.

Arizona State’s defense, unlike Nebraska and Air Force, knows how to close out games. If they start slow like they have the last two games, it’s going to be hard to come back. The Buffaloes were down 17-0 against Nebraska until outscoring the Cornhuskers 24-7 to tie the game in the fourth quarter. They were down 20-10 to Air Force before tying the game at 23 late in the fourth quarter.

Colorado might not be able to come back from a deficit like that against a defense as good as Arizona State.

The good thing about starting well against the Sun Devils is they haven’t had a great season offensively. Arizona State might be second in the country is scoring defense, but they are 111th in scoring offense. If the Buffs can manage a better start on offense they’ll have a chance to keep it close until the fourth quarter with a chance to win.

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