CU Buffs Tackle Run Defense Troubles Ahead of Arizona Matchup
The Colorado Buffaloes are focused on improving their struggling run defense after a challenging defeat. Last Saturday, the Buffs surrendered an alarming 422 rushing yards in a 53-7 loss to Utah. This performance marked a low point for defensive ends coach George Helow, who described the experience as “embarrassing” and unlike anything he has faced in nearly 15 years of coaching college football.
As the Buffs (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) prepare to face Arizona (4-3, 1-3) at Folsom Field on October 28, 2023, addressing defensive weaknesses is a top priority. Currently, Colorado ranks 134th out of 136 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) for rush defense, allowing an average of 217.25 yards per game. In their last two games alone, they have given up 658 rushing yards, averaging 329 yards per game.
Helow emphasized the need for the team to move past the Utah game and focus on making the necessary corrections. “We’ve had really good talks as a defensive staff about what we need to do moving forward,” he stated. “We’ve got to own it and correct it and get better.”
The offensive line of the Utah Utes is recognized as elite, featuring two tackles projected as first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, Helow pointed out that the issues observed during the game were largely self-inflicted. “A lot of the things, it’s about us and what we do,” he explained. Key areas of improvement include getting off the ball effectively, striking blocks, maintaining a low pad level, and finishing plays in a dominant position.
The upcoming matchup against Arizona presents a different challenge. While Utah leads the Big 12 and ranks fifth nationally in rushing offense with an average of 267.13 yards per game, Arizona is currently twelfth in the conference, averaging 142.14 yards per game. Nonetheless, running back Ismail Madhi remains a significant threat, having accumulated 445 yards on 77 carries this season, averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
Helow noted the importance of containing Madhi and preventing him from reaching the second level of the defense. “We’ve got to secure the edges. We’ve got to make him run north and south, put hats on him, and gang tackle him,” he advised. Effective open-field tackling will be crucial for the Buffs as they aim to rectify their defensive struggles.
In addition to addressing the running game, the Buffaloes have also struggled to contain quarterbacks on the ground. Arizona’s quarterback, Noah Fifita, although not a traditional dual-threat player, possesses the ability to create plays with his legs. “It’s collectively as a unit,” Helow stated regarding the approach to stopping the quarterback.
Following the tough review of the Utah game film, defensive end Keaten Wade expressed optimism for the upcoming game. “We watched the film on Sunday and got the corrections that were needed,” he said. Wade indicated that the team is bringing a different energy to practice this week, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and having fun while performing their roles effectively.
Helow took responsibility for the team’s run defense struggles, acknowledging his role as the defensive run game coordinator. “It’s all on me. I’m the run game coordinator. I have a job to do. OK, we didn’t get it done,” he stated. As the Buffs look to improve in their final games of the season, the focus will be on executing their strategies and enhancing their defensive performance against Arizona.
