The Colorado Buffaloes have two new coordinators this season, wtih OC Brennan Marion’s “go go offense” is led by Sophomore quarterback Julian Lewis, who averages just under 10 yards per completion. They’ll come to visit the Northwestern Wildcats tomorrow night, for a game that both sides really need, in regards to the aim of stacking up wins for a bowl berth. Weather could play a major factor for this matchup at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on Saturday night.
There is a major weather threat that could alter the game script- thunderstorms that could be setting up shop along the shore of Lake Michigam, with the potental of lightning to delay the kickoff.
What are the Colorado Buffaloes at Northwestern Wildcats FYIs?
Saturday, September 19, 6:30 pm CT
Game Preview, Prediction: go here
Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium | Evanston, Illinois
FOX (Noah Reed, Devin Gardner, Josh Sims)
WGN 720 AM (Dave Eanet, Ted Albrecht)
At the very least, rain should be substantial, and that will lead to a wet turf, and a slick ball, which will affect the ability to execute on offense. Both Coach Prime and David Braun, who was newly minted with a nice contract extension on Wednesday, will need to adjust to the elements.
What is a Colorado Offense vs Northwestern Defense Matchup to Focus On?
NU safety Robert Fitzgerald, at a media opportunity last week, discussed the concept of “playing centerfield” from his safety position.
“Yeah, I think safety’s got to be one of the most fun positions in football because you really get to see the entire field, and I think you got the best view of what’s going on in a football game,” Fitzgerald said.
“Especially when you’re playing the deep half or the deep part of the middle field, you really are like a center field out there in baseball. It’s great.”
The guy that Fitz will have to keep a sharp eye on is wide receiver Deandre Moore, the Buffs’ primary deep threat.
We’ve already seen Moore’s ability to stretch the opposing defense in the vertical passing game, so it will be imperative that Northwestern defensive coordinator Tim McGarigle has his linebackers and defensive backs in the right places and ready to execute in a manner that that forces Moore to stay underneath.
Who knows, maybe the derecho, if it comes, will act as a partial help in defending the deep ball.
What is a Colorado Defense vs Northwestern Offense Matchup to Watch?
NU has a dual threat quarterback in Aidan Chiles, and a top notch receiver in Griffin Wilde, but the system still centers around the three-headed monster at tailback- Caleb Komolafe, Evan Sawchuk and Joseph Himon II. Of all the things that Chip Kelly does well, creating rush lanes is right at the top of the list. Kelly’s offense are great at finding daylight for backs who can get into the green spaces.
We’ll see how Colorado DC Chris Marve counteracts this, with linebackers Liona Lefau and Tyler Martinez his primary means to do so.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.