Editor's note: This is the 24th in a series previewing each opponent BYU, Utah and Utah State will face this season.
The matchup
Colorado at Utah, Nov. 28
Time, TV TBA
Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City
Although the annual matchup between Colorado and Utah isn't yet labeled as a rivalry, it could take one step closer this fall.
The Utes have won the past three meetings by an average of six points, and another close game could cement it as a favorite Pac-12 showdown.
The loss to Utah wasn't the only blemish on Colorado's record; the Buffaloes ended last season on a eight-game losing streak, earning a 2-10 record and their seventh-straight losing season. They will look to improve this year, though, with a veteran-laden team and a soft non-conference schedule adding a bright outlook.
The Deseret News caught up with Kyle Ringo, who covers Colorado football for the Boulder Daily Camera, to find out how this season might pan out and what expectations the Buffaloes have this season.
DN: Is becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 2007 a realistic expectation?
KR: Yes, I think it is. The Buffs have four winnable non-conference games (at Hawaii, UMass, Colorado State in Denver and Nicholls State). I think CU goes at least 3-1 in those games. It will come down to finally winning some games in the Pac-12. The Buffs were within a touchdown in the fourth quarter in six of nine Pac-12 games last season. They lost twice in double overtime to Cal and UCLA. By the end of the season, they realized they could play with most teams in the conference. This team will enter the 2015 season with a different level of confidence and a lot of experience returning. This is no longer a team that will be relying on contributions from a lot of freshmen. (Head coach Mike) MacIntyre stopped the attrition and is starting to build depth throughout the roster. It's only a matter of time now. The opener at Hawaii is huge.
DN: What should we expect from new defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt? Does he have the experience and talent to fix Colorado's stagnant defense?
KR: He certainly has the experience, and the Buffs are adding talent and getting better on that side of the ball. I'm not expecting a massive jump because it's hard to do that in such a loaded conference. I do think his aggressive style and having more depth across the board on defense will help CU cut down the rushing yards and points it has been giving up in recent years. If the Buffs can simply shave a touchdown off the points per game average, every game should be competitive and they should win more often. That's an achievable goal.
DN: Who are the players to watch on offense?
KR: Obviously quarterback Sefo Liufau and wide receivers Nelson Spruce and Shay Fields are well-known around the conference after big seasons a year ago. The Buffs have a pair of talented redshirt freshmen tight ends in Hayden Jones and Dylan Keeney. Tight end has been a really under-utilized position by CU in recent years, and those guys should help there. Wide receivers Bryce Bobo, Donovan Lee and Jay MacIntyre (coach's son) all have a chance to make an impact. I think the biggest opportunity for this offense comes in the running game. Three experienced running backs return in Christian Powell (team's leading rusher past three seasons), Michael Adkins II and Phillip Lindsay — who plays with as much fire as anyone I've seen in 12 years on this beat, aside from former Buffs Matt McChesney and Lawrence Vickers. CU is hoping Boise State transfer Aaron Baltazar completes his JC courses and becomes eligible. Baltazar played five games as a true freshman at Boise State in 2013 before suffering a knee injury. He could really push the others for playing time.
DN: Who are the players to watch on defense and special teams?
KR: Samson Kafovalu returns to bolster a defensive line that lost senior Josh Tupou to a disciplinary action. Kafovalu can play inside and out and should be a playmaker. CU also added several JC defensive lineman, including All-American Jordan Carrell. Justin Solis and Derek McCartney are solid veterans. There is a lot more depth on the line this season, which should help keep guys fresh in the fourth quarter.
CU has a lot of experience and talent with linebackers Addison Gillam and Kenneth Olugbode. There isn't a lot of experienced depth behind them. This team is two deep at safety, with Tedric Thompson developing into a potential All-Conference player. There are three solid cornerbacks in Ken Crawley, Ahkello Witherspoon and Chidobe Awuzie.
It remains to be seen who will handle the place-kicking this season. New guys are competing for that job. Lack of experience is a concern entering a season in which CU could be in a lot of close games and need a clutch kicker.
DN: What major question marks does the team need to solve in fall camp?
KR: Who will start at the guard positions on the line? There are several young players with some experience and size, making that a fun competition to watch. Will anyone take control at running back or is it going to be a committee approach there again? Who earns the place-kicking job and how reliable is that guy? How well does the team adapt to Leavitt's defense?
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