Colorado football: Five keys to beating WSU Cougars

Colorado is ready to get back to football after a wild week, facing Washington State with a chance to break a losing streak.

After a tumultuous week filled with coaching rumors, it's a relief for Colorado to refocus on football. The Buffs are eager to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss to Arizona last week, and their upcoming game against Washington State presents an opportunity to turn things around.

Both teams have been struggling recently, with Colorado losing four consecutive games after a promising 4-2 start, and Washington State dropping six straight following a 4-0 beginning. The question now is, which team will break their losing streak in Pullman?

To secure a win, Colorado's offensive line needs to maintain their recent improvement. After allowing seven sacks against UCLA, they only allowed three against Arizona. If they can continue this trend, the Buffs should be able to move the ball effectively against the Cougars.

Another key factor will be the turnover battle. Colorado is currently at a +11 turnover margin, while Washington State stands at -6. The Buffs must capitalize on this advantage to secure a victory in Pullman.

Both teams have struggled with their rushing attacks, with the Cougars averaging just 83.2 yards per game and three yards per carry. Colorado's defense needs to shut down Washington State's running game to gain an edge in the matchup.

On the offensive side, Colorado needs to maintain a balanced approach. While they have shown a preference for passing, their running game has proven effective at times. Against a defense allowing 161.8 rushing yards per game, the Buffs should aim for around 20 rushing attempts to keep the Cougars' defense guessing.

Interestingly, the betting line has shifted in Colorado's favor in the lead-up to the game, indicating that many bettors favor the Buffs in this matchup. This suggests that Colorado has a strong chance to secure a road win against a struggling Washington State team.

In conclusion, Colorado has several key areas to focus on in order to secure a victory in Pullman. By maintaining their recent improvements on the offensive line, capitalizing on the turnover battle, shutting down the Cougars' running game, and maintaining a balanced offensive approach, the Buffs have a strong chance to come out on top in this crucial matchup.