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UCLA Football Early 2018 Schedule Preview: Colorado Buffaloes

By Muna Osisioma

BOULDER, CO - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Mike MacIntyre of the Colorado Buffaloes works on the sideline during a game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the California Golden Bears at Folsom Field on October 28, 2017 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Mike MacIntyre of the Colorado Buffaloes works on the sideline during a game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the California Golden Bears at Folsom Field on October 28, 2017 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Steven Montez #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes passes over the defense of Josh Woods #2 and Boss Tagaloa #75 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on September 30, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Steven Montez #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes passes over the defense of Josh Woods #2 and Boss Tagaloa #75 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on September 30, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Colorado Offense

Despite having one of the best passing offenses and quarterbacks in the Pac-12 in 2017, Colorado struggled to score points. Things could be worse this season as the Buffaloes have to replace dynamic receiver Shay Fields and leading rusher Phillip Lindsay. Lindsay was especially important in 2017 as he rushed for 1,474 yards and averaged 25 carries per game. He also scored 15 touchdowns and racked up 1,731 yards from scrimmage. A lot will be asked of Montez in 2018 and he should be up to the task. In 2017, he completed 60% of his passes for 2,975 yards and accounted for 22 touchdowns.

Montez has some weapons to work with including a pair of 6’3” senior wide receivers in Juwan Winfree and Kabion Ento.  Winfree is the leading returning receiver and while his numbers don’t stand out, he has shown flashes. He put together a highlight reel game against USC in 2017 with a line of 5 receptions for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Rounding out the receiver group are sophomores Laviska Shenault, Jr. and K.D. Nixon. Shenault is explosive and had a 42-yard reception against UCLA football as a freshman. Montez and this crew will put a lot of pressure on UCLA football’s secondary.

Colorado 2017 Offensive Stats

Total Offense Passing Offense Rushing Offense Scoring Offense
 418.9 (7th)  260.4 (4th) 158.5 (8th) 26.4 (11th)

( ) – denotes ranking in the TEAM CONFERENCE

Related Story: Eight Bruins make Athlon’s 2018 Pac-12 All-Conference Team

To patch up the Lindsay-sized hole on their roster, Colorado will likely take a running back by committee approach. Graduate transfer Travon McMillian rushed for over 2,000 yards at Virginia Tech and could handle starting duties. Or redshirt freshman Alex Fontenot might get the nod over him. Senior Kyle Evans returns from injury and will be a factor as well. All of this is moot if Colorado cannot find three new starters to fill the void on their offensive line left by the departures of three linemen from the 2017 team. If UCLA plays the kind of aggressive defense that Chip Kelly favors, then they should find success against an inexperienced line like this one.