Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. Colorado 2018

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LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 08: Wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. #2 of the Colorado Buffaloes breaks free against defensive back Aaron Williams #24 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Colorado Offense (cont.)

Leading the charge is junior QB Steven Montez who is 45th in the nation in passing yards with 855. Colorado is running a spread offense, but it balances the passing and running game.

It also helps that they have one of the biggest surprises in the nation as sophomore wide receiver Laviska Shenault, Jr. has been unstoppable.

In three games, Shenault has amassed 455 yards through the air, the 5th most in the nation. He has great hands, he is a speedster and a very dangerous downfield threat. In Colorado’s second game of the season, the Buffaloes played hard and were not intimidated by the environment of a former Big XII rival. On the last play of Colorado’s last possession, Montez connected with Shenault for a 40-yard touchdown which became the game-winning score.

Not only does this show athleticism, but it shows fearlessness by the Buffaloes and that is something they are going to portray when UCLA comes to Boulder.

2018 Colorado Offensive Stats

Total – 494.0 | Rushing – 204.3 | Passing – 289.7 | Scoring – 41.0

But it is not just the passing game which UCLA has to be mindful of. Colorado has two running backs that are averaging over seven yards per carry, as noted above. Travon McMillan is giving Colorado 8.8 yards every time he touches the ball. In the early part of this season, he already has 290 yards on the ground and 3 touchdowns. Add to that the 7.2 yards Beau Bisharat is contributing and the Buffs have one dangerous ground game.

UCLA’s defense has improved in stopping the run (last year the Bruins gave up 5.8 yards per carry, that is down to 3.8 in 2018), but they are going to have their hands full. The Bruins are showing a lot of tenacity this season and are getting into the backfield a lot more, but they need to be aware of Colorado’s balanced attack. UCLA has been good in defending the pass, but as we saw against Fresno State, the Bruins were picked apart. The same could happen against Colorado.