Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. Colorado 2018

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LINCOLN, NE – SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Steven Montez #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes takes a snap against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

The UCLA football team begins Pac-12 play and will try to get their first win of the season against the upstart Colorado Buffaloes.

The UCLA football team is not exactly where many thought they would be after three-games in Chip Kelly’s first season. UCLA is 0-3 and they are set to begin conference play against the 3-0 Colorado Buffaloes.

The Bruins had some positives in a 48-21 loss to Oklahoma in Week 2 but had a lot more negatives in their 38-14 loss to Fresno State in Week 3. If the Bruins expect to get their first win of the season, they are going to have to put forth a tremendous effort against Colorado, a team that is turning a lot of heads this season.

Colorado Offense

Colorado has the third-best total offense in the Pac-12 with 494.0 yards per game. This is quite a different outcome from 2017 when the Buffaloes were 7th in the Pac-12 with 417.6. One could say those stats are inflated after playing New Hampshire, an FCS team, but they only totaled 491 yards against them.

Colorado made statements against Colorado State (this was a big one) and Nebraska, putting up 596 and 395 yards, respectively. Colorado is a well-oiled machine that has a seasoned QB, a fantastic wide receiver and two running backs that are averaging over seven yards per carry.

"DID YOU KNOW? The tradition of running a live buffaloe onto the field (named “Ralphie”) started back in 1934. The current Ralphie is the 5th buffalo to carry on the tradition."

Right now, the Buffaloes are looking really good and an argument can be made for winning the Pac-12 South Division (something they accomplished two seasons ago).

Colorado has shown some grit in the first three games of the season. In their last game, which was their home opener for the 2018 season, they stymied New Hampshire, but only after shocking Nebraska on their home field and beating down rival Colorado State. “Gritty” perfectly describes the Buffaloes at this time.