Colorado is still searching for its first Pac-12 victory of the season as Arizona arrives in Boulder for a 6:30 p.m. Saturday kickoff at Folsom Field. Following is a scouting report by Denver Post college football reporter Kyle Fredrickson
When Colorado runs
Phillip Lindsay ranks No. 22 nationally with 105.8 rushing yards per game, but the senior captain has yet to crack the century mark in Pac-12 play. Meanwhile, Arizona held Utah to 2.9 yards per carry in its home loss last week. The Buffaloes have yet to reach their potential on the offensive line after it was touted as a major team strength in preseason. Saturday’s game will show how much progress the unit has made. Edge: Even.
When Arizona runs
The Wildcats are among college football’s most dynamic rushing offenses with 1,184 yards on the ground and 15 touchdowns through four games. Quarterback Brandon Dawkins leads the charge in coach Rich Rodriguez’s zone-read system. Tailbacks J.J. Taylor and Nick Wilson combine to average more than 100 yards per game. CU allowed a combined 349 rushing yards against Washington and UCLA, its first two league opponents. Edge: Arizona.
When Colorado passes
Despite completing just 47 percent of his passes last week, Steven Montez had one of his best games at UCLA in terms of both decision making and toughness. Inconsistent offensive line play continues to force Montez out of the pocket, where he’s prone to big plays and big mistakes. Arizona’s secondary has totaled five picks and has only given up only three passing touchdowns; however, it has yet to face a crew of receivers talented as the Buffaloes this fall. Edge: Even.
When Arizona passes
While Dawkins has been prolific as a runner, his strengths as a passer have been questioned at times. In the Wildcats’ two losses, he tossed three interceptions and one touchdown. Arizona ranks No. 102 nationally in average passing yards (182.8). CU’s defensive backfield limited UCLA’s Josh Rosen to one score through the air last week. The Buffaloes have six interceptions. Edge: Colorado.
Special teams
One of the most dynamic weapons on the Wildcats’ roster is 5-foot-9, 175-pound return man Shun Brown. He’s already brought back two punts for touchdowns — 66 yards against Northern Arizona and 63 yards at UTEP — with breakaway speed. CU went without a special teams gaffe at UCLA one week after having a punt blocked by Washington. But there’s no question all eyes will be on Brown every time he drops back for a return. Edge: Arizona.
