Colorado Buffaloes head coach Jon Embree is fed up with all the losing, as he told everyone during his postgame press conference following the 31-27 loss to the Washington St. Cougars. His team is 1-4, with the only win coming against the Colorado St. Rams (who lost to the San Jose St. Spartans last weekend). But his team doesn't get a break this week since a visit to Stanford is a tall task to overcome.
The Stanford Cardinal is led by Heisman candidate and likely No. 1 overall draft pick Andrew Luck. Luck is 80-of-112 for 1,013 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has 56 career touchdowns and with a big game this weekend he could move closer to reaching John Elway's career record of 77 touchdowns. Our Stanford blog, Rule of Tree, believes Luck could be in for a huge passing day since the Colorado secondary has been hit with numerous suspensions. Luck likes to pass to Chris Owusu (275 yards) and Coby Fleener (five touchdown receptions. But don't sleep on the running game. Stepfan Taylor has 71 carries for 401 yards and four touchdowns.
The Buffs will need its defense to hold together as it deals with a largely untested secondary. But quarterback Tyler Hansen also needs to step up. While he has 1,325 passing yards, he had completed just 56.6 percent of his passes. Running back Rodney Stewart can hopefully continue the success he found last week when he rushed for 132 yards. He's also a threat out of the backfield as a pass-catcher.
Game date, time: 5:30 p.m. MT, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011
Location: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California
TV channel: Versus
Spread: Stanford is favored by 30 points
Series history: Series is tied, 3-3
For more on this game, visit our Colorado blog The Ralphie Report and our Stanford blog Rule of Tree.