The Colorado Buffaloes defense will need to rely on their defensive linemen, Lamont Lester Jr. and Santana Hooper, this week to put pressure on the Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier. The true dual-threat quarterback has thrown for 1,134 yards with 15 total touchdowns in the first five games of the season.

Colorado will need some extra help on the defensive front and should have Lester back this week after missing the Texas Tech game while dealing with an injury he suffered at Baylor. Lester's availability will be a boost because of his ability to beat offensive blockers off the line of scrimmage to disrupt the opposing team's offense.

Lester's addition to the defense is needed to bring pressure all the way around. Dampier averages 11.4 rushes per game, but that's only part of the story for the Utes.

Utah's first-year offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven has done an exceptional job with play calls. He has a two-quarterback offense with both Dampier and backup Byrd Ficklin on the field together at the same time. Ficklin could be at running back, tight end or receiver at any given moment. Not to mention, Utah running back Wayshawn Parker will cause the Buffs to have issues covering him out of the backfield on screen plays and running the ball between the tackles.

The Buffs will have to find a way to maintain gap containment, forcing Dampier and the Utes' running backs to play behind the chains for four quarters. This is easier said than done. Especially with Colorado history of giving up yards and points.

Statistically, Utah's defense is one of the stingiest in college football. The Buffs 'Go-Go' offense will be tested to see how well they will be able to execute their offense that averages 10.3 points per game against Power 4 teams.

The major question that needs to be answered is who will be the starting quarterback for the Buffs? All the conversation around former five-star Julian Lewis not being mentally into the game. The last time he played will be something to look at if he's named the starter against Texas Tech.

Former Utah QB Issac Wilson was given the nod and had a rough game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, completing 26-of-44 passes for 290 yards and a touchdown. Wilson's four turnovers were the catalyst in the Buffs' offensive woes, especially the pick-six he threw in the end zone, allowing the Red Raiders to extend their lead. Not to mention, Colorado's offensive play sheet was left in a hotel bar and pick up by a group of Texas Tech fans.

This week, the Buffs will need to establish their rushing attack inside because the Utes have a few disruptors on the defensive line of their own. Utes' defensive line will look to disrupt the Buffs' offense early and often.

The Buffs will need to find a way to strike Utah’s defense early, fast, and often to slow down their aggressive play. Will the Buffs find a way to get out of their own way? Starting with the coaching staff to the players. We will get an answer very soon enough.

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Source: Yahoo Sports