How Colorado's defense matches up with Texas Tech's offense

The Colorado Buffaloes face their toughest defensive assignment Saturday when No. 10 Texas Tech visits Folsom Field. The Red Raiders arrive 4-0, averaging 36.3 points and 427.3 yards per game. At the same time, Colorado enters on an embarrassing two-game skid and with major questions about its depth at linebacker and defensive line.

Texas Tech has averaged 250.8 yards per game through the air and 178.8 on the ground. Colorado allows 24.5 points per game, 236 passing yards, and 119 rushing yards each week. The numbers point to a long afternoon if the Buffaloes cannot win early downs and force Texas Tech into turnovers.

The Texas Tech offense

Quarterback Will Hammond has completed 80 of 116 passes for 968 yards and four touchdowns. He has also thrown five interceptions, giving Colorado's secondary chances if the defensive front can speed up the clock.

The Red Raiders' ground game raises a bigger concern. J'Koby Williams has 285 yards and three touchdowns on 46 carries. Cameron Dickey has 227 yards and four touchdowns on 53 attempts. The pair gives Texas Tech a dependable option on early downs and near the goal line.

Texas Tech converts 48.9% of its third-down opportunities, ranking 30th nationally. Colorado's defense allows opponents to convert 40% of the time. The Buffaloes need many more negative plays and turnovers than they created at Baylor.

Colorado's injury challenge

Colorado's depth is not a strength. The biggest blow is defensive end Lamont Lester Jr., the team's leading pass rusher, who is listed as doubtful. Defensive backs Makari Vickers, Jason Stokes Jr. and Braylon Edwards are also doubtful, and linebacker Tyler Martinez remains sidelined with a foot injury.

Toby Anene, Santana Hopper, Dylan Manuel and Yamil Talib will carry more responsibility up front. Liona Lefau and Gideon Lampron will see a large share of the linebacker work against Williams and Dickey.

Colorado's path begins with taking away the run without committing so many penalties. That would allow the Buffaloes to pressure Hammond and force the young quarterback into bad throws.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: How Colorado's defense matches up with Texas Tech's offense