Five keys for Colorado against No. 10 Texas Tech

Colorado opened the season with an exciting win over Georgia Tech, then exploded offensively in Week 2 against a lesser Weber State. Since then, the offense has stalled, and the Buffaloes have fallen to 2-2 as they prepare to face No. 10 Texas Tech.

The last time these teams faced off in 2024, Colorado came out with the win. However, both programs have changed significantly since then. Texas Tech came into this season as the favorite to win the Big 12 title and represent the conference in the College Football Playoffs. Meanwhile, the Buffaloes finished last season with a 3-9 record after a nine-win season in 2024.

It is too early in the season to call this a must-win game for Colorado. But it would go a long way toward building momentum for the rest of the season if the Buffaloes could pull off an upset over Texas Tech.

Here are five things Colorado must do to win.

No turnovers

This was one of the keys to last week's game, and realistically, it is critical to winning every week. However, as an underdog on the road against a ranked team, ball security matters even more. Colorado has had problems with ball security, with five turnovers in their two losses this season. If they want to avoid a third straight loss, the Buffaloes cannot afford to turn it over.

Get at least one interception

Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond is under a lot of pressure. Through the first four games, he only has four touchdown passes and five interceptions; three of those picks came against Sam Houston State in Week 4. Particularly when trying to pull off an upset, momentum is a crucial factor. If Colorado can get at least one interception, especially in the first half, it could flip the momentum in their favor and give them a chance to capitalize on a short field.

Dominate the line of scrimmage with the run game

Colorado's quarterback situation is clearly a problem after Julian Lewis had to be benched after the first half last week. The Buffaloes need to control the line of scrimmage with their run game if they are going to win this game. That doesn't just mean running the ball for 180 yards. That didn't work against Northwestern. They need their offensive line to dominate Texas Tech's defensive line, which is a tall task given the talent they have. However, keeping this defense in check is Colorado's only chance to win.

Touchdowns in the red zone

So far this season, Colorado has scored a touchdown on only 44 percent of its red-zone trips. That is not a recipe for winning football games. If scoring touchdowns in the red zone requires more aggressive playcalling, such as going for it on fourth down, then that is what this coaching staff needs to do. The Buffaloes have a problem with not scoring touchdowns, and it is something they need to solve if they are going to win this game, or any of their remaining games.

No special teams mistakes

The most undervalued part of a football team is the special teams unit. Colorado has a history of special teams mistakes, and they cannot afford a major misstep in this game. No major kick returns or punt returns, no botched punts, no missed field goals, etc. Any of these kinds of plays can quickly shift momentum and give the Red Raiders points. The Buffaloes are already underdogs; they cannot afford a mistake that gives Texas Tech points, like a special teams debacle.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Five keys for Colorado against No. 10 Texas Tech