Getting to know the Colorado Buffaloes with CU insider Brian Howell

Arizona’s upcoming opponent had just 38 rushing yards this past weekend.

That bodes well for an Arizona defense that has allowed a combined 490 rushing yards in the Wildcats’ last two losses. The Wildcats will now face the second-worst rushing offense in the Big 12 in the Colorado Buffaloes.

Colorado was out-rushed 422-38 yards against Utah on Saturday. The Buffaloes also have the worst rushing defense in the Big 12, allowing an average of 217.3 rushing yards per game.

Following a 53-7 loss to Utah on Saturday, the Buffaloes fall to 3-5 on the season and are in danger of not making the postseason in head coach Deion Sanders’ third season in Boulder. Sanders is 16-17 in two-plus seasons at Colorado. Arizona opened as a one-touchdown favorite to beat the Buffaloes on Saturday at Folsom Field, according to Action Network.

In the third season of the “Coach Prime” era in Boulder, the Buffaloes are without the star tandem of Heisman Trophy-winning two-way star Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, whose successor is Liberty transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter, who has 1,192 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions this season.

Salter isn’t a big-bodied quarterback and is 20-30 pounds lighter than BYU’s Bear Bachmeier and Houston’s Conner Weigman, but the 6-3, 190-pound Salter has runs of 35, 24, 24 and 21 yards this season, so his legs can be effective against an Arizona defense that has struggled to stop quarterback runs.

Ahead of CU’s homecoming, Colorado insider Brian Howell of the Daily Boulder Camera joined “Spears & Ali” on ESPN Tucson to talk about the Buffaloes.

How does Colorado’s rushing attack compare to previous years?

A: “Compared to the last few years, their rushing attack has been insanely good. They were last in the country the last two years, so they’re doing much better this year. Salter is leading it, but they have a stable of backs they use this year. A couple of them are hurt. Nobody ever really has a lot of yards. Only twice under Deion has a running back had more than 70 yards in a game. Nobody has a lot or nobody more than a dozen carries, but they use different guys. It’s a solid run game, but not a great run game, but it can certainly get the job done.”

Is the offense with Salter different than the one with Shedeur Sanders?

A: “It’s a lot different, because he’s not the passer that Shedeur was. Sheduer was one of the most accurate passers in college football history; Kaidon is not that. They have a ton of wide receivers, but they struggle to get the ball to them down the field, and Kaidon runs the ball a lot more than Shedeur ever did, so it’s a much different offense.”

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How has Colorado’s defensive secondary performed this season, considering the loss of Hunter? What is the strength of Colorado’s defense?

A: “The secondary has struggled. They’ve been up and down. Deion Sanders has talked about how much they need better play on the back end. It’s been very up and down, and they’ve had injuries there as well. They’re hoping to get some guys back, which will help. The strength has been their defensive line. Their run defense, against running backs, has been solid. That front four and front five have been the best part of the defense so far.”

Recently, Colorado held a practice and scrimmage for backups to have highlights on film in case they entered the transfer portal. Is that something other schools could emulate moving forward?

A: “I think a lot of coaches have emulated a lot of what Deion has done, so possibly. Deion is all about getting opportunities, whether it’s here or somewhere else. I thought it was a cool thing to do and the players love him.”

Considering Sanders’ bladder cancer diagnosis, could this be his last season coaching?

A: “I think that’s always a possibility. It’s a lot of serious stuff. Going back to his time at Jackson State, over the last three or four years, he’s had a lot of serious health issues. For a guy that’s approaching 60, there’s always that possibility. ... It’s a possibility, but he loves doing this and he wants do this as long as he can.”

Over the last two years, Colorado has had so much national buzz. Do you still feel that buzz, or has it worn off?

A: “It’s not quite the same. Lil Wayne isn’t rapping in the end zone this year or Dr. J isn’t on the sidelines. It’s a little bit different, but when it’s full you feel it. ... The stadium has been full for most of the year.”

Not only did Colorado lose Hunter, but they lost Jimmy Horn Jr. and LaJohntay Wester and Will Sheppard to the NFL. Who is stepping up at receiver for the Buffaloes?

A: “Omarion Miller is a future pro. He’s had a phenomenal year. It’s been a slow start for these receivers and they’re getting used to the offense, but Omarion has had a great season. Joseph Williams, who was the American Conference Freshman of the Year last year at Tulse, he’s had a really good year. Sincere Brown is always a threat. ... Those three guys are the main threats.”