The University of Colorado’s return to a fan-filled Folsom Field will be electric. On Wednesday, the school gave the public it’s very first view of Ralphie VI, who will be leading the Buffaloes in their home opener against the University of Northern Colorado on Saturday.
Ralphie VI’s run will be Colorado’s first running of a buffalo since 2019. The previous animal, Ralphie V, was forced into retirement after she became too fast and powerful for her handlers.
Yet Ralphie IV will not be the only one making their debut that night.
Brendon Lewis, the redshirt freshman quarterback, will be making his first ever start for the Buffaloes. The 6 foot 2 inch dual threat out of Melissa, Texas was in a quarterback battle throughout the spring with Tennessee transfer JT Shrout. But after Shrout went down with injury, Lewis won the job. Lewis possesses a strong frame, and can throw the ball with velocity. He is also quick on the ground and is a running threat. Although Lewis hasn’t been on the field much, the times he has played were impressive.
In the 2020 Alamo Bowl, then quarterback Sam Noyer was struggling throughout the game, leading to being benched in favor of Lewis. Lewis went on to go 6/10, racking up 95 yards with a quarterback rating of 139.8 in his short time playing. He also ran for 73 yards on 9 attempts, scoring one of the few touchdowns Colorado managed against Texas that night.
Thankfully for Lewis, he has experienced help returning. Wide Receivers Dimitri Stanley and La’Vontae Shenault proved their reliability on the field in 2020 and are looking to build off of last season’s success in 2021.
Colorado’s bread and butter, however, is its running game. Jarek Broussard had an unexpected breakout season last year, running for 895 in only 6 games in 2020. One of those games he went on to rush for over 300 yards.
He isn’t the only threat in the backfield.
Alex Fontenot, the Buffaloes 2019 leading rusher, is back from an injury that took his 2020 season.
The offensive line is promising as well. Transfer portal additions like Max Wray from Ohio State, and Noah Fenske, from Iowa are potential upgrades to a line that could use the help. Not only does the line feature just one senior, it has also faced a serious injury problem that has led to the cycling in and out of players.
Despite this, head coach Karl Dorell and offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini have the potential to run a fast and explosive offense.
The defense has the potential to be just as effective.
The Buffaloes leader on defense, linebacker Nate Landman, is returning after suffering an achilles injury that sidelined him late in the 2020 season. Despite this loss, Colorado’s pass rush led the Pac-12 in tackles for loss. Their pass rush is returning Carson Wells, who led the team in sacks in 2020. With their main weapons returning, Colorado is in solid shape to replicate, if not exceed last year’s pass rush success.
Their secondary is another story. In 2020 the Buffaloes’ secondary was young and it showed. Fielding mainly sophomores and freshmen, Colorado ranked eighth in the Pac-12 in passing yards allowed per game.
In 2021 the secondary needs to show growth, and they have the talent to be dangerous, if they can continue to evolve. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who played as a true freshman in 2020, has the potential to become a leader on defense. If Colorado’s secondary can develop, they could match, if not be better, than the 2016 secondary that led them to a 10-4 season.
Colorado has the potential to compete in the Pac-12, but it won’t be easy. With one of the hardest schedules in the country, the Buffaloes will face six ranked opponents in 2021, one of which is Texas A&M.
Colorado will likely be better than their record shows, and that’s okay, because they are overall a very young team. This season will prove how effective the coaching staff is at developing its talent. There is lots of talent here, it was proved last season after they went 4-2.
In 2021, Colorado can prove they can compete.
A bowl win would be nice too.
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