Strong front seven has boosted CU Buffs’ defense
Following a game in which the Colorado defense limited the top rushing offense in the country, head coach Deion Sanders was quick to point out the Buffaloes still have more to do.
"We're good (at run defense), but Mr. Jefferson got 98 yards, so we're not great," Sanders said following the Buffs' 48-21 win at Central Florida on Sept. 28 in Orlando, Fla.
Mr. Jefferson – that would be UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson – did gain 98 yards, but finished with 76 when counting sacks. Overall, UCF rushed for 177 yards, which is the most allowed by CU this season, but it was nearly 200 yards below the Knights' average (375.7).
More than anything, the fact that Coach Prime downplayed the effort a bit speaks to the higher level of expectations the Buffs (4-1, 2-0) have this season.
After ranking as one of the worst defenses in the country last year, the Buffs, who are on bye this week, have played well on that side of the ball through five games. That's due, in large part, to a much-improved front seven.
A year ago, the Buffs struggled to stop the run, but they're getting strong efforts from the line and linebackers this year.
"We were disruptive on the inside (at UCF)," defensive coordinator Robert Livingston said. "If we can play that way, if we can dominate with the front seven, the linebackers playing downhill, I can't say enough about (Nikhai Hill-Green) and (LaVonta Bentley). I mean, the way they played the last two weeks has been really, really special."
Bentley and Hill-Green have formed a dynamic, hard-hitting duo in the middle of the defense. They've also been freed up to make plays because of the efforts up front.
Shane Cokes, in particular, has been a rock on the defensive line this season.
"There's not a scout that comes by each day that we don't mention Shane Cokes," Coach Prime said. "He's being mentioned where he should be mentioned with the scouts coming to watch. But Shane is a consistent young man, always on time, watches a ton of film, is a born leader."
Others, such as Anquin Barnes, BJ Green, Amari McNeill and Tawfiq Thomas, have also played well. And, the Buffs got a significant boost from the return of Chidozie Nwankwo, who might be CU's best defensive tackle. He missed two games with a shoulder injury, but had two tackles in CU's win in Orlando.
"Chidozie is the leader," Coach Prime said. "He's the dog, and everyone follows his footsteps. He is strong as an ox. You really can't move him, and he gets leverage, and he does his job. The guys kind of feed off that, because he's a vocal leader, a visible leader, and he works his butt off in practice."
Nwankwo contributed to CU's season-high 13 tackles for loss. The Buffs also had a season-best five sacks, despite not having top pass rusher Dayon Hayes, who was out with an injury.
Taje McCoy, Samuel Okunlola, Arden Walker and others stepped in and displayed the Buffs' defense on the edge.
"You convince yourself (sacks) kind of come in bunches, so that was our bunch game," Livingston said. "You're talking about a 19 year old kid with Taje McCoy, his first time really playing this year. ... And that's why they work so hard. You know, you're only guaranteed 12 opportunities in this thing. It's a long year to only get 12 (games). ... So I'm excited for those guys. They put in the work, and we'll have a phenomenal test, really, the rest of the year."
More tests certainly are coming, starting with Oct. 12 when Kansas State comes to Boulder, but the Buffs have confidence in their front seven to get the job done.
"If we can play that way, you know, that's what you want," Livingston said. "It makes my job pretty easy."
