Welcome to the Hotline’s predictions for every Pac-12 recreation of the 2022 season. The 12-part sequence can be revealed in six installments, with groups grouped by journey companions. Hyperlinks to prior articles at backside …
Colorado Buffaloes
Coach: Karl Dorrell (third season)
Offensive coordinator: Mike Sanford (first season)
Defensive coordinator: Chris Wilson (second season)
2021 report: 4-8/3-6
Colorado’s five-year win totals: 10-5-5-5-4 (2020 season excluded)
Final postseason look: 2020 Alamo Bowl (misplaced to Texas)
Finest-case 2022 state of affairs: 6-6
Worst-case 2022 state of affairs: 1-11
Projected beginning quarterback: Brendon Lewis
Key query: The Buffaloes have playmakers within the passing recreation, however will Lewis (or JT Shrout) constantly ship the ball on time and on course to revitalize what was a subpar offense.
Right here we go …
Sept. 2 (Friday): vs. TCU
Consequence: win
Document: 1-0
Remark: The Horned Frogs have a brand new coach, Sonny Dykes, who loves the Air Raid however has little regard for protection. That presents the Buffs with a stupendous alternative … if they'll get the bottom recreation rolling.
Sept. 10: at Air Power
Consequence: loss
Document: 1-1
Remark: First matchup for Dorrell and his employees towards a triple-option opponent. That’s at all times an ominous signal.
Sept. 17: at Minnesota
Consequence: loss
Document: 1-2
Remark: New CU playcaller Mike Sanford spent the previous two seasons as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator, so he is aware of the Gophers’ personnel and playbook. Shut all through, however the guests end one possession brief.
Sept. 24: vs. UCLA
Consequence: loss
Document: 1-3/0-1
Remark: The Bruins can be rested and wholesome after their non-conference gauntlet of Bowling Inexperienced, Alabama State and South Alabama. The Buffs can be wobbly after three in a row towards FBS foes.
Oct. 1: at Arizona
Consequence: loss
Document: 1-4/0-2
Remark: Pivotal recreation if CU hopes to protect even the faintest alternative to achieve the postseason. However the dynamics have modified for the reason that 34-0 victory over Arizona final 12 months.
Oct. 8: idle
Remark: No aggressive benefit gained as Cal can also be idle in Week Six.
Oct. 15: vs. Cal
Consequence: loss
Document: 1-5/0-3
Remark: If the season follows the trail laid out right here, this might be the time for a quarterback change.
Oct. 22: at Oregon State
Consequence: win
Document: 2-5/1-3
Remark: We’re having a tough time getting final 12 months’s affair out of our head and surprise if Oregon State may expertise the identical drawback.
Oct. 29: vs Arizona State
Consequence: win
Document: 3-5/2-3
Remark: Hope is alive within the shadow of the Flatirons, nevertheless briefly it'd final.
Nov. 5: vs. Oregon
Consequence: loss
Document: 3-6/2-4
Remark: Favorable timing for CU with the Geese in a look-ahead state of affairs to their rivalry recreation towards Washington on Nov. 12. However the Buffs’ two-game profitable streak undermines their pursuit of an upset: They've Oregon’s full consideration.
Nov. 11 (Friday): at USC
Consequence: loss
Document: 3-7/2-5
Remark: No crew has a more durable November, and the Buffs merely don’t possess the standard depth wanted to deal with it.
Nov. 19: at Washington
Consequence: loss
Document: 3-8/2-6
Remark: What had been low-level grumbling about Dorrell’s job safety now could be loud sufficient for all to listen to and none to flee. However we imagine he’s secure by way of 2023.
Nov. 26: vs. Utah
Consequence: loss
Document: 3-9/2-7
Remark: Very like the previous two affairs, CU holds its personal by way of halftime, then fades to oblivion.
*** Earlier installments:
Arizona
Arizona State
Cal
Stanford
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