The Colorado Buffaloes faced disappointment on Friday, suffering a 27-20 defeat against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. The absence of key players, including Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, left the Buffaloes’ offense struggling to find its rhythm throughout the game. While the team showed increased commitment to the ground game, the predictable play-calling from offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur drew significant criticism.
Colorado’s offensive unit attempted to establish a run game, with running backs Micah Welch and Simeon Price making some progress. Dual-threat quarterback Kaidon Salter contributed with 13 rushing attempts for 43 yards and a touchdown. Despite this, many observers noted that the offensive strategies employed by Shurmur often fell short, particularly during crucial moments of the match.
Concerns Over Offensive Strategy
The Buffaloes’ receiving corps registered only eight catches, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Newly acquired tight end Zach Atkins was not utilized as anticipated, leading to further scrutiny of Shurmur’s game plan. Sports commentator Ryan Koenigsberg expressed frustration, stating, “You have nothing but time to prepare for this game and dial up some plays with an unlimited amount of playmakers, and you didn’t do it.” He specifically referenced the lack of involvement for Omarion Miller, who managed only one catch for 39 yards, despite being one of the team’s most talented receivers.
While some may view the backlash against Shurmur as premature given the initial game with a new roster, the pressure is mounting. If Deion Sanders, the head coach, decides to move on from Shurmur, there are two other assistants—tight ends coach Brett Bartolone and recent hire Byron Leftwich—who could take over play-calling responsibilities. Bartolone served as Sanders’ offensive coordinator at Jackson State in 2022, while Leftwich previously held the same role for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they won Super Bowl LV.
Looking Ahead: Adjustments and Future Games
Colorado’s left tackle, Jordan Seaton, emphasized the need for simplicity in their offensive approach. He stated, “We’re going to establish the run game. I think people try to make football complicated. You run the ball, they stack the box, now you throw the ball.” Seaton’s comments highlight a potential strategy shift that could help bolster the Buffaloes’ offensive output in future contests.
As for Salter, he acknowledged that he missed opportunities to further leverage his dual-threat capabilities. “I feel like I had those opportunities, but with me being a dual-threat quarterback, I keep my eyes down the field,” he said. Salter’s hesitance to utilize his legs and his struggles with passing on the run contributed to the overall offensive struggles.
Moving forward, the Buffaloes will need to reassess their offensive strategy and execution as they prepare for upcoming games. The team aims to refine its approach to ensure better performance and results, particularly as they adapt to the absence of key players and work to optimize their game plans under Shurmur’s direction.