Buffaloes at a glance
Record: 5-2, 2-2 Pac-12
Last week: Lost at Washington, 27-13
Statistical leaders
Passing
Steven Montez, Jr.: 158-for-228, 1,734 yards, 12 TD, 4 INT
Sam Noyer, So.: 3-for-5, 14 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
Jay MacIntyre, Sr.: 1-for-1, 31 yards
Rushing
Travon McMillian, Sr.: 127 att., 546 yards, 4 TD
Steven Montez, Jr.: 48 att., 160 yards, 4 TD
Kyle Evans, Sr.: 45 att., 148 yards, 2 TD
Receiving
Laviska Shenault, So.: 60 catches, 780 yards, 6 TD
KD Nixon, So.: 33 catches, 362 yards, 1 TD
Tony Brown, Jr.: 24 catches, 261 yards, 0 TD
Defense
LB Nate Landman, So.: 71 tackles, 8 TFL, 2 INT
LB Rick Gamboa, Sr.: 48 tackles, 1 INT
DE Mustafa Johnson, So.: 47 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 12.5 TFL
5 Buffs to watch vs. Oregon State
PR Ronnie Blackmon: A sophomore, he leads the Pac-12 with 9.5 yards per return (171 yards on 18 returns). Oregon State has punted 37 times, but has allowed only 2.4 yards per return.
NT Javier Edwards: The anchor of the defense in the middle, Edwards and the Buffs have to stop the run against the Beavers.
RB Travon McMillian: Oregon State gives up 274.6 rushing yards per game and 6.8 yards per carry. McMillian ranks sixth in the Pac-12 with 92.3 yards per game. That all sets up for McMillian having a big day.
CB Trey Udoffia: Got the starting nod last week and could get another start this week. He’s worked to get his weight down and played better last week than he had in previous games. Buffs need him to step up the rest of the year.
WR Juwann Winfree: Is this finally the game where the senior breaks out? Hampered by injuries most of the year, he returned last week, but should have more opportunities against the Beavers.
Bottom line for CU
CU can’t take any opponent lightly, but the Buffs are expected to win this one in relatively easy fashion. First priority for the Buffs is to make sure they get the win, secure bowl eligibility and keep pace in the Pac-12 South division. CU needs some style points, though. After two consecutive losses, playing well in this one is almost as important as getting the win.
Beavers at a glance
Record: 1-6, 0-4 Pac-12
Last week: Lost to California, 49-7
Statistical leaders
Passing
Conor Blount, So.: 90-for-141, 1,059 yards, 7 TD, 2 INT
Jake Luton, Sr.: 28-for-45, 372 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Jack Colletto, So.: 17-for-32, 166 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
Rushing
Jermar Jefferson, Fr.: 132 att., 899 yards, 12 TD
Artavis Pierce, Jr.: 43 att., 343 yards, 3 TD
Trevon Bradford, Jr.: 7 att., 87 yards, 0 TD
Receiving
Timmy Hernandez, Sr.: 34 catches, 386 yards, 1 TD
Trevon Bradford, Jr.: 27 catches, 297 yards, 4 TD
Isaiah Hodgins, So.: 26 catches, 386 yards, 2 TD
Defense
S Jalen Moore, Jr.: 63 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 PBU
LB Isaiah Tufaga, Fr.: 31 tackles, 3.5 TFL
OLB Hamilcar Rashed Jr., So.: 26 tackles, 6 TFL, 2.5 sacks
5 Beavers to watch vs. CU
QB Jack Colletto: Oregon State’s third-string quarterback may get his first career start on Saturday against the Buffs because of injuries. Although not experienced, he is a solid runner.
WR Timmy Hernandez: He’s been the go-to receiver for Oregon State quarterbacks this season. He’s only scored one touchdown, but is a solid possession receiver who can get open to move the chains.
RB Jermar Jefferson: The top freshman running back in the country, Jefferson ranks sixth nationally in rushing (128.4 yards per game). He leads the Pac-12 in yards per game, yards per rush (6.8) and rushing touchdowns (12).
S Jalen Moore: The top player in the secondary, Moore is a valuable defender against the run and the pass. He leads the Beavers in tackles and pass breakups.
OLB Hamilcar Rashed, Jr.: Has been a disruptive force all season, with six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. The Buffs will have to contain him on the edge all afternoon.
Bottom line for Oregon State
Clearly in rebuild mode, the Beavers aren’t playing for the postseason or a run at the North division title. They simply need some positive results. A win would be monumental for this program. But, playing well on the road against a good team would bring some confidence.
Contact staff writer Brian Howell at howellb@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/BrianHowell33
