Three offensive keys for Colorado against No. 21 Iowa State

As the Colorado Buffaloes continue through their most demanding stretch of games, they welcome in a formidable opponent in the No. 21 Iowa State Cyclones. Despite the Buffs' 2-4 record and 0-3 start in conference play, CU has a chance to flip the script.

Iowa State is coming off a loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats, where the finishing score of 38-30 doesn't tell the entire story. The Cyclones' defense got dominated. Cincinnati racked up 474 total yards of offense with 214 yards through the air and 260 rushing yards. Just like the Bearcats did, the Buffaloes will have to take advantage of the Cyclones' injured defense.

In Iowa State's secondary, star corners Jontez Williams and Jeremiah Cooper both suffered season-ending knee injuries. The Buffaloes' offense and starting quarterback Kaidon Salter will have to limit mistakes and capitalize on the disheveled Cyclones' secondary. Colorado's offense can move the ball, but mistakes like Salter's three interceptions in the loss against TCU limited its ability to score points.

Here are three offensive keys for the Buffaloes to capture an upset victory in Boulder on Saturday.

Throw the ball

While it's like telling a pitcher to throw a strike, the Buffaloes' offense needs to hear it. Salter and the offense had its fair share of struggles throwing the ball against TCU, which allows the third most passing yards per game in the Big 12. Colorado's offensive line is also allowing an impressive 4.7 seconds before pressure, so this season's passing struggles are not on the trenches. With the Cyclones' secondary being sparse, the Buffaloes need to capitalize, but it will be on Salter and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur to do so.

Creative playcalling

In both the BYU and TCU losses, when Colorado jumped out to a 14-point lead, the offense showcased wildcat formations, motions, and other nuances that put the opposing defense on their heels. However, with a lead, Shumur went back to the well and reverted to old ways. It will be important for the Shumur to devise creative plays and for the Buffaloes to execute them to defeat the Cyclones.

Rely on running back depth

With running back and wide receiver Dre'lon Miller listed as doubtful on the Buffaloes' Thursday injury report, the team's success on the ground will hinge on Micah Welch and Dallan Hayden. Against TCU, the duo impressed as Welch averaged 3.3 yards per carry, while Hayden posted 6.7 yards per attempt. Facing an Iowa State defense that just surrendered 260 rushing yards to Cincinnati, the Buffaloes will need to take advantage of the opportunity.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football offensive keys vs. Iowa State