Scouting The Competition: Colorado Buffaloes Bit By Injury Bug vs Michigan

Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau (13) is hit by Michigan Wolverines defensive end Rashan Gary (3) just as he releases the ball in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau (13) is hit by Michigan Wolverines defensive end Rashan Gary (3) just as he releases the ball in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Oregon Ducks and Colorado Buffaloes have some unfortunate similarities as Pac-12 Play begins.

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Oregon is still coming to grips with several losses on Offense with Devon Allen and Tyrell Crosby  missing the rest of the 2016 season. The Ducks meet Colorado on Saturday in the first Pac-12 Conference game of the season and the Buffaloes have injury concerns of their own.

Colorado had a fast start on the road at Michigan last weekend and saw key players go down with injury. The Buffaloes lost Starting Kicker Diego Gonzalez to a torn achilles tendon and Linebacker Derrick McCartney left the game  with a knee injury.

Starting Quarterback Sefo Liufau was also injured in the game against Michigan. His availability is not known. It probably won’t be until game time on Saturday. According to Colorado Head Coach Mike McEntyre, Liufau is listed as Day to Day. Backup Quarterback Steven Montez has been taking reps with the first team offense and was not prepared against Michigan last week. He hopes to be this week against the Ducks.

Regardless of who is behind Center on Saturday at Autzen Stadium, the Colorado Offense has play makers in Wide Receivers Devin Ross and Shay Fields who will cause headaches for a young Oregon Defense. Colorado grew up against Michigan with an early lead. The Oregon Ducks who didn’t quite do enough to take care of business at Nebraska and that could be a cause for concern.

Oregon and Colorado kickoff on Saturday at 2:30pm Pacific Time on Pac-12 Network.

Schedule

Schedule