Colorado’s linebackers are getting a crash course in what they’ll see when Georgia Tech lines up in Atlanta next week.
The opener is shaping up as a real test for a Buffs defense that expects to spend plenty of time dealing with the Yellow Jackets’ run game. With Michigan transfer Justice Haynes and returning back Malachi Hosley leading the way, Georgia Tech looks set to lean on a physical rushing attack, and that puts the spotlight on Colorado’s linebacker group - Gideon Lampron, Tyler Martinez and Liona Lefau.
Lampron, the Bowling Green transfer who has stood out in fall camp, said the Buffs have already started studying Georgia Tech’s offense under coordinator George Godsey. For him, the formula is simple.
"The biggest thing for us is just doing our job, not playing selfish, trying to make plays within the scheme of the defense," Lampron said. "Don't be freestyling out there, doing everything you can to help the defense win is big. Obviously, emphasizing stopping the run and just playing together."
Colorado defensive coordinator Chris Marve has had one advantage: the Buffs have spent fall camp working against an option-based attack. Lefau said that daily exposure should help when Colorado sees Georgia Tech and quarterback Alberto Mendoza, along with the Yellow Jackets’ backs.
"Anytime you practice fitting in a plus-one run game, which is when you account for the quarterback as well, it really helps," Lefau said. "It really challenges your rules at times. Having the quarterback accounted for in each of our run fits, it helps when we prepare for a team like Georgia Tech, who also runs their quarterback - or we're expecting them to run their quarterback."
Mendoza, playing behind his older brother, recent No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Fernando Mendoza, at Indiana last year, threw for 286 yards and rushed for 190 en route to winning a national championship. Georgia Tech’s ground threats are just as clear: Hosley ran for 697 yards last season, while Haynes finished with 857 rushing yards at Michigan.
Martinez said he welcomes the assignment when Colorado opens on Sept. 3.
"I think it's a great challenge Week 1," the New Mexico State transfer said. "We're going up against a team who likes to run the ball a lot.
That's their identity, and it's going to be a good challenge for us. I think that's a good way to start the season."
Assistant linebackers coach Andre' Hart said the key to slowing Georgia Tech will be "elite communication and smooth operations." Colorado has not yet practiced with a defender wearing the green dot, but Hart said communication is still a major focus.
"They have a great running game," Hart said. "They do a lot with their formations and their systems there. Elite communication and smooth operations"
Hart also said facing the Go-Go offense every day in practice should give Colorado a useful edge in preparing for Georgia Tech.
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