Scouting Colorado

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: This could be a work in progress for some time. The three most productive contributors in each phase -- passing, rushing and receiving -- have been freshmen. QB Cody Hawkins has the potential to move the Buffs and has a firm grasp of the system as the son of the head coach, but freshman quarterbacks will make mistakes.

Opponents have scored six touchdowns in the air against the Buffaloes, who rank 100th nationally in pass efficiency defense.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: This unit did its part at Arizona State attempting to secure field position. It produced three takeaways, including an interception CB Terrence Wheatley returned for a touchdown. Colorado has allowed 47 first downs and a .432 conversion ratio on third down, numbers that must improve.

Colorado Players To Watch:

LB Jordon Dizon- The senior leads the nation with a 17.5 tackling average. His total includes three sacks.

CB Terrence Wheatley- Snagged interceptions in each of Colorado's first two games and will key a secondary that must face experienced Florida State QB Drew Weatherford.

QB Cody Hawkins- The redshirt freshman was bound to lose a game he quarterbacked at some point. His string of 60 consecutive victories, which dated to Pop Warner, ended with the Sept. 8 loss at Arizona State.

Roster Report:

RB Hugh Charles is expected to return from a strained hamstring that kept him out of the Arizona State game.

WR Josh Smith, a freshman who suffered a kidney injury during an Aug. 18 scrimmage, is expected to debut against Florida State. The injury was severe enough to require a four-day hospital stay

OG Ryan Miller was considered one of the top incoming recruits for Colorado, but the in-state freshman has not yet played. He is being prepared to play and could enter the mix soon with starters Devin Head and Wes Palazzi struggling at times.

RB Demetrious Sumler may be relegated to backup duty with starter Hugh Charles expected to return from a hamstring injury. Sumler looked tentative at Arizona State, averaging 2.1 yards per carry in the 33-14 defeat after gaining 85 yards in the opener against Colorado State.