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Pac-12 Championship Game 2016: 5 most important players

By Nathaniel Reeves

Sep 24, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) warms up before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) warms up before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) during a NCAA football game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Colorado 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) during a NCAA football game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Colorado 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado 

To stop an explosive Washington offense that is averaging nearly 45 points per game, the Buffaloes will need a great effort from their best defensive playmaker.

While the Colorado defense has struggled as a whole through some tough recent years, Awuzie has stood out as a star in the making. Awuzie is a four-year starter in the Colorado secondary who has racked up 18 tackles for loss, eight sacks and three interceptions over the past two seasons.

The senior has 54 tackles overall, including six for a loss, plus four sacks in 2016. Despite going up against some prolific passing games in the Pac-12, Awuzie has emerged as a lockdown corner, as many teams have refused to target him.

Awuzie will be the key man on the Colorado defense in the title game for several reasons beyond his ability in pass coverage. Colorado lines Awuzie up all over the place, including nickel corner and even linebacker at times.

Washington’s offense will throw a lot of different looks at the opposition, so Awuzie is going to have a few different assignments over the course of the game. Awuzie will look to help shut down Washington’s terrific receiver duo of John Ross and Dante Pettis while also providing plenty of support in run defense.

We haven’t seen many mistakes from Browning this season, but the tandem of Awuzie and safety Tedric Thompson gives Colorado one of the best playmaking secondaries in the Pac-12.

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