Marion Brings Upset Blueprint to Colorado's Opener
Colorado's new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion is drawing on his experience from Howard's historic 2017 upset over UNLV as he prepares for the season opener against Georgia Tech. Marion emphasizes the importance of knowing the opponent thoroughly and bringing the same relentless mindset. He believes that full commitment to preparation can exploit weaknesses, as demonstrated in that landmark victory.
Marion's 2017 Howard squad stunned UNLV as 45-point underdogs, marking the largest point-spread upset in college football history. That victory established his reputation for aggressive offensive scheming against superior opponents. Now at Colorado, he applies that same meticulous scouting approach to Georgia Tech, which features a mobile quarterback in Alberto Mendoza and a run-heavy attack built on misdirection.
Colorado's defense has gained an unexpected advantage through daily practice against Marion's Go-Go offense, which mirrors Georgia Tech's style with multiple backs in the backfield and constant quarterback run threats. This offseason familiarity could help the Buffaloes recognize and react to similar looks when they travel to Atlanta for the Sept. 3 opener.
This story may resonate beyond Colorado fans by highlighting how underdog victories reshape coaching careers and program expectations. Marion's history demonstrates that thorough preparation can level competitive imbalances, which could inspire smaller programs to invest more heavily in film study and strategic planning. For players and coaches facing seemingly mismatched opponents, the narrative reinforces that belief and preparation matter, potentially influencing recruiting decisions and how athletic departments evaluate coaching talent.