BOULDER – A week after being labeled a “question mark,” or a “weak point,” of the highly touted, now No. 18 Colorado Buffaloes football team, outside linebacker Jordan Domineck and the “Force of Folsom,” showed the nation that they are just as good as their offense, if not better.

“That was our main emphasis of last week, just being more physical,” Domineck said after Wednesday’s practice. “That was our goal. That was our mission going into the game and it worked out in our favor.”

And worked out it did.

In the 22-point blowout win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Buffs wreaked havoc, recording two sacks, six tackles for loss, and three turnovers, while only allowing 14 points.

Domineck accounted for four tackles, two and a half tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery in one of the best performances of his career. The graduate student linebacker has only recorded two and a half or more tackles for loss three other times in his five year collegiate career.

“I feel like this was definitely a turning point in showing ourselves, ‘hey, this what we can do’,” Domineck said about the defense’s huge Week 2 performance, “This is what we’re going to be able to do, and this is what we’re going to strive for week after week.”

But Domineck’s success isn’t all due to himself, and he knows it.

“I feel like I have more freedom,” the former Georgia Tech and Arkansas linebacker said about the difference in playing for Colorado’s coaching staff compared to past schools. “I believe Coach Kelly puts us all in the prime position to make plays. … Our defensive coordinator thinks outside the box. … He knows things a lot of coaches don’t know.”

Specifically, Domineck feels like Colorado defensive coordinator Charles Kelly knows how to get the best out of his players.

“This defense… puts me in a position to show my versatility as well,” Domineck said, “whether it be dropping, rushing the passer, whether it be anything this defense needs… not just me, but everybody on the team.”

With in-state rival Colorado State University on the come up this Saturday, Sept. 16, don’t be surprised to see Domineck and the black and gold’s versatility on full display against the winless Rams.

(Photo via cubuffs.com/Neill Woelk)