Colorado Buffaloes face Oklahoma State

Colorado Buffaloes must shut down Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Drew Mestemaker in Week 8.

Drew Mestemaker's stats

Drew Mestemaker has thrown for 1,940 yards and 16 touchdowns with six interceptions and 136-for-203 passes.

Defensive linemen Dylan Manuel and Santana Hopper

Defensive linemen Dylan Manuel and Santana Hopper are Colorado Buffaloes' defensive cornerstones this season.

Big 12-leading tackle-for-loss

Manuel and Hopper contribute to Colorado's Big 12-leading tackle-for-loss total.

Chris Marve's praise

Defensive coordinator Chris Marve says Manuel and Hopper are 'twitched up, aggressive and very hungry players'.

“[They’re] twitched up, aggressive and very hungry players in terms of their approach every day in the facility and also outside.”

Punch above their weight

Manuel and Hopper punch above their weight class despite not being the biggest or smallest players.

“I also think they both punch above their weight class. You look at them, they’re not the biggest. I mean, they’re not the smallest, either, but when you cut on the tape, they play with their hair on fire.”

Weight and speed

Manuel weighs 300 pounds and Hopper weighs 265 pounds; their speed disrupts opponents.

Work ethic

Manuel and Hopper dedicate themselves to their craft around the clock, even after practice.

“That’s what we need, and I’d take 20 of them. ... We knew what they were capable of as young people and how they’ve approached the game day in and day out.”

Mestemaker's playstyle

Drew Mestemaker is a textbook pocket passer who thrives when he has time to throw.

Pressure strategy

Manuel says they pressure the quarterback to make him uncomfortable and not let him sit back.

“[Our mentality is to] just really pressure the quarterback and make him uncomfortable. Because when he has pressure in his face, he’s not really good. He gets out of character.”

Week 8 matchup

Manuel and Hopper aim to disrupt Mestemaker in Colorado's Week 8 game against Oklahoma State.