Chris Marve does not want Colorado’s defense to be defined by a playbook.
He wants it recognized by how it plays.
As Marve prepares for his first game as Colorado’s defensive coordinator, Deion Sanders has already seen evidence of that identity developing. When Sanders was asked what he most wanted to see against Georgia Tech, he immediately pointed to his defense’s pursuit.
“I want to see how they get to the ball defensively because Marve has them flying,” Sanders said. “They’re flying to the ball. When you fly to the ball like that, you should see turnovers consequently.”
That relentless pursuit is central to the identity Marve spent the spring and preseason installing.
“We fundamentally believe it’s not the play call, it’s the play style,” Marve said. “Football is about matchups, so you have to be smart in terms of what position you’re putting certain players in and what you’re asking them to do. But at the end of the day, defensive football in particular is about play style.”
Marve was elevated to defensive coordinator in February after Robert Livingston left Colorado for the Denver Broncos. He previously coordinated Virginia Tech’s defense from 2022 through 2024 before spending last season away from the sideline.
Marve believes the Buffaloes have made meaningful progress toward establishing their defensive personality.
“Identity fortification certainly has occurred,” Marve said. “That was one of our primary objectives for fall camp.”
Colorado wants the best 11 instead of the 11 best
Colorado’s ability to play fast will depend upon more than athleticism.
Marve has emphasized communication, recognition and trust throughout the defense. Players must identify formations, motion and personnel before the snap and understand the adjustments that follow.
“The volume of reps that we’ve had between the first day and now certainly has engendered a sense of comprehension, a sense of connection amongst the group,” Marve said.
That understanding should allow Colorado’s defenders to react instead of hesitating. It also supports another principle Marve has repeatedly stressed.
“We need the best 11, not the 11 best,” Marve said. “If we all know what we’re doing and we’re on the same page, we’ve got a better opportunity to do the right thing.”
Marve will call the defense from the sideline, where he can communicate directly with his linebackers. He estimated that he has worked from the field during 80 to 85 percent of his career and joked that his previous experiences in the booth included knocking over coffee and upsetting everyone around him.
The real reason for remaining on the field is much more important.
“I have to look those guys in the eyes,” Marve said. “I have to see what they see. I have to be able to talk to them in a way that I understand what they’re feeling because they drive the defense.”
Georgia Tech will immediately test Colorado’s identity
Colorado will not receive an adjustment period under its new coordinator.
Georgia Tech rushed for 327 yards in its 27-20 victory over the Buffaloes last season. Haynes King accounted for 156 yards and three touchdowns, repeatedly punishing Colorado when defenders failed to contain him.
King is gone, but Georgia Tech added former Alabama and Michigan running back Justice Haynes to a physical rushing attack.
“He’s dynamic,” Sanders said. “He can score from anywhere on the field. He’s tough. He’s physical. He’s been there, done that. This kid can flat-out play.”
Marve described Georgia Tech as physical, well-coached and hungry. He has coached against members of the Yellow Jackets’ staff at previous stops, but he dismissed the idea that old film will provide Colorado with a shortcut.
“What happened in the past is the past,” Marve said. “Football is what happens right now, what’s in front of you.”
What stands in front of Colorado is an immediate examination of everything Marve has emphasized. The Buffaloes must communicate, maintain their assignments and swarm the football against an opponent capable of exposing any hesitation.
Colorado has several defensive players who earned preseason recognition, but Marve made it clear that watch lists will not matter when Georgia Tech snaps the ball.
“Watch lists are cool recognition, but you’ve got to give them something to watch,” Marve said. “We can talk about all the preseason recognition, but it’s about when they put the ball down. That’s what football is about.”
Marve has spent months constructing Colorado’s defensive identity. Thursday night will reveal whether the Buffaloes are ready to play it.
“Our play style,” Marve said. “That’s what I want to see.”
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