5 Questions with Colorado State Expert
To get insight on the Buffaloes' season opening opponent, we caught up with Jeremy Mauss of the Mountain West Wire on Collegefootballnews.com to learn more about Colorado State.
1. What were your impressions of CSU quarterback Nick Stevens against Oregon State? What is his outlook for the rest of the season?
Jeremy Mauss: "The first quarter looked a little shaky for Nick Stevens, and for a moment, felt that last year's version of Stevens vs. Colorado was going to rear its ugly head. He took a huge hit but came back and he looked good in the second half and found his receivers. He did not just focus on Michael Gallup and threw to eight receivers. People have been shocked when I have said this, but I will not be surprised if he is the best quarterback this year in the Mountain West. The offensive line is stout, and have a great running game as well as plenty of quality wide receivers."
2. How did you think the CSU defense performed against the Beavers? How do you think that group will do stopping a much more potent Colorado offense?
JM: "The defense did well in creating turnovers and got past the offensive line for six tackles for loss, but they gave up big plays and that could be concerning. They allowed a 75 yard run early in the game against Oregon State, and the defensive backs were getting beat downfield. Had Jake Luton been more accurate, the Beavers could have made it a much closer game.
"The Rams adjusted well and were fine letting Oregon State beating them for underneath for shorter passes, but at some point a team with good wideouts will beat you over the top. Colorado has an abundance of talent back at wide receivers and this will be a big challenge for the Rams secondary."
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3. Who should Colorado fans know about on CSU's roster for this game that most Buffs' fans don't know about?
JM: "I'll go with two names: running back Rashaad Boddie and wide receiver Olabisi Johnson. Boddie is a redshirt freshman, and while he is the technically the fourth-string running back, he had eight carries and was second in rushing yards last week. Boddie is a bruiser of a back and when he enters the game will be fresh and could beat up on a tired Colorado defense.
"Johnson didn't play in this game last year, and he is a deep ball threat that averaged nearly 22 yards per catch. If Colorado focuses too much on Gallup, then Johnson could have a big game. He also is returning kicks and will be a threat in two aspects of the game."
4. Do you think that this CSU team is good enough to make a New Year's Six bowl game? Are they the best team in the MWC?
JM: "Yes, I have been high on Colorado State since the end of last season, and it was based on the second half of last year where they were dominant. They do play Alabama on Sept. 9 and that is more than likely a loss, but at 12-1, they can still make a run at a big money bowl game. Their schedule will hold up by going 2-1 against Power Five teams, (assuming they beat Colorado) a win over a Boise State team that could win at least nine games, and in the Mountain West title game will play a San Diego State team that could have 10 or more wins. South Florida is the trendy pick, but their schedule is paper thin and at 13-0 could be passed up for the Rams due to schedule strength, which favors Colorado State. By default, yes they are the best team in the conference.
5. What is your score prediction?
JM: "I think Colorado State's offense will be too much for Colorado's defense that replaces nearly all of their starters from last year, and specifically the running game and offensive line will beat up the Buffs front seven. However, the Rams will need to score a lot of points to outscore Colorado whose offense should be able to move the ball in the air.
Colorado State 38, Colorado 34