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Five burning questions heading into Colorado State game

Colorado 0-0 takes on Colorado State this Friday Night on ESPN

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How Will The Co-Offensive Coordinator System Work?

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This will be the first year Brian Lindgren and Darrin Chiaverini share a Co-Offensive Coordinator Title. What will be the outcome, which coach will do a majority of the play-calling, and it will be intriguing to see how their on the field chemistry coincides, especially in key tight game situations. There is not only a lot riding on game one against in-state rival Colorado State to win pressure wise, this game will also feature Colorado's new spread offensive attack which could take Colorado a quarter or two to really find a game rhythm. Last year against Colorado State, the Buffs trailed 14-0 before outscoring the Rams 24-10 in the final two quarters before the game went into OT. The Buffs racked up 220-yards passing, 125-yards rushing, committed no turnovers, trailed possession wise 36:43 to 23:17, and were a dismal 3 of 13 on third down efficiency.

How Will Liufau, Irwin, Adkins II, Gillam, and Awini Hold Up?

Colorado returns a ton of veteran experience all over the field, but they also return a lot of guys who were injured last season or who have been injury plagued career wise. This will be Colorado Quarterback Sefo Liufau's first full game back since November 13th when he suffered a Lisfranc injury and though he's been solid through August Camp, he still has not played a full game on his foot. This Friday Night will also be the first full game that Offensive Tackle Jeromy Irwin has played in since September 12th of 2015 after he tore his ACL. Running Back Michael Adkins II continues to deal with hamstring issues and this will be his first game back since the 2015 Colorado State game, not sure how much time he'll see as he was listed No. 4 on the depth chart at the position. Star Colorado Linebacker Addison Gillam will also be on the field for the first time since the UMass game in 2015 after suffering a knee injury. Though he has looked good during August Camp, we're not quite sure if he is 100%. Gillam recorded 119 tackles in 2013 and 79 tackles in 2014. One of the biggest question marks is Jaleel Awini. What position will he play, will he play, etc. He did not suit up for the Colorado scrimmage held in early August and he was recently listed as injured on Colorado's August 27th published depth chart.

Is The Colorado Defensive Secondary Really That Good?

We've talked about the Colorado Secondary all summer, everyone has. Rightfully so with two of the PAC 12's best returning in Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and Safety Tedric Thompson return. Last year during the Rocky Mountain Showdown, these two came up big: Awuzie sprung a block that allowed Linebacker Kenneth Olugbode to return an interception 60-yards for a touchdown and Thompson blocked a 27-yard field goal in overtime. As mentioned yesterday in our Colorado Secondary Report, the Buffs have additional playmakers in the secondary such as Sophomore Isaiah Oliver, Senior Ahkello Witherspoon, and safeties Ryan Moeller, along with Afolabi Laguda. Last year, Colorado State Quarterback Nick Stevens who returns this year completed 25 passes for 282-yards, and one touchdown.

Who will step up at the receiver position?

Colorado graduated Nelson Spruce who is now playing for the LA Rams, last year Spruce hauled in 1,053-yards and 4 touchdowns. The Buffs recently lost JC Transfer Juwann Winfree to an ACL injury, Winfree looked to come in and be that big play target for Liufau. So the question heading into Friday Night's Game is: Who will step up on the outside for the Buffs? Shay Fields is your likely candidate as he caught 42 balls last year for 598-yards and 4 touchdowns, also look for Junior Bryce Bobo to step up at the X position, and at the slot Devin Ross returns, he caught for 324-yards in 2015. Also keep tabs on JC Transfer Kabion Ento who has looked dependable this summer along with Freshman Johnny Huntley.

Will Colorado Rise Up On National TV In Week 1? 

No way to spin it: Colorado should win this game this Friday. The Buffs have more of a foundation under now 4th Year Head Coach Mike MacIntyre, they return more starters on both sides of the football, the equalizer is: It's a rivalry game on National TV to open the season. The last 10 meetings between these two teams has gone either way, the last team to win two in a row was Colorado who beat Colorado State in 2010 and in 2011. Like every game, it comes down to execution, a little bit of luck, and momentum. Something Colorado has a ton of entering the 2016 season.

2016 Rocky Mountain Showdown 

Colorado 0-0 vs. Colorado State 0-0

Date: Friday, September 2

Time: 6PM MST

Location: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver

TV: ESPN

Line: Colorado -10

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