INSTANT ANALYSIS: Buffs hold on, knock off CSU 17-3

Colorado came out victorious in a surprising defensive slugfest in the 2017 Rocky Mountain Showdown. CUSportsNation.com gives its initial reaction from Colorado's season opener.

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The Colorado State defense forced a three and out on Colorado's first drive of the game by wrapping up Phillip Lindsay for a loss and sacking Steven Montez. But CU's next three drives resulted in scoring drives. The Buffs took a 17-3 lead into halftime, and neither team scored in the second half.

Lindsay had seven carries for 101 yards and a touchdown at halftime - averaging to 14.4 yards per carry. However, the run game struggled in the second half as Lindsay ran for just 39 yards on 12 carries.

Montez finished 21-of-29 for 202 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. His play was fairly consistent throughout the game, but the Buffs just couldn't sustain a scoring drive in the second half. Their rhythm was clearly disrupted.

The Buffaloes had two drives in the second half that lasted 11 plays, but one drive ended via an interception thrown by Montez on an underthrown ball, and the other was ended when freshman kicker James Stefanou missed a 38 yard field goal.

The first half showed what the CU offense is capable of, but the second half was surely a head scratcher.

In this game, the referees gave Colorado a few favorable calls - the notable ones coming on offensive pass interference calls.

The first offensive pass interference call would've given Colorado State a touchdown, but it seemed that the receiver did push off of Trey Udoffia in coverage. The next two interference calls were much more questionable calls.

Colorado State was called for 10 penalties for 120 yards, and Colorado had seven penalties for 59 yards of their own.

I was surprised to see true freshman outside linebacker Jacob Callier showcased early and often in this ballgame, but it was easy to tell why. He looked very good as he had a sack and pressured Nick Stevens a number of times.

Rick Gamboa was solid as usual - leading the Buffs with eight solo tackles and had a sack on Stevens. Drew Lewis was the guy that I was most impressed with tonight though. Lewis was constantly getting pressure on Stevens and sliced through the offensive line for a loss of five yards.

Colorado State averaged just 2.7 yards per rush with the Colorado front seven flying all over the field. Leo Jackson had a nice night from his defensive end spot - finishing with five tackles and a TFL.

The secondary was tested tonight, and while some might criticize the young Trey Udoffia, I thought he had a really nice evening. Sure, the questionable pass interference calls helped him out, but he had a great forced fumble and interception that sealed the game for CU. He was also credited for a couple of pass break ups.

Afolabi Laguda was solid all night for the Buffs as he was second on the team in tackles with nine. He also knifed through the backfield for a tackle for loss.

Isaiah Oliver had the task of locking up the explosive Michael Gallup, and Gallup had just two catches for 32 yards on eight targets heading into the fourth quarter. Stevens didn't even attempt a second half pass to Gallup until the middle of the fourth quarter.

Looking at the box score, Colorado State finished with more yards than CU (397-345), but this defense was stout. Colorado forced six turnovers on CSU's final seven drives of the ballgame (three turnovers on down, two interceptions, one fumble).

The CSU offense put 51 points up against Pac-12 opponent Oregon State last week, so to limit the Rams to just three points was impressive by a Colorado defense that was a question mark heading into this season. Big time kudos to new defensive coordinator DJ Eliot.

...Montez's pass that looked to be completed to Devin Ross but was ruled an interception. The ball was stolen away at the last moment by CSU's Kevin Nutt.

Other than that play though, I thought this potent wide receiver corps had a pretty good night connecting with Montez.

Shay Fields' touchdown reception was a thing of beauty as Montez rolled left and bought enough time to find Fields breaking free on the other side of the field.

Bryce Bobo led Colorado with eight receptions for 49 yards. Fields finished with six receptions for 78 yards and the touchdown. Devin Ross caught two passes for 20 yards.

It did seem that Montez was either taking a shot downfield or firing a quick hitch or out route. There weren't many intermediate passes, so that will be something to keep an eye on moving forward.

* George Frazier and Jeromy Irwin did not play tonight. There were off the field disciplinary issues that occurred.

* Nick Fisher was held out with an injury that we believe to be minor.

* Kabion Ento did not play tonight. Colorado might use his redshirt year.

* Montez was sacked five times.

* Lindsay recorded his seventh 100 yard rushing game in his career.

* The Buffs host Texas State next Saturday at noon. The game can be viewed on the Pac-12 network.

* Fields is really, really good.