Staff Predictions: Northern Colorado vs Colorado
CUSportsNation.com staff writers Scott Hood, Jack Stern, and Mike Singer give their game predictions for Colorado's home matchup with Northern Colorado on Saturday.
Not yet a subscriber? Click here to sign up now!
Scott Hood: Northern Colorado 6, Colorado 45
"Being an in-state game, emotions will be running high, especially on the Northern Colorado side since this is their first game against the Buffs in over 80 years. Most FCS teams can stick with a FBS team for a half, but soon depth and talent take over in most cases. Mike MacIntyre will take every precaution to make sure the Buffs don't look past UNC. I believe the CU offense is ready for a breakout game. UNC will be jacked up for this one. But reality will soon set in, especially in the second half. Buffs roll and then immediately start getting ready for the showdown with Washington next Saturday." -Hood
Jack Stern: Northern Colorado 10, Colorado 42
"Although the Bears have some firepower on the offensive side of the ball, with big bodied quarterback Jacob Knipp, athletic wideout Alex Wesley, and speedster Hakeem Deggs, I ultimately see the Buffs talented secondary keeping them in check. UNC's defense has struggled to contain explosive offenses in the past - giving up 329 yards and four touchdowns to Colorado State, and 435 yards and five touchdowns to Eastern Washington last year. Being that the Buffs have struggled somewhat with their offensive execution thus far, I think this is finally the week they iron out the kinks and get off to a hot start. As long as they establish the run game early, and force the Bears to respect that dimension of their offensive attack, the Buffs should be able to get favorable matchup and consistently move the ball down the field. Overall, I see Colorado having their best offensive performance yet, and winning by a comfortable margin over their other in-state opponent." -Stern
Mike Singer: Northern Colorado 3, Colorado 48
"There's such an obvious potential for a letdown game for the Buffs this weekend as they look forward to their huge showdown with Washington in Boulder, but since it is so obvious, I think Mike MacIntyre will have the troops ready to pounce on Colorado. I'm sure he's pulling out every stop for motivation for his squad, and the fact that CU is playing an in-state team certainly helps. I think the Colorado defense continues its marvelous run of not allowing a touchdown, and the Buffs will jump to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. I like the Buffaloes to easily route the Bears." -Singer