CUSportsNation.com staff writers Scott Hood, Jack Stern, and Mike Singer give their game predictions for Colorado's season opener in Denver for the Rocky Mountain Showdown.
Colorado State 17, Colorado 31
Much has been made of the Rams playing a Week Zero game, and the fact CSU walloped Oregon State by 31 points has only added to the intrigue and the national profile of this game. But the reality is the Buffaloes are a much better team than the Beavers, and won't wilt in the second half as OSU did last Saturday under the hot afternoon sun in Fort Collins.
Steven Montez looks ready to take over the Buffs' offense, and he has plenty of weapons around him. Lost in last week's win by CSU is the fact Oregon State had success moving the ball at times and gained well over 400 yards in total offense. They also converted better than 50 percent of their third down opportunities. So, there are some questions about the Rams defense coming into the Rocky Mountain Showdown.
Offensively, Colorado State has some weapons and will score points. Undoubtedly, the new look Buffs secondary will be tested. Bottom line, Colorado has a better all-around and deeper football team and should prevail by two touchdowns. -Scott Hood
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Colorado State 21, Colorado 34
I think Colorado wins by a comfortable 34-21 margin. I see Colorado's passing game coming out strong, and making some explosive plays against CSU's shaky secondary, which I fully expect them to test early and often. I also think that Phillip Lindsay will have yet another strong performance behind the powerful offensive line, which will be something that both keeps the defense honest, and set up the play action pass.
I also feel that Isaiah Oliver, for the most part, will do a good job neutralizing Gallup, although I fully expect him to make at least several athletic plays which CSU should turn into points. I definitely think CSU puts up more of a fight this time around, but Colorado's strong offensive attack will ultimately overmatch them in the end. -Jack Stern
Colorado State 31, Colorado 45
As long as Colorado doesn't turn the ball over and give CSU short fields, they will be fine and should roll. Oregon State's offense had a pretty easy time moving the ball with their passing attack and were able to bust a 75 yard run. Colorado's offense is much more imposing than OSU's, and I see the Buffaloes having a big day.
CSU's offense is still pretty impressive and CU lost a lot on defense, but I'm still high on the guys they return as well as the junior college recruits they brought in - mainly nose tackle Javier Edwards.
I like Colorado by two touchdowns, and I'm also predicting a Kabion Ento red zone, jump ball TD reception. -Mike Singer
