Underdog is 10-2 ATS in their last 12 meetings
Pride only goes so far on the scoreboard. Colorado has more weapons and CSU will want to run the ball which plays into the strength of the Buffs. Hawkins as a freshman was good, now as a sophmore will have much more confidence than CSU QB Farris making his 1st CFB start. Can't see a high scoring game as CSU will want to run the ball to keep pressure off Farris and that plays into Buffs strength on defense, their D-Line.
Colorado 35 CSU 17
Good luck throughout the season
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Look for Colorado State to rely heavily on its rushing attack with a unit that returns four starters on the line as well as stalwart RBs Kyle Bell and Gartrell Johnson -- especially as QB Billy Farris works to get on the same page with his corps of young receivers.
The Rams want to control the clock and tempo, and keep Farris from having to do too much in the passing game. The good news is that if CSU must go to the air, Colorado's CBs also are untested and unproven with a pair of new starters.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
The Rams are in the same boat as CU defensively, having to break in a pair of new CBs in junior Nick Oppenneer and redshirt freshman Brandon Owens. At least, CSU has veterans at safety in Klint Kubiak and Mike Pagnotta to help in the secondary when Buffs QB Cody Hawkins wants to test it. Fortunately for the Rams, CU's sensational true freshman running back Darrell Scott might not yet be the featured back and likely won't get the touches in the offense that he will later on in the season. Unfortunately, Scott may line up at punt returner and give CSU something to worry about on special teams.
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Although RB Demetrius Sumler was named the starter, all eyes will be on the development and impact of Darrell Scott, a prize recruit who was considered one of the biggest catches for a Big 12 team last season. Colorado could use several different backs at the outset of the season to gauge who to count on later. Scott has the most potential, but the question is how soon before he breaks out and is comfortable? Rodney Stewart is another freshman back who will play.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
Often the play of the defensive interior is overlooked, but the impact provided by two senior tackles, George Hypolite and Brandon Nicolas, figures to be huge. If they can occupy offensive linemen, it will simplify assignments for both the ends and linebackers. The Buffs will look to develop a solid pass rusher after losing Abraham Wright, who produced 11 sacks a year ago. One potential candidate, Drew Hudgins, is out after suffering a season-ending knee injury.
Look for Colorado State to rely heavily on its rushing attack with a unit that returns four starters on the line as well as stalwart RBs Kyle Bell and Gartrell Johnson -- especially as QB Billy Farris works to get on the same page with his corps of young receivers.
The Rams want to control the clock and tempo, and keep Farris from having to do too much in the passing game. The good news is that if CSU must go to the air, Colorado's CBs also are untested and unproven with a pair of new starters.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
The Rams are in the same boat as CU defensively, having to break in a pair of new CBs in junior Nick Oppenneer and redshirt freshman Brandon Owens. At least, CSU has veterans at safety in Klint Kubiak and Mike Pagnotta to help in the secondary when Buffs QB Cody Hawkins wants to test it. Fortunately for the Rams, CU's sensational true freshman running back Darrell Scott might not yet be the featured back and likely won't get the touches in the offense that he will later on in the season. Unfortunately, Scott may line up at punt returner and give CSU something to worry about on special teams.
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
Although RB Demetrius Sumler was named the starter, all eyes will be on the development and impact of Darrell Scott, a prize recruit who was considered one of the biggest catches for a Big 12 team last season. Colorado could use several different backs at the outset of the season to gauge who to count on later. Scott has the most potential, but the question is how soon before he breaks out and is comfortable? Rodney Stewart is another freshman back who will play.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
Often the play of the defensive interior is overlooked, but the impact provided by two senior tackles, George Hypolite and Brandon Nicolas, figures to be huge. If they can occupy offensive linemen, it will simplify assignments for both the ends and linebackers. The Buffs will look to develop a solid pass rusher after losing Abraham Wright, who produced 11 sacks a year ago. One potential candidate, Drew Hudgins, is out after suffering a season-ending knee injury.
