Colorado vs. Colorado State is always my “Game of the Year” due to the fact that I am able to see both of these teams in person prior to kickoff. Earlier this Spring, I attended CU’s Spring Game, and so far over the last couple of weeks, I have been able to attend an open practice for each squad. After the CU Spring game I had it in my mind that CU would handle CSU by 21-28+. After seeing CSU practice a couple of weekends ago I felt comfortable with that prediction. It is clear to me that there is going to be a huge speed discrepancy between these two teams, as there usually is. But the gap in my opinion has grown substantially. I see CU’s passing attack being somewhat unstoppable with the sheer speed they have on the outsides, and CSU’s usual inability to cover consistently. CSU just isn’t getting the athletes on defense that they once did, and this game will be much like last year, where the much speedier and talented offense rules the game. It also appears that the TE may play a bigger role in CU’s game plan, and shaky LB play for CSU could result in some big plays for the Buffs.
Every year without fail, CSU blows a defensive assignment early in the game and allows the Paul Richardsons and Shea Fields of the world to break wide open. This year, CSU will have two weapons to cover in KD Nixon and Liviska Shenault. If this year is anything like last year, we can expect another 17 receptions for 323 yards and 2 TDs out of Nixon and Shenault, with one huge chunk play, like Shenaults 89 yarder last season. CSU’s defense does look like it is tackling better, but there were plenty of plays at their practice where guys were out of position. Being out of position consistently against NFL caliber QBs and WRs will again get us a result much like last year when CU won 45-13. That game was never in doubt, and if CU had wanted to score 70, they easily could have. The dogs were called off at halftime.
This year, Mel Tucker will want to put his stamp on this team from the get go, and I like how much energy he brings to a practice. There is a noticeable energy difference in the practices between Mel Tucker and Mike Bobo. Tucker’s practices seem to have a bit more physicality and much better tempo to them, whereas CSU almost seems like they are going through the motions.
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