Rocky Mountain Showdown Preview

We did a Q & A with the Ralphie Report guys a couple days ago to get some insight into what is going on with the Colorado Buffaloes. Today we go through the match ups to see which team has the edge and where.

Quarterbacks: Edge CU

Even though Nick Stevens (the presumptive starter) set the Colorado State Rams sophomore record for passing yards, Sefo Liufau is still the better quarterback. Holding over 75 school records and needing just 12 yards to become CU’s all time leading passer, Liufau has the intangibles to lead CU to victory.

Running Backs: Edge CSU

Colorado State has the edge in this matchup. The workhorse of the CSU offense will be relied upon once again. The past two years the Colorado State running backs have been able to run wild on the CU defense.

This year shouldn’t be any different especially with an experienced front line in front of them. Look out for the three headed monster of Dalyn Dawkins, Izzy Matthews, and Marvin Kinsey.

Receivers: Edge CU

Colorado has the edge in this matchup due to just too many unknowns with the CSU receivers. Juwan Winfree tore his ACL and that should bring the matchup a little closer to even, but CU still has the advantage. Bryce Bobo just fill in Nelson Spruce’s spot just fine.

Offensive Line: Edge CSU

Both lines are experienced but the edge goes to CSU here, as they were one of the top lines in the nation last year, averaging over 200 rushing yard a game near the end last year. They also didn’t give up very many sacks. The lose Sam Carlson from last year and replace him with Nebraska grad transfer Paul Thurston. Fred Zerblis and Jake Bennett will lead this line. Expect rotation to keep guys fresh.

Defensive Line: Edge CU

CSU has virtually no starting experience at this position. Given that they expect to rotate 8-9 guys at this position during the game. CU gains the edge due to experience and the return of Josh Tuopu who should help shore up the run defense which got better as last year went on.

Linebackers: Slight Edge CU

CU has a slight edge at the linebacker spot. If Deonte Clyburn wasn’t out for the year with a blood clot, this would even. CSU returns experience in Kevin Davis and Kiel Robinson, but CU returns a lot of experience as well. Derek McCartney and Addison Gillam (if he lives up to potential) are great linebackers who can terrorize defenses. CSU is just a step behind here.

Defensive Backs: Edge CU

CSU is returning just one starter here and is expected to play a bunch of newcomers to program. CU is returning NFL level talent in CB Chidobe Awuzie and SS Tedric Thompson. CU would have the edge even without those two. The good news for CSU here is that with how bad their secondary has been the past couple of years, there is only up to go from here.

Coaching: Edge CSU

I’m giving this edge to CSU purely based on the fact that Bobo isn’t on the hot seat. Mike MacIntyre could be coach for his job this year. Bobo is only in his second year and is still learning the ins and outs of being a head coach.

Final Prediction: CSU 21-17 CU

I think CSU will get out their own way this year and win the game, but it won’t be easy. The Buffs won’t go down without a fight. If CSU doesn’t show up this could be a long game for Rams fans.