Colorado State names Faton Bauta starting quarterback

The Colorado State quarterback situation has been in flux since spring football with a battle between graduate transfer Faton Bauta from Georgia, 2015 starter Nick Stevens and freshman Collin Hill.

Stevens earned the start against rival Colorado but played poorly by completing just 6 of 20 passes for 31 yards and a pair of interceptions.

Head coach Mike Bobo said over the weekend that there would be a another look at the quarterback situation:

“We’ve got to reassess the quarterback situation,” “… We’ve got to be able to throw the ball more than we did tonight at a higher percentage. We’ve got to be able to stress the defense, and we weren’t able to do that. We’ll reassess it, and we’ll figure out who gives us the best chance to win next week.”

The decision has come quick as coach Bobo announced on Monday that Bauta will get the start next week.

The offense did look better with Bauta in the game against the Buffaloes by being much more efficient by completing 6 of 9 yards for 32 yards and led Colorado State to their one and only touchdown against Colorado.

"I did not think we gave Nick (Stevens) a lot of help, offensively, but at the end of the day, we still turned the ball over and failed to make some routine plays," Bobo said via the Colordoan. "(Bauta) gave us a little more energy. The game was out of hand (when Bauta came in), but the ability to make some plays with his legs — until we get on the same page, offensively, I think will help us.

"We have to run an offense that's run with a quarterback who is going to generate first downs. First downs usually result in points or field position, which can help your defense," Bobo said. "We have to move the ball and get first downs and put us in position to win the football game."

Offensive coordinator Will Friend felt Bauta agreed with his head coach saying that Bauta gave them the lift late in the game against Colorado.

“He came in and gave us a little boost,” Friend said after Monday’s practice. “Guys respect his toughness. He also is a little bit of a threat on his legs.”

Colorado State has their season opener this Saturday against UTSA at 2 p.m. MT.