Boulder — Colorado State quarterback Caleb Hanie connected on his first 14 pass attempts last year in CSU’s 14-10 victory over Colorado, a completion streak that still sticks in the craw of CU junior safety Ryan Walters.
Walters vows that won’t happen again when the teams meet Saturday at 10 a.m. at Invesco Field at Mile High.
“(Hanie’s) numbers were good, but it was because they ran the screen efficiently,” Walters said this afternoon.
“I know they had one long passing play late in the game (a 32-yarder to Johnny Walker on the final possession) and that was because of blown coverage,” Walters added. “Other than that, it was the screens that hurt us.
“I think we’ve got that all worked out. I think our pass defense is going to be far more effective than it was last year.”
Walters said the screen pass took CU’s defense by surprise. Hanie finished with 20-of-23 passing for 233 yards.
“I don’t think we were really expecting the screens last year,” Walters said. “And once we figured out they were running it, we had problems getting it covered.
“I’m not worried about the screens too much this year. If we play our game and we do what we’re supposed to do on defense, we’ll be fine.”
Staff Writer Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-954-1280 or
