Colorado vs. Colorado State » noon today » MTN, 850 AM, 560 AM
5 things to watch
1
Big game for a first start by CSU freshman
How does Pete Thomas, below, handle the inevitable adversities of crowd noise, game speed and first-start jitters? He says he’s ready for anything but has never played in front of a crowd bigger than 5,000. The Buffs will bring the house, and it’s likely some defenders will get past an offensive line untested in many areas. He has stepped out of the way of most trouble in practice but won’t have as much time in the Rocky Mountain Showdown.
2
Vaunted CU O-line gets a test
Will Colorado’s offensive line play up to the hype? Senior left tackle Nate Solder (6-feet-9, 315 pounds) and junior right guard Ryan Miller (6-8, 310) both were voted to the preseason all-Big 12 Conference first team. The line has size and experience (all five starters returned) but needs to show that it can dominate. Last year, CU averaged a measly 2.8 yards per rush, last among Big 12 teams for all games.
3
Wheels of fire, yes, but is there a catch?
CU’s new receivers can run, but will they make the big catch? Toney Clemons, Travon Patterson and Paul Richardson could make up three-fourths of a 4×100 relay team. But the big stage has a way of tightening nerves and turning hands to steel. If that trio, along with senior Scotty Mc-Knight and sophomore Will Jefferson, is as lethal as CU coaches believe, the entire offense will benefit.
4
Prodigal Brewer lifts CSU linebacker group
A pumped-up linebacking corps gives CSU its biggest defensive lift in years. Ricky Brewer wants this game more than any other in his return from a year’s suspension. Mychal Sisson drew preseason all-MWC accolades but he is eager to share center stage. The big surprise could be Alex Williams in the middle. Look for the debut of backup Mike Orakpo.5
Young and talented
CU D-line needs to step up
Can CU’s still-youthful defensive line put more pressure on the quarterback? Last year, Colorado ranked ninth among Big 12 teams in sacks with 27, and that category was a point of emphasis in August drills. There’s enough athleticism among the defensive ends, including senior Marquez Herrod, sophomores Forrest West and Nick Kasa, and true freshman Chidera Uzo-Diribe. But it takes a combination of skills to get a sack.
When CU runs the ball
Buffs running backs coach Darian Hagan and CU fans everywhere will probably be holding their breath each time junior tailback Rodney “Speedy” Stewart carries the rock. Though CU wants to establish the run, the only experience behind Stewart is junior Brian Lockridge, who had just 12 carries in 2009. Big things are expected from CU’s veteran offensive line — led by All-America candidate Nate Solder at left tackle — but CSU’s linebacking corps also is vastly improved. The Rams should feel confident after limiting CU to 29 net yards on the ground last year.
Edge: Even
When CU passes the ball
For the first time in his career, junior quarterback Tyler Hansen has been given the nod as the opening-game starter. Han-sen expects to improve on his 55.8 completion percentage of a year ago because, presto, CU’s receiving corps received a jolt of speed with August additions Travon Patterson (senior transfer from Southern Cal) and freshman Paul Richardson (former UCLA commitment). The pair has been almost as impressive in practice as Michigan transfer Toney Clemons, who was voted Big 12 offensive newcomer of the year. Sophomore Will Jefferson has been called the Buffs’ most improved player, and senior Scotty McKnight needs just three receptions to become the school’s career leader. CSU sacked quarterback Cody Hawkins four times in last year’s CSU win, but Hansen is more elusive.
Edge: CU
When CSU runs the ball
Raymond Carter is tops among four backs who could see action for the Rams. Each one brings something different in terms of power or speed, and all are fairly solid receiving threats. Turnovers were an issue in camp and there are still some big questions in the middle of CSU’s offensive line. Carter and true freshman Tony Drake (bottom of depth chart) bring more east- west speed than CSU has seen in years. The Rams have their work cut out for them against a veteran CU defensive line.
Edge: CSU
When CSU passes the ball
All eyes will be on how true freshman Pete Thomas handles his first start for the Rams. He has demonstrated tremendous poise in practice, which helped earn him the starting job. It’s no secret CU will bring everything in an attempt to rattle him early. He couldn’t face a more challenging first test, going against NFL prospects Jimmy Smith and Jalil Brown at cornerback. CU won’t be able to load up on one receiver. CSU hasn’t even figured out a go-to guy.
Edge: CU
Special teams
It’s always a frightening thought for football coaches using a new punter for the first time, so CU coaches might be crossing their fingers when Buffs redshirt freshman Zach Grossnickle trots onto the field. The former Denver East High School athlete has shown a strong leg in practices and scrimmages, but nobody knows how he will handle the pressure of a real game. CU’s deep snapper also is new. Travon Patterson, a 10.4 sprinter in high school, gives CU an explosive punt returner.
Edge: Even
Tom Kensler and Natalie Meisler, The Denver Post
