The college football season will shine an early national spotlight on Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Friday night when Colorado and Colorado State meet for the 88th Rocky Mountain Showdown.
In the rare rivalry game during the season’s opening weekend, the path of each program this fall could be altered by the results of this game. Denver Post college football reporter Nick Kosmider takes a closer look at what to expect.
When CSU runs the ball
The Rams have averaged 242 yards per game rushing in their last two games against the Buffs. Dalyn Dawkins, who rushed for a game-high 118 yards in CSU’s 27-24 overtime loss last season, returns to lead a talented stable of backs. Izzy Matthews, who rushed for 590 yards as a freshman and closed the season rushing for 140 yards against Fresno State, gives CSU a dynamic 1-2 punch. And CSU’s offensive line, comprised of four upperclassmen, is arguably the team’s best unit. CU was gashed on the ground last season for more than five yards per carry. The Buffs are hopeful the return of defensive lineman Josh Tupou, who was suspended during the 2015 season, and linebacker Addison Gillam, who battled injuries, can fortify the front seven. Advantage: CSU.
When CU runs the ball
The Buffs believe Phillip Lindsay is poised for a strong season after the former Denver South standout rushed for a team-leading 653 yards and six touchdowns in 2015 while sharing the load with a handful of running backs. Lindsay, a junior, should be more of a featured ball-carrier this season, though the Buffs also will lean on junior Donovan Lee and sophomore Kyle Evans. The CU line has been a work in progress for much of preseason camp, but the group features an experienced center in senior Alex Kelley, who said he has liked the way the unit has come together. The Rams were weak against the run last season, allowing 212.9 yards per game, eighth in the 12-team Mountain West. And the Rams return only three starters on defense. Advantage: CU
When CSU passes the ball
Nick Stevens had an up-and-down first season as a starting quarterback, which was a major reason he was forced to compete for his job during the preseason. He threw for 282 yards in last season’s Rocky Mountain Showdown but also had two interceptions, including one in the fourth quarter that Kenneth Olugbode returned 60 yards for a game-swinging touchdown. This season, Stevens must operate without the benefit of big-play receiver Rashard “Hollywood” Higgins. The Buffs, meanwhile, boast what could be one of the best secondaries in the Pac-12. Senior cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is one of college football’s most versatile players. The real question is whether the Buffs can produce enough of a pass rush against CSU’s talented offensive front to put that secondary in position to make plays.
Advantage: CU
When CU passes the ball
Sefo Liufau could become CU’s all-time leading passer on his first series Friday, but he’ll be judged this season by whether he can answer the bell in crucial moments. On his side is experience, with this being his fourth Rocky Mountain Showdown start. He also has perhaps his deepest set of weapons at receiver. Liufau likes the options he has in Shay Fields, Devin Ross, Bryce Bobo and others in a rotating cast. CSU is largely untested in the secondary, and must deal with the departures of two stalwarts at safety, Trent Matthews and Kevin Pierre-Louis. The Rams will lean on boundary cornerback Tyree Simmons, who has made 16 career starts.
Advantage: CU.
Prediction: CU 31, CSU 24
