The Denver Postap Kyle Fredrickson answered questions from readers about college football Tuesday. Here are the highlights.
Are the Colorado Buffaloes the real deal or was 2016 just a fluke? I know they lost Sefo Liufau and most of their secondary, but I think this group can make some waves this year.
Kyle: The million dollar question. After spending time with players & coaches at Pac-12 media days and a couple of practice, there’s not doubt this team believes it can maintain success, but that’s what you expect from any team entering fall camp after a historic year.
Here’s my early take: The only way CU competes for another South Division title is if this offense becomes truly elite — which it certainly has the potential. A high powered offense is the best remedy to mask defensive deficiencies (for CU, especially in its secondary). Losing Sefo is a big leadership hit, but Steven Montez has a much higher ceiling for what he could accomplish in Boulder, IMO, simply based on his athletic tools alone.
I’ll guess now that this is a 7-8 win team, which shouldn’t be viewed as a disappointment considering the strength of the league. If CU can string a bunch of bowl appearances together, it will go a long way in getting that consistency you mentioned.
What’s your prediction for Air Force?
Kyle: Got my first look at Air Force for its opening fall camp practice on Friday. Beautiful place out there. I don’t pretend to be much of an authority on the Falcons, yet, but I got a decent picture of what’s going on.
I think the value of having multiple experienced quarterbacks in that system can’t be understated. Even if Arion Wortham is named the starter, it’s more than likely that Nate Romine will be needed to play at some point. It’s just going to happen when your QBs run that much. Despite losing Jalen Robinette, I think the Falcons have a lot of weapons, and should flourish on offense. Gonna be a lot tougher to replace talent on defense. I think 7-8 wins is a logical prediction.
You can read my update from Air Force fall camp here:
What’s your take on Steven Montez? Is he an upgrade over Sefo?
Kyle: In the long run, I do think Montez is an upgrade. From what I can tell, he’s a more fluid athlete, which is essential when extending plays while outside the pocket. Of course, Montez has a ton to prove before we put him in that category. He told me last week the game has slowed down a ton for him over the past year, and that his decision making has improved with a better understanding of the playbook and how to attack different defensive schemes.
The best news for Montez in 2017, though, is being surrounded by so many veterans on offense. He doesn’t have to be in the same leadership role as Sefo from a year ago, allowing him to focus more on improving his own game. That’s big in his development as just a redshirt sophomore.
Do you think Nick Stevens can hold on to his starting job at CSU?
Kyle: I’m still getting a feel for the QB situation at CSU, but from what I can tell, there’s no reason right now why I would believe Stevens won’t keep that role. He was among the most efficient passers in the entire country last year in November, and with what CSU brings back on offense, the Rams should be plenty proficient scoring points.
That being said, Collin Hill has plenty of upside as a sophomore, and lots of big-time tools. I’d like to see him in more live-game settings before I make any bold assertions about his future, but there’s a lot to like. Check back in with me in October and we’ll all have a better idea for what will happen.
Is Josh Allen the real deal up in Wyoming?
Kyle: Haven’t seen him play in person yet, but by all accounts I’ve read, it sure seems like it. 6-5, 233. NFL arm. I’m looking forward to learning more about him in the coming months. Makes the Mountain West a whole lot more interesting.
Do you think Philip Lindsay can live up to the hype?
Kyle: I think another 1,000 yard season is more than likely. No one is better suited to take over Sefo’s leadership role than Lindsay and he takes the job seriously. That alone is worth as much as his on-field presence this fall. And as a reporter, I’m already thankful for his openness. Lindsay has been a great interview so far.
Read the full transcript:
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