The Denver Postap Kyle Fredrickson answered your questions about college football in a live Lunch Special chat. Here are some highlights:
So… who’s starting at QB for the Buffs?
Kyle: Might as well tackle this elephant in the room first. MacIntyre has told reporters all week it will be a game-time decision between and , and after how both performed at , I’d say some competition is certainly welcome.
That being said, I read this newfound battle as more a kick in the pants for Montez than a serious need for a new starter. Yes, Montez was brutal at Wazzu with his accuracy and timing in the rain. But he wasn’t imploding. He wasn’t tossing pick after pick. That makes me think the coaching staff still has faith he’s their guy, but the status quo needed a jolt. Allowing the media to pour over this situation should only increase Montez’s fire. He’s shown to be an exceptional QB at times during his career. Now it’s time to make it consistent … or else.
Great story today about Coach Whitted! Once Michael Gallup is gone, what CSU receiver do you think will be a dominant force? Where does Warren Jackson fit in?
Kyle: Thanks! My interview with coach Whitted was the first time we spoke. And he blew me away. (You guys can read it here.)
I think Warren Jackson has the potential to be the next breakout star for sure, especially with that lengthy 6-foot-5 frame. He needs more time to develop, but a bright future.
If CU doesn’t win this week, is it safe to say the Buffs’ season is basically over?
Kyle: I wouldn’t go so far to use the term “over” … but pretty darn close. It would drop the Buffs to 4-5 on the year needing two wins against a combination of Arizona State, USC and Utah for bowl eligibility. If CU does indeed lose, I’d set the probability of reaching the postseason at about 15 percent (and that might be generous). Would be a long offseason.
Do you think has much shot at the NFL?
Kyle: This is a great question and something I’ll address in a story that’s in the works for next week. You can’t argue with his statistics. Stevens ranks inside the top-10 nationally in passing yards/game (310.8), passing touchdowns (20), and completions (179). And at 6-3, 215, he’s got the size to play at the next level.
Will Stevens get drafted? Wouldn’t be until late in the draft, I think, but he’s certainly going to get an opportunity to make a roster.
Which press box has better food: CSU or CU?
Kyle: Finally, a hard-hitting question. This one is a no brainer. CU by a mile. I love the Rams’ new on-campus stadium, but I’ve eaten enough delivery pizza to last a lifetime. The Buffaloes, however, bring out something new every week. I’ve had barbeque, greek, and even crab legs at a media availability.
CU might be struggling on the field, but its press box grub is undefeated.
Why doesn’t Colorado State use a feature back? They keep switching between Izzy and Dawk.
Kyle: Unless your name is Saquon Barkley or Bryce Love, the smart move in college football these days is using multiple backs. It allows for fresh legs late in games and varied running styles cause defenses headaches. Matthews and Dawkins are a solid one-two-punch, and pending injuries, either has the potential to carry more of a load moving forward. And that’s a good thing.
At what point does start playing underclassmen and admit he’s building for next year?
Kyle: Well, if Steven Noyer runs out as the starting quarterback on Saturday, you can make the argument that he’s doing just that. Benching Montez signals a rebuilding tone for this offense, especially with the number of seniors who will be gone next year.
When are the Rams going to wear those Colorado flag jerseys?
Kyle: Nov. 11 at home against Boise State. Can’t wait to see how they look in person. Real sharp.
Did CU make a mistake offering Mike MacIntyre a contract extension?
Kyle: Hard to say at this point, but things undoubtedly have gone downhill for MacIntyre ever since clinching the Pac-12 South last year, and by that time, he had already locked up pretty much every coach of the year honor out there.
Whether it’s the losing or the Joel Tumpkin saga, the aura surrounding this program his definitely flipped compared to a year ago. We expected a learning curve for this team, but not quite under these circumstances. I think MacIntyre has earned more time to right this ship again, but make no mistake, the leash isn’t all that long. Noted end of season improvement plus a rebound next fall will be critical.
Given the struggles in the last two games (even though victories), it has me questioning what was once a positive outlook vs. Boise St. Your take on a very important game?
Kyle: Yes, these past two CSU games haven’t been all that pretty, but unless you’re Alabama, a win in college football shouldn’t be downgraded based on how close the score is, especially in conference play. A team’s ability to win close games is as important as any other attribute it carries, and that becomes even more important as we get into November and December.
I do believe this CSU team has what it takes to win the Mountain West, mostly based on its offensive line play and its skill position talent surrounding Nick Stevens. They appear talented enough to overcome other weaknesses. Boise State won’t be intimidated coming to Fort Collins, though. I expect a great game, but will hold off on a prediction until we get there.
Do you think gets enough credit for what he brings to CU’s defense, or does how bad the Buffs are make him not get much love?
Kyle: Lewis has been unbelievable, and had it not been for CU’s struggles, he likely would be getting more deserved attention. His 23 QB pressures leads the country. And at 6-2, 225, he’s got the size to play at the next level. A bright spot, along with , this season for sure.
Do you think CSU can get ranked in the CFP Top 25? And if the Rams keep rolling, will playing so many late games hurt their exposure to the voters to get in?
Kyle: Great question. If CSU beats Air Force on Saturday and then beats Wyoming on the road next week, I think the Rams are a lock to enter the polls. But you’re right in that CSU isn’t doing itself any favors in that quest with all these late games, including an 8:30 p.m. November kickoff against Boise State. Probably gonna be cold. Probably going to be lots of empty seats after halftime. It’s a shame.
And is Isaiah Oliver healthy yet?
Kyle: Mac said if Oliver doesn’t have any setbacks this week, he expects him to play. Very important Oliver stays healthy for any shot at getting into a bowl.
Does Air Force have much of a chance to upset the Rammies?
Kyle: Right now, the Vegas line is set at CSU -10.5 and I do think it’s too big, especially with CSU’s fondness for playing in close games as of late. Facing that triple option, with a talent like Arion Worthman at quarterback, is a tall task for any team. The Falcons hung with Michigan in Anne Arbor for a while earlier this season. That being said, CSU will field a more talented roster at home. That should warrant a victory.
Who would win in a fight — a falcon or a ram?
Kyle: In the wild? Falcon for sure. The Rams’ horns don’t mean much when you can fly and have razor sharp talents (*binge watches animal attack videos the rest of the day on YouTube).
What is the deal with the Ram secondary — is it a lack of talent or coaching?
Kyle: It’s true that CSU’s secondary was torched against Nevada for 508 yards, but I’m not ready to sell this unit for its “lack of talent” or “coaching.” Let’s not forget they limited Utah State to only 149 yards through the air just a few weeks back. Still time to define this group.
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