Colorado Pass vs. Colorado State Pass Defense
Edge: Colorado
The Buffs'
new QB, Joel Klatt, has been a model of efficiency in the
pocket. He is a cool customer with a quick release and rarely
makes mistakes. Of course, this is all based on practice performance,
but he has what it takes to run this offense soundly. The
Rams' pass defense allowed opposing QBs to complete 58 percent
of their passes for 208 ypg. I like CU's speed on the outside
against the CSU corners and expect Klatt to put a few over
the top early. Klatt will see a good amount of work rolling
out of the pocket, so the FB (Vickers) and TE (Klopfenstein)
will play important roles in this football game. A note of
interest- CSU's defense has appeared a bit out of shape and
has been easily tired. We'll see if that is sharpened any
come Saturday.
Colorado State Pass vs. Colorado Pass Defense
Slight Edge: Colorado
This pick
may surprise some people, but Colorado's pass rush has been
stifling in practice thus far. They return only two starters
up front, but their depth allows them to fill in and substitute
regularly with talent. The Buffs also play a 4-2-5 scheme,
calling for a blanket in the secondary, forcing the underneath
pass rushers to get to the QB and keep everything underneath
sound. Van Pelt is a talent in the open field, but he will
be flustered by the unconventional coverage and will find
it tough to escape the athleticism in the front-six/seven.
The Rams don't have any game-breakers at WR, and going with
a two-TE set most of the time takes away the deep threats.
As good as the CSU O-line is, I still believe the Buffs' pass
rush will force Bradlee out of his element, causing him to
struggle in the passing game. He will be forced out of the
pocket and right into the arms of Sean Tufts or Akarika Dawn.
Colorado Run vs. Colorado State Run Defense
Edge: Colorado
See Colorado
run. We've seen it year in and year out. This one shouldn't
be much different. The Buffs return only one starter from
a year ago, but their new line should still stand over the
undersized Ram defensive front. This will force CSU to bring
their LBs up to the line of scrimmage and crowd the box to
keep the Buffs from running up the middle. Colorado would
be advised not to have Klatt run the option much against these
ends and backers. Throw it in every once in a while, but stick
to the definite ground force. Traps, draws and lead plays
will be found most effective against CSU, keeping the QB healthy
in mind and body for the crucial pass game. Again, the FB
will have a busy night for this offense to hit their stride.
We can expect to see at least three RBs for CU - Purify, Calhoun
and one of two freshmen backs- Brandon Caesar and/or Isaiah
Crawford.
Colorado State Run vs. Colorado Run Defense
Edge: Colorado State
Because
Colorado lost a good amount of bulk up front, the CSU run
game should account for pleasant production. The Rams have
three stable backs on top of their running, gunnin', helmet-spikin'
QB. Rahsaan Sanders and Tristan Walker will get most of the
carries and will be running behind a great run-blocking O-line.
CU will eventually have to stack the box and play more of
a 5-3-3 look in the secondary to take away the run. This will
force Bradlee to test the athletic secondary and take his
chances against the pass rush. Lubick will succeed putting
the ball on the ground, but any fumbles in this area will
be an immediate shot in the foot that will result in the literal
immobility for this offense.
Special Teams
Edge: Colorado State
The Buffaloes
have one of the most electrifying return man in the game,
Jeremy Bloom. The guy averaged almost 15 yards per punt return,
taking a couple back for TDs. Knowing that, the Rams are likely
to keep the ball away from him, even if it means sacrificing
some yards. Away from Bloom, the Buffs are gloom. They break
in a freshman kicker and walk-on punter (who was recently
awarded a scholarship). The ship will be a bit loose on special
teams for CU- a stark contrast to Lubick's CSU team. Kicker
Jeff Babcock is a Groza candidate who will double as the team's
punter, alternating with freshman Jim Kaylor. Along with Dexter
Wynn, David Anderson is a special person who could give the
Rams a big play somewhere along the line. CSU should win this
battle.
Final Thoughts
Anyone
who hasn't seen this Rocky Mountain Showdown has missed. Ever
since 1993, this rivalry gets better and better. If you're
a Buff you don't kiss a Ram and if you're a Ram, you don't
kiss a Buff- it's that simple. This atmosphere makes for a
great kickoff to the season. Gary Barnett has not had much
success in Colorado openers (0-4), and is chomping at the
bit to take the field. CSU should be the favorite and will
likely carry a bit of arrogance in their higher ranking (NC.net
has CSU #24 and Colorado #27) onto the field. But once the
lines are drawn, the Rams will catch a quick punch to the
mouth. I like the Buffs' defense to create a quick turnover
on the first series and really set the tone for the slugfest
that will follow. I ultimately like the CU defense to rise
to the occasion, holding the Ram offense in check to keep
the scoring down. The Buffs are too athletic, especially in
the secondary, which is where the Rams will have to beat them.
Klatt will do the little things to get the job done and deliver
Barnett his first season-opening win in his tenure at Colorado.
Chappy's Pick: Colorado 19, Colorado State 10
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