09: Colorado Buffaloes-Colorado State Rams

Written by Mark | 04 September 2009

College Football 9/6/09

Colorado State Rams (MWC)-Colorado Buffaloes (Big 12)

By Mark • Sunday, September 6th, 2009 7 PM EST

Colorado (0-0) vs. Colorado State (0-0)
Line-Colorado-10

The Rocky Mountain Showdown instate rivalry kicks off the season for both teams and is somewhat unusual in that these games generally take place latter in the year. Although Colorado is 4-1 in the last five head to head meetings, four of the games have been decided by four points or less, as the games have been hard fought and close to the vest.

Grant Stucker is the Rams QB for now and he has two quality receivers to throw to in Rashaun Greer and Dion Morton with 114 catches for almost 2,000 yards combined. The first time starter can run but his accuracy is the question.

Gartrell Johnson was the man in Colorado State‘s rushing attack but his departure leaves a void that will be filled with a rotation of backs, namely in John Mosure and talented JC transfer Leonard Mason. They will run behind an O-Line that returns five starters so there should be some running room to be had.

CSU should be competitive in pass defense with four players returning in the secondary, but the Rams have little experience along the defensive line and that could spell trouble for a unit that allowed over 5 yards per carry last year and Colorado will be sure to test that supposed weakness.

Colorado may use a quarterback rotation to start the year with Cody Hawkins and Tyler Hansen sharing the honors. Whomever it is, they could have a difficult time finding consistency in the passing game with Scotty McKnight being the only experienced receiver.

Darrell Scott and Rodney Stewart are a good one, two punch in the backfield and will test the Rams run defense early and often. With the quarterback spot up in the air the Buffaloes will look to establish dominance on the ground.

Colorado should be strong against the pass but with a young inexperienced D-Line CSU will try to run. The Buffaloes have a decent group of linebackers so it could be a game of cat and mouse as the Rams poke and pry to find opportunities.

Nether team is impressive ATS and both are young and inexperienced in spots with the Buffaloes returning 13 players and CSU getting 12 back. I'll back the home team with the running game.