NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
A new week means a new theme and opponent for the Colorado as they jump into an in-state rivalry with the Rams of Colorado State. The two teams haven’t played in a while with the last contest coming in 2019 and it saw a blowout 52-31 Buffaloes win and taking the Centennial Cup back to Boulder. Coming off the home opening win last week in front of a wild crowd and a who’s, who of stars, and ended with the students storming the field.
This week ESPN College GameDay invades Boulder along with a live taping of First Take. As if that wasn’t enough hype for you Fox’ Sports Big Noon Kickoff is BACK as well. But we all have seen when you play a rival anything can happen and you can’t sleep or you will get caught slipping. One thing we know already two games in is that the coaching staff of the Buffs will have their men ready to roll under the lights.
How will this young team handle being the favorite? No one knew what to expect versus TCU and Nebraska was a hard-hitting team who had the potential to win. That is all out of the window now as the Rams looked pretty bad in their opener against Washington State and have had a week off to lick its wounds. They also made a change under center redshirt freshman Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi gets his time to shine. Based on the spark Fowler-Nicolosi brought the team all be it in a blowout was enough for them to make the change.
What I’ll Have My Eye On:
Can we get more balance on offense? As I talked about in other articles don’t get me wrong the passing game is fun, but a solid running game will make things so much easier. If you are a stat person the passing numbers make you smile along with the big plays, but being two games in and not rushing for 200 yards is not the way. Can we see more of Dylan Edwards? He is a matchup nightmare even at 5’9.
Don’t fall for the hype focus and play ball. Everyone is talking about the Buffs and it’s awesome but you still have to play the games, I don’t think anyone on that roster thought they would have Inspectah Deck on the sidelines. Both college football pregame shows on campus at the same time something I’ve never seen before this can all get to your head. With all that comes a huge target on their backs and how they handle it is something to watch for. One of the big advantages they have is a coach and coaching staff that has seen it all and can share wisdom and knowledge.
What do we get from Shedder Sanders as he keeps his early Heisman Thorpy run going. It starts and ends with him on offense 78% completion percentage 6 TD’s and no picks and is mobile in the pocket. He hasn’t disappointed in his first two starts and facing a defense that is not the best he has a chance to put up video game numbers. As teams get more film on him it will be something to watch is how he adjusts and makes plays when needed as the schedule gets harder heading into Pac-12 play.
This is the last non-conference game before the fun really starts a trip to Autzen Stadium and Oregon a game some will say is the Buffs first “real” test. But first, you handle business at home and beat your rival. It will be another amazing atmosphere, one in which Colorado will run away fast and early and get the 52-17 win.
#GoBuffs
