Derek Markel
Soccer
Neill Woelk, Contributing Editor
NO. 18 COLORADO BUFFALOES (2-0)
vs. COLORADO STATE (0-1)
BOULDER — What has been identified through the years because the Rocky Mountain Showdown, a rivalry sport between Colorado and Colorado State, this yr has develop into a narrative about … hats and sun shades?
By no means thoughts.
When the 2 packages lastly kick it off Saturday at Folsom Discipline (8:15 p.m., ESPN) the storyline will return to soccer.
The headliner would be the Buffaloes. Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ 18th-ranked squad has taken the faculty soccer world by storm, with seemingly each pregame present on earth making a cease in Boulder this week to speak concerning the in a single day transformation Sanders and his employees have crafted in Boulder. Colorado has gone from preseason curiosity to legit prime 25 program within the span of simply two weeks, with wins over then-No. 17 TCU and rival Nebraska.
Jay Norvell’s CSU Rams, in the meantime, have had two weeks to arrange for the Buffs after absorbing a thumping by the hands of Washington State within the opener.
Oddsmakers say that is not sufficient time for CSU. Colorado is a strong three-touchdown favourite — simply two weeks after opening the season as a three-score underdog in opposition to TCU.
In two video games, the Buffs have displayed a prolific passing assault, led by quarterback Shedeur Sanderswho leads the nation in passing yards per sport (451.5). He has a bevy of receivers from which to decide on, with two — Xavier Weaver and Travis Hunter — among the many nation’s prime 25 in receiving yards per sport.
However CU’s protection has additionally stepped up with six turnovers in two video games and a game-clinching cease in opposition to TCU within the opener.
As for CSU, the Rams gave up 556 yards offense (466 within the air) of their opening 50-24 loss. Redshirt freshman QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi did come on in reduction to throw a pair of late touchdowns for Colorado State, and he would be the starter in opposition to the Buffs.
Nuts and bolts for the competition:
KICKOFF: 8:15 p.m., Folsom Discipline (50,183).
TV, RADIO: The sport might be televised by ESPN with Mark Jones and Louis Riddick within the sales space and Quint Kessenich on the sidelines.The radio broadcast might be carried by KHOW (630 AM) with Voice of the Buffs Mark Johnson and Gary Barnett within the sales space and Andy Lindahl on the sidelines. KOA’s protection begins at 6 p.m.
ON THE INTERNET: The sport may be heard on the web at CUBuffs.com. Dwell statistics will even be obtainable at CUBuffs.com.
THE COACHES: Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders has a 2-0 report at Colorado in his first yr as CU’s head coach after three seasons at Jackson State, the place he compiled a 27-6 report. Jay Norvell is in his second yr at CSU, the place he has compiled a 3-10 report. He additionally served as the pinnacle coach at Nevada and is 36-36 general as a head coach.
THE SERIES: Colorado owns a wholesome 67-22-2 general edge within the sequence, together with a 31-9-1 mark in Boulder. The Buffs have gained 5 in a row within the sequence, together with a 52-31 victory of their final assembly in 2019.
WHAT’S AT STAKE: A win over the Buffs would possible enhance the Buffs’ nationwide rankings and loads of momentum heading into subsequent week’s Pac-12 opener at Oregon. A win for the Rams would give CSU a significant upset and a few much-needed confidence.
TEAM LEADERS: Colorado is led by QB Sanders, who has accomplished almost 80 % of his passes for 903 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions. The Buffs have three receivers with double-digit catches: Jimmy Horn Jr. (19), Xavier Weaver (16) and Travis Hunter (14).
Defensively, three totally different Buffs — Hunter, Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig and Trevor Woods — have interceptions whereas Shilo Sanders leads the crew in tackles with 15 .
For CSU, their hopes will roll with QB Fowler-Nicolosi (210 yards, two TDs within the opener) and extensive receivers Justus Ross Simmons (5 catches, 123 yards) and Tory Horton (9-81).
Defensively, DB was in on 16 tackles within the opener and CSU did report three sacks.
KEY MATCHUP: Colorado offensive line vs. CSU entrance seven. If the Buffs give Sanders ample time in opposition to the Colorado State secondary, he may have ample alternative to place up extra massive numbers. However the Buffs would additionally wish to get their run sport in gear and this sport would possibly give then a possibility to just do that.
UP NEXT: The Buffaloes open Pac-12 play subsequent Saturday with a 1:30 p.m. (MT) sport at No. 13 Oregon. The sport might be televised by ABC.
