Colorado ?7 v. Colorado State 2 units
The Buffs showed the ability to run last year against the #2 and #3 ranked teams in the nation last year against Nebraska and Texas in two games that were as impressive back-to-back as any games that I have ever seen. They averaged 7.3 and 4.2 yards / carry and totaled 380 and 223 yards, respectively against teams that together combined to allow just one other team over 200 yards a game rushing. Also, this is the same team that ran for 315 yards (5.8/carry) against Colorado State in 2001. They have all the skill back at the running back position and 3 of the 5 linemen are back. The left side of the line will be replaced, but they both LG Schader (redshirt Frosh) and LT Werth (JUCO) are highly regarded. That will leave the right side of the line, the bread and butter of most running teams, intact. Ochs will not be relied upon to do much, but he is a strong competitor and was a main reason for the Buffs success against the Huskers in the 2000 season finale.
Colorado State stressed that run defense would be their main focus during the offseason. I will admit that I did not see the game last Thursday, but judging from the long bars that the Virginia running game was causing on ESPN gamewatch, it appeared that the Cavs had their way. Final stats for the game show that the Cavaliers were able to rush for 221 yards (5.3 yards / rush) without any real threat of a passing game. While linebacker Drew Wood will be back after serving a suspension last week, but he was there last year when the Rams gave up 205 yds / game on the ground.
The Rams should have some success of their own on offense but they will not have the ease that the Buffs will. This is not one of those rivalries that are played tight and close to the vest as the game has been decided by 10 or more points in 4 of the past 5 years and over 25 points in 3 of those years. The Buff?s biggest strength will be on display versus the Rams biggest weakness and when the running game is working, there?s not much a defense is able to do.
Louisville ?13? v. Kentucky 3 units
This game almost feels to easy and to talk about reasons almost seems redundant. I am aware that I will be on the side of the public here but I?m not sure that it?s going to matter. Louisville has long been one of the top offenses in the country and what has made their numbers more impressive is that they have put them up in CUSA which year-in and year-out has some of the top defenses in the country. Ragone is now a senior and he is guiding this team to bigger accolades than the Liberty Bowl in 2002. The only concern on offense is their line where 4 players need to be replaced. The line last year let up 35 sacks and the offense still averaged over 30/game so any weaknesses here can be overcome. Plus, they will be playing against a defense that returns only 4 from a team that gave up near 300 yards / game passing in the 2001 and held only two teams (Mississippi State and Ball State) under 25 points.
Kentucky will also have a capable offense this year, but Louisville held passing teams to low scores last year (Kentucky ? 10 pts ; Tulane ? 7 ; BYU ? 10). This is also a rivalry that doesn?t keep the games close as the average margin of victory in the past 5 years is over 20 points. Neither side shows the other any respect in this contest and it?s Louisville?s time to hang one on the snobs from Lexington.
Pitt -21 v. Ohio 2 units
Troy State +35' v. Nebraska 2 units
Both are returning starter system plays that I thought the lines would move against me.
GO BOILERS