Five keys for the Buffaloes against Oregon State

Colorado hosts Oregon State on Saturday with a chance to move to 2-0 in Pac-12 play. Here are Denver Post college football reporter Nick Kosmider’s five keys for the Buffaloes against the Beavers: Ride the wave. There is more buzz around CU than at any time during Mike MacIntyre’s four years in charge of the program. That’s what a road win over Pac-12 stalwart Oregon can do. The Buffs are hopeful their fans will respond by packing Folsom Field on Saturday. Either way, it’s up to CU to ride the momentum of the big win, continue to find success early in the game and get an already excited crowd into the mix early. Close the door. In each of its last two games, CU has built up big leads only to watch them fade away. Against Michigan two weeks ago, the Buffs were up 21-7 before the Wolverines scored 38 of the last 45 points. At Oregon, CU had a 33-17 lead in the second half before two interceptions helped the Ducks march back and take a 38-33 lead. The next step for this growing team is putting its foot on the accelerator when it grabs an early lead. QB growth. Steven Montez will make his second career start if senior Sefo Liufau (ankle) is unable to play. It’s important that the Buffs continue to build chemistry with the redshirt freshman, because whether it’s Montez or Liufau under center going forward, the Buffs need to keep their offense in high gear if they hope to chase the Pac12 title they covet. Win the turnover battle. The Beavers have not won a Pac-12 game since 2014. The last thing CU wants to give a rebuilding OSU team is free possessions. The Buffs have produced a turnover in 17 consecutive games, the longest active FBS streak. But CU also has given the ball away too many times this season, including two interceptions last week that swung momentum. Slow big-play Bolden. OSU senior Victor Bolden has rushing, receiving and kickoff return touchdowns to his credit this season. He has scored on a 92-yard run and a 99-yard kickoff return. He has the ability to change the game in seconds with his speed. CU can’t let him get loose.