4. Isaiah Oliver is a lockdown cornerback
3. CU’S offense needs major work
The Buffs scored a touchdown with 13:36 left in the second quarter — and never scored again. Chalk it up to first-game jitters or an improved CSU defense, but the Buffs’ much-hyped attack needs a lot of work. CU could not sustain a running game — and the passing game was out of sync during the final 2½ quarters.
“Someday this group will really be explosive,” Macintyre said. “I can’t wait until they get it under their belts and do it. Hopefully it’s next Saturday.”
Oliver became the first defensive back in six games to hold CSU wide receiver Michael Gallup to less than 100 yards receiving. Oliver broke up four passes and never let Gallup break loose. If he continues to shut down the opponent’s best receiver, CU’S defense could be more stout that most fans thought.
“It was a great test for myself and (Gallup),” Oliver said. “It made us both better. So it’s a lot of fun.”
5. Next test for the Buffs? Not until Sept. 23
That’s the Pac-12 opener against defending conference champion Washington at Folsom Field. The Buffs should have cakewalks with home games coming up against Texas State (Sept. 9) and Northern Colorado (Sept. 16).
CU’S defense had only two sacks but put heavy pressure on Stevens throughout the game. There isn’t just one answer as to how the Rams will keep him upright — improved offensive line play, quicker reads, increased mobility — but he can’t keep taking that punishment.
“Guys were running the wrong routes,” Bobo said, “and Nick is trying to hold on to the ball and find somebody to get it to.”
5. Bobo keeps his cool
It would be hard to criticize CSU’S coach for going off on the referees after the game, had he done that. You could see his anger building on the sideline. But Bobo took the high road, acknowledging the role that key penalties had without assigning blame or playing victim.
“The ballgame is over,” Bobo said. “They’re not going to come back and say, ‘Hey, we’re going to play the ballgame over.’ ”