2. Phillip Lindsay is the real deal

COLORADO

1. Extending plays will be critical for Steven Montez

CU’S 6-foot-5, 225-pound quarterback is a fluid runner who completed several passes outside the pocket with impressive improvisation. Good thing the Buffs have a wealth of talented receivers who can adjust on the fly — like Shay Fields did during the second quarter, streaking into the end zone.

“That one throw was kind of a magical play, wasn’t it?” CU coach Mike Macintyre said. “(Montez) ran over, stopped, redirected and then threw a dart (31) yards on the money. He has that talent.”

The senior running back averaged 7.4 yards per carry, including bursts of 45, 18, 15, 14 and 12 yards. He had 156 yards rushing and receiving — 45 percent of the Buffs’ total offense. What the Denver South product lacks in size (5-8, 190), he makes up for with an aggressive, shifty running style. In addition, he is CU’S most vocal leader.

In his first two college games, the redshirt freshman tailback has carried the ball 12 times for 86 yards — a 6.9 yards-per-carry average. Boddie is a 6-foot, 225-pound battering ram who figures to work his way into a more prominent role in a crowded CSU running backs room.

3. Don’t panic over the quarterback’s performance

Nick Stevens wasn’t at his best — 24-of-47, 309 yards and two interceptions — but he had two touchdowns called back on offensive pass interference calls. Calls like those change a game. His performance was a mixed bag.

“At times we played well at that position and at times we were a little bit high on some throws,” CSU coach Mike Bobo said of his senior QB. “We had some opportunities to make some plays for him that we didn’t do. Sometimes we made them and they didn’t count.”

4. Pass blocking needs improvement