Buffs have more reason for optimism than their rival

BOULDER» Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre has often said that Colorado State has an advantage over the Buffaloes by playing an early game.

After facing Hawaii on Saturday night in Fort Collins, the Rams are used to game speed and their newcomers have got the firstgame jitters out of the way.

With the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown coming up Friday at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, however, the Buffs at least still have their preseason optimism intact.

CSU has to quickly regroup after a surprising 4334 loss to Hawaii.

MacIntyre said Saturday, before the CSU game, that he expected the Rams to put up a lot of points, and they did — eventually. After falling behind 37-7 in the third quarter, the Rams battled back, scoring 27 points in the final 17 minutes, 20 seconds.

Ready to roll.

CU athletic director Rick George is ready to get the football season going for the Buffs, and after they missed out on a bowl last year, there’s no doubt what he’s got in mind for this year.

“My expectation is always: We win more than we lose and we get in a bowl game,” he said. “What’s most important is what Mike’s expectations are for the team and what they accomplish. Expectations are great; we just have to go out there and play football and win games.”

While George is in-tune with what’s going on with the football program, he said he has not attended any practices, which is typical for him.

“I just don’t go out to practices and I don’t want to get in anybody’s way,” he said. “I don’t go to practices in any sports. I like to go to the games and see how they do and let the coaches have their space and do their job.”

Pass along. rushers coming

The Buffs are looking to several outside linebackers to generate pressure on the quarterback after the defense had just 19 sacks a year ago. While senior Drew Lewis, a converted inside linebacker, will play a key role, he’s not alone.

Defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot said true sophomore Jacob Callier had a good preseason camp.

“He’s playing really hard and, second year in the system, he’s learning it better,” Eliot said.

The Buffs are also seeing good things from junior Nu’umotu Falo, back after sitting out the 2017 season.

“Nu’umotu has really improved from the spring,” Eliot said. “He was a little rusty in the spring, but we’ve seen a lot of improvement from him. He’s done well.”