Colorado University Athletics
Buffs Know They'll See Improved Rams QB Stevens
August 29, 2017 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — If there is a safe bet for Friday night's Colorado-Colorado State game, it is that the Buffs won't see the same Nick Stevens they saw a year ago.
The Colorado State quarterback, who endured one of the worst games of his career against the Buffs in 2016, came back after an early season benching following the 44-7 loss to CU to finish the year strong, then opened 2017 with an outstanding performance against Oregon State.
Thus, the Buffs are by no means expecting to force Stevens into another 6-for-20 night for a mere 31 yards to go with two interceptions and a pair of sacks.
The two teams square off Friday at Sports Authority Field in Denver (6 p.m., Pac-12 Networks).
"The thing I've noticed about Nick is he's making quicker decisions," MacIntyre said. "He's getting the ball out of his hand quicker. He's knowing where he's going with the ball a bit quicker sometimes. That helps him and helps their offensive line"
Stevens certainly looks more polished and comfortable in a CSU offense that is also displaying an up-tempo pace on a more consistent basis. He threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns in the Rams' 58-27 win over OSU, and while he did throw on interception, he spent most of the day standing upright in the pocket with good protection (the Beavers did not record a sack).
"We've definitely got to get him off his spot and we've got to be able to get to him," MacIntyre said. "... We've got to be able to do that. He'll make plays because he knows where he's going with the ball a bit quicker. The main thing I've noticed in their offense, besides Nick being improved, is they're playing in a higher tempo. They're running a fast-paced offense more."
The good news for the Buffs is that their defense sees an up-tempo offense in practice every day. While Oregon State's defense wilted in the pace and heat of Saturday's game, especially in the second half, Colorado's defenders should be well-accustomed to the pace.
"Our offense is a great up-tempo team, they play very fast and very swift," CU senior safety Afolabi Laguda aid. "We have a lot of speed across the board on our offense, so I think it will translate for us as a defense during the game."
Stevens' favorite target in the opener was wide receiver Michael Gallup, who hauled in 11 passes for 134 yards. Gallup was the Rams' leading receiver in last year's matchup, grabbing four catches for 38 yards.
But that's not what the CSU receiver remembers about the 2016 game.
"Nobody likes getting embarrassed like we did last year," receiver Michael Gallup said. "That was a tough game to come back from."
MacIntyre remembers Gallup from a year ago, and is now a true believer after watching film of his entire season and the 2017 opener.
"I think they got better timing with him and Nick," MacIntyre said. "He's a big athlete. I noticed him in our game last year because he was a newcomer. After he caught a few balls I could tell that kid was good. You could see his athleticism and his speed and his size on the field. He's someone we'll have to watch. He'll make his catches some, but we have to keep him from being too explosive and hopefully we can corral him a bit."
Of course, it's not just the Rams who come into the game with an impressive offense. While the Buffs have yet to play this year, their offense enters the season accompanied by rather large expectations.
"This is a very, very good football team," CSU head coach Mike Bobo said at his press conference Monday. "The first thing that jumps off the film to me is how explosive they are on offense. They have a number of receivers that can hurt you in a variety of ways and they have great ball skills. Their running back is the heart and soul of the football team. He plays with toughness, he plays with swagger and he plays with some attitude."
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
