Woelk: Dominant Opener A Perfect Dose Of Confidence For Buffs

DENVER — That's a start.

While the Colorado Buffaloes were by no means perfect in their season opener Friday night, they were still plenty good enough in all three phases of the game to dominate an outmanned Colorado State squad, 45-13.

It was the perfect confidence builder the young Buffs needed to begin their 2018 campaign — one that will get demonstrably tougher just a week from now when they head to Nebraska to renew acquaintances with the Cornhuskers, another rival from CU's past.

That confidence boost can't be underestimated. A team coming off a 5-7 season — and a team featuring 11 players making their first-ever collegiate start — needed a solid performance, and the Buffs got exactly that.

Offensively, Colorado delivered from every angle. Quarterback Steven Montez played the role of a seasoned veteran, completing an eye-popping 22 of 25 attempts for 338 yards and four touchdowns, along with a 38-yard touchdown run.

CU's offense also showed that it is loaded with weapons. From sophomore receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (11 catches for 211 yards, including an 89-yard touchdown) to sophomore receiver K.D. Nixon (6-112 and a 46-yard touchdown) to running back Travon McMillian (10 rushes for 103 yards and a 49-yard score), the Buffs showed the ability to score from anywhere on the field.

"We are blessed with a lot of playmakers," Montez said. "We have a lot of guys who can make plays and all I have to do is get them the ball."

Perhaps unnoticed but still integral to CU's performance was an offensive line that had a stellar evening. The Buffs did not give up a quarterback sack and opened holes consistently for a running game that produced 274 yards.

"Outstanding," said co-offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini. "We moved piles today, we protected the quarterback, we did everything. Excellent job by Coach (Klayton) Adams and that crew. When you can run the football like that, it's exciting. The defense has to respect the run, and that only opens up the passing game even more."

What was clear is that the Rams were not prepared for Shenault, a 6-2, 225-pound do-everything receiver. The Buffs lined Shenault up all over the field, and Colorado State never figured out a way to cover him.

"He's a dude, a freak," Montez said. "When you get him the ball, he's a threat to go the distance."

Montez's improvement from just a year ago is significant. A quarterback who has always been blessed with great physical tools, he has taken the next step in playing the position as a field general.

"He's seeing everything better," head coach Mike MacIntyre said. "Coming into this game, he had 15 starts. That's kind of when you start really honestly clicking. He's had some games where he really clicked, but I think now he'll be able to understand. He consistently knows how to work, consistently knows what to look for, consistently knows how to watch film. He's able to do this year what he wasn't able to do last year."

But while the offense stole the show 45-point, 596-yard explosion, CU's defense also served notice that it is an improved unit. From sophomore linebacker Nate Landman (16 tackles and an interception) to sophomore defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson (five tackles and several quarterback pressures) to linebacker Rick Gamboa (six tackles) and safety Evan Worthington (five tackles), the Buffs were flying to the ball all night.

Most importantly, they kept CSU's passing game in check for the majority of the game. CSU finished with just 181 yards in the air, and two Rams quarterbacks completed just 19 of their 37 attempts.

There were, as MacIntyre was quick to point out, some blips in CU's effort. Colorado turned the ball over twice, had a penalty that led to a CSU field goal and also had a couple of defensive miscues early.

And, while he told his team they should be proud of their effort, he also reminded them that Friday was just one step in a long journey.

"What I saw was guys taking ownership at each position," MacIntyre told the Buffs. "This was an excellent start, but we have a lot to do. We have to keep working, keep building."

Indeed. The Buffs will see much better teams in the future — beginning next week. Putting too much stock in Friday night's performance would be unwise.

But it was an outstanding start for a team that needed exactly that. The task of building and improving is always easier when it is done with confidence in hand.

There is no doubt the Buffaloes collected plenty of that commodity on Friday.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu