Quantcast
Channel: Colorado | College Football News
Viewing all 106 articles
Browse latest View live

Colorado vs. Colorado State Prediction & Game Preview

0
0

Colorado vs. Colorado State Early June Game Preview & Fearless Prediction



Check out the Colorado vs. Colorado State fearless prediction and game preview … for early June


Broadcast

Date: Friday, Sept. 1st
Game Time: 8:00 pm ET
Venue: Sports Authority Field, Denver, CO
Network: Pac-12 Network

2017 CFN Preview
Colorado Preview | Colorado State Preview

Welcome to the first look and picks for the opening week games of the 2017 college football season. These quick thoughts are being done in early June, with the real Fearless Prediction and expanded breakdown coming in August.

Early June First Thought: What’s Going To Happen?

A lot of this depends on how Colorado State does in the opener against Oregon State. On the plus side, the Rams get a chance to break into the season with a tune-up before the big rivalry date.

Last year, Colorado set the tone for its season with a dominant 44-7 performance in what’s normally one of the most consistently strong early games.

The Buffs have won three of the last four, but the Rams have come up with their share of wins over the years. This time around, they have a much stronger team than 2016, while Colorado might need a little time to reload.

Colorado might be underestimated after its breakthrough season, but the receiving corps should be sensational and the offense good enough to bomb away from the start.

But the Rams won’t have a problem getting more than seven points this time around.

Colorado State might not have the defense to make this easy, but the offensive firepower – again, don’t dismiss the game against the Beavers to help – with the rivalry aspect kicking in.

Making up for last year’s debacle, Colorado State puts it in the rearview mirror with a fantastic performance.

Colorado vs. Colorado State Early June Prediction

Final Score

Colorado State 34, Colorado 30

Early June Line

Colorado -8

Get Tickets For This Game

ATS Confidence: 5

5: Wide open Steph Curry
1: #Covfefe

Must See Rating: 2.5

5: 30 for 30 – Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies
1: World of Dance

2017 CFN Preview
Colorado Preview | Colorado State Preview


5 (Potentially) Stupid College Football Predictions For 2017

0
0

5 (Potentially) Stupid College Football Predictions For 2017


They were some of the boldest and craziest calls of the offseason. Now that the season is here, are these five college football predictions dumb?



Contact @PeteFiutak

Yeah, yeah, yeah. You believe this on this side, someone else believes something totally the opposite on the other side, and everyone’s yelling at each other and going batspit insane in the process.

Meanwhile, no one will budge an inch to admit that their positions might just be a tad bit askew, even when faced with incontrovertible facts to prove otherwise.

So how do we fix this toxic climate? How do we become friends again? We first allow for the possibility that the core beliefs that we fight and scream to the death for might not be 100% accurate,

We have to admit that there’s a chance that we’re wrrrrrr … it’s okay to say it.

Wrong.

I’ve spent the last eight months researching, writing, and diving into every possible aspect of what might happen in the 2017 college football season. I have my opinions on how everything will go, who’s going to win what, and how good everyone is.

And now, those beliefs are ingrained into the very fiber of my being.

Three of my five big calls of last year went horribly wrong, one wasn’t that far off, and one theory – the No. 1 – didn’t work out, but I demand love for.

So in the attempt to be the bigger man here, here are five stupid calls I’ve made that if they’re right, I’ll be even more painfully obnoxious than normal. However, I also realize I might be wrrrrr …

5. BYU will beat Wisconsin

Strange things happen in Provo.

And on the football field, too.

The Badgers had a brutally unfair schedule last season, starting out against LSU, having to go to Michigan State – which looked brutal at the time – to go along with road games at Michigan, Iowa and Northwestern, and with home dates against Ohio State, Nebraska and Minnesota.

This year, there’s no Ohio State, Michigan State or Penn State from the East, and the Michigan game is in Camp Randall.

Utah State and Florida Atlantic shouldn’t be a problem, and while going to Nebraska won’t be easy the rest of the road slate against Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota is as reasonable as it gets for a team that might be even better after playing in the 2016 Big Ten Championship.

It’s a schedule that a really, really good team should take and go 11-1 with, or even 12-0.

But there’s a trip to BYU that could screw it all up.

The Cougars have one of the nation’s nastiest linebacking corps, a great defense overall, and a veteran QB in Tanner Mangum who should hold up well under the Badger defensive pressure.

Wisconsin will go 11-1 with the puck on its stick in the Big Ten Championship to go to the College Football Playoff with a win. But BYU will be the blemish.

4. USC will be fine, but just not a College Football Playoff killer

I’m not saying the Trojans will be awful, and they could absolutely win the Pac-12 South, or even the Pac-12. But they’re not going to steamroll their way into the College Football Playoff like many are predicting.

To go on an even bigger limb, Sam Darnold will be the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and he’s going to finish behind Washington’s Jake Browning and one other Pac-12 passer – maybe Washington State’s Luke Falk, UCLA’s Josh Rosen, or even Oregon’s Justin Hebert – in the all-conference discussion.

But for the Trojans, even though they get Stanford and Texas at home, those games aren’t a lock. Going to Washington State won’t be easy, Utah is a bear, and going to Notre Dame and Arizona State in back-to-back weeks will be an issue.

The schedule just isn’t that bad – Alabama and Florida State would probably rip through it like tissue paper – but the Trojans will lose twice, and that’s enough to stay out of the final four.

3. NC State will be this year’s Louisville

I’m not going out on a limb and saying the Wolfpack will win the ACC – like I did last year calling for the Cardinals to win the conference – and QB Ryan Finley won’t win the Heisman, but they’re going to be a massive pain in everyone’s butt.

I love the defensive line, like the veteran offensive skill players, and am all in on the idea that head coach Dave Doeren has had enough time logged in to get his pieces in place.

The Pack won’t win at Florida State, but I’ll go out there and say they don’t gag against Clemson like they did last year and come up with a big home win over Louisville.

I’ll admit, State could and should be just flaky enough to lose at Pitt and maybe even at Boston College, but with wins over South Carolina, Marshall, Furman, Syracuse, Louisville, at Notre Dame, Clemson, at Wake Forest, North Carolina, they’ll be an ACC story.

2. Colorado will finish 4-8

Forgive me for repeating my standard line here. How do you know the SEC East sucked last season? Vanderbilt and Kentucky went bowling. How do you know the Pac-12 was a wee bit down? Colorado won the South.

Arizona, Arizona State and UCLA were decimated by injuries, but that won’t happen again. All three of those teams will be stronger, Utah looks like it tweaked things a bit and should be even better, and USC is an obvious powerhouse.

So who in the division is left without a chair when the music stops?

Colorado loses a slew of the big stars off of last year’s defense, but it’s not going to be awful. QB Steven Montez looks like he’s about to be fantastic, and the other offensive parts are there.

Even so, I’m all in on Colorado State coming up with a huge season, so part of my Colorado call begins with losing to the Rams to kick things off.

After beating Texas State and Northern Colorado, the Buffs aren’t beating Washington and lose at UCLA. I’m allowing for a win over Arizona – not a given by any stretch – but budgeted in a loss at Oregon State followed up by a loss at Washington State. Throw in a road loss at Arizona State, a home loss at USC, and a road loss at Utah, and … 4-8.

1. Michigan will get into the College Football Playoff

The Wolverines aren’t exactly a potential Cinderella story, since they’re hovering around the top ten in the preseason rankings. However, Ohio State is No. 2, Penn State is getting the love of a loaded defending Big Ten champion, and Wisconsin is going to be terrific from the other division.

After losing almost all the starters from last year, and having to do a total gut job in the secondary, receiving corps, and in star power, it’s easy to assume the Wolverines aren’t going to be much of a College Football Playoff factor.

After all, if they couldn’t get it done last year, why are they going to be better with the potential for as many as 20 new starters taking over this time around?

The defense will still be amazing. The line will be a rock around a killer rotation of tackles, the linebackers will be fine, and the first team on the schedule that can throw is Purdue in the fourth week of the season – the secondary will be great by then.

For this to work, the Wolverines have to beat Florida in the opener. If they’re good enough to do that, they’re good enough to beat Cincinnati, Air Force, Purdue, Michigan State – with an off week to prepare for the Spartans – Indiana, Rutgers, Minnesota and Maryland.

Don’t gack in any of those winnable games, split the road dates at Penn State and Wisconsin, and finally, finally, finally beat Ohio State again – they had the Buckeyes last year before gagging it away – and they’re 11-1 and in the B1G title game.

Win that, get into the CFP, and Jim Harbaugh will have done part of what he was hired to do.

They’ll get crushed by Alabama, but at least they’ll get there.

MWwire Preview: Colorado vs. Colorado State Meet In Annual Rocky Mountain Showdown

0
0

Rocky Mountain Showdown Should Turn Into Shootout


Colorado State Seeks Revenge Against Their In State Rival.


Contact/Follow @BradHubbard & @MWCwire

Colorado State will get tested vs. Colorado

The 89th edition of the Rocky Mountain Showdown should be renamed the Rocky Mountain Shootout as this game will be all about the offenses for both teams.

While Colorado took Colorado State behind the proverbial woodshed last year with a 44-7 thrashing, it should be an entirely different story this year as Colorado State has a game under their belt and a lot more confidence on both sides of the ball not to mention the revenge factor.

The great thing about college football is how much of a difference a year makes. Last year, Colorado had the more experienced team and the wild card of a new co-offensive coordinator. This year Colorado State enters the game with the more experiences quarterback and a defense with a bit of a chip on it’s shoulder.

A year ago Colorado had a defense that lead the Pac-12 in scoring (allowing a paltry 18 points per game) but this year they have only two returning starters and a new defensive coordinator while Colorado State brings back 8 returning starters and forced five turnovers in their Week 0 victory.

Colorado State senior quarterback Nick Stevens was the starter for the Rams in last years game as he will be in this years game but this year should see a completely different performance. A year ago Stevens was yanked after going 6-20 for 31 yards and two interceptions.

Now he is one of the hottest quarterbacks in the country and is coming off a game that saw him go 26-39 for 334 yards with 3 touchdowns and stand strong in the pocket to deliver some NFL caliber passes.

Stevens supporting cast is also better than it was a season ago starting with senior wideout Michael Gallup. Gallup was targeted 15 times in the Rams win against the Beavers and his ability to make plays down the field and open up that inexperienced Buffs defense will be key for the Rams.

“The first thing that jumps of the film to me is how explosive they (Colorado) are on offense,” stated Rams head coach Mike Bobo at Monday’s press conference.

That offense is lead by the Buffaloes deep receiving core and senior running back Phillip Lindsay who rushed for over 1200 yards a year ago to go along with his almost 500 receiving yards.

The receiving core is led by a trio of seniors (Devin Ross, Bryce Bobo, and Shay Fields) who all averaged over 11 yards a reception in 2016. The triggerman for the offense will be sophomore Steven Montez who started three games a year ago when Sefo Liufau went down. Montez should have plenty of time as he has an offensive line with 83 career starts in front of him.

While both offenses should be able to score plenty of points the game will really come down to two things; 1) which team can create and capitalize on turnovers and 2) can the team in the lead in the fourth quarter milk the clock behind their veteran offensive line?

Yes, the Rocky Mountain Showdown has all the makings of a good ole fashion western shootout. Kickoff is scheduled for Friday September 1st at 6 p.m. MT and can be seen on the Pac-12 Network.

 

2017 Week 1 College Football Final Thoughts, Predictions & Investment Advice: Friday

0
0

2017 Week 1 College Football Final Thoughts, Predictions & Investment Advice: Friday



The final thoughts, a few predictions, and some investment advice to make your life a heck of a lot better than it currently is. 

CFN Fearless Predictions & Game Previews
CFN Expert Picks
Week 1 TV Schedule & Game Times


Contact/Follow @PeteFiutak

Week 1 Fearless Predictions & Game Previews
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | Pac-12 | SEC
AAC | Mountain West | Expert Picks

Other Friday Game Previews & Predictions
Fordham vs. Army | Charlotte vs. Eastern Michigan

Week 1 Final Thoughts & Investment Advice: Friday

Final Thoughts & Investment Advice: Thursday
August 26 Final Thoughts & Investment Advice

This is why you’re not supposed to play good teams in Week 1.

So you’re a wee bit sluggish out of the gate, Ohio State? College football games are really, really long – eventually talent and speed will win out.

So you had to row the boat through Buffalo mud, Minnesota? As I mentioned yesterday, the Gophers never seem to play well to start the season no matter who the coach is.

So, Arizona State, you didn’t exactly figure out that whole defense thing this offseason and got over 500 hung on you by New Mexico State? Survive and advance.

So, American Athletic Conference, you had your moment when UCF was helped by a FIU team that didn’t dress a secondary, but you had to light a candle and pray as UConn struggled against Rhode Island, Cincinnati sputtered past Austin Peay, and as I predicted yesterday – there’s a point here as I pat myself on the back – Memphis had problems putting away ULM?

With no preseason like the NFL has, you’re going to get weird performances out of teams that should be a whole lot better.

No duh – like you didn’t know that already.

But there’s been a pattern. A 70% pattern.

And because I’m just that sort of tease, you have to scroll to the end of all the other drivel for the great reveal.

This is all just for spits, giggles, and entertainment purposes only, however, just in case you dabble …

You know how once in a while a line is right on the money, and someone quips that Vegas is Vegas for a reason and that it’s always right on? No one seems to mention the ridiculous misfires like a 69.5 over/under between Oklahoma State-Tulsa. The two combined for 83.

More on that in a moment.

Really? You think Eastern Michigan is about to do that again? Charlotte might not be anything amazing, but these two teams are a whole lot more even than last year when EMU won 37-19 on the road.

Even after last season, I have a fundamental core issue with Eastern Michigan giving 14 to anyone. | Charlotte vs. Eastern Michigan Game Preview

Rutgers is going to be better. Chris Ash is a good head coach who’s slowly building up the talent base, and he’s starting a solid quarterback in Louisville transfer Kyle Bolin who should be able to handle himself well. It’s not going to happen overnight, but there’s a whole lot to like with the Scarlet Knights.

And Washington is going to beat them like something that’s politically correct to use as an example. | Washington vs. Rutgers Game Preview

The line went from -33 to -27.5 while the over/under stayed around 52.5. There’s a shot Washington hits that on its own. But if you don’t believe it will, don’t assume the Scarlet Knight offense will do enough to get you to the number. This Husky D is still the real deal.

Drawing from the philosophical musings of Butthead, just because one thing sucks, it doesn’t mean that something else doesn’t suck.

Just because FIU looked miserable against UCF, that doesn’t mean Florida Atlantic should be lumped into the same category when it plays Navy.

But I’m going to do it anyway. Lane Kiffin can coach O, but his D is going to be lit on fire by the Navy offense that’ll run wild. | Navy vs. Florida Atlantic Game Preview

Just take Wisconsin and the -27.5. Utah State should be better than it was last season, and Kent Myers is a dangerous quarterback, but the Badger defense is going to be a killer. Again.

I despise unders. Unders mean you don’t think the game will be a whole lot of fun. Unders mean you’re rooting for poor performances as much as for good defense. Unders are for the burger is half eaten types.

But if the gods are going to give you a 52 mark in Wisconsin-Utah State, you have to give it a shot.

I know, I KNOW … I predicted the final score to be 40-13 Wisconsin. I was young. I needed the work. | Wisconsin vs. Utah State Game Preview

There are times when you have to ask yourself, “what did I do to deserve such benevolence?”

You’re not that good a person. You fart in crowded areas and walk away. You tweet out “thoughts and prayers” so you don’t actually have to do anything. You don’t wear socks with rented bowling shoes. And yet, you’re still being handed Boston College -3.5 vs. Northern Illinois.

Sometimes, good things happen to bad people.

I’m breaking something tasteful if my BC Five-Star Sure-Thing Lock of the Century For This Week doesn’t get through with ease, and Northern Illinois goes all Northern Illinoisey and becomes good again at this football thing. | BC vs. NIU Game Preview

Do with this what you will. I called the Colorado State win over Oregon State because I really and truly think the Rams are that good. I’m picking them again to do a Pac-12 twozie with a win over Colorado, mainly because I’ve been on this since April and can’t back off now. However, all the Pac-12 people I know who know stuff are screaming that the Buffs are going to be good again, and maybe could be even stronger offensively.

Getting 3.5 doesn’t really matter. If Colorado wins, it’ll be be more than a field goal. I’m still taking Colorado State outright. That’s just the kind of person I am. | Colorado vs. Colorado State Game Preview

It’s probably because I didn’t think it would happen, but I didn’t mention yesterday that Tennessee State could upset Georgia State. There are only two FCS vs. FBS games tonight, and Central Connecticut will get annihilated by Syracuse. But keep an eye on Fordham against Army. The Rams are FCS loaded with skill talent and just might have the better team. It wouldn’t be an upset.

AND FINALLY … the over/unders.

Of the six FBS vs. FCS games on Thursday, four of them went over with shocking ease. Arizona State-New Mexico State did its darnedest to hit the 70.5 in the final moments, while the one whiff was Minnesota-Buffalo that went way under.

In Week 0, Oregon State and Colorado State nailed it. Stanford did it all by itself, and Hawaii-UMass was a lock. Only USF and San Jose State didn’t go over, meaning the over is 7-3 so far.

Forget what I said about Wisconsin and Utah State. Never mess with a streak and go with the 52.

I sort of hate the 66.5 between Navy and FAU, but why not?

Charlotte and Eastern Michigan at 59.5? Yeeeeeeesh – one of these offenses could tank, and 51 is a big number any time the Boston College defense is playing.

My vote is to stay away from all of it, but if you’re one of those trends guys, I’ve done my job.

Week 1 Fearless Predictions & Game Previews
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | Pac-12 | SEC
AAC | Mountain West | Expert Picks

CFN Fearless Predictions & Game Previews

Colorado vs. Texas State Fearless Prediction & Game Preview

0
0

Colorado vs. Texas State Game Preview & Fearless Prediction



Check out the Colorado vs. Texas State fearless prediction and game preview.


Colorado (1-0) vs. Texas State (1-0) Game Preview

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Saturday, Sept. 9th
Game Time: 2:00 ET
Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Network: Pac-12

Week 2 Expert Picks & Predictions
Week 2 TV Schedule, Lines, Fearless Picks


Contact @PeteFiutak

So much for the idea of Colorado needing a total rebuild.

Colorado State is strong, it rumbled over Oregon State to start the season, and it looked like it might be good enough to come out hot, but instead, it got stopped cold by the Buffs.

Texas State might not have been great against Houston Baptist to start, but it’s a win – the Bobcats can’t complain about any of those after last season.

It’s a paycheck game for TXST, but for Colorado, it’s a chance to show that it’s still the reigning Pac-12 South champion, and it deserves to be seen as a potential player in the chase.

One Reason Why Texas State Will Win

Damian Williams got in the game against Houston Baptist, and he’s a possible difference-maker with the talent to carry the Bobcats.

The former Mississippi State quarterback was suspended for a bit this offseason, but he was rolling under center with a good day for the short passing game while taking off for 43 yards and a score.

It’s going to be a work in progress, but Williams is an SEC-level quarterback – he has to go off. As good as the Colorado secondary was last week, it’s still getting the parts in place.

One Reason Why Colorado Will Win

Colorado State screwed itself up with a ton of penalties and three turnovers, but Colorado had something to do with that.

The defense didn’t break – only allowing a field goal – and the offense did its part with Steven Montez overcoming two picks with a 21-of-29 day to go along with a huge performance from Phillip Lindsay on the ground.

Keep the offense moving, let the D come up with third down stops, get out with an easy win.

What’s Going To Happen

Williams will be swarmed over.

The Colorado pass rush will kick in as the defense keeps the Bobcats from getting anything going, and the offense will more than do its part with a balanced attack that should end this by the third quarter.

Colorado vs. Texas State Prediction

Final Score

Colorado 48, Texas State 6

Line

Colorado -35.5, o/u: 47.5

Get Tickets For This Game

ATS Confidence

5: 4th Quarter Josh Rosen – 1: 1st Quarter UCLA fans … 3

Must See Rating

5: Logan Lucky – 1: The Mayor … 1.5

Week 2 Expert Picks & Predictions
Week 2 TV Schedule, Lines, Fearless Picks

Colorado vs. Northern Colorado Fearless Prediction & Game Preview

0
0

Colorado vs. Northern Colorado Game Preview & Fearless Prediction



Check out the Colorado vs. Northern Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.


Colorado (2-0) vs. Northern Colorado (1-0) Game Preview

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Saturday, Sept. 16th
Game Time: 2:00 pm ET
Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Network: Pac-12

Week 3 Expert Picks & Predictions
Week 3 TV Schedule, Lines, Fearless Picks


Contact @PeteFiutak

One Reason Why Colorado Will Win

The defense has been magnificent.

Stopping Texas State might not be a big deal, but the Buffs opened up with a dominant win over Colorado State, too.

How is this working? How have the Buffs allowed just six points so far? The pass rush.

With eight sacks and and 15 tackles for loss, the D is forcing the pressure leading to five takeaways and big stop after big stop. Colorado is allowing yards, but not points. When it needs to get off the field, the defense is doing it.

One Reason Why Northern Colorado Will Win

The Bears might have only had one game to get going, and it might have come against the College of Idaho, but the passing game was able to push the ball down the field without a problem with QB Jacob Knipp throwing for 238 yards and three scores. RB Trae Riek balanced things out with 71 yards and three touchdowns.

UNC will start bombing right away. It might not have a whole lot of time to work, but it’ll keep pressing.

What’s Going To Happen

Northern Colorado missed out on playing Florida last week because of the Irma. Will the rest help?

The Bear offensive line couldn’t stop the College of Idaho pass rush – it’s not going to have a whole lot of luck against the Buffs. It’ll be a balanced, easy performance for Colorado.

Colorado vs. Northern Colorado Prediction

Final Score

Colorado 41, Northern Colorado 6

Must See Rating

5: Miss Louisiana’s act – 1: This Is Us … 1.5

Week 3 Expert Picks & Predictions
Week 3 TV Schedule, Lines, Fearless Picks

Washington vs. Colorado Fearless Prediction & Game Preview

0
0

Washington vs. Colorado Fearless Prediction & Game Preview



Check out the Washington vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.


Washington (3-0) vs. Colorado (3-0) Game Preview

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Saturday, Sept. 23rd
Game Time: 10:00 pm ET
Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Network: FS1

Week 4 TV Schedule, Lines, Fearless Picks
Week 4 Expert Picks & Predictions


Contact @PeteFiutak

Washington, are you any good?

You didn’t look all that great for about a half against Rutgers, and then you kicked it into high gear and everything started to click.

So you beat Montana and Fresno State – yippee. However, it’s the schedule, and it’s not changing. That includes about as light as a team could possibly ask for with at Oregon State, Cal, at Arizona State, and UCLA to follow the trip to Boulder.

Okay, Colorado, are you and good?

Stuffing Colorado State was great in the rivalry game, but Texas State and Northern Colorado? Double yippee.

But this is the chance to show that 2016 wasn’t a fluke of a regular season, and it’s a shot to make amends for the blowout loss to UW in the Pac-12 Championship.

With three road games in the next four coming up, that might seem daunting, but if the Buffs are good enough to beat the Huskies, they’re good enough to beat UCLA, Arizona, Oregon State and Washington State before more winnable games against Cal and Arizona State.

So, to put it mildly, this is the big test for both teams. The winner will likely go on a really, really big run.

One Reason Why Washington Will Win

The Colorado offensive line has been just okay so far – not great.

The competition hasn’t been special, but the defense has more than answered the call so far. It was the big question coming into the season, but the Buffs have managed to turn in the nation’s fourth-best scoring D.

The O, though, hasn’t been a rock for the running game and there’s been way too much pressure in the backfield. So far, Colorado has allowed nine sacks and and a bit too much pressure against mediocre competition, and now it’s facing a Dawg defense that can turn the lights out when it gets focused.

UW didn’t release the dogs against Fresno State, but it’s about to.

Speaking of struggling offensive lines.

One Reason Why Colorado Will Win

Washington hasn’t gotten the ground game going yet.

Jake Browning and the passing attack have been terrific, but nothing was happening against Rutgers or Fresno State.

The stats are totally skewed because of a big performance against Montana, but the Huskies came up with a mere 84 rushing yards against the Scarlet Knights and were held down by the Bulldogs to just 92 yards.

Colorado’s defensive front so far has been amazing, allowing under three yards per carry with no rushing scores.

If Browning isn’t having a massive day, Washington will struggle in a big way to move the ball.

What’s Going To Happen

The Huskies will survive, but it’s going to be a fight.

Both defensive lines will dominate, and neither ground game will get moving, but Washington will get one key play from the return game at just the right time.

Browning – who hit 19-of-22 passes with four scores against Fresno State – will overcome a rough first half to shine in the second. Colorado will look the part, but the Huskies will survive the test.

Barely.

Washington vs. Colorado Prediction

Final Score

Washington 23, Colorado 17

Line

Washington -11.5, o/u: 50

Get Tickets

ATS Confidence

5: Kareem Hunt – 1: Ezekiel Elliott … 3.5

Must See Rating

5: The Vietnam War – 1: Young Sheldon … 4

Week 4 TV Schedule, Lines, Fearless Picks
Week 4 Expert Picks & Predictions

UCLA vs. Colorado Fearless Prediction & Game Preview

0
0

UCLA vs. Colorado Fearless Prediction & Game Preview



Check out the UCLA vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.


Colorado (3-1) vs. UCLA (2-2) Game Preview

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Saturday, Sept. 30th
Game Time: 10:30 pm ET
Venue: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
Network: ESPN2

Week 5 TV Schedule, Lines, Fearless Picks
Analyzing The Week 5 Lines
Week 5 Expert Picks & Predictions


Contact @PeteFiutak

This is it, UCLA. Are you going to make something out of this season, or are you just going to have fun letting Josh Rosen throw for a gajillion yards and then lose in shootout after shootout.

He saved your butt once already, but if he didn’t do that against Texas A&M, you’d be 1-3 right now.

While UCLA’s season might go completely in the tank with a loss, Colorado’s run could pick back up with a hurry with a win. Take down the wounded Bruins, and with Arizona and Oregon State up next, a 5-1 start is more than just possible with a showdown at Washington State to follow.

It’s not a total layup of a run of three road games in four weeks, but it’s as close as it gets. Considering the Buffs have to get past last week’s home blasting from Washington, getting UCLA right now could be just the antidote it needs.

But first, the Buff secondary has to handle …

One Reason Why UCLA Will Win

Mr. Rosen. You ready to do this again?

He’s having an absolutely unbelievable season, throwing for 1,763 yards with 16 touchdowns in just four games. Yeah, he has four key picks in the last two losses, but that’s because he’s had to do absolutely everything.

When you throw the ball 116 times and have to take a slew of chances, you’re going to make a few mistakes.

The rebuilt Colorado secondary had problems in the opener against Colorado State, but it did a lot of bending without breaking. It’s been solid enough so far on the year, but it hasn’t been pushed like it’s about to be.

Colorado, you had better be ready for a shootout against a desperate team.

One Reason Why Colorado Will Win

By the time you’re done reading this sentence, UCLA will have already allowed 120 rushing yards.

Absolutely miserable from the opening drive of the season, the Bruins run defense was awful and kept getting worse after injuries and other issues kicked in.

Memphis is the only team that hasn’t run wild on the Bruins, and that’s only because Riley Ferguson was too busy chucking it around the yard.

Texas A&M and Stanford each ran for five touchdowns on the nation’s worst run defense, and now Philip Lindsay and the Colorado running game have to start getting going. It hasn’t been able to do too much yet against any FBS team, but that’s about to change.

What’s Going To Happen

We know what UCLA is, but we still don’t know quite what Colorado is.

Do the Buffs have enough defense to hold off a Bruin squad that has to come up with something big to save its season?

Yup, but it’ll be the offense that gets the job done.

What has UCLA shown – other than Rosen – to provide any inkling that it can stop anyone right now?

Lindsay will go off, QB Steven Montez will throw for 250 yards, and the Colorado secondary will hold its own just enough against Rosen to get out with a nice road win.

UCLA vs. Colorado Prediction

Final Score

Colorado 37, UCLA 34

Line

UCLA -7, o/u: 68.5

ATS Confidence

5: “U bum” – 1: “Dotard” … 2.5

Must See Rating

5: American Made – 1: My Little Pony: The Movie … 3

Week 5 TV Schedule, Lines, Fearless Picks
Analyzing The Week 5 Lines


Arizona vs. Colorado Fearless Prediction & Game Preview

0
0

Arizona vs. Colorado Fearless Prediction & Game Preview



Check out the Arizona vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.


Arizona (2-2) vs. Colorado (3-2) Game Preview

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Saturday, October 7th
Game Time: 8:00 pm ET
Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Network: Pac-12 Network

Week 6 TV Schedule, Lines, Fearless Picks
Analyzing The Week 6 Lines


Contact @PeteFiutak

So who wants to hang around the Pac-12 South race?

Colorado hasn’t been bad, but in a blowout loss to Washington, and after being the one team that couldn’t crank up massive numbers against UCLA, it’s 0-2 in conference play. Lose, and the dreams of repeating as the South champs are over.

Arizona also hasn’t been bad. The two losses to Houston and Utah could’ve gone either way, and when the offense got into a groove against Northern Arizona and UTEP, it looked exactly like the Rich Rodriguez team is supposed to.

Can the Wildcat O start to work against a good team? Can the Buffs get its attack going again? It’s do-or-die time – and both teams should play like it.

One Reason Why Colorado Will Win

After dealing with Jake Browning two weeks against against Washington, and after facing UCLA’s Josh Rosen last week, now the Buff secondary gets a relative breather.

It’s not that Arizona can’t throw, but the running game has to work to win. Brandon Dawkins threw 42 times against Utah a few weeks ago for 248 yards, but when he’s throwing, he’s not running. The three picks he gave up didn’t help, either.

The Buffs aren’t bad at loading up against the run, either. The defensive front has held up well – only getting pounded on by Washington – being just tough enough to stuff the tougher ground games..

Now they have to deal with more speed than power, but this linebacking corps is strong enough to hold up.

One Reason Why Arizona Will Win

The Colorado offensive line has been way too shaky.

The ground game has been okay, but it hasn’t taken over games like it should – 191 yards and five yards per carry, as good as that might be, is nothing against the UCLA defense.

Philip Lindsay is a special back, but there hasn’t been enough room to move, and defensive have had too easy a time getting behind the line. By this point last year, Colorado had four 200-yard games in the first five – the lone miss was against Michigan’s wonderful D.

This year?

Colorado ran for 212 yards against Northern Colorado, and that’s been it.

Last year, Arizona got destroyed on the ground by BYU and Washington early in the season, and even had problems against Hawaii. This year? It has et to allow 200 yards despite dealing with Houston and Utah.

What’s Going To Happen

Colorado might be desperate, but getting two weeks off and with time to gear up the machine, the Arizona offense will work.

It won’t explode, but it’ll be just effective enough to keep control of the game. The Wildcat defensive front will hold its own against Lindsay, and QB Steven Montez won’t be able to rise up and take over.

Arizona vs. Colorado Prediction

Final Score

Arizona 31, Colorado 27

Line

Colorado -6.5, o/u: 58

ATS Confidence

5: Pumpkin Spice Latte – 1: Naked Egg Taco … 2

Must See Rating

5: Blade Runner 2049 – 1: Thor Ragnarok … 3

Week 6 TV Schedule, Lines, Fearless Picks
Analyzing The Week 6 Lines

Washington State vs. Colorado Fearless Prediction & Game Preview

0
0

Washington State vs. Colorado Fearless Prediction & Game Preview



Check out the Washington State vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.


Washington State (6-1) vs. Colorado (4-3) Game Preview

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Saturday, October 21st
Game Time: 10:45 pm ET
Venue: Martin Stadium, Pullman, WA
Network: ESPN

Week 8 TV Schedule, Lines, Fearless Picks
Week 8 Expert Picks


Contact @PeteFiutak

It’s the pick-up-the-pieces game for two programs in need of a really, really big game.

Washington State is fine – at least in terms of still being in the Pac-12 title chase if it can get back on track.

The Cougars might have been obliterated by Cal, but they still get to play Stanford and Washington, and they’re still deep in the hunt in the North – as long as they play a whole lot better.

It’s not an easy November to close things out – at Arizona, Stanford, at Utah and at Washington – and this might not be all that easy, either.

Colorado is truly desperate.

The Buff team that won the South last year and beat Washington State along the way has hit a wall. Not only did it struggle in three straight Pac-12 losses, but it was the only FBS team this year that had any issues against Oregon State, beating the Beavers 36-33 last week.

Lose this, and the pressure will be on to win two of the final four games to go bowling. Playing Cal at home is a must-win, road games at Arizona State and Utah are nasty, and getting USC at home won’t be a layup.

One Reason Why Colorado Will Win

Can the Colorado defense crank up the pressure and bounce around Washington State QB Luke Falk like a ping pong ball? Can the D take a page from the Cal playbook after the Bears forced seven turnovers?

Despite the problems lately, the Buffaloes are being careful with the ball. Giveaways were a huge problem over the first month of the season, but there hasn’t been a turnover in the last three weeks.

The defense, though, isn’t doing too much to come up with big plays, but this is the week to give it a shot. The Buff secondary has been okay so far even without a whole lot of pressure from the defensive front – three of the six touchdown passes allowed came from Northern Colorado – but it’s time to sell out a bit to get to Falk.

However …

One Reason Why Washington State Will Win

There’s no Colorado pass rush.

That’s partly by design, and partly because the playmakers aren’t there, but after cranking up nine sacks in the first three games, the Buffs have come up with just one in the four games of Pac-12 play.

Falk usually gets the ball out of his hands in a hurry – he was a decision-making disaster last week – but he should have a wee bit more time.

Colorado’s biggest problem? The run defense. Along with not generating a pass rush, the run D has gone bye-bye in the Pac-12, getting destroyed by Washington, Arizona and Oregon State. Even UCLA – who only ran for 95 yards and two scores – was able to come up with a key run when it had to.

Washington State obviously doesn’t go crazy with the ground game, but it can crank up a few big runs when it absolutely has to.

What’s Going To Happen

Washington State will come back roaring.

No, this isn’t a team full of “pathetic front-runners,” and it’s about to prove it with a much, much sharper game from Falk against a Colorado team that doesn’t have any defensive answers.

The Cougar defense will be terrific against the run, and the Buffs won’t have the passing game to keep up.

Washington State vs. Colorado Prediction

Final Score

Washington State 37, Colorado 23

Line

Washington State -10, o/u: 52.5

ATS Confidence

5: Deshaun Watson
1: Aaron Rodgers … 3

Must See Rating

5: Curb Your Enthusiasm
1: Boo 2! A Madea Halloween … 3

California vs. Colorado Fearless Prediction & Game Preview

0
0

California vs. Colorado Fearless Prediction & Game Preview



Check out the California vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.


California (4-4) vs. Colorado (4-4) Game Preview

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Saturday, October 28th
Game Time: 2:00 pm ET
Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Network: Pac-12 Network

Week 9 TV Schedule, Lines, Fearless Picks
Week 9 Expert Picks


Contact @PeteFiutak

With both teams at 4-4, the loser isn’t guaranteed to be out of the bowl picture, but …

The loser is all but guaranteed to be out of the bowl picture.

After playing for the Pac-12 championship last year, not even getting a 13th game would be a crushing blast back into reality for a Colorado team that just doesn’t have the same spunk.

It’s lost four of its last five games, with the lone win against Oregon State. Even if it beats Cal, it’ll have a hard time getting that sixth win with at Arizona State, USC, and at Utah to close. Lose, and forget it.

On the flip side, Cal is playing with house money.

The first year of the Justin Wilcox era has been a success, even with four losses in the last five games, just like Colorado.

The Bears blasted a Washington State team that just shut out Colorado, and there appears to be a real direction to get excited about. Win this, and with Oregon State up next, a sixth win and a bowl is all but assured.

One Reason Why California Will Win

Colorado just doesn’t have it.

Yeah, yeah, great analysis, but last year’s team managed to figure out ways to win, pull away, answer scores, and do whatever was needed to get the job done. This year’s team seems to be just good enough to keep on losing.

The main culprit is a defense that can’t get off the field. There aren’t any plays happening behind the line, offenses are moving the chains, and it all trickles down form there.

The Cal defense isn’t consistent, but it’s outstanding at forcing takeaways – it least the nation in turnovers. It’ll pick off at least two passes.

One Reason Why Colorado Will Win

Colorado, if you ever had a pass rush, now is the time to show it off.

Last in the Pac-12 in tackles for loss, and with just 12 sacks on the season. there hasn’t been nearly enough pressure in the backfield.

But the Cal offensive line has had a rough time, doing nothing to pave the way for the running game and allowing too many big things to happen behind the line.

The Bears don’t throw well. Stop the first down runs, bother QB Ross Bowers, and then get off the field. Colorado’s defense might finally get a bit of a break.

What’s Going To Happen

The Cal pass rush is going to step it up. It might not force a ton of turnovers like it did against Washington State a few weeks ago, but it’ll force a few.

The Bears can generate pressure, and the Buffs just can’t. Neither offense will be stellar, but Cal will come up with the big defensive plays late to get out with a solid win.

California vs. Colorado Prediction

Final Score

California 34, Colorado 30

Line

Colorado -3.5, o/u: 51.5

ATS Confidence

5: Dwyane Wade
1: Gabrielle Union … 3

Must See Rating

5: 2017 World Series
1: Daddy’s Home 2 … 2.5

USC vs. Colorado Fearless Prediction & Game Preview

0
0

USC vs. Colorado Fearless Prediction & Game Preview



Check out the USC vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.


USC (8-2) vs. Colorado (5-5) Game Preview

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Saturday, November 11th
Game Time: 4:00 pm ET
Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Network: FOX

Week 11 TV Schedule, Lines, Fearless Picks
Week 11 CFN Expert Picks


Contact @PeteFiutak

It might just be a meeting of last year’s Pac-12 South champ vs. this year’s version.

Thanks to the win over Arizona last week, all the Trojans have to do is win this week or next week against UCLA and it’s in the Pac-12 championship.

The team is hot at the right time two big wins – beating Arizona State on the road two weeks ago – with the offense hitting its stride and the defense doing just fine, even if it’s not dominant.

Colorado, though, is trying to play more football.

At 5-5 after losing to ASU, it needs to beat USC this week or Utah next week on the road to get bowling. But more than that, taking down the Trojans would be nice.

The first meeting between the two schools was in 1927 – a 46-7 USC win. The Trojans won the next ten meetings, too.

One Reason Why USC Will Win

Can Colorado get to Sam Darnold?

For all of the problems at times through the first half of the season, he’s been on fire lately with three touchdown passes against Arizona State and with a big-time bombing performance against Arizona. He’s still throwing picks, but he and the offense are moving.

Colorado doesn’t get into the backfield, and it doesn’t do enough against the run. Welcome to one of the hottest running backs in the country.

Ronald Jones II ripped through Arizona State for 216 yards and tore through Arizona for 194 yards. In his last two games since the Notre Dame debacle, he’s averaging over nine yards per carry with 410 yards and five scores.

The Buffs are about to give up a ton of home runs, but …

One Reason Why Colorado Will Win

Steven Montez is hotter than Darnold.

After a rough stretch, Montez responded with a fantastic 347-yard, three score day against California, and followed it up with 345 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Arizona State.

He’s not afraid to push the ball down the field, and now he’s going against a quarterback who can throw at a high level for the first time since dealing with Washington State and Luke Falk.

USC lost to Washington State and Luke Falk.

Montez has to be fantastic, USC has to keep turning the ball over, and the Buffs need a few big breaks in the return game.

What’s Going To Happen

USC will give up the ball three times – with all leading to Trojan points – but the offense will make up for it with explosive plays. The two teams will combine for close to 700 passing yards in a fun offensive fight, but with the Pac-12 South there for the taking, USC won’t miss.

USC vs. Colorado Prediction

Final Score

USC 41, Colorado 30

Line

USC -13.5, o/u: 62.5

ATS Confidence

5: Kate Upton
1: Justin Verlander … 2

Must See Rating

5: Darkest Hour
1: A Bad Moms Christmas … 3

Colorado vs. Utah Fearless Prediction & Game Preview

0
0

Check out the Colorado vs. Utah fearless prediction and game preview.


Colorado (5-6) vs. Utah (5-6) Game Preview

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Saturday, November 25th
Game Time: 10:00 pm ET
Venue: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT
Network: FS1

Week 13 TV Schedule, Lines, Fearless Picks
Week 13 Expert Picks


Contact @PeteFiutak

Rivalry Week? …. Whatever. These two have some real work to do.

A few teams out there are jockeying for College Football Playoff consideration, and others are shooting for a good bowl slot, but these two are playing for the swag bag.

Win, and your football season continues – with the free trip along with the cash and prizes. Lose, and your football life and season are done.

Utah has been a clunker, losing six of its last seven games after a 4-0 start. The offense has been interesting at times, but the normally terrific Ute defense hasn’t been stingy enough. It seems to be getting worse as the season goes on.

Colorado always seems to come up with that one win when it absolutely needs it, beating Oregon State and Cal to keep things alive among all the Pac-12 losses.

Lose this, and last year’s run to the Pac-12 Championship looks even more like a fluky aberration. Win it, and it’ll feel like the program is still going in the right direction.

Get ready for one of the most intense Pac-12 battles of the weekend.

One Reason Why Colorado Will Win

Didn’t you used to be the Utah defense?

It still has its moments, but it’s not doing enough to shut down the teams with the talent to crank it up in spurts.

Utah had Washington dead – until it didn’t. Jake Browning caught fire late, and just when it seemed like the Utes were going to pull off the shocker, they lost 33-30.

The pass defense has been way, way too leaky. It gave up 311 yards and three touchdowns to a Washington State offense that dinked and dunked its way to a win, and Browning connecting on great deep pass after great pass.

Steven Montez has caught fire, throwing for 345 yards or more in each of their last three games, coming up with more than 1,100 yards with six touchdowns in the last three outings. He’s about to bomb away.

One Reason Why Utah Will Win

The Colorado pass rush is non-existent.

It came up with four sacks in the win over Cal, but that’s been about it. The Buffs have generated just 17 sacks on the seasons, and ten of them came in two of the games – Cal and Texas State.

The Utah offensive front hasn’t been great in pass protection, but Tyler Huntley will get time to work this week. Fantastic over the last month, he’ll hit the 300-yard mark with plenty of big deep plays.

Colorado might be able to score, but Huntley and the high-powered Ute passing game will more keep up the pace.

What’s Going To Happen

Colorado will show off the offensive balance to make this a wild battle, but Huntley and the Ute offense will come up big at home.

Look elsewhere for defense. Both teams will come out with balance, explosion, and a whole lot of big plays. Utah will consistently have the better field position, but it won’t need it.

It’ll come down to turnovers, and Utah will come up with two more than the Buffs will, including one to stop a late attempt to pull it out.

Colorado vs. Utah Prediction

Final Score

Utah 34, Colorado 30

Line

Utah -10.5, o/u: 56

ATS Confidence

5: Thanksgiving dessert
1: Thanksgiving dinner … 3.5

Must See Rating

5: The inside of your eyelids for Thanksgiving nap
1: The Star … 3

Colorado 2018 Recruiting Class Breakdown, Strength, Star, What's Missing

0
0

The 2018 Colorado Recruiting Class. The basic overview of the class, the relative strength, what you need to know if you don’t care about recruiting, the star, and the depth chart hole going into the season.


Contact @PeteFiutak

Colorado Recruiting Class Overview

It’s a big class, and it’s not a bad one full of solid Pac-12 talents.

The stars of the offense are at receiver, with Dylan Thomas and Daniel Arias two big targets who’ll be matchup problems. Blake Stenstrom might not be the most ballyhooed of quarterbacks, but he fits what works under Mike MacIntyre. He’s a big pro-style passer who needs a little time, but he locked into the program early.

There’s not a lot for offensive line, but running backs Deion Smith and Jarek Broussard are quick, versatile prospects to throw into the mix.

The defensive side didn’t do too much for the line, but the linebackers are deep – even if there isn’t any one standout – and …

The Colorado Class Is Heavy On …

Defensive Backs

Colorado’s secondary was fantastic in 2016. It wasn’t the reason why the Buffs won the Pac-12 South, but it was a massive part of it. Duh, you need good defensive backs in the Pac-12.

The Buffs got safeties Aaron Maddox and Ray Robinson as good-hitting prospects with a nice upside. There are more options, too, with most of them likely to see time at safety.

The Star of the Colorado Class Is …

WR Daniel Arias, 6-4, 190

Dylan Thomas isn’t all that far behind, but Arias has a bit more upside.

Smart enough to have a few Ivy League teams after his services, and talented enough to get a slew of Mountain West and Pac-12 teams interested, the Seattle native has the quickness and moves to go along with his size. Get him the ball, and he’ll make something happen.

The faster he and Thomas can go, the better, because …

The Colorado Biggest 2018 Depth Chart Hole Is …

Receiver

The top three targets from last year are gone, and that doesn’t even including do-it-all back Phillip Lindsay. There might be some nice options returning, but replacing Bryce Bobo, Shay Fields and Devin Ross isn’t going to be easy.

2018 Pac-12 Recruiting & National Signing Day Class Rankings

0
0

How did the Pac-12 teams stack up with their respective recruiting classes? Who had the strongest-looking haul of talent, and who struggled a bit? Here are the Pac-12 recruiting rankings.


Contact @PeteFiutak

2018 Pac-12 Recruiting Class Rankings

Who did the best job this recruiting and National Signing Day season? What’s the criteria for figuring out who did the best job?

1) Bulk. Recruiting is a contact sport. Getting two five-star guys might be nice, but as history has proven, getting eight four-star players is probably better. The more good prospects, the more chances that a few of them can play.

2) Superstars. Okay, talent matters, too. Who got the most really, really good guys that everyone else wanted?

3) Who loaded up in key areas for what the program needs? Again, chances are that the more prospects you sign, the more opportunities will be there to find real players. So, in general, the big classes are going to get ranked a lot higher than the smaller ones, especially if the prospects fit the team’s profile.

The goal here is to get it close to the pin.

12. Oregon State Beavers

It’s an easy sell for Jonathan Smith and the new coaching staff – come to Oregon State, and play. There might not be any superstar five-star types, but there’s a lot to like with QB Jake Dukart a good place to start. More than anything, Smith went after versatile prospects who can be moved around where needed – the goal is to upgrade the overall athleticism.
2018 Recruiting Class Breakdown
2017 | 2016

11. Arizona Wildcats

Just wait, Arizona fans. It’s Kevin Sumlin – he’s not going to have a mediocre recruiting class ever again during his tenure. Keeping DE Adam Plant and QB Jamarye Joiner was good, and using National Signing Day to get QB Kevin Doyle and big safety Dayven Coleman was solid. Sumlin brought in a ton of receivers and just enough defensive backs to play around with.
2018 Recruiting Class Breakdown
2017 | 2016

10. Stanford Cardinal

For the second straight year, it’s quality over quantity for David Shaw’s class. Landing QB Tanner McKee – even though it’ll take two years to get him after he’s done with his LDS mission – was the big get, with WR Michael Wilson not all that far behind. McKee might be the elite talent, but don’t be shocked if Jack West is deep in the mix for the starting quarterback job over the next few years. Corner Kendall Williamson is the best of a solid group of defensive backs.
2018 Recruiting Class Breakdown
2017 | 2016

9. Washington State Cougars

It’s okay, but Mike Leach almost never brings in a ton of all-star talent. It all begins with QB Cammon Cooper – he has to be the next great Leach statistical superstar. Drue Jackson leads the deep group of receivers, but that’s about it for the bigger prospects. The secondary is getting the most help, but the defensive tackles and pass rushers should make an impact early on.
2018 Recruiting Class Breakdown
2017 | 2016

8. California Golden Bears

Justin Wilcox had a full year to work, and he did a whole lot better than his 2017 class. The offense is getting a few excellent running back prospects to go along with WR Nikko Remigio, but the defense is getting most of the attention. The linebackers are coming in bunches, and the pass rushers are in place to do what the coaching staff wants. It’ll take a little bit, but Cal might just turn into a defensive power.
2018 Recruiting Class Breakdown
2017 | 2016

7. Colorado Buffaloes

Once again, Colorado is about bulk more than top talent – at least on one side of the ball. There are plenty of linebackers, and a whole lot of defensive backs to work into the defensive back seven, but it’s a relatively light class for the other side. QB Blake Stenstrom will be a factor next year, and receivers Dylan Thomas and Daniel Arias might be the stars of the class, but there’s not any one sure-thing skill guy.
2018 Recruiting Class Breakdown
2017 | 2016

6. Arizona State Sun Devils

It isn’t all that bad considering the circumstances. Herm Edwards was able to land a few strong linebackers in Merlin Robertson and Reggie Hughes, and getting safety Aashari Crosswell helped a rough National Signing Day. With a whole lot of defensive backs and linebackers, the back seven is where the new regime will start, but some of the promising running back prospects will need to pan out to make this class work.
2018 Recruiting Class Breakdown
2017 | 2016

5. Utah Utes

With the signing of WR Solomon Enis on National Signing Day, all of a sudden, the class started to look like something to get excited about. Jack Tuttle is the quarterback for the near future, and Hunter Lotulelei is a sure-thing starter for the offensive line, but Kyle Whittingham is loading up on the pass rushers. There isn’t any one sure-thing star, but there are enough ends to expect at least two to rise up and rock.
2018 Recruiting Class Breakdown
2017 | 2016

4. UCLA Bruins

It’s not just about getting a ton of talent in under Chip Kelly; it’s about getting the right talent. Kelly was able to keep several of Jim Mora’s recruits on-board, landing QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and big receiver Bryan Addison. February was when he took over. In came WR Michael Ezeike and safety Rayshad Williams on National Signing Day as part of a big late class. Wide receivers, defensive ends, and defensive backs – the shelves were stocked.
2018 Recruiting Class Breakdown
2017 | 2016

3. Oregon Ducks

Willie Taggart got everything going, and Mario Cristobal did his part to keep it rolling in an extremely strong class loaded with way above-average prospects. Landing next-level offensive tackle prospect Penei Sewell on National Signing Day was the key, but there was plenty of good work done before February. QB Tyler Shough was a nice signing, and the receivers are terrific, but the offensive line and secondary got the most help. Be shocked if Steve Stephens isn’t an all-star caliber safety.
2018 Recruiting Class Breakdown
2017 | 2016

2. Washington Huskies

Washington would be the story of the Pac-12 recruiting season if USC didn’t come up with some late heroics. It might not be a bulky class for any one spot, but there’s potential all-star talent for every position. Chris Petersen has his receivers for Jacob Eason, landing Marquis Spiker and Austin Osborne out of California. However, with Jacob Sirmon and Colson Yankoff signed, don’t just hand the 2019 starting quarterback job to Eason quite yet.
2018 Recruiting Class Breakdown
2017 | 2016

1. USC Trojans

Once again, USC looked like it was having a good recruiting season, and then came National Signing Day and … kaboom. Clay Helton landed corners Olaijah Griffin and Isaac Taylor-Stuart, and got WR Devon Williams as part of a huge late run.

The base was built on the early period, signing WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and QB JT Daniels to set the tone. Overall, the linebacking corps gets the most help, starting with sure-thing future All-Pac12 talent Palaie Gaoteote and with a whole lot more talent around him.
2018 Recruiting Class Breakdown
2017 | 2016


Preview 2018: Colorado Buffaloes

0
0

Preview 2018: Previewing and looking ahead to the Colorado season with what you need to know.


Preview 2018: Colorado Buffaloes

Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

– What You Need To Know: OffenseDefense
Top Players, Key Game, Fun Stats
What Will Happen & Win Total Prediction
– Colorado Previews 2017 | 2016 | 2015

And the hard part about it? The 5-7 season was the program’s second-best since joining the Pac-12 in 2011.

But there’s a window open right now that’s going to slam shut very, very soon.

With one winning season since 2005’s strange run to the Big 12 Championship Game, it’s been a long, long time since the former national championship-level superpower has been more than just a team on a schedule.

This year’s version has a whole lot of flaws and concerns, but if it’s ever going to make a push, this has to be it.

UCLA, Arizona and Arizona State might all need a little bit under their respective new head coaches to get going, USC doesn’t quite appear to be the USC of the last two seasons, and Utah is a home game for the Buffs. All five of those programs are going to be looking at 2018 as a stepping-stone season.

Colorado can’t.

But where’s the identity? It doesn’t have to be the old option days under Bill McCartney, but the offense has struggled way too often in a league that thrives on getting into the occasional shootout.

Where’s the defensive consistency? Other than the South-winning shocker of a 2016 season, the D hasn’t picked up the slack.

And now it’s time to surprise and amaze again. No one saw what was about to happen two years ago, and absolutely no one will pick the Buffs to do anything great this year.

It’s going to be a fight, though. The offense has to replace RB Phillip Lindsay, the top three receivers are gone, and the leaky line has to be far, far stronger to keep talented QB Steven Montez in one piece.

The D that was so good two years ago has to find its pass rushing groove again, the run defense has to be stronger, and the takeaways have to come.

Fortunately, the schedule isn’t a total killer – even with road trips to Washington and Nebraska thrown into the mix – and there are just enough winnable games to get to a bowl game.

Best of all? No one will see the Buffs coming. No one will pick them to do much, and none of the attention will be on them with all the other big things going on in the division.

Not to be too dramatic, but this is most likely the make-or-break season for MacIntyre. But as 2016 proved, he can pull off a stunner.

NEXT: Offense Breakdown, Defense Breakdown, Top Players, Final Prediction & What Will Happen

Every Pac-12 Team's Top Three NFL Draft Picks

0
0

The greatest NFL draft picks of all-time from each Pac-12 school.


USC is as good as anyone when it comes to cranking out historic NFL draft picks, and the Pac-12 overall isn’t bad, but some programs are shockingly a little light.

So really, who are the greatest draft picks ever from the Pac-12 programs?

This isn’t a list of the top pro players to come from the Pac-12 schools – these are the best draft picks.

That means guys who had great careers for someone other than the teams that drafted them get knocked down a peg, or aren’t on the list at all.

The goal for any draft pick is to get a player who performs at a high level for a long period of time, so longevity matters over one short burst of greatness. You’ll get the idea.

2018 NFL Draft Prospects 
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | OGs | OTs
DTs | DEs | LBs | Safs | CBs

Arizona

TE Rob Gronkowski
2010, 2nd round, 42nd pick overall, New England

Silver: LB Lance Briggs, 2003, 3rd round, 68th pick overall, Chicago
Bronze: CB Chris McAlister, 1999, 1st round, 10th pick overall, Baltimore

This isn’t as easy as it might appear. Rob Gronkowski reinvented the tight end position as a four-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler as a dominant, unstoppable force – when healthy. However, Lance Briggs was even more accomplished.

A Hall of Fame-caliber baller for the Bears for 12 years,Briggs went to seven Pro Bowls and was named to the 2005 All-Pro team. He finished his career with 936 tackles, while Chris McAlister went to three Pro Bowls and was a 2003 All-Pro as a key part of several all-timer defenses.

Arizona State

OG Randall McDaniel
1988, 1st round, 19th pick overall, Minnesota

Silver: DE Terrell Suggs, 2003, 1st round, 10th pick overall
Bronze: WR Charley Taylor, 1964, 1st round, 3rd pick overall, 1964

Arizona State has five NFL Hall of Famers, but Mike Haynes spent a bulk of his career with the Raiders, and not everyone could make the cut.

The mainstay of the Minnesota offensive line for 12 years, Randall McDaniel was a seven-time All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowler on the way to the Hall of Fame.

Charley Taylor played 14 years for Washington catching 649 passes for 9,110 yards and 79 scores in his Hall of Fame career. The 1967 All-Pro went to eight Pro Bowls, while Terrell Suggs is on his way to Canton whenever he’s done after coming up with 125.5 sacks and 576 tackles. Suggs was the 2011 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

California

QB Aaron Rodgers
2005, 1st round, 24th pick overall, Green Bay

Silver: TE Tony Gonzalez, 1997, 1st round, 13th pick overall Kansas City
Bronze: CB Nnamdi Asomugha, 1st round, 31st pick overall, Oakland

So here’s the problem. Hall of Fame LB Les Richter was drafted by the Dallas Texans, but spent his career with the Los Angeles Rams. Hardy Nickerson didn’t do most of his big things with Pittsburgh, and Marshawn Lynch did his best work for Seattle, not Buffalo.

Aaron Rodgers was worth the wait until the 24th pick. The 2011 and 2014 NFL MVP, two-time All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowler, and 2010 Super Bowl MVP is a first-ballot Hall of Famer with close to 39,000 yards and 313 touchdowns.

Tony Gonzalez finished his career as the most productive tight end of all-time catching 1,325 passes for over 15,000 yards and 111 touchdowns. The Hall of Fame talent was named to five All-Pro teams with Kansas City going to ten Pro Bowls.

Nnamdi Asomugha finished up his career with a few dud seasons, but in his eight years in Oakland he went to three Pro Bowls and was a two-time All-Pro.

Colorado

WR Cliff Branch
1972, 4th round, 98th pick overall, Oakland

Silver: S Dick Anderson, 3rd round, 73rd pick overall, Miami
Bronze: CB Mark Haynes, 1st round, 8th pick overall, New York Giants

The deep threat of deep threats for the Oakland vertical passing game, Cliff Branch averaged over 17 yards per catch making 501 grabs in a career that was just outside of being good enough for the Hall of Fame. The three-time All-Pro was also a part of three Super Bowl winners.

Dick Anderson was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro as a dangerous pickoff artist for several elite defenses including two Super Bowl champs. He picked off eight passes in three different seasons.

Mark Haynes only played six years with the Giants, but he was part of a Super Bowl winner and was named to two All-Pro teams highlighted by a seven-pick 1984.

Oregon

QB Dan Fouts
1973, 3rd round, 64th pick overall, San Diego

Silver: DT Haloti Ngata, 2006, 1st round, 12th pick overall
Bronze: QB Norm Van Brocklin, 1949, 4th round, 37th pick overall

While he never played in a Super Bowl, much less win one, Dan Fouts was a sure-thing Hall of Famer threw for over 43,000 yards with 254 touchdowns earning his way onto two All-Pro teams and going to six Pro Bowls.

Haloti Ngata will be a sure-thing Hall of Famer after anchoring the great Baltimore defense for nine years with a Super Bowl, two All-Pro seasons, and six Pro Bowl honors.

Norm Van Brocklin was a Hall of Fame bomber who did some big things for Philadelphia, but he spent the first nine years of his career with the Los Angeles Rams going to six Pro Bowls.

Oregon State

WR Chad Johnson
2001, 2nd round, 36th pick overall, Cincinnati

Silver: RB Steven Jackson, 2004, 1st round, 24th pick overall, St. Louis Rams
Bronze: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, 2001, 7th round, 204th overall, Cincinnati

Forgetting all the weirdness and the painfully unfunny self-promotion, Chad Johnson was a whale of a receiver for Cincinnati catching 751 passes for 10,783 yards and 66 scores in his ten years, being named to two All-Pro teams and going to six Pro Bowls.

Steven Jackson turned into one of the best all-around backs in the 2000s catching 407 passes and running for 10,138 yards for the Rams on the way to three Pro Bowls.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh was always second banana next to Johnson, but he put up some massive numbers of his own catching 507 passes in his eight years with the Bengals.

Colorado vs. Colorado State Fearless Prediction, Game Preview

0
0

Colorado vs. Colorado State fearless prediction and game preview.


Broadcast

Date: Friday, August 31
Game Time: 9:30 pm ET
Venue: Sports Authority Field, Denver, CO
Network: FBS Sports Network

2018 CFN Preview
Colorado Preview | Colorado State Preview


Colorado (0-0) vs. Colorado State (0-1) Game Preview

This used to be one of the fun underground rivalry games to start the season – with several excellent battles over several years – but it’s been all Colorado for the last three years.

And it’s not about Colorado State after what happened in Week 0.

The Ram defense couldn’t slow down the Hawaii offense – and the CSU attack didn’t wake up until the second half – in a 43-34 loss. On the plus side, the passing game found its guy in transfer KJ Carta-Samuels, but no there’s a big, big, BIG problem.

Lose to Colorado, and with Arkansas and a trip to Florida to follow, the Rams might start out 0-4. Even worse, it would be a fourth straight loss to the Buffs.

Colorado gets to deal with Nebraska next.

One Reason Why Colorado Will Win

Steven Montez should go off.

The Buff quarterback threw two picks in last year’s 17-3 win over the Rams, but he only missed six other throws, completing 21-of-29 passes for 202 yards with a touchdown.

This time around, he should be able to dink and dunk to his heart’s content against a Ram defense that got lit up by Hawaii’s Cole McDonald, giving up 418 yards and three touchdowns – he also ran for 96 yards and two scores.

Colorado State doesn’t have much of a pass rush, and the secondary isn’t strong enough to hold down what Montez should be able to do it he gets time to work.

The Buffalo defense is far, far stronger than Hawaii’s – there won’t be much happening on the ground for the Rams. The secondary should hold up better, too.

One Reason Why Colorado State Will Win

Carta-Samuels and the passing game.

It was a rocky first half against Hawaii, but the offense figured it out in the second half – it was just too late. However, now the offense is ready to roll.

The Rams have weapons. Izzy Matthews ran well, but the team got down and it became all about the air show, with Carta-Samuels throwing for 537 yards and five touchdowns.

Colorado State is going to open it up, and it has the targets for Carta-Samuels to work with, with Preston Williams and Olabisi Johnson combining for 345 yards and four scores, hitting home run after home run.

The Rams are more than equipped to make this a shootout.

Get Tickets For This Game

What’s Going To Happen

There will be a few rocky parts for the Colorado offense early, but it’ll find a nice balance, will get to Carta-Samuels just enough to be annoying, and it’ll overcome the emotion of the rivalry game to make it four in a row.

The Buff secondary will be the big difference. Carta-Samuels will connect on a few big plays to keep it close, but there won’t be enough of them. Colorado will control the game with its offensive balance, but it’ll need to open it up a bit in the second half to put the game away.

– ATS Wins: BREAKING: Daily lock pick just released: ‘100% confidence release!’

Fearless Prediction & Line

Colorado 37, Colorado State 27
Line: Colorado -7.5, o/u: 65.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5

Want a 2nd opinion on who to bet on this game? Click here to get the full game side and total, 1st half and prop bets all for free from WinnersAndWhiners.com.

Must See Rating: 2.5

5: Mission Impossible – Fallout
1: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Nebraska vs. Colorado Fearless Prediction, Game Preview

0
0

Nebraska vs. Colorado fearless prediction and game preview.


Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 8
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
Network: ABC

All of the CFN Fearless Predictions


Nebraska (0-0) vs. Colorado (1-0) Game Preview

For those of you who get all squishy about the old Big 12 – or Big 8 – days, this was an annual big deal during the 1990s.

It topped out in an epic 2001 Big 12 title game – with the Buffs running wild for a 62-36 win, but the Huskers went on to play for the national title – and with epic showdowns in 1995 and 1996.

And now, these are two programs looking to get by.

Of course, the excitement is off the charts for Nebraska with the hiring of Scott Frost, but the take-off was delayed after a lightning storm cancelled the game against Akron. The Huskers should be better, but with road games at Michigan, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Ohio State and Iowa, and with home dates against Purdue, Minnesota and Michigan State to deal with, lose to Colorado, and it’ll be tough to get to six wins.

The Buffs might be sleeper-good in a tumultuous Pac-12 South, and they couldn’t have started better with a 45-13 destruction of Colorado State. With winnable home games against New Hampshire, UCLA and Arizona State up next, win this, and there could be a huge start.

One Reason Why Colorado Will Win

Yeah, Colorado State’s pass defense would give up 300 yards you and a Marv down in accounting, but it was still an impressive performance by the Buffs in the blowout win.

Steven Montez has NFL tools, talent and upside, and he put it together for at least one week, hitting 22-of-25 passes for 338 yards and four scores with one pick – just two throws weren’t caught – and he ran for 34 yards and a touchdown.

This has the potential to be a solid, balanced attack, with a running back by committee approach to go along with what Montez can do.

Nebraska missing the Akron game meant it couldn’t get any live reps in. The Buffs looked razor-sharp from the start.

One Reason Why Nebraska Will Win

Don’t take too much away from being Colorado State. Again, the defense isn’t anything fantastic.

The Buff lines are just okay, and while this is a solid team across the board, there’s nothing fantastic outside of Montez.

Nebraska has the upside in the secondary to hold tight against the Colorado passing game – at least, it won’t be target practice for Montez – and the defensive front should be able to generate a little bit of pressure.

And yes, Colorado has a game under its belt, but the Nebraska coaches have film on this team. The Buff coaches aren’t quite sure what these Huskers are quite yet.

Get Tickets For This Game

What’s Going To Happen

Nebraska superstar recruit Adrian Martinez will have his moments, and he’ll show what he’s about to be a really, really big thing – right up until he throws a key pick in the second half.

The Huskers will be fired up, the crowd will be crazy – at least, crazy for Memorial Stadium – and they’ll come up with just enough offensive pop to get everyone fired up – but this will be about Colorado, too.

All of a sudden, the Buffaloes will start to get more national respect for a tight defense that will keep Martinez from running wild – outside of a few big  runs – as they throw a wet blanket on the opener.

BREAKING: Free daily ATS lock pick just released: ‘100% confidence release!’

Fearless Prediction & Line

Colorado 34, Nebraska 31
Line: Nebraska -4, o/u: 65
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 3

5: True Detective Season 3
1: A Million Little Things

Colorado vs. New Hampshire Fearless Prediction, Game Preview

0
0

Colorado vs. New Hampshire fearless prediction and game preview.


Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 15
Game Time: 6:00 ET
Venue: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
Network: Pac-12 Network

All of the CFN Fearless Predictions
Get Tickets For This Game


Colorado (2-0) vs. New Hampshire (0-2) Game Preview

One Reason Why New Hampshire Will Win

For all of the problems the Wildcats have had so far in the 0-2 start, their special teams have been solid, they don’t commit a ton of penalties, and the defense has been solid.

There hasn’t been any help from the offense – the D is still doing its part.

The defensive front is just strong enough to get into the backfield and give the Buffs a few problems early on, and the secondary has held up well.

No, there hasn’t been any O, but after problems against Nebraska and looking ahead to UCLA, New Hampshire has to give the running game a shot. But …

One Reason Why Colorado Will Win

The New Hampshire offense really, really isn’t working, scoring just ten points in the losses to Maine and Colgate.

In the first two games, the Wildcats are averaging 157 yards. It’s possible the Buffs hit that in the first quarter.

Steven Montez has kicked things off as one of the nation’s hottest quarterbacks, connecting on 73% of his throws for 689 yards and seven touchdowns with a pick and a rushing score. If all goes according to plan, he plays a half, hits 12-of-13 throws, and then it’s time to dive into the bench.

Free daily ATS lock pick just released: ‘100% confidence release!’

What’s Going To Happen

Montez will take target practice after a rocky first drive, the ground game will take over, and it’ll be an easy day for the offense before the defense takes  over. The twos and threes will get in right after halftime.

Fearless Prediction & Line

Colorado 48, New Hampshire 6
Line: No Line

Must See Rating: 1

5: The Longest Yard (the 1974 version)
1: Chicago Med/Chicago Fire/Chicago P.D.

Viewing all 106 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images