Colorado University Athletics
MacIntyre, Buffs Impressed With Rams' Season Opener
August 27, 2017 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — After four long weeks of camp, the Colorado Buffaloes hit the practice field Sunday afternoon with a little extra pep in their step.
It's Game Week. The Buffs began full-scale preparations Sunday for their Friday night season opener against Colorado State at Sports Authority Field in Denver (6 p.m., Pac-12 Networks), and there was no doubt the Rams have the Buffs' full and undivided attention.
"They're good," said Colorado running back Phillip Lindsay, who watched Saturday's 58-27 CSU win over Oregon State. "They're going to be a tough team. Definitely tough. They've definitely improved on the offensive side and on defense. It's going to be a tough game. We know that."
The Rams were indeed impressive in their opener, particularly on offense. Playing at a new, up-tempo pace that took its toll on the Beavers, Colorado State rolled up 525 yards of offense that included a 26-for-39, 334-yard, three touchdown day from quarterback Nick Stevens. Stevens' favorite target was wideout Michael Gallup, who hauled in 11 catches for 134 yards; and the Rams also pounded out 191 yards on the ground.
"CSU was dominant in the game," said Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre, who has said CSU having the chance to open a week early gives the Rams an advantage in their matchup. "I was really impressed with their athleticism. Their quarterback played phenomenal and their defense was flying around everywhere. It was interesting to watch on tape — they looked really good."
While the Rams did yield 456 yards on defense, they more than made up for that by forcing five Oregon State turnovers, including a 44-yard interception return for a touchdown by linebacker Tre Thomas.
"They caused a lot of turnovers and were making plays," MacIntyre said. "They were flying around everywhere. At the end of the year last year they were showing that on film all the time. We've watched every game (from last season), and adding that game to it, they played really, really well. They were hitting on all cylinders."
While the Rams no doubt gained confidence from their opener — as well as the opportunity to get those first-game mistakes out of the way — the game also at least gives Colorado a chance to closely dissect CSU's game plan, personnel groups and down-and-distance tendencies.
What Saturday's game will also likely accomplish is heighten the excitement around the state. This year's game is the first time since 2006 that both teams are coming off bowl seasons, and the Rams' convincing win will also no doubt ramp up expectations from the CSU fan base.
"We're always excited about this game," MacIntyre said. "It's going to be a lot of fun — it always is. There's a lot of anticipation for the game and I think fans from both sides enjoy it."
The game has always had special meaning for Lindsay, who grew up in Colorado. But after a long camp, he said he's now most excited about just getting out onto the field and playing.
"It's fun for me because I'm from Colorado, and I want to do everything I can to help my team and get a ''W' and start the season off right," he said. "Last season we were able to start the season off right and I want to do the same again this year. But I think all of us are just about ready to play. It's been awhile since we've hit somebody else. It's time to go out there and showcase what we've worked so hard for."
TEXAS CONNECTIONS: A number of Buffs are from the Houston area, which is being devastated by Hurricane Harvey. As of Sunday afternoon, players who had family in the area reported that their families were safe, although some did say some family members had been forced to evacuate to escape high waters.
SERIES STARTERS: The Buffs lead the all-time series, 64-22-2, with wins in the last two games of the series and in seven of the last 10. … Overall, Colorado is 78-44-5 in 127 season openers, with a 7-5-1 mark at neutral sites (7-5 in Denver, 0-0-1 in Anaheim, Calif.). … If you're looking for a trend, here's an interesting one: CU has won 25 of its last 27 season openers when scoring first.
PAC-12 NETWORKS CREW: Colorado's first three games this season will all be carried by the Pac-12 Networks. The broadcast crew for Friday's game will include Ted Robinson, former Buffs and NFL great Chad Brown, and Cindy Brunson. The Buffs will play their home opener Sept. 9 at Folsom Field in a noon game with Texas State.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE: With classes beginning at CU on Monday, the Buffs will return to their in-season morning practice schedule.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
