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Colorado vs Colorado State: 3 storylines to follow in Week 1

By Hunter Kinniburgh

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 2: Running back Kyle Evans #21 of the Colorado Buffaloes leaps over the pile for a goal line rushing touchdown against the Colorado State Rams at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 2, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 2: Running back Kyle Evans #21 of the Colorado Buffaloes leaps over the pile for a goal line rushing touchdown against the Colorado State Rams at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 2, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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BOULDER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Steven Montez #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes passes against the Oregon State Beavers in the first half of a game at Folsom Field on October 1, 2016 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Steven Montez #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes passes against the Oregon State Beavers in the first half of a game at Folsom Field on October 1, 2016 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

2. How will Steven Montez look as full-time starter?

I touched on this at the beginning but it bears enough weight to warrant coming back to in more detail. Self Liufau was one of if not the heartbeat of the 2016 Buffaloes team. The only problem was that he often found himself on the sidelines due to injuries. Montez was effective coming in for Liufau, but didn’t necessarily knock anyones socks off. But this is Montez’s show now and it’s his time to prove himself.

Montez (and the Buffs) should have confidence going into this game after what they did to the Rams in 2016. But it won’t be the same team they faced last year and it’ll be a team looking for revenge. Montez will have to establish himself early if he wants to put any type of “scare” into the Rams. More than just a showing against Colorado State, it’s also Montez’s shot to lead his team and show that he has what it takes to be a leader and keep CU relevant in the Pac-12.

Montez will have a strong running game behind Philip Lindsay to lean on early. CSU will most likely be looking to set the tone early, a difference from last year, so Montez will have to be ready for blitzes and heavy pressure.

If Montez can stay focused and not get rattled early then he could be a force for CSU to have to deal with. As well as a force for the rest of the season for coach MacIntyre’s Buffaloes. All CU fans eyes will be on Montez. How he responds will more than likely dictate the flow of the game.

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