Colorado Football: 3 takeaways from convincing win over Colorado State

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 30: Quarterback Steven Montez #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes passes against the Colorado State Rams in the fourth quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 30, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 30: Quarterback Steven Montez #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes passes against the Colorado State Rams in the fourth quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 30, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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Colorado football pulled away late from rival Colorado State in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. Here are three quick thoughts.

The Mel Tucker era got off to a strong start on Friday night as Colorado took care of Colorado State in the Rocky Mountain Showdown once again, 52-31.

While the Buffaloes still have some work to do, what’d we learn from the victory?

3. Both the Buffaloes and Rams have good skill position players

Both the Buffaloes and the Rams played well on offense tonight. Both teams have some growing to do on defense, but each team’s offense played so well that they outshined even good defensive play at times.

We know about Laviska Shenault, Steven Montez and even KD Nixon for the Buffaloes. All three players had an impact on the game, but the Buffaloes found their offensive depth at the skill positions. Alex Fontenot had 125 yards on the ground for the Buffs, and they were led not by Shenault, but by senior wide receiver Tony Brown.

The Rams have found their quarterback in Colin Hill who was really good on Friday after recovering from ACL surgeries on each knee, throwing for over 300 yards. Dante Wright influenced the game on the ground (59 rushing yards), in the passing game (72 yards receiving) and returning punts (19 yards). Marvin Kinsey, Jr. had over 100 all-purpose yards, too.

Head coach Mike Bobo has some weapons in Fort Collins.

Junior Receiver Warren Jackson is a 6-6 match-up nightmare for anyone in the Mountain West. Had it not been for some critical mistakes, the Rams might have been able to pull this one out.