Colorado (0-1) at Toledo (0-1), 9:00 EST, Friday, September 11
Why to watch: The Dan Hawkins era isn?t dead, but it?s on life support after losing to Colorado State in a disappointing start to the season. Meanwhile, Toledo might have lost the opener for new head coach Tim Beckman, but it had a whole bunch of fun in the whacking pitting up close to 500 yards in the 52-31 loss to Purdue. The Rockets have several major issues that need to be fought through, particularly on the defensive side, and if Colorado can?t exploit the problems and come up with a blowout win, even though it?s on the road, the grumbling in Boulder could get louder and louder. This is supposed to be the easy part of the Colorado schedule with Wyoming coming up next week, but it also kicks off a run of three road games in the next four weeks.
Why Colorado might win: If the Buff offense was ever going to work, this would be the time. Purdue destroyed the Rockets with 535 yards of total offense with Ralph Bolden, currently the nation?s leading rusher after ripping off 234 yards and two scores, leading the way. Now the Buffs need to try to find a spark to its attack and use its excellent bevy of backs to start to crank out yards. If the offense wants to throw, Cody Hawkins should be effective after Purdue?s Joey Elliott ripped off 220 yards and had all day to throw.
Why Toledo might win: Grant Stucker was able to come up with several big plays last week. If you don?t know who that is, you?re not alone. Stucker, the Colorado State quarterback, was able to come up with deep balls, quick hitter, and everything in between when needed, but more importantly for the Rams, they were able to power their way over the Buff defensive front. Toledo got most of its yards in comeback scramble mode, but it was still tremendously effective throwing for 432 yards while keeping the pressure on the solid Purdue secondary. Colorado will have to get its track shoes on.
Who to watch: Toledo QB Aaron Opelt has had a few big games throughout his career, but they usually end up in losses. The senior knows the offense and he has the talent and vision to sling the ball all over the field, and if the Rocket offensive line can keep the Colorado defensive front out of the backfield, the passing numbers could be huge. Opelt threw the ball 67 times last week, but he threw for 423 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions. Does Colorado have the firepower to keep up?
What will happen: This is a dangerous game for Colorado, and it?ll be telling. If the Buff offense, issues and all at receiver and with inconsistent quarterback play, can?t hang a big number on the board this week, it probably never will. Toledo will get in its shots, but Colorado will be more physical than it was last week and will run for 250 yards on the way to a win.
CFN Prediction: Colorado 34 ? Toledo 27 ... Line: Colorado -4
Must See Rating: (Curb Your Enthusiasm Season Premiere 5 ? The Fresh Beat Band 1) ? 2.5
