These are two similar programs with a lot of question marks, but Colorado was just awful last year. I do like the hire of Mike MacIntyre from San Jose State, but these type of jobs usually take a year to see improvements. MacIntyre had success with the same situation at San Jose, but his first year they went 1-11, then 5-7, and 11-2. Colorado State seems just a bit ahead of Colorado with Jim McElwain in his second year and we really started to see the offense and the team click down the stretch where they went 3-1-1 ATS and averaged 29 points per game. Both teams have 17 starters returning and questions at QB, but I think Colorado Sate is stronger up front where it matters.
Colorado St has a 1-2 punch in Donnell Alexander in Chris Nwake running behind 4 returning starters. They were really solid down the stretch even averaging 4.49 ypc at Boise State (who ranked 24th in run defense ypc last year). Colorado was 123rd in run defense and should be bad again. On the flip side Colorado lost their top 2 offensive linemen, but had major issues running the ball which led to just 29% conversions on third downs. I see more of the same issues even against a new Colorado State defensive line which I think will be better with additions of junior college transfers. Colorado State also returns a strong secondary which could get interesting again Paul Richardson who returns for Colorado after a year off. Richardson can be one of the best receivers in the PAC 12, but he lacks a QB to get him the ball.
