Game Time...Buffs vs. Montana State, Folsom Field, Game Pick

The wait is over.

The University of Colorado is out of time. The season is here and the Buffaloes will take the field Saturday to play Montana State in the first game of the Dan Hawkins' tenure.

In addition to a new coaching staff, schemes, and atmosphere surrounding the program, what should you expect with a new quarterback replacing record-breaking Joel Klatt, two tight ends to step in for NFL draftees Joe Klopfenstein and Quinn Sypniewski, & the mythically-named Samson Jagoras taking Lawrence Vickers' spot in the backfield?

What about Thunder Leg himself, Mason Crosby, where if we believe Hawkins, might be allowed to use his driver of a leg to attempt field goals whenever the offense doesn't score a touchdown, rendering the use of the punter, once a respected position in the program, obsolete.

On defense, if we listen to the masses, the '84 Bears have nothing on this unit. Just hope there is no rap video to go along with the success.

Breaking down the Buffs...the defense should be solid, not spectacular, as you need a vaunted pass rush for that distinction, the special teams have the potential to be good-to-great, depending on who you talk to about them, with Crosby, and o.k., the punter, the wonderfully-named Isaac Garden, ah, so peaceful, I love going to the Isaac Garden, and fast return men Stephone Robinson and Hugh Charles.

On offense, we don't know much. I do know Charles has some giddy up in those legs, I know there is talent in front of him in Mark Fenton and Brian Daniels. Honestly, what else is a given? You tell me.

I think the team comes out ready to go, the stadium ready to explode at the first signs of success, Colorado trying to run the ball hard and throwing the ball downfield. They'll move the ball but I don't see overwhelming execution and dominance. This is a project and there will be growing pains but I do think the Buffs will have enough to win.

What I think will be the big story will the CU defense, which will make plays, especially the linebackers and defensive backs.

In the end, the Buffs win by 17.

TheTruth