Up Tempo Offense Was Game Changer
The first two series of Rocky Mountain Showdown might of been the most important. After Colorado's defense forced a quick three and out to open the game, Colorado's new up-tempo offense took the field and it looked crisp as the Buffs drove down the field in 2:59 seconds during an 11 play 73-yard scoring drive. Really, the only thing that didn't go as planned was Offensive Center Alex Kelley scoring the first touchdown of the year, but let's take a look a that first drive and break it down.
First 11 plays
10-yard run by Phillip Lindsay
Sefo Liufau incomplete pass intended to Shay Fields
9-yard run by Phillip Lindsay
2-yard run by Phillip Lindsay
Sefo Liufau complete to Bryce Bobo for 10-yards
2-yard run by Phillip Lindsay
Sefo Lifau complete to Phillip Lindsay for 11-yards
7-yard run by Phillip Lindsay
9-yard run by Phillip Lindsay
8-yard run by Sefo Liufau
4-yard rub by Sefo Liufau, fumble recovered in end-zone by Alex Kelley, touchdown
Highlights
The Breakdown
Play 1 - Good blocking by the receivers, allows Lindsay to get outside
Play 2 - Good protection by the OL, bad ball
Play 3 - Alex Kelley gets to the backer just in time to allow Lindsay to pick up 9-yards, good play call from up top
Play 4 - Good play by CSU's Lovingood, good extra effort by Phillip Lindsay
Play 5 - Very good protection from the OL, like Sefo's ball to be a bit lower
Play 6 - CSU does a good job defensively, put a lot of hats on the fotoball
Play 7 - Great play call here, CSU was coming, Sefo hits Lindsay for big gain
Play 8 - A+ job by Tim Lynott here, CSU LB just made a good play here fighting off Kelley
Play 9 - Gerrad Kough with an excellent block, Lindsay looks great
Play 10 - Good read by Sefo
Play 11 - Touchdown
Thoughts
The up-tempo offense was on fire in the opening and Colorado State wasn't prepared for the speed and I have to tip my hat to Lindgren who called a good game. Colorado's offense really exceeded my expectations last night. Think they'll roll it up on Idaho State, true test obviously in a few weeks at the Big House.
Week 1: Inside The Numbers
Here are a few notable numbers from Colorado's 44-7 victory over Colorado State.
1 - Touchdown made by center Alex Kelley
1 - Sack made by Jimmie Gilbert
1 - Sack made by Kenneth Olugbode
2 - Interceptions Colorado forced
2 - Touchdown runs by Phillip Lindsay
4 - Penalties Colorado had for 35-yards
5 - Tackles made by Rick Gamboa
5 - Tackles made by Afolabi Laguda
5 - Receptions made by Bryce Bobo
6 - Passes completed by CSU QB Nick Stevens out of 20
6 - Tackles made by Kenneth Olugbode
6 - Three and outs the defense opened with against CSU
8 - Tackles made by Chide Awuzie
8 - Receptions made by Devin Ross
8 - Touchbacks by Diego Gonzalez
17 - Solo Tackles made by Kevin Davis of Colorado State
18 - Rushing yards by Beau Bisharat
28 - First downs by Colorado
31 - Points Colorado scored in the first half
30 - Longest field goal made by Diego Gonzalez
34:36 - Time Colorado had the football (25.24 for CSU)
41 - Rushing yards by Kyle Evans
44 - Rushing yards by Donovan Lee
66% - Third down conversion rate for Colorado
72 - Rushing yards by Sefo Liufau
79 - Receiving yards by Shay fields (26.3 average)
88 - Rushing yards by CSU RB Dalyn Dawkins
95 - Rushing yards by Phillip Lindsay
97 - Receiving yards by Devin Ross (12.1 average)
99 - Receiving yards by Bryce Bobo (19.8 average)
253 - Yards Colorado had in the 1st Quarter
260 - Rushing yards by Colorado
318 - Passing yards by Sefo Lifau
578 - Total yards of offense by Colorado
69,850 - Fan attendance for the Rocky Mountain Showdown
Henderson: 10 Takeaways from Colorado's Friday Night Victory over CSU
1. The Defense looked outstanding. Especially in the first half, where they held the Rams to just 79-yards.
2. Quarterback Sefo Liufau managed the up-tempo offense very well. Was 21-30 through the third quarter for 292-yards passing and 1 touchdown. He threw a few bad balls, but overall felt he was in control of the game.
3. Running Back Phillip Lindsay did work, especially in the first half where he ran for 72-yards off 14 carries and 2 touchdowns. Looked explosive and ran through a few defenders. Did have one fumble on the night, but was really impressed with his performance.
4. Special Teams was on point. Diego Gonzalez hit three big field goals with strong confidence and every kickoff was through the end zone for a touchback. Alex Kinney had a big punt on the night as well, Jay MacIntyre looked dependable returning punts.
5. Colorado might have the best secondary in the PAC 12. Is that a giant statement: Absolutely, but watch the game film. The unit balled out in every facet of the game. Chico Awuzie is a sure shot NFL guy having some monster hits and an interception, Tedric Thompson made some big open field tackles, had some big hits on receivers, even came up with an interception in the third quarter and Afolabi Laguda is a big, big hitter.
6. Receivers shined. Who was going to step up was a theme at the receiver position and it was answered by Devin Ross who caught for over 100-yards, Bryce Bobo who had over 100-yards receiving, and Shay Fields who had over 75 yards on the night. That play Bobo made in the 2nd quarter was just incredible.
7. Colorado State did get to the quarterback. Not in terms of sacks, but they did put the wood to Sefo more than a few times on the night. Also felt that Sefo did too much running during the evening, he’s a big dude, but obviously the less he is touched the better. Took a big hit in the 4th quarter and left the game.
8. Play calling offensively was very good. Coach Brian Lindgren did a great job and that opening up-tempo offense Colorado displayed had Colorado State gassed on the first drive. The offense, especially in the first half looked potent.
9. Jim Leavitt dominated Colorado State Offensive Coordinator Marty English. Through three quarters of play Colorado State was just 7-22 passing for 33-yards and had rushed for 23 carries for 84-yards. Colorado led 37-0 with 4 minutes left in the third quarter. The defense has now forced a turnover in 14 consecutive games.
10. Kenneth Olugbode and Jimmie Gilbert, two linebackers we really need to talk about more. Olugbode had two sacks and Jimmie Gilbert forced a fumble, which Olugbode then recovered.
A few notes
True Freshman Beau Bisharat on kickoff team
Diego Gonzalez with kickoff instead of Chris Graham
Up tempo offense looked fantastic
Lindsay had 39-yards on the opening drive
Colorado Defense forces three straight three and outs
Phillip Lindsay fumbles inside red-zone
Faton Bauta in during 4th series for Colorado State
Colorado forces fourth three and out of the 1st quarter
Jimmie Gilbert forced fumble
Kenneth Olugbode recovered fumble
Colorado out gains Colorado State in yardages 253-10 in the 1st quarter
5 kick offs for touchbacks to open the game for Diego Gonzalez
Colorado opens game with six three and out defensive stops
Olugbode has two sacks in the 1st half
Bryce Bobo was ESPN top 10 grab
Recap: Dominating Start, Colorado rolls CSU 44-7
https://colorado.rivals.com/news/dominating-start-colorado-rolls-in-opener-against-csu
The first two series of Rocky Mountain Showdown might of been the most important. After Colorado's defense forced a quick three and out to open the game, Colorado's new up-tempo offense took the field and it looked crisp as the Buffs drove down the field in 2:59 seconds during an 11 play 73-yard scoring drive. Really, the only thing that didn't go as planned was Offensive Center Alex Kelley scoring the first touchdown of the year, but let's take a look a that first drive and break it down.
First 11 plays
10-yard run by Phillip Lindsay
Sefo Liufau incomplete pass intended to Shay Fields
9-yard run by Phillip Lindsay
2-yard run by Phillip Lindsay
Sefo Liufau complete to Bryce Bobo for 10-yards
2-yard run by Phillip Lindsay
Sefo Lifau complete to Phillip Lindsay for 11-yards
7-yard run by Phillip Lindsay
9-yard run by Phillip Lindsay
8-yard run by Sefo Liufau
4-yard rub by Sefo Liufau, fumble recovered in end-zone by Alex Kelley, touchdown
Highlights
The Breakdown
Play 1 - Good blocking by the receivers, allows Lindsay to get outside
Play 2 - Good protection by the OL, bad ball
Play 3 - Alex Kelley gets to the backer just in time to allow Lindsay to pick up 9-yards, good play call from up top
Play 4 - Good play by CSU's Lovingood, good extra effort by Phillip Lindsay
Play 5 - Very good protection from the OL, like Sefo's ball to be a bit lower
Play 6 - CSU does a good job defensively, put a lot of hats on the fotoball
Play 7 - Great play call here, CSU was coming, Sefo hits Lindsay for big gain
Play 8 - A+ job by Tim Lynott here, CSU LB just made a good play here fighting off Kelley
Play 9 - Gerrad Kough with an excellent block, Lindsay looks great
Play 10 - Good read by Sefo
Play 11 - Touchdown
Thoughts
The up-tempo offense was on fire in the opening and Colorado State wasn't prepared for the speed and I have to tip my hat to Lindgren who called a good game. Colorado's offense really exceeded my expectations last night. Think they'll roll it up on Idaho State, true test obviously in a few weeks at the Big House.
Week 1: Inside The Numbers
Here are a few notable numbers from Colorado's 44-7 victory over Colorado State.
1 - Touchdown made by center Alex Kelley
1 - Sack made by Jimmie Gilbert
1 - Sack made by Kenneth Olugbode
2 - Interceptions Colorado forced
2 - Touchdown runs by Phillip Lindsay
4 - Penalties Colorado had for 35-yards
5 - Tackles made by Rick Gamboa
5 - Tackles made by Afolabi Laguda
5 - Receptions made by Bryce Bobo
6 - Passes completed by CSU QB Nick Stevens out of 20
6 - Tackles made by Kenneth Olugbode
6 - Three and outs the defense opened with against CSU
8 - Tackles made by Chide Awuzie
8 - Receptions made by Devin Ross
8 - Touchbacks by Diego Gonzalez
17 - Solo Tackles made by Kevin Davis of Colorado State
18 - Rushing yards by Beau Bisharat
28 - First downs by Colorado
31 - Points Colorado scored in the first half
30 - Longest field goal made by Diego Gonzalez
34:36 - Time Colorado had the football (25.24 for CSU)
41 - Rushing yards by Kyle Evans
44 - Rushing yards by Donovan Lee
66% - Third down conversion rate for Colorado
72 - Rushing yards by Sefo Liufau
79 - Receiving yards by Shay fields (26.3 average)
88 - Rushing yards by CSU RB Dalyn Dawkins
95 - Rushing yards by Phillip Lindsay
97 - Receiving yards by Devin Ross (12.1 average)
99 - Receiving yards by Bryce Bobo (19.8 average)
253 - Yards Colorado had in the 1st Quarter
260 - Rushing yards by Colorado
318 - Passing yards by Sefo Lifau
578 - Total yards of offense by Colorado
69,850 - Fan attendance for the Rocky Mountain Showdown
Henderson: 10 Takeaways from Colorado's Friday Night Victory over CSU
1. The Defense looked outstanding. Especially in the first half, where they held the Rams to just 79-yards.
2. Quarterback Sefo Liufau managed the up-tempo offense very well. Was 21-30 through the third quarter for 292-yards passing and 1 touchdown. He threw a few bad balls, but overall felt he was in control of the game.
3. Running Back Phillip Lindsay did work, especially in the first half where he ran for 72-yards off 14 carries and 2 touchdowns. Looked explosive and ran through a few defenders. Did have one fumble on the night, but was really impressed with his performance.
4. Special Teams was on point. Diego Gonzalez hit three big field goals with strong confidence and every kickoff was through the end zone for a touchback. Alex Kinney had a big punt on the night as well, Jay MacIntyre looked dependable returning punts.
5. Colorado might have the best secondary in the PAC 12. Is that a giant statement: Absolutely, but watch the game film. The unit balled out in every facet of the game. Chico Awuzie is a sure shot NFL guy having some monster hits and an interception, Tedric Thompson made some big open field tackles, had some big hits on receivers, even came up with an interception in the third quarter and Afolabi Laguda is a big, big hitter.
6. Receivers shined. Who was going to step up was a theme at the receiver position and it was answered by Devin Ross who caught for over 100-yards, Bryce Bobo who had over 100-yards receiving, and Shay Fields who had over 75 yards on the night. That play Bobo made in the 2nd quarter was just incredible.
7. Colorado State did get to the quarterback. Not in terms of sacks, but they did put the wood to Sefo more than a few times on the night. Also felt that Sefo did too much running during the evening, he’s a big dude, but obviously the less he is touched the better. Took a big hit in the 4th quarter and left the game.
8. Play calling offensively was very good. Coach Brian Lindgren did a great job and that opening up-tempo offense Colorado displayed had Colorado State gassed on the first drive. The offense, especially in the first half looked potent.
9. Jim Leavitt dominated Colorado State Offensive Coordinator Marty English. Through three quarters of play Colorado State was just 7-22 passing for 33-yards and had rushed for 23 carries for 84-yards. Colorado led 37-0 with 4 minutes left in the third quarter. The defense has now forced a turnover in 14 consecutive games.
10. Kenneth Olugbode and Jimmie Gilbert, two linebackers we really need to talk about more. Olugbode had two sacks and Jimmie Gilbert forced a fumble, which Olugbode then recovered.
A few notes
True Freshman Beau Bisharat on kickoff team
Diego Gonzalez with kickoff instead of Chris Graham
Up tempo offense looked fantastic
Lindsay had 39-yards on the opening drive
Colorado Defense forces three straight three and outs
Phillip Lindsay fumbles inside red-zone
Faton Bauta in during 4th series for Colorado State
Colorado forces fourth three and out of the 1st quarter
Jimmie Gilbert forced fumble
Kenneth Olugbode recovered fumble
Colorado out gains Colorado State in yardages 253-10 in the 1st quarter
5 kick offs for touchbacks to open the game for Diego Gonzalez
Colorado opens game with six three and out defensive stops
Olugbode has two sacks in the 1st half
Bryce Bobo was ESPN top 10 grab
Recap: Dominating Start, Colorado rolls CSU 44-7
https://colorado.rivals.com/news/dominating-start-colorado-rolls-in-opener-against-csu
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