Offense:
1. focus on establishing that ground game first and foremost. I don't believe CSU is deep enough up front, nor fast enough at the LBs to handle our ground game, which will include those quick passes to the outside. We are deep enough at WR, and athletic enough with Montez, to create some problems there. Can CSU handle the zone-read with a stud like Montez running it? I see this as a big problem for CSU. Hat-tip to Duff here.
2. Their DBs are prone to mistakes, that OSU failed to capitalize on except perhaps 1 time. Expect Lindgren to have designs here.
3. We score often if Montez can make good decisions and we avoid turnovers.
Defense:
1. Can we pressure Stevens without bringing extras? He is not a threat to run it.
2. Can we hold up to their power running attack, especially the Fullback leading into the hole to take on our LBs? (I respect their stable of RBs who show both power and agility. But every RB needs a little seam, which they did not get in this game last year).
3. Will expect CSU to attack with TE drags that were so effective (by Michigan), play action, and lots of fullback led running plays.
3. Can our DC make necessary adjustments? I am not concerned about game-planning as I know this was always HCMM's area. But in game adjustments?
Special Teams:
Kickoffs will be a non factor. Both sides should bury the ball into the end zone.
Punts, avoid big-play mistakes.