This game has been like groundhog day for a while now. Whoever runs the football, gets to the QB, hits on a few long play action plays, and doesn't turn it over usual comes out ahead on the ledger. This one has the same feel this year.
CSU came on a bit toward the end of the year, but it was against some pretty bad teams (See New Mexico and Hawaii). It does look like the offensive line will be the strength of the team this year along with the running backs. The QB situation needs work and one of the freshman wideouts is going to have to step up on the outside to free up the veteran TEs and slot receivers. Very big question marks right now at those positions.
On defense, the D-line added some nice bodies, but it remains to be seen whether it translates into better performance in the trenches. We were pretty poor against the run last year. The LBs are solid and this defense will go as far as the Shaq Barrett takes them. I would not be surprised to see him drafted after the year. The secondary looks good at the safety positions, but there are question marks at the corners. Some good young players vying for spots on the outside, but definitely younger players needing some experience.
Hard to tell what to expect from this CSU team this year. McElwain has been very positive all camp and continues to state that we are a lot further along than last year at this time. Based on comments from some of the players in the paper - you can tell they are more comfortable in the system and with the expectations of the staff.