To help preview ASU football's road contest at Colorado this Saturday, The State Press caught up with Justin Guerriero, head sports editor of the CU Independent — Colorado's student-run news publication. Read on to find out what he thinks about the matchup and how he sees the game going down.
The State Press: Sefo Liufau or Steven Montez? Whose team is this? Which guy is more likely to play and how does that shape the offense?
CU Independent: This is without a doubt Sefo Liufau's team. He's a four year starter, a leader of this Buffaloes team and has been through hell and back in his years with the program. The last couple of seasons have seen his playing abilities and football IQ increase greatly. A Lisfranc foot injury ended his 2015 campaign, but he recovered faster than I think anyone expected and started the 2016 season, before spraining an ankle at Michigan in week three. Montez entered that game after halftime and has started every game since, although Liufau did play a series at Oregon while Montez recovered from a hit.
For a freshman, Montez has played very well. But his youth and inexperience have showed at times. I'm a Montez fan; I think he'll have a part to play once Liufau graduates after this year, but for now, I want Liufau back at the starting position as soon as possible.
As for Saturday, I would assume Liufau will start. Head coach Mike MacIntyre and his staff have been very cautious with Liufau. They really seem to want him to be 150% healthy before they throw him out there again. Long story short, Montez has a better deep ball, but Liufau is smarter with the ball, and has played with this offense for three years now. In my mind, there's no argument; CU has a better chance of winning with Liufau behind center.
SP: What is Colorado's defensive philosophy and what has led to the improvements for the Buffs on that front?
CU: Bringing in defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt before the start of the 2015 season was huge for this Buffaloes defense. Players love him and he has a solid defensive mind. Here's one thing I've noticed that players, both offensively and defensively constantly say: they really feel that they've caught up to the rest of the Pac-12. In terms of size, strength, speed and maturity, these guys don't feel like underdogs anymore. I think that's especially true on defense. The seeds were planted when MacIntyre took over in 2013, they were watered and started to grow over the years, and now in 2016, flowers are blooming.
Depth has been a real key. When Mac first started, injuries would happen, and a lot of the time the guy stepping in to replace a starter was very green. Now, over the span of a few years, there are more reliable guys to fill in. The depth chart is deeper. Last year, the team lost its former All-American linebacker, Addison Gillam, for the season. Rick Gamboa, a freshman, filled in and ended up leading the team in tackles in 2015. This year, the Buffs lost their best outside linebacker for the year with an ACL tear, but guys have stepped up and plugged the holes.
SP: How has Mike MacIntyre been able to foster and develop this group over the years (utilizing lots of redshirts and seeing younger players maturing into veterans), and what has he and the team said about his approach?
CU: Back in the dark days of 2013-2015, MacIntyre got some heat for saying things like "I think this team is gonna win a lot of football games." People laughed at him then, and looking in from the outside, people had reason to do so. For three straight years during that span, the team under-performed. In 2014, the team had two triple OT losses, and in 2015, the Buffs lost four games by less than a touchdown. All of the misery has really been a point of strength and determination for this 2016 team.
I respect the hell out of Coach MacIntyre. No one can deny him that since day one, he's cared about the kids on the team and has believed in them every step of their journey together. Players have told me that he's been like a father to them. I think that the players on this team learned a lot from the upperclassmen of years past, too; the guys that had to be on a 4-9 team as seniors, when the Buffs were still getting blown out by Pac-12 opponents.
MacIntyre and players alike will tell you that it all comes down to execution on the field. I've sat in many press conferences where players and coaches simply couldn't explain why the team didn't win. An inability to finish out games has defined MacIntyre's tenure at CU, but finally, it is beginning to change.
SP: Who has the potential to be an X-factor for the Buffaloes on offense, and on defense? Who are some names to watch for?
CU: On offense, definitely Colorado's receivers. Shay Fields, Jr., will get open downfield quite a bit. He's complimented by Bryce Bobo, who's showed off his skills, making some absolutely ridiculous grabs this season, and Devin Ross, who's speedy and has been great at all ranges.
I also want to include Mike MacIntyre's son Jay in this list. He's a sophomore wide receiver that also returns punts. Jay MacIntyre doesn't get as many looks on offense as I'd like to see, but considering his youth and the company he's playing with, I expect him to take on a larger role in years to come. He's really proving his worth in a complimentary role this year. He's fast, a good route runner, and is excellent at blocking.
Arizona State should make sure to get to him quickly on punts. MacIntyre hasn't been given an opportunity to really stretch his legs on a punt return yet this year, but if he gets that chance I think it's inevitable that he'll do some damage.
Defensively, watch out for outside linebacker Jimmie Gilbert. He's a senior this year, and is the Buffs' main pass rusher. The Buffaloes excel in games when he's able to get good pressure on the quarterback. Also, be wary of linebacker Kenneth Olugbode and the entire Colorado secondary. Defensive back Afolabi Laguda was beat soundly a few times last week vs. USC. He'll be hungry and looking to shut down Arizona State's wide receivers.
SP: And finally, your prediction?
CU: With the state of the Sun Devil offense, namely the QB situation, I want to say that the Buffs should win this one by a decent margin. Also, I've noticed that on the road this year, ASU has struggled to be as good offensively as it is back in Tempe.
A big crowd is expected for this game, and the Buffs are eager to prove that last week's loss to the Trojans was a fluke. This team wants a Pac-12 Championship and a bowl berth. Doing so doesn't allow for many more losses. With a road game at Stanford next week, CU needs to win this game. I think they'll do so, 34-21.
You can follow Guerriero on Twitter @TheHungry_Hippo and follow the CU Independent's coverage here.
Reach the reporter at smodrich@asu.edu or follow @StefanJModrich on Twitter.
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