Colorado Buffaloes vs. Oregon State Beavers: Game Preview

The Colorado Buffaloes (3-1, 1-0 Pac-12) come back to Boulder for the first conference home game of the season against the Oregon State Beavers (1-2, 0-0 Pac-12). CU defeated the Oregon Ducks at Autzen last week, 41-38, behind stellar play from backup quarterback Steven Montez. The redshirt freshman earned Pac-12 player of the week honors, becoming the first player in CU history to throw for at least 300 yards and rush for 100 in a game.

Quite a different story for Oregon State, who failed to throw for a touchdown last week in the 38-24 loss against the Boise State Broncos. Beavers quarterback Darell Garretson left the game in the second half due to a leg injury. He has taken first string reps in practice this week and is expected to start Saturday, according to the Oregonian. Head coach Gary Anderson makes his first trip to Boulder after leaving Wisconsin and taking over for Mike Riley last season. The Beavers are 3-12 overall thus far under Anderson and winless (0-9) in conference games.

What to expect from Colorado

The Buffs are ranked eleventh in the nation in total offense, averaging 523.2 yards per game and 43.2 point per contest. Great chemistry between the receivers has allowed CU's quarterbacks to stretch the field. The "air raid" offense drawn up by offensive coordinators Darrin Chiaverini and Brian Lindgren has worked to perfection. Out of the 11 touchdown passes thrown by Sefo Liufau and Steven Montez, nine of them were at least 15 yard strikes.

CU's gameplan should be "business as usual" against Oregon State regardless of who starts between Liufau or Montez. The triple-threat of Bryce Bobo, Shay Fields and Devin Ross will look to exploit the Beavers defense and continue the offense's strong start to the season. Colorado is currently ranked 17th in the nation in receiving yards, averaging 311.8 yards per game. For comparison, Idaho State is the only team to face both teams so far this season. The Beavers allowed 363 yards of total offense to the Bengals; Colorado allowed only 96 yards.

What to expect from Oregon State

Oregon State's offense is the worst among teams in the conference and ranks 124th in the nation for total offense, averaging 341 yards per game. Garretson has thrown for 453 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Ryan Nall and Seth Collins at running back and receiver, respectively, are both skilled players who can give Colorado problems. The Beavers will look for a repeat of the success they found last season in Corvallis when they racked up over 200 yards on the ground.

Game Info and weather forecast

Colorado and Oregon State meet at Folsom Field on Saturday (10/1) with kickoff scheduled at 12:30 p.m. MT. A "whiteout" family weekend awaits the Beavers in Boulder with an expected crowd of 40,000+. Sunny with little to no cloud coverage and 79 ° at the start of the game.