Saturday's area college football matchups

Colorado (0-2) at Fresno State (1-1) 6 p.m., Bulldog Stadium, CBSSN

CU coach Jon Embree must hope to avoid flashbacks. Fresno State junior quarterback Derek Carr (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) is the brother of former Bulldogs standout and overall NFL top draft pick David Carr, who in 2001 threw for a touchdown and ran for a score in a season-opening 24-22 win over the Buffs in Boulder.

Embree was an assistant on that 2001 team, which would go on to finish 10-3 and beat Texas in the Big 12 championship game.

"Apple don't fall far from the tree," Embree said when asked to compare the Carr brothers. "Derek is a good player. Great release, lot of velocity on the ball. He's accurate and not afraid to sit back there and wait for his receivers."

Through two games, including a road loss at No. 4 Oregon, Derek has completed 68 percent of his passes for 532 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. David Carr backs up Eli Manning for the New York Giants. Tom Kensler, The Denver Post

Colorado State (1-1) at San Jose State (1-1) 6 p.m., Spartan Stadium

If Colorado State is to run the football more effectively and get the passing game on track, it must get San Jose State defensive end Travis Johnson blocked. The senior terrorized the Stanford and UC Davis offensive lines for four sacks and an NCAA-leading 7? tackles for loss.

"He's an explosive playmaker from his position and a disruptive force," CSU coach Jim McElwain said. "He's a guy that we've got to be aware of." In last week's loss to defending FCS national champion North Dakota State, the Rams had just 72 yards rushing on 24 attempts. CSU quarterback Garrett Grayson didn't fare much better last week, throwing for 171 yards with an interception. He was sacked four times. Christopher Dempsey, The Denver Post

Northern Colorado (1-1) at Sacramento State (1-1) 2 p.m., Hornet Stadium

Both teams are coming off big wins. UNC got its first victory in two seasons under coach Earnest Collins Jr., and Sacramento State pulled off a 30-28 shocker over Colorado in Boulder. The big question is: Can each team calm down enough to learn about this week's opponent? UNC quarterback Seth Lobato wasn't sacked last week, the first time that happened in 20 games for the Bears. But stopping Hornets quarterback Garrett Safron will be the key for the Bears. Safron picked apart the CU defense to the tune of 317 yards (25-of-37 passing) and two TDs. He also threw for 308 yards in a season-opening loss at New Mexico State. Sacramento State, which was picked to finish ninth in the 13-team Big Sky this season, is 6-0 all time against the Bears. Denver Post staff reports

Cal Poly (1-0) at Wyoming (0-2) 4 p.m., War Memorial Stadium

The Cowboys' offense took a hit when it was announced starting quarterback Brett Smith likely would not play this week after taking a hit to the head in last weekend's loss to Toledo. The sophomore is leading Wyoming to an average of 309 passing yards per game. The backup is junior Colby Kirkegaard, who took snaps last week and in four games last season but has not started a game. The Mustangs are in their first season in the Big Sky Conference after leaving the Great West. Cal Poly is a running team, and Mustangs senior quarterback Andre Broadous is a dual threat. In last week's season opener, a 41-14 win vs. San Diego, he led the team in rushing (113 yards) and passing (135 yards) and produced four touchdowns (two rushing, two passing). Senior slotback Deonte Williams rushed for 109 yards against San Diego. Denver Post staff reports

Black Hills State (0-1) at Colorado Mines (2-0) Noon, Campbell Field

The Yellow Jackets could get a rude welcome to the RMAC, playing at No. 23 Mines in their conference opener. The team from Spearfish, S.D., was picked to finish last in RMAC's preseason coaches poll. The Orediggers rolled the first two weeks to outscore their opponents by a combined 128-23 and are averaging 594 yards of offense. The defense produced 18 points (two touchdowns, two safeties) in last week's win at South Dakota Mines. This is an experienced Black Hills State team that includes 18 returning starters (10 on defense); 12 of the team's returning starters are seniors. The Yellow Jackets lost 38-5 last week at Idaho State. With new offensive coordinator Nick Fulton, they struggled in their opener in Pocatello, Idaho, gaining just 198 total yards. Denver Post staff reports

Source: http://www.denverpost.com/colleges/ci_21547898/saturdays-area-college-football-matchups?source=rss

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