Mile High Maniac
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Breaking down the Rocky Mountain Showdown: QBs

By Daniel Schalk

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 1: Quarterback Steven Montez #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes passes under pressure by a trio of Colorado State Rams players in the second half of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 1: Quarterback Steven Montez #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes passes under pressure by a trio of Colorado State Rams players in the second half of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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The Rocky Mountain Showdown is set for Friday, August 31st 7:30 P.M. MT. Leading up to the game, Mile High Maniac will be breaking down each position head-to-head as the in-state rivals prepare to battle.

I don’t need to tell you the quarterback position is one of the most important on a football team. Not only are they the leaders of the offense, but if you have a good one, he can help hide deficiencies in other areas.

In this Rocky Mountain Showdown matchup of 2018, the Buffaloes come in with a clear edge at that position, for now.

I profiled Colorado starter Steven Montez earlier this summer and while he did struggle with the full-time quarterback duties last season, he has the experience you look for in a rivalry game.

Colorado Buffaloes Football
Colorado Buffaloes Football /

Colorado Buffaloes Football

I mentioned the Buffs having an edge at this position–for now–because the Rams are breaking in a talented transfer that we do not know much about.

K.J. Carta-Samuels, a transfer from Pac-12 school Washington, has earned the starting job for CSU.

Carta-Samuels has a pedigree, he was a four-star member of the Huskies 2014 recruiting class, and only Budda Baker (now with the Arizona Cardinals) was a higher-rated prospect in that class for UW.

He’s played sparingly throughout his career, totaling 310 yards on 27-for-47 passing with three touchdowns and one interception.

CSU has a game before the Showdown–playing Hawaii this Saturday, the 25th. So the Buffs will get some film on Carta-Samuels before they play the following Friday.

Montez has 15 career starts under his belt and he has put together a solid fall camp in Boulder.

Talking with Neill Woelk of CUBuffs.com quarterback coach Kurt Roper has been impressed with Montez…

"“He’s had a good camp,” Roper said. “He has a lot of experience in the system, he’s challenged himself to be more knowledgeable of the game in general and he’s worked at it. Hopefully it translates to solid performances on Saturdays when the lights come on. But I’ve been pleased with him.”"

I expect Montez to take the next step in his career this season, blossoming in all aspects of the game (mental preparation, weight room, diet, etc.).

Without seeing K.J. Carta-Samuels in a game with CSU, I have to give the edge of this position battle to CU.

QB Advantage: Colorado Buffaloes

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