Former Georgia OC Mike Bobo universally praised as Colorado State rolls in opener

If Colorado State’s first game against Oregon State was test to see how Rams coach Mike Bobo would deal with expectations, he absolutely aced it.

Opening up a new stadium against Pac-12 opponent Oregon State, Bobo and the Colorado State Rams steamrolled the Beavers, 58-27. Bobo’s team outscored Oregon State, 34-7, in the second half. He’ll get to play another Pac-12 team next week as the Rams take on in-state rival Colorado on Friday.

“There was a lot of pressure on our guys. Playing a Pac-12 opponent at home, lot of responsibility,” Bobo told CBS after the win. “They came out and fought for 60 minutes and played hard.”

Bobo, who was Georgia’s offensive coordinator from 2007-14, received praise from just about all corners of the internet. Pundits and analysts took notice of the performance. From Kirk Herbstreit to Aaron Murray, people noticed the job Bobo has done in Fort Collins.

Boy, @CSUFootball looks like a hungry, well-coached and talented team, and having followed career of @CoachBobo_CSU, not one bit surprised.

— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) August 26, 2017

I'm sure @cbfowler and the Buffs impressed by @CSUFootball today. Big game next Friday!! Great match up!

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) August 26, 2017

@CoachBobo_CSU team out there doing work! Opening that new stadium with a bang

— Aaron Murray (@aaronmurray11) August 26, 2017

Bobo has taken the Rams to bowl games in each of his first two seasons and has Colorado State poised for a big year. The Rams have a huge test on Sept. 16 when they travel to take on No. 1-ranked Alabama, but it’s not out of the question that Colorado State could win 10 games this year.

The last coach to do that was Jim McElwain in 2014, and he was hired to become the coach at Florida following that season. If Bobo can match or exceed McElwain’s accomplishments, it won’t be long before an SEC school inquires about his services. The Ole Miss job is already open, and there’s a chance that Texas A&M, Auburn or even Tennessee come open.