Over the next few weeks we're going to be taking a look at a few of the Pac-12 nonconference opponents a bit more closely in a series we'll call "Better know a noncon" in which we look at the most compelling storylines to follow for each team this offseason.

Today, we check out Colorado State.

In Mike MacIntyre's first season (first game, even) as the Colorado head coach he took down Colorado State and Jim McElwain. Now, in Mike Bobo's first season at the helm of Colorado State, will he do the same?

ON THE FIELD

Typically the former coach of a team, especially one that leaves of his own volition, is going to be pretty glowing about his former players. McElwain said that he thinks Bobo will "be the guy to take it to the next step. I’m excited for him." Bobo recently spoke with USA Today about what made Colorado State the right landing place and since we're on the topic of Bobo, then yes, he will be calling the plays this year for the Rams.

Speaking of that team...

The Orlando Sentinel ranks every team in the country and the 2015 version of Colorado State came in at No. 73. "Bobo inherits a program in good shape, with key pieces of the Rams' prolific offense returning for the 2015 season. ... While the Rams' defense wasn't nearly as sharp as the offense, the team ranked a respectable No. 44 nationally in scoring defense (25.1 points allowed per game). Despite losing a handful of highly productive starters, Bobo seemed content with the team's offseason effort," wrote Iliana Limon Romero.

That prolific offense lost a terrific QB in Garrett Grayson and so far, it looks like sophomore Nick Stevens is the front runner for the job. "There are plays and concepts similar to what they had done in the past," Bobo told The Denver Post's Tom Kensler. "It's learning the new terminology, learning the new calls, the new protections. Then it's a matter of processing it fast."

But wide receiver Rashard Higgins, who has been raking up all sorts of preseason accolades, returns and he'll be a huge part of the offense. In 2014 he tallied 96 receptions for 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns. With a new quarterback he probably won't put up quite those numbers but he'll be a force to be reckoned with and the Colorado defensive backs are going to have their hands full.

OFF THE FIELD