SB Nation - Josh Smith

Colorado Buffaloes' RB Darrell Scott Transfers, One Could Guess It's Just the Beginning

irish1611 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:29:25 -0000

This just in: Dan Hawkins does not have the support of all of his players. After weeks upon weeks of select players saying "it isn't the coaches fault" or "we are behind the coaches 100%," Darrell Scott did what all of us were thinking and leads us to believe that Dan Hawkins does not have the pulse of his team. The press conference last week where Hawkins pretty much pleaded for his job, reading emails about how great he was and how he does things "the right way" all makes sense now. The problem is "the right way" doesn't mean winning football games.

Gone is Darrell Scott, the Buffs leading all purpose player in 2009. The number one recruit, 6'2" 220 pounds. Gone is Josh Smith, who led the Buffs in all purpose yards in 2008. But both were supposedly not capable of playing on offense for some reason. You can lead the team in all purpose yards but are not good enough to play on the offensive side of the ball, was the message that was sent. On the bench is 6'3" 210 pound WR Andre Simmons because the playbook is too hard on a 15 - 30 team. Converted speedy cornerback turned receiver Anthony Wright is no where to be found. WR Markques Simas' potential is still untapped. Remember Kai Maiava. For all the promise we hear about certain players on the Buffs offensive line and two supposed first round draft picks, they continue to underperform mightily.

Everyone has a theory why certain player's aren't playing and some are leaving but regardless of whether they are valid or not, ultimately in Dan Hawkins' fourth year as a head coach, he has lost his top two all purpose players in back to back years, is 15 - 30 as a head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, has not found the right combination of players/recruiting to field a competitive team on the offensive side of the ball (or anywhere for that matter) and the saddest part of the whole deal and the complete disservice to the kids, he has not developed player talent. Flat out, players have not gotten better in this program. We talked about it in the past but it is hard to name a player who has gotten better. And that is shame to young men who sign to play with the Colorado Buffaloes and hope to fulfill a dream.

What today's events also shows is that it isn't as rosy in the Buffs' locker room as Dan Hawkins tries to make it out to be. It isn't all peachy like a few select players make it out to be. The program isn't going in the right direction like Mike Bohn thinks it is. Overall, it is a mess and the people running the ship are not capable. The perspective of Colorado football is out of focus right now where the goal is not winning. It isn't. Argue it all you want but winning isn't the goal and that is the problem. It can't be because you don't lose players for no apparent reason when they believe the ship is being steered in the right direction.

Symbolically, this is a bad day. I can only imagine the negative perspective this news will have on a national level. Think about potential recruits now. They will be saying, "if they can't keep Darrell Scott happy, can they keep me happy?" The ramifications of this is big and once again, on a national level, Colorado is a laughing stock. Every single coach the Buffs go up against in a recruiting battle will only have to utter two words to the kid to get his attention about the red flags in going to Colorado: Darrell Scott.

As for Darrell Scott, I wish him the best. I hope the injury bug that has plagued him over the past two years goes away and that he is wildly successful at his next stop. He had to do what was best for him and I can honestly say, I think he made the right choice and I know, man to man, no Buff fan would disagree with that statement. And once again, isn't that a taste of reality? I'm sorry because Darrell Scott didn't even get a shot. On a 15 - 30 team, he didn't get a shot. We never really knew what he had.

As a Buff fan, it is sad to say that this isn't the best situation for a player. It might be the best place for you to get an education and become a better man, but to try and better yourself to make millions of dollars at the next level, win games and set collegiate records, the University of Colorado is not the best place for you. I am all for players earning time and proving that they are worthy but this team is a 15 - 30 the last four years. What evidence do we have that says this coaching staff was playing the best with a record like that? None.

Whether you think Darrell Scott was the second best running back on the team or not, you can't argue that the current product is getting it done and that is main point here. There is no sign or glimmer of hope that it will get any better in the future either. Sure, Darrell Scott might not be the #1 running back in the nation as he was dubbed a couple years ago and I have no problem with playing Rodney Stewart but the main concern is the Buffs' haven't shown that they can be competitive, regardless of who is in the game. Unless you are winning games, you better find ways to play playmakers or recruit them and this now points to the fact that they people running the show have failed to do both.

Nothing else needs to be said. This situation is something you could see coming from a mile away. And I wouldn't be shocked if this is only the beginning.

Gameday Buff Bites - Colorado Buffaloes vs. Missouri Tigers

irish1611 — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:07:02 -0000

Woelk: Time for Buffs to play with chip on shoulders - Buffzone
Couldn't have said it any better:

The Buffs need to play with a chip on their shoulders. Play like they care. Play like someone is trying to steal their lunch instead of acting like they`re willing to share. That`s what`s been missing far too often this season.

Paige: Dan Hawkins has to deliver wins at CU - The Denver Post
Woody Paige changes his tune a little bit, saying Dan Hawkins should get his fifth year with the agreement that he must step away after the 2010 season if he has another losing season. I didn't realize that if Dan Hawkins' team loses today, he would be the first coach in Colorado history without a winning season in his first four years on the job.

He should be given one more season, a fifth, because of an attitude adjustment around the program and the chance to play his first full recruiting class (including redshirted players) so there won't be "we're- too-young" excuses. It'll also give him another year to recruit more skill-position players (including, please, a quarterback), to decide on one offensive philosophy, not the current two unstable and ineffective schemes, and because CU can't afford to settle his contract. Yet, if Colorado agrees to retain Hawkins, he must agree to step away after the 2010 season, if he has another losing season.

Chancellor DiStefano backs Hawk - The Denver Post
Chancellor DiStefano doesn't believe it is a good idea to make any coaching changes at this point and believes Hawkins needs more time. I wouldn't expect anything less from the Chancellor, of course he isn't going to say that Dan Hawkins will be fired after the season.

If Colorado football coach Dan Hawkins is looking for support, he's found it in the right place. CU chancellor Phil DiStefano said Hawkins "needs more time" to be successful. DiStefano, in a phone interview with The Denver Post, said he does not foresee making a coaching change anytime soon. "You would never say never, because things happen," DiStefano said. "But right now, Dan and the other coaches (within the athletic department) are recruiting good kids, recruiting the kind of kids that are going to be successful in college, that will get a degree, that will be competitive. That's what I'm looking for." Hawkins, in his fourth season, has come under fire from fans disappointed in CU's 2-5 start. Fans posting comments online are railing against athletic director Mike Bohn, who hired Hawkins, and would like to see him fired too. DiStefano said he has received several of those pleas but he wants Buff fans to exhibit patience. "I just think we need to give Dan and the other coaches, and Mike Bohn, as well, more time to pull things together. In my mind, it's not a good idea to make changes at this point."

Quick chat with FB Josh Smith - Inside UCLA with Jon Gold
Former Buff WR Josh Smith answers five questions from Jon Gold about the situation at UCLA. Gold seems pretty excited about Smith:

I finally caught up with Colorado transfer Josh Smih, and really, I think UCLA is in store for big things. The kid has looked fantastic on the scout team, and along with Joseph Fauria, he adds to true targets in the passing game next season. With the lack of explosiveness at wideout this season, Smith could become the Bruins' top target next year.

What has impressed you most about UCLA so far? "First of all, man, the defense. The defense is really impressive. At Colorado, I was always that guy just hoping that we'd get a turnover so I could get back on the field. I'd dare them to throw the ball to me after a turnover. To continue to see these guys go out there and get two or three picks a game by one person, another two by another. I have never really been a guy to witness that over at Colorado."

CU coach Hawkins tells QB Hansen he's the full-time starter - The Denver Post

"Tyler is our quarterback. He's making plays," McKnight said. "One of the things that has impressed me about Tyler is his leadership abilities. When he gets in the huddle, everyone is listening. People respond very well to him.

Buffs look to improve...now - The Longmont Times-Call

The Tigers might be even younger than the Buffs. They list 36 freshmen and sophomores on their two-deep roster.

CU reported 8,000 tickets remained Friday for today’s homecoming game, which, if that many remain unsold, would leave quite a few empty seats and signal lagging interest in a losing program. Maybe angry fans have chosen to stay away to vent their frustration. If so, CU’s administration undoubtedly will take note. The smallest crowd at Folsom Field this season was 50,535 for the Wyoming game Sept. 19. CU lists Folsom’s capacity as 53,750.

More game related links after the jump...

Matchup: Missouri Tigers vs. Colorado Buffaloes - STLtoday.com
Good news for Buff fans and for the secondary:

In three Big 12 games, the clearly hobbled Blaine Gabbert has hit just 47 of 104 passes for two touchdowns with five interceptions. He threw for only 84 yards against Texas before being pulled after aggravating his ankle injury in the third quarter.

Interesting that Dan Hawkins d… | The Buffzone Blog

Interesting that Dan Hawkins described his team as fragile in postgame comments at Missouri in 2008. He used the same word again this week.

Mizzou faces must-win at Colorado - KansasCity.com

The keys to a must win for Mizzou appear to be these:
•Early devotion to a running game that seemed to work against Texas before two late Texas TDs at the end of the first half forced Missouri to the air in a vain attempt to catch up in the final 30 minutes.
•A return to a defense that had made steady improvement on a disastrous 2008 before reprising those bad old days in a chicken-with-its-head-cut-off runaround against Texas.

MU-Colorado football preview - KansasCity.com

Key matchup Missouri’s pass rush against a porous Colorado pass protection scheme. MU defensive end Aldon Smith is coming on. He had two sacks against Texas and nearly another. Disrupt Colorado’s offense, and Missouri doesn’t have to score a lot to win.

CU seeking redemption vs. Missouri - The Longmont Times-Call

Hawkins feels game with Tigers is "monumental" - The Denver Post

Both have young rosters, each with just six senior starters. Both have a sophomore quarterback still finding his way. Both start three sophomores along the offensive line. And both have found it difficult to establish the running game. Colorado coach Dan Hawkins has called today's game "monumental" in importance. Missouri's Gary Pinkel all but said the same thing.

CU faces 'monumental` game - Buffzone

Team trying to stay in Big 12 North race, become bowl eligible

COMMENT: 10 Things you didn't know about Colorado - Columbia Missourian

After making its first primetime television appearance last week, "10 Things" is going back to its roots. From Robin Williams to Ralphie the Buffalo to city-wide animal regulations, here are 10 things you didn't know about Colorado.

Vikings grab first place - San Jose Mercury News
Buff commit Nick Hirschman who is supposed to be in Boulder this weekend for his official visit did not play in his high school game last night due to a leg injury that occurred in last week's game. His Los Gatos team lost last night.

Colorado Buffaloes Respond, Defeat Previously Unbeaten Kansas Jayhawks

irish1611 — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:05:15 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

2 months ago: Colorado wide receiver Markques Simas, front, pulls in a pass for a long gain as Kansas safety Chris Harris comes in to cover in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Browse more photos »

It looked like the Colorado Buffaloes were going to lose their second consecutive game after leading at halftime. That feeling of having a snake bitten year creeped in every fans mind after Todd Reesing capitalized on a few Buff turnovers to bring the Jayhawks back from a 24 - 3 deficit to take the lead 30 - 27. It would have been a fitting ending to a four year career that started with a win against Colorado and would have cemented Reesing as a player that Colorado fans would never forget as a big thorn in their side.

13 minutes left in the game and the Buffs needed to respond, something they hadn't done with any consistency the past four years. Enter sophomore quarterback Tyler Hansen.

CU fans were hoping that Hansen would do his best Reesing like impression, someone he tries to emulate, to lead Colorado to a win. Hansen and the offense responded.

After a five yard false start penalty on TE Riar Geer pushing the Buffs back to the 19 yard line followed by two incomplete passes, it looked like Colorado would fall short once again. On 3rd and 15, Tyler Hansen responded moving within the pocket to find Geer for 29 yards converting the long third down and getting the offensive motor started back up. Reesing has had many third and forever conversions in his collegiate career, maybe the Buffs version of Reesing had a coming out party of his own with that pass. Hansen went on to convert two more third downs, one by air, one by feet that helped the Buffs cap off a 10 play, 76 yard drive with seven points and a 34 - 30 lead.

Not a bad showing for a guy that was used sparingly a year ago in four games and was supposed to redshirt this year after Cody Hawkins was named starter in the fall. Hansen finished 14 - 25, 175 yards threw the air with a touchdown and rushed for 34 yards and another score. He did have one fumble and an interception but the defense held serve, only allowing three points on those two possessions. Rodney Stewart made up for his one fumble rushing for over 100 yards and two scores.

What you won't see in the stats are four things that separated Hansen's performance from the previous games:

1) His ability to buy time was clearly what this offense needed. Hansen showed that he can drop back and throw in a rhythm but he also had the knack to get outside the pocket, buy time and make plays. What I am excited for is when the receiver to quarterback relationships continue to develop with Hansen, those plays when Hansen gets out of the pocket will become even more potent.

2) The offense was much more fluid and seemed like they had a chance to make plays. The previous four weeks, it seemed like the Buffs needed every ounce of energy to gain five yards. Granted, the Kansas defense provides little resistance but the CU offense had plenty of plays that were over 10 yards and were able to get five receivers the ball early in the game. Hansen got WR Markques Simas on a 36 yard fade route early in the game that seemed to add another dimension to this offense. Bottom line, with Hansen at the helm the offense looked less constricted and shedded the cookie cutter scheme that led to only 127 yards a week ago. The Buffs had more rushing yards against Kansas than total yards against Texas.

3) Eric Kiesau's play calling was much improved with Hansen in there. Yes, getting an early lead helped but the Buffs ran the ball 43 times to 25 pass attempts, the ratio we hoped for at the beginning of the year. But you could tell based on the variety of plays Kiesau was able to call, he could dial up a few more things that he hadn't been able to in the past. Quarterback draws, quick hitting long out routes for 7 - 8 yards from the pocket, belly option reads, a well executed screen pass to Darrell Scott, etc. Kiesau's team looked much more comfortable.

4) The defense had to account for 11 players and not 10. Plain and simple, the quarterback made plays and was a threat to make plays all game. Two plays that ended up as drops but could have made highlight reels on ESPN this morning was the two scrambling efforts by Hansen, one dropped by Sumler and the other by Stewart deep down the field. Those plays wouldn't have had any chances to be completed a week ago.

The Buffs did most of their damage in the second quarter scoring 24 points, 14 of which came off two Todd Reesing turnovers forced by the defense. You couldn't have asked for a better defensive performance in the first half from Ron Collins' squad. They allowed ten points to a top five offense in the first 30 minutes of play and really controlled the line of scrimmage. Reesing and Co. got going late in the first half and the third quarter but the Buffs came up big the last two drives of the game when they needed it. The only trouble the Buffs had against Reesing was when they dropped 8 and limited the pass rush, especially the last drive of the first half or when Reesing would improvise, heave one up to Dezmon Briscoe and the All American duo would come up with a miraculous play. Many will be worried about the 431 yards passing but a ton of those yards were just great plays that Briscoe and Reesing made a play on, not long run and catches that plagued the Buffs the first three weeks of the season. That is why Reesing is a Heisman mention and Briscoe, along with Jordan Shipley, should be considered two of the top four receivers in the nation. Kansas needed a few trick plays to dent the Buffs defense as well but in the five big drives that Kansas had, the Buffs only gave up six points. Three turnovers, the Colorado defense responded only allowing six points (two field goals) and shut down the Jayhawks on the last two possessions of the game.

Kansas also did the Colorado Buffaloes a favor, not establishing the running game at all. In an unbelievable stat, the Colorado defense held the Kansas Jayhawks to -8 yards rushing on 22 attempts. Strip out Reesing's negative fourty yards and Jake Sharp still only gained 29 yards on 13 carries. Talk about a turnaround. Through the first four games of the year, Colorado's defense gave up 205 yards a game on the ground. The last two weeks against arguably the two favorites to play in the Big 12 championship: 19 yards per game. That defensive line anchored by three true freshman, Curtis Cunningham and Marquez Herrod have improved greatly.

There are plenty of reasons to also think this offense and defense can get better. Briefly, turnovers and penalties still plague the offense. The Buffs turned the ball over twice deep in their own territory, the defense held but to continue to rattle off wins, you can't lose the turnover battle and expect to emerge victorious. It is the most important comparative statistic in football. Luckily, the Buffs scored 14 points on Kansas turnovers and Kansas only scored 6 points on the three Colorado giveaways.

Also on the offensive side of the ball, the Buffs continue to be one of the most penalized teams in the Big 12. Eight infractions, mostly false starts consistently put the Buffs at a disadvantage. We saw it last week with Nate Solder, this week Riar Geer, who had a solid receiving game including a touchdown, had the issues with the snap count. Those two players are two of the more veteran players on the team. They know they can't have those penalties. Some of the issue might be getting used to a new quarterbacks' cadence. The penalties need to be cut in half.

Darrell Scott is doing a good job returning kick offs, maybe we should give him a shot at punt returns. I get the idea for a sure handed returner back there now with Jason Espinoza but he has not provided the burst and big game potential the Buffs need. He is the complete opposite of Josh Smith last year, being little risk and no reward although last night Espinoza almost muffed the ball himself. I think if Darrell Scott is only getting a few touches on offense, this might be a good spot for him in the future. Espinoza does a great job not fumbling but I would sure like to get more out of the special teams game.

A great win any way you cut it after the past few weeks of the season. It is a whole new ball game in the North with Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas all losing yesterday. Kansas State, the Buffs next opponent, sits on top of the North after dismantling the Texas A&M Aggies 62 - 14. That game now looks to be more competitive than once expected and could have some ramifications come seasons end if both teams can maintain their level of play. Remember Phil Steele predicting Kansas State to finish tied with the Buffs at second in the North? He might not be that far off if both teams play like this for the rest of the season and the other teams in the North continue to struggle. What a difference a playmaking quarterback is!

A few quick hitters I noticed:

-Jimmy Smith had strong support and good physical play in the first quarter. Seems one step slow on a few occasions but extremely talented. Marquez Herrod's sack in the first quarter was a direct result of Jimmy Smith's great coverage on Briscoe in the red zone.

-Forrest West and Nate Bonsu have the potential to be great.

-Kansas never really tried to run the ball, were never committed and it made it easier on the defense.

-Rodney Stewart just hits the hole hard, gets up in there, hardly ever tackled for a loss.

-With protection, I love how Hansen drops back, plants and goes forward with the ball. He works in a good rhythm if he can stand in the pocket and the ball is not late out of his hands.

-Defense is hitting well and tackling well.

-Ben Burney does very well coming up to the line of scrimmage and making tackles. Looks good as a safety.

-First half defense was great, good mix of blitzes and coverage schemes.

Game Day Buff Bites - Colorado Buffaloes vs West Virginia Mountaineers

irish1611 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:12:03 -0000

Gameday has officially arrived. Here are some news and notes from around the web to help get you ready for tonight's game. We will also be posting a few items today as well and, as always, we will be hosting our live game thread tonight starting at 5:00pm MT. Go Buffs!

Woelk: CU offense still lacks 'calling card` - Boulder Daily Camera
This pretty much sums the offense up:

Four years into the Dan Hawkins era, it`s still difficult to tell exactly what kind of team the Colorado Buffaloes want to be on offense. As Camera reader Rand Gambrell noted in an e-mail earlier this week, Hawkins` Buffs have yet to develop an "identity." It`s a phrase that`s tossed around all too often when a team is struggling, but in this case, it fits. The Buffs can`t seem to decide what they want their calling card to be. When Hawkins arrived in Boulder, he vowed to put a balanced, daring offense on the field, an attack that would keep opponents on their heels and move the ball with efficiency and effectiveness. But in his three-plus seasons here, Hawkins` offense has produced significantly more passing yards than rushing yards. In both cases, effective and efficient have not been the program`s watchwords.

CU football: Buffs must take advantage of early scoring opportunities - The Denver Post
Bingo!:

"We need to start fast and score as soon as we get the ball. That's the main thing," CU sophomore tailback Darrell Scott said. "You can't start slow. The fans get into it. "And in Morgantown, they have a tradition of burning couches to get everybody fired up. We need to come off the bus ready to go." CU fell behind early at Toledo and was routed 54-38. Getting the first score "is really big, really big," CU coach Dan Hawkins said. "It affects your own confidence level. It affects the crowd."

Woody's Mailbag: NL playoff picks - The Denver Post
Woody Paige calls Dan Hawkins a changed man and a guy who just can't take the pressure anymore. He also takes a shot at the bloggers, saying no one reads the stuff we write except Dan Hawkins. Well, Woody, we beg the differ. We can send your our vistor numbers whenever you would like us to:

Dan Hawkins and Clint Hurdle were BFF's, and it's obvious by the way that both struggled to win and then attacked the media and fanbases afterwards. I'd like to hear your thoughts on what Dan Hawkins could learn from Jim Tracy in terms of leadership and showing respect to the media and fan base. Thanks. -- Jamie, Glenwood Springs

Jamie: Truth is, and I'll take grief for this, Hawkins just can't handle the pressure any more. The pressure on him to win, the pressure on his son and his family, the pressure from the alumni and boosters, and even the pressure from bloggers who nobody reads (except him). Hawkins is a changed man this year. Maybe it was the off-season surgical removal of kidney stones, maybe the fact that the administration will not cut him a break on borderline players, especially from junior college, maybe because he hasn't had a winning season, maybe because he is fed up of all the talk about him and his son, and probably a combination. At Media Day, weeks before the first two losses, I could tell he wasn't the same with the press (as if it matters) by the way he answered some questions in a chippy way. I wrote in my notebook "Hawkins new attitude?" I think, and I'm sure I've said it before; he was treated so well in Boise by the fans and the media because it's a small city, and not a negative one, and because he won. He has won, what, two road games here? What might one expect? Hawkins is not going to listen to Tracy, Bill McCartney (who went through this and came out the other side) and certainly not to this mailbag.

A lot more links after the jump...

Scout.com: Bits & Bytes: WVU - Colorado
Here is a good piece from the West Virginia Scout.com site. The author notes that in the Buffs first two losses, the opponent scored on their first drive. I guess we will have an early litmus test for how the rest of the night will go after the first series.

Due to injury and a deep contingent of tailbacks, sophomore Darrell Scott hasn’t gotten the carries that he expected this year. In fact, he has as many kickoff returns (13) as he does carries from scrimmage. Scott has taken advantage of his chances in the kicking game, however, as he is averaging 26.3 yards per return this year. A highly-regarded recruit, Scott figures to have a breakout game in the backfield for the Buffs sometime soon. Ironically, Scott replaced his uncle, Josh Smith, as one of Colorado’s primary return specialists this year. Smith, a very talented return man, transferred to UCLA following last season.

STARTING POINTS In its two losses, Colorado gave up long touchdown drives on its opponents’ opening possession, and did not score on its first try. In its win against Wyoming, the Buffs reversed that stat, driving 74 yards for a touchdown while holding the Cowboys to a three-and-out series. Now, does this mean the first team to score in this week’s game will get the win? Not necessarily. But it’s a fun stat, and could be an indicator of the positive results that can come from a good start.

MAKING IT COUNT Colorado has scored every time it has gotten into the red zone this year. On twelve trips inside opponents’ 20-yard line, the Buffs have scored ten touchdowns and kicked two field goals. That’s an outstanding TD to FG conversion rate, which is one of the important hidden metrics in red zone scoring. West Virginia’s defense, on the other hand, isn’t faring as well in the red zone as it did a year ago. As has been pointed out several times before on this site, keeping an opponent out of the end zone from point blank range involves a combination of determination and luck. Last year, WVU had the perfect storm of turnovers and key stops to lead the nation in red zone defense. This year, while the Mountaineers are certainly playing just as had and arguably have at least the same talent level, the numbers haven’t been so good. WVU has given up six touchdowns in nine red zone chances this year, to go along with two field goals.

West Virginia's unusual "stack" defense concerns Buffs - The Denver Post
Tom Kensler of the Denver Post details the West Virginia 3-3-5 defensive scheme and gives us his three questions for the game tonight:

The Mountaineers (2-1) set up in an unusual 3-3 "stack" defense, with three down linemen and three linebackers. Four conventional defensive backs are joined by Franchot Allen, who plays the "bandit safety" position. Allen, a 6-foot-1, 193-pound senior, roams all over the field. ...

Three questions for CU 1. Will Colorado build on its shutout of Wyoming and make a statement on national television with a strong defensive effort? This won't be easy. West Virginia is 29-5 at raucous Milan Puskar Stadium since the start of the 2004 season and is much better on offense than Wyoming.

2. Will CU's new wide receivers step up? The quartet of Will Jefferson, Andre Simmons, Markques Simas and Anthony Wright has combined for a total of just three catches in three games. That must improve if the Buffaloes are going to pull the upset.

3. Can Colorado defenders keep WVU tailback Noel Devine under 150 yards rushing? The 5-foot-8, 175-pound junior may have the most lethal combination of elusiveness, strength and speed of any running back in college football. He rushed 26 times for 133 yards in last year's meeting in Boulder. Keeping Devine contained could go a long way toward winning.

American Chronicle | Both WVU and Colorado Have Reason to Worry at Tonight's Game
Coach Bill Stewart now has his team talking highly of Cody Hawkins. Here is a comparison to Drew Brees. The author nails it, though, when he says Hawkins stats don't measure up to all of this praise:

Hawkins "can throw on the run," WVU linebacker Najee Goode observed. "He's like a Drew Brees type of guy who can get out of the pocket and scramble. "Last year we tried to fluster him a little bit and this year we'll try to do the same thing. He's pretty good at looking for targets -- the tight end and the wide receivers -- and he's a good mobile quarterback." At first glance, Hawkins' stats don't measure up to his billing.

Brooks: McKnight Poised For Record Night - CUBuffs.com—Official Athletics Web site of the University of Colorado

If McKnight catches one pass against the Mountaineers (how can he not, you ask?) he will set a CU record for receptions in consecutive games (28). But if he walks out of Milan-Puskar Stadium without having put his hands on the ball, that would be OK with him - as long as the Buffs trot out with a win. It's a cliché, but McKnight is aware that spelling "team" doesn't require an "i." "First things first," he said. "We're 1-2 and we need to come out of this one with a victory. We've been practicing real well and things are looking good for us. I'm excited to get this thing going.

Buffs face potent Mountaineers - Boulder Daily Camera

The program needs to find some downhill momentum more than any time in recent memory tonight in the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains at West Virginia or the season could turn even more sour than its unpleasant start. The Buffs must find a way to run the football against the 14th ranked rushing defense in the nation in order to keep an explosive Mountaineer offense off the field and break a road losing streak that stretches back to the 2007 season. CU also needs its defense to produce some turnovers in the nationally televised tilt.

Mountaineer Gameday: Colorado open to all dates in ... - Sports - The Charleston Gazette - West Virginia News and Sports

What to watch in the Big 12, Week 5 - College Football Nation - ESPN

9. Can Colorado build on its first 2009 victory? The Buffaloes are coming off a bye week after their triumph over Wyoming that turned some of Dan Hawkins’ self-described "conflama" that had dogged his program after two losses to start the season. His team will be facing a tough Thursday night challenge against West Virginia, which blew a fourth-quarter lead in the turnover-marred loss at Auburn. Colorado is a huge underdog in this game and will need a big effort to keep the game from getting away like earlier nationally televised losses to Colorado State and Toledo.

Big 12 predictions, Week 5 - Big 12 - ESPN
Tim Griffin, like everyone else, is picking the Mountaineers in a comfortable victory. The point spread did drop to 16.5 last night.

West Virginia 34, Colorado 17: The Mountaineers will be intent on gaining revenge for their loss last season in Boulder, along with bouncing back from their recent loss at Auburn. The Buffaloes should have Darrell Scott and Rodney Stewart close to 100 percent, although they should struggle against West Virginia’s imposing run defense. West Virginia quarterback Jarrett Brown is looking for some retribution after he was knocked out of the Auburn game after earlier contributing five turnovers. Look for the Mountaineers to try to dictate tempo by running Noel Devine (16th nationally in rushing) against a weak Colorado rush defense (103rd nationally). West Virginia has too many weapons to keep this from being very competitive.

Big East picks, Week 5 - Big East - ESPN
Brian Bennett of ESPN also picks the Mountaineers to put up some big numbers tonight:

West Virginia 38, Colorado 16: The Buffaloes shut out Wyoming in their last game. West Virginia is no Wyoming. This will be more like the Toledo blowout for Colorado, which showed no ability to stop big passing plays. The Mountaineers have spent nearly two weeks steaming over their loss to Auburn, and I expect Jarrett Brown to be a little more careful with the ball while still creating huge gains downfield. Noel Devine should outrush Colorado by himself. The Buffs simply don't have enough.

Game Day Buff Bites: Wyoming Cowboys vs. Colorado Buffaloes

irish1611 — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:01:20 -0000

Wideout Simas ready to make impact in debut - The Denver Post
The Buffs get some offensive help today with the debut of WR Markques Simas. How long have we talked about Simas? Finally, today SHOULD be the day that we see Simas on the field but who knows with this coaching staff.

"I don't want to hear, 'He could have been this, he could have been that,' " Simas said. "I want to be that guy. I want to be one of the best receivers at Colorado."

The Longmont Times-Call - Buffs rev up intensity
Defensive Coordinator Ron Collins makes some comments that are a little disturbing. My main question is why didn't they learn what it takes in fall camp or even after the game against Colorado State? Why did it take six weeks for this to click?

"I think sometimes players don’t realize what it takes, and now these first two games have kind of sent a little shock to their system. They need to pick up the intensity in practice. "At times, they need some motivation to get going. You know, sometimes they don’t know if they’re coasting or going hard. If they are coasting, then you have to let them know. Because we have enough guys that we’ve got competition. If guys are not getting it done, then we have other guys who can step up and do it."

It's California dreamin' for former Buffs wideout Smith - The Denver Post
Former Buff receiver Josh Smith breaks his silence a little and talks about his decision to leave Colorado and attend UCLA. Josh said that the pressure of being and impact player and Mark Helfrich's decision to leave played into his transfer. He also had this to say about Dan Hawkins:

No hard feelings for CU Smith maintains UCLA's music production department is the main reason he left. While he said football issues contributed to his decision, he wasn't upset with Hawkins. "He's a good coach, as far as personality and effort," he said. "He always made sure we played with excellence and class and made sure we knew who we were representing."

Hawkins hopes CU can be comeback kids - The Denver Post
Three questions for CU

1. Will Colorado's defense prevent the gashers? "Gashers" is what Colorado coach Dan Hawkins calls long gains made by the opponents' offense. They are lethal. The Buffs allowed 11 plays of 20 or more yards against Toledo, including four of 40 or more. In the opener, Colorado State also busted four plays of 40-plus yards. That must stop.
2. Is CU's offense certain about the scheduled time for kickoff? In its first two games, Colorado sleepwalked through the first two quarters and failed to score a first-half touchdown. Hard to believe, but the Buffs trailed Colorado State and Toledo by a combined 43-6 at halftime. Talk about having to play uphill from the get-go.
3. Will the Buffs' revamped offensive line control the line of scrimmage? With Ryan Miller moving from right guard to right tackle, fellow sophomores Matt Bahr and Blake Behrens are expected to share time at right guard. Offensive linemen typically work at several positions, but chemistry can be an issue after a shuffling of personnel.

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: - You heard it here last: Weekend predictions
I laughed:

2. Colorado picks up a fumble and scores with 1:35 left to beat Wyoming at home. Dan Hawkins gets another contract extension.

CU vs. WYO on cable : All Things Colorado Sports Colorado
Saturday’s Wyoming at Colorado football game will be shown on Fox College Sports Central. That’s channel 414 on Comcast’s Denver/Boulder digital sports-tier package. Kickoff at Folsom Field is scheduled for about 1:40 p.m.

It does not look like the game is on Dish Network

ESPN To Air Sal Aunese Feature This Weekend - CUBuffs.com
ESPN will pay tribute to the 20th anniversary of the passing of Sal Aunese this weekend as part of its college football coverage. Aunese, who started at quarterback for CU in 1987 and '88, succumbed to inoperable stomach cancer on Sept. 23, 1989, after a 5 ½-month battle.

The Longmont Times-Call - Nothing personal

Gabe Knapton says Colorado barely gave him a second glance when he was a standout defender right down the road at Skyline High School. No matter — he didn’t want to wind up in Boulder anyway. "I knew I was going to Wyoming," said Knapton, a sophomore linebacker for the Cowboys. "(If) they don’t want to look at a Colorado football kid, then we’ll show them what Wyoming is like."

Laramie Boomerang - Laramie, Wyoming > Sports
Wyoming head coach Dave Christensen expects a competitive performance from the Buffs today:

"First of all, they have good football players," Christensen said. "Their backs are to the wall, and they’re wounded a little bit, but I guarantee you they’re competitive kids, they’re a competitive staff and they’re going to come out fighting. It’s going to be a challenge or us."

Even as 7-point underdogs, Wyoming Cowboys look scary | INDenverTimes

Speedy revs up for game vs. Pokes - Boulder Daily Camera
CU running back vows to play despite nagging hamstring injury

Former Coach Gary Barnett says inexperience, expectations hurting CU - The Denver Post

Steve Fairchild Was Right, The Colorado Buffaloes Look Silly

irish1611 — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:29:14 -0000

More photos » by Jack Dempsey - AP

3 months ago: Colorado head coach Dan Hawkins reacts to a call during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado State in Boulder, Colo. on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Browse more photos »

I fell for the propaganda and for that I apologize to the loyal group of Colorado Buffaloes' fans who grace this site. I fell for the "doctored" information that was coming out of the "closed practice" regime's information department and believed a change was a coming. I failed to look behind the plethora of one word distasteful answers from Dan Hawkins to the media because too many secrets were being let out on blogs like the Ralphie Report for opponents to see.

I glazed over the facts: Quarterback has not improved. The coaching staff has not proven to us in the past or yesterday that they know how to effectively utilize play makers (all the indication we needed was Josh Smith transferring). This group of coaches has made excuses during the season and promised the world in the offseason in the past. In the ultimate definition of dealing with adversity and being a successful team, I overlooked the fact that Colorado has won only twice on the road in Dan Hawkins' term. The defensive line is young and weak. The offensive line is all potential with the belief they might be good but with no prior history of results. At wide receiver, the Buffs have one player who has done anything in a division one game. I believed that a change in the offense would bring the smash mouth back to Colorado football but realized after a sweep wide on 4th and one that no offensive scheme can teach will, toughness and desire to get something accomplished but rather something that you have inside. Too many times we have seen lackadaisical performances, little energy and no response to sudden change during a game.

Shame on me, shame on me.

I never thought I would feel this stupid after a football game.

The best part about this post is I am not going to bring up one statistic. All I needed to hear after the game was one quote from one player to provide all of the ammunition as to why the Colorado football program is failing and quickly becoming the laughing stock of the Big 12.

After this comment by our team captain, I am plain dumbfounded and angered by what is considered acceptable in Boulder:

"I think we kind of might have overlooked CSU a little bit," Riar Geer said. "We were pretty confident going into this game and they came out and played great. They came out and hit us in the mouth those first few drives. You`ve got to take your hat off to them."

Overlooked?

I am stuck pondering the answer to this question: How can a team captain allow HIS team to overlook the first game, a rivalry nonetheless, of "a change in Boulder season where the goal is 10 wins, no excuses." But maybe Riar Geer, Marcus Burton or Jeff Smart don't feel it is "their team." Anytime you hear that quote, you know you have a problem in leadership and at the top of the program.

Apparently, this team isn't that hungry after a 5 - 7 season. Apparently this team thinks it is good enough to just show up and look ahead to who? Toledo? Wyoming? Or to the party on the Hill?

I quote a corny movie moment from "Remember the Titans" that is very applicable in this situation: "Attitude reflects leadership, captain." Leadership; the most underrated quality in life and in sports. The Buffs don't have any and if they do, it has fallen on deaf ears.

The high and mighty 5 - 7 worst offense in the Big 12, "10 wins, no excuses" Colorado Buffaloes "overlooked" the lowly 7 - 6 bowl winning Colorado State Rams team under second year head coach Steve Fairchild, who did something we all thought of as crazy this offseason and something we haven't heard at Colorado in a long time.

He criticized a player to the media, he expected more from his team, more from his quarterback and until he got that performance, he wasn't going to let up or be satisfied. He told Dan Hawkins in an indirect message to his team that if we practice like this, we are going to lose to Colorado. He mocked Dan Hawkins and the Colorado program by calling them "silly" for moving the game to Boulder and he mocked Colorado's decision to not name a starter between their two very talented quarterbacks until game day by nonchalantly telling the media when Grant Stucker was walking off the practice field that he was going to be the quarterback for Colorado State. Steve Fairchild has a little competitiveness, a little attitude, a little bully, a little underdog role in him and it is cleary reflected in his players. And the best thing is he wants that and expects that. He has expectations for his players and they know it.

What sort of traits have we seen from Dan Hawkins that we should expect to be reflected in the Buffs that make a difference on the football field, not supposedly in life 10 years down the line?

I don't know and that is a tough thing to realize.

But who am I to question anything to do with the high and mighty Colorado football program who have been so successful the past four years that they can overlook the Colorado State Rams at home in Boulder. I am just internet scum who doesn't know anything about anything.

Call me anything you want but today, the program looks "silly" just like Steve Fairchild said a few months ago. Think about it. Who do they think they are? They overlook the Rams, shut down practices to the fanbase, give the media one word answers, not allow folks like Kyle Ringo and Tom Kensler to opportunity to do their jobs and report on the Buffs, call a fan base the scum of the world, call former Buff and current broadcaster Joel Klatt out for criticizing the team's spread offense last year because he has not coached before, not name a quarterback for deception, move the game from Denver to Boulder to strong arm the Rams...heck, we high and mightily referenced ten wins! Boy, the Colorado football program looks "silly" this morning. I for one am sick of looking silly.

The worst part is the Colorado State fans ran onto Folsom and I don't even know if the program cared. There was no Tim Tebow speech from anybody in the Colorado program last night and as much as you dislike Tim Tebow, he gets this statement: "Attitude reflects leadership, captain." He also wins games. He wins national championships.

Steve Fairchild, like the rest of the Big 12 and Colorado State fans, must really be enjoying themselves this morning. Colorado State surely didn't overlook the Buffs. And it showed.

"Attitude reflects leadership, captain." "Attitude reflects leadership, coach." It all starts at the top.

Five Questions With The Ralphie Report

Jeremy Mauss — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:00:31 -0000

The football season is just around the corner, and throughout the non-conference season here at the Connection and we will be interviewing various bloggers with five questions about the upcoming game. This edition features the blog up is The Ralphie Report which is a Colorado blog and they are answering five questions about opponent Colorado State. Also, check out their site for my answers to the five questions later this week.

1. Does this rivalry lose any luster by not being played in Denver this year, and instead being played in Boulder?

Now that the game is scheduled to be played for the next decade, I don't think the rivalry loses any luster by not playing in Denver one year. If anything, it may add some story lines as the game returns to a college campus. There is always a different buzz when the game is played in Boulder and as a Buff supporter, in an important year for Colorado, you won't find me complaining about it too much. If I was a CSU fan, it might be a different story.

2. Is Cody Hawkins still the starter because he is the coaches son, or is the QB situation that wide open?

I think the assumption that Dan Hawkins is playing his son just because he is his son is ludicrous and that is not a shot at the question because that is something that has been thrown out by media all over the place the last few years. I don't believe for one second that Dan Hawkins would risk his high paying job or reputation based on a bias. Although Cody (and Dan) catches a lot of heat, he was the best option the Buffs had at quarterback while he has been at Colorado. The argument "he only plays because he is the kid of the coach" only works when there is a 6'5" 230 pound stud with a rocket arm and a 4.5 forty on the bench. In all fairness to a true freshman Tyler Hansen in 2008 and Matt Ballenger, Cody Hawkins was the best quarterback on the team last season. I truly believe the best quarterback for the team will play against Colorado State and, from what I have seen at practice, that is Cody Hawkins.

We have been told that the quarterback competition is wide open and so far, reps have been split pretty evenly to determine who should get the nod. Colorado St. will probably see a dose of both quarterbacks.

While I give Dan Hawkins the benefit of the doubt on the quarterback he plays based on what he has on the roster at the time, that doesn't excuse him for not solidifying the quarterback position via recruiting better quarterbacks, a better game plan, depth around the quarterback, etc.

3. What does Head Coach Dan Hawkins need to accomplish to stay off the hot seat or not get fired?

Due to the financial ramifications of firing a head coach, especially one who just received an extension like Hawkins, it would take a lot for Dan Hawkins to be fired. One or two wins and the department would have to think really hard about the situation but unless the season is catastrophic like a one win total, Dan Hawkins should be back in 2010.

To get off the hot seat, though, he needs to win 8+ games and get to a decent bowl game. This is by far the easiest schedule the Buffs have had since Hawkins has been here and when you look at the next couple of years, it will be the best chance them to get something rolling. He needs to win to recruit and convince prospects that the program is healthy and he will be at the helm.

Hawkins also needs to win some road games, preferably a big one here or there. CU has won two games away from Folsom field since Hawkins took over, which will never get you to elite status. Wins @ West Virginia, @Kansas State, @Iowa State and @ Toledo are not out of the question (no one expects the Buffs to go into Austin or Stillwater and win) and would go a long way towards making the faithful believe the Buffs are headed in the right direction.

4. What needs to improve more for a successful season, the offense or defense?

Easy, the offense. Both need to improve but hands down, the offense needs to show the greatest improvement. The Buffs have had the worst statistical offense in the Big 12 over the last three years, putting up embarrassing offensive numbers in terms of yards and points. You can expect a 13 - 24 record when you are ranked last in a conference that has turned into an offensive juggernaut.

Better question is will the Buffs be able to improve this season? I think so. The offensive line and running backs are going to be very good. They are much healthier than a year ago and have gained a valuable year of experience. There is also great depth at the two positions. Since the line and the running backs will be better, I expect the quarterback play to improve. A year ago, the offensive line was patchwork at best making any quarterback's life difficult. We all know Cody Hawkins isn't going to light the world on fire but he has the makings to be a solid quarterback and one who can lead CU to 8 wins in 2010.

Wide receiver is concern as well with Josh Smith transferring to UCLA. Right now, Colorado has one wide-out who has caught a pass in a division one football game. That is a scary prospect. But the Buffs should improve in this area when sophomore Markques Simas returns from suspension in the third week of the season and Andre Simmons continues to develop after having to sit out most of fall camp due to a delay in the admissions process from junior college. Simmons is 6'3" 215 pounds and should provide the Buffs with a big playmaker. When we can start to reap the benefits of Simmons remains to be seen but I don't expect Simmons to play a big role in the Colorado State game.

5. How is the defense going to fair by replacing their defensive line that is going up against an offensive line that has 129 cumulative starts which is most in the country?

Let's go back to last year to get some perspective on the Buffs defensive line and the uber-experienced Colorado State offensive line. In 2008, the defensive line underperformed to expectations. The Buffs were 7th in the Big 12 in sacks and 54th overall. The team leader in sacks was LB Brad Jones so once again, showing the defensive line's experience last year didn't translate to sacks or quarterback pressure. Also, the Buffs were horrible against the run, ranking 9th in the Big 12 while giving up 166 yards per game.

Against this same offensive line last year and an underperforming defensive line, the Buffs got to Farris 5 times (only 24 sacks all season, over 1/5 of the production in one game) and gave up 71 net yards on the ground compared to an average of 166 per game last season. Yes, this offensive line is very experienced but, for arguments sake, let's not necessarily equate experience with dominance especially considering the Rams lose a lot of talent at running back from last year. That being said, I understand the point that the offensive line improved as the year went on and that is where they gained most of their experience. So I expect them to be better but factoring in the new quarterback and running backs, I am not ready to crown them just yet.

Of course, I am still worried about the Buffs defensive line. Worried in the sense that no one knows what to expect at the position which is better than knowing the line will be horrendous. Last year, the same was being said about the Buffs' cornerbacks but that turned out to be a strength and in 2009, Colorado might have the best set of cornerbacks in the conference. So who knows what will come from the front four.

The Buffs will definitely compensate for the inexperience up front by showing multiple formations varying from the 4 - 3, 3 - 4 and even a 3 - 3 - 5 in passing situations due to a strong back seven. Middle linebackers Marcus Burton (260 pounds) and Michael Sipili (250 pounds, questionable for the game) have really emerged compared to last season and should bolster the middle with their size compared to a year ago. I expect a very active linebacking corp this season, starting with the game this Sunday, to get pressure on the quarterback and aid in the run. I would be very surprised if you didn't see a lot of 3 - 4 to get the most playmakers on the field with blitzes coming from many spots on the field.

Prediction Time - I am always nervous for the first game of the year and with big question marks at wide receiver, quarterback (I am not too worried about quarterback but if I didn't list it, I assume I would be chastised for it) and defensive line, I hesitate from predicting a Buffs blowout. But I ask myself "are the Buffs better than last year?" and the answer is "yes." Considering the Buffs have improved, are healthier and is playing at home, Colorado starts 1 - 0. Score 31 - 20.

Tuesday Buff Bites - Excitement is in the Air

irish1611 — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:27:20 -0000

Ringo: One last glance into crystal ball - Boulder Daily Camera
Kyle Ringo makes some bold predictions, many which I don't agree with. First, I will be shocked if Hansen is the starting quarterback, I think it is more like Hansen will be need at times this year. I see more of a 7 - 5 record and I hope he is right about Aric Goodman:

But after watching all those practices for two months and spending time around a team, some gut feelings and expectations develop. Here are a few of mine looking ahead to the Buffs` 12-game schedule: Quarterback Tyler Hansen will start the season opener for Colorado on Sunday night against Colorado State. It`s a gut feeling that could be totally wrong. The sophomore seems to have made some significant progress and probably has a bigger upside in the long run than Cody Hawkins. Hawkins will be needed at times this season and could be used in creative ways at other times. Darrell Scott won`t rush for 1,000 yards but will look much more like the player everyone expected him to be as a true freshman. Combine Scott with his other three backfield mates and the Buffs have a Rashaan Salaam-like 2,000-or so yards on the ground. The Buffs will finish 8-4 and will be in the mix for the Big 12 North Division title, along with Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. This could be another year where 4-4 or 5-3 in the conference wins it through tiebreakers. The Buffs go from minus-seven in turnover ratio last year to plus-seven or better this season. Veteran linebackers and defensive backs find a way to win a few close games. Place-kicker Aric Goodman rebounds from last year and a handful of missed field goals to have a pretty decent season culminating with a winning kick in either the Independence, Insight or Alamo bowl.

OSU ranks as Big 12's most productive offense - Big 12 - ESPN
Tim Griffin of ESPN ranks the Big 12 offenses with the Buffs surprisingly coming in at #8, ahead of Nebraska. I think the Buffs have some ability to improve on that ranking but for now, I guess we will take it considering CU finished dead last a year ago.

8. Colorado: Other than the fact that Dan Hawkins can’t decide on a starting quarterback, this unit might be a little underrated and ready to blossom. I really like their collection of running backs with Darrell Scott poised to fulfill his recruiting promise. Rodney Stewart and Demetrius Sumler add different running styles behind a nice line keyed by Ryan Miller, Nate Solder and Mike Iltis. The passing game might sputter early as Markques Simas misses the first two games and Andre Simmons plays his way into the rotation after missing most of fall practice. But it might be surprisingly productive by the time conference play rolls around.

Top players, coaches, team fans honored in Herbie Awards - ESPN
Kirk Herbstreit of ESPN has the Buffs as his sleeper choice to win the North. Only Pat Forde has shown any notice of CU this offseason from the world wide leader.

CU’s Clemons explains quotes regarding Michigan allegations : All Things Colorado Sports Colorado

Perhaps realizing that this may create a firestorm of media inquiries, Clemons put out this statement through the CU sports information office on Monday: "It was not my intention to come to the forefront of any situation dealing with the Michigan football program. I talked to a reporter (Schad) Sunday night, but did not answer any questions. Nor did I contribute any information. I don’t have any ties to the original allegations and my involvement in the matter doesn’t go any further than reading the (Detroit Free Press) article and confirming the allegations made by anonymous sources. "If I am asked to answer questions by any official party, be it the University of Michigan, the Big Ten or the NCAA, I will be honest about my schedule while at Michigan. But for right now, I am a Colorado Buffalo and no longer associated with Michigan or its football program. It’s time for me to concentrate on my classes and my teammates here at Colorado."

The Buffs Defense Looks to Focus on the Run This Year - The Longmont Times-Call

Bohn updates status of hoops practice facility : All Things Colorado Sports Colorado

Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn said today during the "Rocky Mountain Showdown" kickoff luncheon that he hopes ground will be broken on the planned practice facility for basketball and volleyball "before Christmas."

Max Tuioti-Mariner's to Return Possibly Next Week
Hawkins said "we’ll see" to a question about when guard Max Tuioti-Mariner will start practicing. It could be next week. Tuioti-Mariner is recovering from torn ACLs suffered last September and in February. He started two games last September as a true freshman.

More links after the jump...

Former Colorado WR Smith transfers to UCLA - San Jose Mercury News
Former Colorado Buffaloes WR Josh Smith has officially transferred to UCLA

California: Division I Football Preview - MaxPreps Articles
Buffs commit QB Nick Hirschman's Los Gatos team is ranked #5 in Northern California.

Linebacker Duren has turned his life around at MidAmerica Nazarene - Kansas City Star
Good story about former Buff linebacker Jake Duren and where he currently is after he was kicked off the team last year.

Brooks: Tufts Takes Different Run - CuBuffs.com
Former CU linebacker Sean Tufts is back on campus and about to see Ralphie from an altogether different angle.

Longevity ratings for Big 12 coaches - Big 12 - ESPN
Tim Griffin of ESPN thinks Dan Hawkins will have the second shortest coaching stay in the Big 12 of all active quarterbacks. He call is the longevity rating...the season is almost here, thankfully:

11. Dan Hawkins, Colorado: The pressure on him to win is incredible. And he didn't help himself with the 10-win claim, whether it was meant to help him set goals for the team or whatever. He does have a nice home schedule in conference play and an underrated set of players. But the Buffaloes' lack of big-play producers in the passing game could prove to be a season-long challenge -- particularly when matched against some of the other high-powered aerial attacks in the conference. It doesn't sound like a good recipe to spread a little more "Hawk Love" across the Flatirons.

SB Nation Big 12 Preview: Colorado Buffaloes Team Capsule

irish1611 — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:36:59 -0000

If the Buffs are to realize their goals for 2009, Cody Hawkins' and the entire offenses' performance much improve from their 95th total offense ranking a year ago.

View full size photo »

Coach: Dan Hawkins enters his third season at Colorado (13-24, 0 - 1 in postseason).
Coaching Changes: Offensive Coordinator Eric Kiesau (replaces Mark Helfrich - Oregon), Offensive Line Coach Denver Johnson (replaces Jeff Grimes - Auburn), Defensive Consultant/Linebackers Bob Foster added to roster, Dan Hawkins to coach Wide Receivers.
2008 Record: 5-7 overall, 2-6 in Big 12
Players Returning with '08 Starts:
- Offense: 15 - WR Scotty McKnight, LT Nate Solder, LG Blake Behrens, RT Matthew Bahr, TE Riar Geer, TE Ryan Deehan, QB Cody Hawkins, QB Tyler Hansen, RB Rodney Stewart, RB Demetrius Sumler, QB Tyler Hansen, RB Darrell Scott, FB Jack Behrens, OG Ryan Miller, OG Maxwell Tuioti-Mariner.
  - 64% (85 out of 132 player starts) of 2008 starts return in 2009.
- Defense: 9 - DE Marquez Herrod, LB Jeff Smart, LB Shaun Mohler, CB Cha'pelle Brown, S Anthony Perkins, S Patrick Mahnke, CB Jimmy Smith, CB Jalil Brown, LB Michael Sipili
  - 39% (51 out of 132 player starts) of 2008 starts return in 2009.
- Special teams: 2 - P Matt DiLallo, PK Aric Goodman.
Key Positions to Replace From 2008 - Defensive Line, Center, Safety
Key Losses from 2008: LB Brad Jones, S Ryan Walters, DT George Hypolite, DT Brandon Nicolas, C Daniel Sanders, OG Devin Head.
Newcomers Who Might See Time in 2009: DE Nick Kasa, DT Nate Bonsu, LB Forrest West, WR Jarrod Darden, WR Will Jefferson, WR Terdema Ussery, WR Andre Simmons, K Zach Grossnickle.

OFFENSE

2008 OFFENSIVE STATISTICS - Rushing Offense: 86^th overall, 10^th in Big 12 / Passing Offense: 81^st overall, 11^th in Big 12 / Total Offense: 95^th overall, 12^th in Big 12 / Scoring Offense: 100^th overall, 12^th in Big 12.

The 2008 season was an offensive performance to forget. A rash of injuries, inexperienced players at important positions and a lack of a consistent identity spelt trouble for the Colorado Buffaloes. With the 2009 season just around the corner, a more experienced unit overall plus a healthy group of linemen up front has many hoping that the Buffs will reverse the lackluster offensive performance of the past few years. That being said, there are still plenty of question marks that still need to be answered.

the rest of the offensive, defensive, Q&A and win/loss predictions after the jump....

NEW FACES BRINGS NEW SCHEMES: One of the headlines coming into the 2009 season was the changes to the offensive staff. Joining the Colorado Buffaloes this offseason was offensive line coach Denver Johnson, who previously held the Illinois State head coaching job. Replacing Jeff Grimes, Johnson has seemed to endear himself to the fan base, preaching to bring back a more smash mouth style of football, playing on the opposition's side of the ball and putting the five linemen on the field. Such was displayed with Johnson's decision to move Ryan Miller to guard to make way for OT Blake Behrens. Johnson inherits a unit with no seniors but full of talent and a reason to be optimistic about the program's future. If Johnson can quickly& successfully implement his system with this young but relatively experienced offensive line, Buff fans should brace for a much improved offensive performance in 2009. The good news for the new coach is, unlike last year, his unit looks much healthier. Back from injury/off the field issues is Miller, OG Ethan Adkins, OG Maxwell Tuioti-Mariner (mid season return expected) and C Mike Iltis; all of whom will be battling for a starting spot.

Their was also a shake up at the top with former wide receivers and assistant head coach, Eric Kiesau, taking over as offensive coordinator for Mark Helfrich. The season opener against Colorado State will mark the first game which Eric Kiesau has owned the game plan and called the plays on game day. Last season, the Buffs failed to establish any sort of identity, attempting to run the spread with a youthful, injured team that lacked game changing playmakers. Kiesau has said to want to bring back a more "pro-style" offense that allows for more power football, the use of tight ends and a progression based passing game, three traits that bode well for the strengths of CU's offense.

Head coach Dan Hawkins will take over the wide receiver coaching duties replacing Kiesau. Ashley Ambrose will assist Hawkins with the wide receivers and should take over in the near future.

THREE PLAYERS WHO NEED TO PLAY BIG IN 2009: With WR Markques Simas suspended for the first two games of the season, junior college transfer WR Andre Simmons qualifying status up the air as of Thursday, August 18^th, the lone remaining experienced receiver on the Buffs' roster is Scotty McKnight. Not labeled as an explosive receiver, the Buffs need him to continue to be the steady force and over achieve on his prior two seasons considering the Buffs might not have a lot elsewhere to provide production. Colorado might get some production out of true freshman Will Jefferson, Jarrod Darden and Terdema Ussery but McKnight might be the best and only experienced option in 2009.

In an obvious choice, QB Cody Hawkins, who looks to have the edge in the quarterback race, needs to improve from 2008. The lack of playmakers currently at wide receiver does not bode well for increased production from Hawkins but tight end, running back and offensive line look to be improved from a year ago. If Hawkins can make better decisions and manage the offense through a strong running game, the passing game should open up. The key for Hawkins this year is to increase his completion percentage which was 57.2% in 2008, about 5% below the average junior quarterback % in 2008. Sustaining drives, keeping the defense off the field and converting on third downs will all improve with an increase in completions.

You could go running back here but with a stable of four in the backfield, the production looks to be there. Most Buff fans will look at the offensive line and hope that their health leads to more points. That being said, look to the tackle spots as players who need to play big in 2009. LT Nate Solder and RT Blake Behrens have the inside track at the two starting positions with the prospects of a bright future ahead of them. Solder, the athletically gifted converted tight end, has all the intangibles to be a dominant tackle while Behrens has similar intangibles and great footwork. Solder, due to his position change, and Behrens, due to being a redshirt freshman, will still have growing pains but if they are able to work through those early in the season, the offensive line has the makings to be special.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Hands down this was going to be WR Markques Simas or WR Andre Simmons before the former was suspended two games and the latter is still sitting on the sideline well into week two of fall ball due to admissions issues. The new impact newcomer may be WR Will Jefferson, who was an August 2009 signee. He has seen time with the first and second teams this fall and has impressed the coaches. The safe pick here, though, is Givens, who quickly inserted himself into the starting rotation this spring after gaining 20+ pounds to his true freshman frame. Givens has the ability to grow into a great one.

THE STRENGTH(S) OF THE OFFENSE: Running Back and Offensive Line. The Buffs boast one of the more loaded backfields in the Big 12 with sophomores Darrell Scott, Rodney Stewart and Brian Lockridge along with junior Demetrius Sumler. Stewart led the Buffs in rushing yards as a freshman and Sumler led the team in rushing touchdowns in 2008. Lockridge, a speedster, returns from injury after a serviceable 2007 freshman campaign and looks to be an added weapon that can be useful as a third down back and in the slot. But Darrell Scott still leads the ranks in the hype category. Supposedly in the best shape of his life at 220 pounds and fully recovered from his 2008 injury-plagued season, Scott looks to take a mulligan in 2009 and become an elite Big 12 back. Still, don't count out the other three, especially Rodney Stewart, who continues to impress. We do know one thing; running backs coach Darian Hagan will play the best man for the job regardless of preseason hype.

The offensive line has all the potential you could ask for to build a team around. They are big, fast, athletic, and will be around for a long time. Nate Solder is the veteran on the offensive line, sort of, checking in as a junior with all other players vying for starting spots coming in as either sophomores or redshirt freshmen. Solder and Ryan Miller lead the way in the size category coming at 6'9" 305 pounds and 6'8" 320 pounds respectively with Solder considered to be one of the most athletic players on the team, running a sub 5.0 second forty this offseason. C Mike Iltis looks to have the center spot locked down replacing Daniel Sanders from a year ago while Givens will man the right tackle spot. The only position that looks to be up for grabs at this point in time is the other guard spot. Ethan Adkins looks to have the upper hand but watch out for Blake Behrens and Maxwell Tuioti-Mariner, once he returns from his ACL injury, to push for time there. This unit is big, athletic, has depth and should be a bright spot in 2009 if they can protect the quarterback.

THE WEAKNESS(ES) OF THE OFFENSE: Wide Receiver and Quarterback. Wide receiver takes spots #1 and #2 in our weakness review. With Scotty McKnight the only player active who has caught a pass in a division one football game, the Buffs lack known quantities at the flanker spot. Markques Simas will hopefully return against Wyoming from suspension but with his academic ineligibility in 2008 coupled with the most current infraction, Buff fans should not count on anything. Andre Simmons, if admitted, should not be expected to be ready for the Colorado State game considering he has been sitting on the sideline for the last two weeks. Hopefully the Buffs can have both Simmons and Simas ready by the Wyoming game and can get production from one of the true freshman. Walk-on WR Jason Espinoza will also play a part in the offense. There are just not a lot of options at wide receiver this year.

Playmaking ability still remains a big concern on both sides of the ball. In 2008, the Buffs lacked explosiveness and with former WR Josh Smith transferring to UCLA, many players will be counted on to be a game changer that have not necessarily produced game changing results in the past. If the Buffs want to get to 7, 8 or 9 wins, Darrell Scott, Markques Simas, Rodney Stewart, Brian Lockridge, potentially Andre Simmons, one of the tight ends need to evolve into consistent threats on the offensive side of the ball.

DEFENSE

2008 DEFENSIVE STATISTICS - Rushing Defense: 86^th overall, 9^th in Big 12 / Passing Efficiency Defense: 73rd overall, 5^th in Big 12 / Total Defense: 78^th overall, 4^th in Big 12 / Scoring Defense: 86^th overall, 8^th in Big 12.

2008 provided some surprises on the defensive side of the ball. A senior-laden defensive line was supposed to be the strength of the team with the cornerbacks the weak spot. Roles reversed and relatively speaking, the cornerback play exceeded expectations while the defensive line failed to meet expectations. Often thought of as "solid but not spectacular" last season, the defense is considered to be strong to very strong in the back seven in 2009 but inexperienced up front. Colorado's defense has the opportunity to be a top tier Big 12 squad if they can get solid play from the front four.

ADJUSTING AND MULTIPLE: No one knows really what the Buffs are going to do on defense this year. Dan Hawkins has kept the defense on the far side of the practice field this offseason out of the public eye, shut down practices because of the leaking of defensive formations on the internet and has even brought in Bob Foster, his past mentor at Cal-Davis, to add his defensive knowledge. As noted above and from what observers have seen, the Buffs look like they won't be afraid to mix up the base sets. The lack of known commodities up front might force Colorado to become more multiple, switching between the 3 - 4, 4 - 3 and even 3 - 3 - 5 defensive schemes. Such defensive looks are possible due to some exceptional depth at the linebacker and cornerback spots.

Defensive coordinator Ron Collins has preached this offseason that his goal is to get the 11 best players on the field and that might mean three down linemen. If the Buffs lineup with three, Collins will have to be creative in his blitz packages and cover schemes. Establishing quarterback pressure is the name of the game this year as last year the Buffs ranked 7^th in the conference in sacks, averaging on 2.0 a game.

THREE PLAYERS WHO NEED TO PLAY BIG IN 2009: The Buffs need to replace 17 ½ sacks which is well over half of their total sack production from a year ago. Most are hoping that LB B.J. Beatty can replace last year's production of LB Brad Jones. Beatty showed, when healthy, that he has a nose for the football. If Colorado opts for a 3 - 4 defense, Beatty figures to play a prominent role as a rush end/stand-up outsider backer similar to what Brad Jones did for the '08 team. Again, with the major concern over who is going to get to the quarterback, players like B.J. Beatty are going to have to produce.

Marcus Burton is another player who is being counted on for a big year. An afterthought last year, Burton has rededicated himself to football and the 260 pound middle linebacker made his presence known this spring. Even though he was the biggest linebacker during offseason testing, Burton still produced the fastest forty time and showed great sideline to sideline range. Burton, considering with inexperience up front, will have a difficult job sifting through offensive linemen and being productive. Burton will have to be the anchor of the defense, especially in the early going of the season as the coaches try to figure out who will produce up front.

CB Jimmy Smith is the final player who needs to have a big year. With two inexperienced safeties in the Colorado secondary and a defensive line that is unproven, pass coverage will be at a premier this season. CB Cha'pelle Brown proved his worth last season. With CB Ben Burney returning from injury and CB Jalil Brown back from a successful 2008 campaign, the Buffs have plenty of depth at the position. But Jimmy Smith has the ability to change the game and shut down a side of the field on his own, making S Patrick Mahnke and S Anthony Perkin's life a lot easier. Smith, the 6'3" 200 pound NFL prototype cornerback, has the ability to be the best corner in the Big 12.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Early money was on DE Nick Kasa and DT Edward Nuckols due to the inexperience on the defensive line but with Kasa partially tearing his MCL and Nuckols failing to academically qualify, the Buffs will have to look elsewhere for immediate help. The most logical choice is now DT Nate Bonsu. The 6'1" 295 pound Allen, Texas product may just be forced into some early action.

THE STRENGTH(S) OF THE DEFENSE: Linebacker and Cornerback. Ask Shaun Mohler and Jeff Smart about how strong the linebacker group is. Mohler and Smart were both starters a year ago and all conference awarded players. This year, they might be battling for one spot; and the Buffs may even add another linebacker position to run the 3 - 4. Marcus Burton impressed this offseason as did Michael Sipili, who will be competing for the middle linebacker job. Throw in the young but physically gifted Douglas Rippy and the potential of B.J. Beatty and this may be the deepest position on the Buffs team. And we didn't even mention Jon Major, a heavily recruited player from Colorado who tore his ACL last season as a true freshman.

A similar story at cornerback with 2007 starter Ben Burney returning to team up with Cha'pelle Brown, Jalil Brown and Jimmy Smith, all of whom started at least one game in 2008. Who starts against Colorado State will be fun to watch.

THE WEAKNESS(ES) OF THE DEFENSE: Defensive line, based purely on inexperience, not poor past performance. Gone are three seniors from a year ago and in are unproven players like DT Curtis Cunningham, DE Conrad Obi, DE Marquez Herrod, DT Eugene Goree, DT Tyler Sale, DT Will Pericak, DE Forrest West and DT Nate Bonsu. Nick Kasa may be in the mix after he recovers from the partial MCL tear.

Marquez Herrod will probably be a starter at defensive end but after that, it's anyone's guess. Curtis Cunningham played as a true freshman last season and made a few plays but he is still considered raw.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Last year's special team's performance was abysmal and should be a big point of emphasis this season if the Buffs' plan to be a player in the North. The departure of Josh Smith leaves a hole in the return game and 1,987 all purpose yards lost. The top candidates to fill the return role are Jason Espinoza, Rodney Stewart, Andre Simmons and Darrell Scott. K Aric Goodman returns, but he was just 5 for 14 on field goal attempts last season. The Buffs also return P Matt DiLallo who averaged 40.49 yards/punt last season while splitting time with Tom Suazo.

SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN AND QUICK HIT PREDICTIONS

Sept 5^th - Colorado St. Rams: The rivalry game is in Boulder, not in Denver, giving the Buffs a home field advantage. CSU will be breaking in a new quarterback and looks to have a weak front seven returning on defense. If CSU can get any quarterback play, it could be a dangerous game but expect the Buffs to load the box on defense. Prediction: W (1-0)
Sept 11^th - @ Toledo Rockets: the proverbial trap game with only five days rest. It is a Friday night game on the road against a team with a new coach; yes, a little scary. Like Colorado State, Toledo returns a lot of offensive line experience. Couple all of that with the dismal road record under Dan Hawkins (only 2 wins in three years) and the Buffs could be in more trouble than we would like to believe. That being said, Colorado has the more talented team and should win by double digits. Prediction: W (2-0)
Sept 19^th - Wyoming Cowboys: If the Buffs can start 2 - 0, they will have a nice eight day rest before hosting Wyoming at home who has little offensive identity even though former Missouri offensive coordinator Dave Christensen takes over the helm as new coach. Missouri has used Colorado as its punching bag the past two years but the Wyoming offense won't resemble Chase Coffman, Chase Daniel, Derrick Washington and Jeremy Maclin. Buffs need to win this one big. Prediction: W (3-0)
Oct 1^st - @West Virginia Mountaineers: This is a coin toss game. Both teams have 12 days to prepare with West Virginia coming off a tough game at Auburn the week before. West Virginia will be favored by 3 - 7 points so this is certainly a winnable game but on a Thursday night in Morgantown with the Buffs past lack of success on the road, I see a 3 - 1 start. Ask me again after week 2. Prediction: L (3-1)
Oct 10^th - @ Texas Longhorns: There are two "more than likely" road losses on the schedule which makes Dan Hawkins' "10 win expectation, not a guarantee" phrase possible. This is one of those games. Prediction: L (3-2)
Oct 17^th - Kansas Jayhawks: The Buffs should have three home games circled this year; Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Three games that will dictate the degree of success in 2009. Win 2 or 3 of these games, expect Colorado football to be playing in strong bowl game. Lose all three, Colorado may once again be home for the holidays once again. Kansas QB Todd Reesing has been a Buff killer and the Jayhawks are expected to be a top 25 team when it is all said and done. Kansas has to replace some offensive linemen and linebackers so the Buffs should be in the game. Prediction: L (3-3)
Oct 24^th - @ Kansas St. Wildcats: Coming off three losses, this is a trap game that should be a Buff win. At 3 - 3, this game's outcome could determine if CU goes on to a winning record in the last half of the season or underachieves. If this is truly the year that we see changes in Boulder, Dan Hawkins' team should go into Manhattan and win. Since it is the offseason, let's be optimistic. Prediction: W (4-3)
Oct 31^st - Missouri Tigers: Halloween day in Boulder should be a wild scene. Mizzou could come into this game with a 3 - 4 record with both teams will have a lot riding on the game. The Buffs will have revenge on their mind after being utterly embarrassed the past two years losing by a combined score of 113 - 10. Many of the pieces from those two games are gone from Columbia and while Missouri fans are pushing the "Blaine Gabbert for Heisman" campaign already, this is the year for revenge. And one other thing, Missouri returns the fewest starters from a year ago in the Big 12 along with Nebraska Prediction: W (5-3)
Nov 7^th - Texas A&M Aggies: I believe most Colorado fans would take 5 - 3 at this point in the year considering Texas A&M and Iowa State are still on the schedule with Nebraska being an important swing game. Most will admit Colorado should have beaten A&M a year ago in College Station outplaying them for all but 5 or so minutes of that game. At home in Folsom, the Buffs should be on a roll coming off two wins. Could be a let down candidate if they don't respond after a big Missouri victory but this team is more experienced than prior teams. Prediction: W (6-3)
Nov 14^th - @ Iowa St. Cyclones: Last time the Buffs went to Ames, they laid an egg which once again makes predicting any road games as a win a risky prospect. Trust me, Buff fans won't be laying a lot of action on the first road game to Toledo. Hawkins will remind his team of how poorly they played a year ago at Folsom and the bad loss two years ago. Colorado has a chance to win four in a row heading into the last two weeks of the season. Prediction: W (7-3)
Nov 19^th - @ Oklahoma St. Cowboys: Even if the Buffs did have a full week's rest, this would be a loss but on the road with a short week against a top 10 contender, the Buffs' win streak ends here. Prediction: L (7-4)
Nov 27^th - Nebraska Cornhuskers: Eight wins sounds like paradise with the potential for nine in a bowl game. The Buffs will get more rest than the Huskers due to playing on a Thursday night against Oklahoma State and the Huskers have to travel to Boulder. Right now, this game is a toss-up but it is hard for me to see this Buffs team finishing with eight wins and it is equally hard to see the Huskers as a top 25 team. That being said, seven wins was my number for the Buffs all along. Eight is do-able as you can tell, nine is a stretch. You can also make a case for five or six wins. Prediction: L (7-5)

SB NATION BIG 12 BLOGGER'S ROUNDTABLE Q&A

1) Predicted Finish

Big 12 North

Kansas

Nebraska

Colorado

Missouri

Kansas State

Iowa State

Big 12 South

Oklahoma

Texas

Oklahoma State

Baylor

Texas Tech

Texas A&M

2) Who wins the Big 12 North?

~~Colorado Buffaloes Nebraska Cornhuskers~~ The Kansas Jayhawks...who knows, its wide open? Go get'em Buffs!

3) Who wins the Big 12 South?

The Oklahoma Sooners

4) How many Big 12 teams will be bowl eligible?

7 - Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma State

5) Which conference team do you think will show the most improvement from last season (in record only)?

Baylor

6) Who is your Non-QB conference player of the year?

DL Gerald McCoy

7) Do you believe any Big 12 coaches will be gone (fired or hired elsewhere) after this season?

The ones I could see happening are Coach Hawk or Mike Gundy (but only with 5 wins or less and that won't happen for either.

8) What would you prefer as the Big 12's 3rd "best" bowl game? The Holiday or Alamo Bowl?

Holiday - San Diego is better than San Antonio in every way imaginable

9) Better D-Lineman, Suh or McCoy?

Gerald McCoy

10) Better Wide Receiver, Bryant or Briscoe?

Dez Bryant

11) Predict the worst non-conference loss (an upset) that the Big 12 will suffer.

Have to say Nevada upsetting Mizzou.

12) Predict the MNC participants and champion.

Florida def. Penn State (an embarrassment of a schedule)

Poll

What is your regular season win prediction for the Colorado Buffaloes in 2009?

10 wins +: Gotta go with Coach Hawkins, he set the bar, anything less would be a disappointment

18 votes

8 - 9 wins: very solid year, outside chance at the Big 12 North, top tier bowl game

185 votes

7 wins: an improvement, still too many holes to challenge for a North title but still bowling

86 votes

6 wins: squeak into a bowl game but with an empty feeling, still have a ways to go to be competitive each week

18 votes

5 or less wins: not enough playmakers, too many holes, more of the same in Boulder. 2010 here we come

9 votes

316 votes | Poll has closed

Wednesday Buff Bites - Just Can't Seem to Catch A Break

irish1611 — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:05:42 -0000

In arguably the two biggest weak spots on the entire football team, the Buffs have potentially lost four newcomers that were being counted on to elevate their respective positions. Most recently, blue chip commit DE Nick Kasa partially tore his MCL after being rolled up on during practice on Monday. Instead of deciding whether to use the swim or the rip move to get around the Colorado State offensive tackle, Kasa is now weighing the options of playing a shortened freshman season or redshirting. The 6'7" defensive end was the potential rush end that would not only play a role in getting to the quarterback but be a consistent mainstay of the Buffs defense.

Staying on the defensive side of the ball, the Buffs also lost another blue chip recruit in DT Edward Nuckols, who failed to academically qualify out of high school. He is expected to grey shirt but once you start down that "difficulty in qualifying" path, who knows if we will ever see him in black and gold. Nuckols says he will be back in Boulder which is good news for 2010.

Now instead of four defensive linemen in the 2009 recruiting class, the Buffs might only have two to try and sure up one of the most important tasks in all of football; getting to the quarterback.

The equivalent weakness on the offensive side as it wide receiver. Last month, good news about junior college transfer Andre Simmons qualifying was being filtered throughout the media. Well, the Buffs are two weeks into camp and still no 6'3" 210 pound sub 4.5 running receiver on the field. And the situation doesn't look like their is a happy ending. Instead of Coach Hawkins relaying the "everything is fine, we are just dealing with paperwork" scenario for Simmons, the news wire has gone silent. Who knew it would be this hard to get an answer from the different "ruling bodies" in charge? I feel for Andre Simmons who has been on one large roller coast ride in trying to jump through hoops to academically appease both the NCAA Clearinghouse and the University of Colorado Admissions office.

But, at least we have Markques Simas, right? He and Scotty McKnight teamed to together will be an upgrade over the past three years at wideout, right? Nope, Markques Simas is suspended for the first two games for violating team rules or something like that "a long time ago." Around the same time as Simas' suspension, West Virginia went the opposite route in dealing with their receiver who had an incident "a long time ago;" suspend early reinstate before impacting games. West Virginia has reinstated leading receiver Jock Sanders six months after a drunken-driving arrest in Morgantown.

As any coach would now say, he needs the players who are "able" to play at defensive line and wide receiver to step up and claim the starting spots. And as fans, that is all we can hope for. Good news out of camp is that late 2009 signee Will Jefferson has looked good at reciever and is ahead of Jarrod Darden and Terdema Ussery, two other freshman recievers. But expecting big production out of freshmen doesn't always lead to a happy ending either. As for defensive line, until they actually lineup against a different colored jersey, who knows? But now, more than ever, the Buffs will be counting on Conrad Obi, Lagrone Shields, Will Perciak, Curtis Cunningham, Tyler Sale and Marquez Herrod to he the anchors of the defense.

One thing is for sure, a lot of eyes will be on these two positions come September 6th.

Links after the jump...

The Wiz of Odds: Let the Voting Begin for Poster Primary No. 4
Vote for the great Colorado Buffaloes schedule poster and look at how horrible to Colorado State poster is. Talk about portraying the wrong message!

Brooks: Q&A With Cody H. - CUBuffs.com
Junior quarterback Cody Hawkins talks about camp, the season, the change in offensive coordinators and more.

The Longmont Times-Call -Article on Buffs' Linebacker B.J. Beatty

Bob Foster, CU’s outside linebackers coach for 2009, said it remains to be seen how good Beatty can be. "I think he has great quick feet," Foster said. "I think against certain tackles and guards, he’ll be really good. He’s still learning. "The only thing he lacks is a little bit of size when it comes to some of those big-old tackles with those long arms out there. He has great movement, great quick feet. ... He has to learn to use the tools he has — his arms and his hands and his hips, how he can move his hips to put a move on these big slow tackles. He’s not going to do a lot of power rushing."

Young Texan stands tall on D-line - The Denver Post
With Edward Nuckols out for 2009 and Nick Kasa looking to be out for a better part of season, DT Nate Bonsu might be the one from the 2009 recruiting class to solidify the Buffs defensive line:

On either side of the ball, most freshman linemen could use a year in the weight room. Bonsu, however, arrived ready to go.

"He's really strong," junior defensive end Marquez Herrod said. "He squats almost what I do (600- to 700-pound range), and I've been here three years."

The Longmont Times-Call - Tempering Wide Receiver Expecations

So the chances that Jefferson, Terdema Ussery and Jarrod Darden — a talented core of true freshmen — will somehow work themselves onto the field this season is pretty likely, although Eric Kiesau won’t admit it just yet. "We’re expecting so much out of these guys, but we’ve got to keep pinching ourselves and saying, ‘These guys were in high school four months ago, and now we’re expecting them to go out and play against some senior cornerbacks that have been in the Big 12 for a long time,’" the Buffs’ offensive coordinator said. "That’s why we have to have a ground check. These kids are still learning, and they’re still young. But they continue to get better as camp goes through." Kiesau did say Jefferson, a late arrival to Boulder after the Buffs offered him a scholarship just before camp began, is probably "a little further along" than the other two, but they’re all in the mix.

Buffs' starter not only QB in question - Colorado Daily
Third string is also a batte in fall camp. As they always say, you are just two plays away from being the starting quarterback.

Lobato finds right fit at CU — Loveland, Colo., Reporter-Herald
Walk on freshman quarterback Seth Lobato has opened eyes at Buffs camp, even garnering more attention than Clark Evans at times.

Brooks: Goodman Finds Perspective - CUBuffs.com
Placement specialist Aric Goodman believes he's put a sub-par 2008 season behind him and is on track to rebound in 2009.

The Longmont Times-Call - Ray Polk Showing Well at Safety
Healed and ready to hit Buffs’ Polk rebounds from surgeries to make mark as defensive back

Chat: Chat with Tim Griffin - SportsNation - ESPN
Tim Griffin thinks a bowl trip for the Buffs is in the cards in 2009:

Travis (Omaha, Nebraska) Colorado is getting very little talk, but I believe they are a legitimate contender for the Big 12 North. What are your thoughts on the Buffs?

Tim Griffin (2:23 PM) Travis:You are right. The Buffaloes are getting little mention behind either Kansas, Nebraska and even Missouri in the North. The quarterback situation troubles me. Don't know if Cody Hawkins has the arm to really exploit Big 12 teams. Also the loss of Josh Smith to UCLA and Markques Simas for two games will hurt. But I do like their cornerbacks, who are among the best in the conference and a real weapon in this conference. I think the Buffaloes will run the ball with a collection of running backs. And another to keep your eye out for is the fact that all of their major games against major North Division foes -- Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas -- will be at home. Add it together and I think they might surprise some people. I definitely think a bowl trip is in the offing this season.

Buffs Will Play Thursday's Scrimmage at Regis High School
The Buffs will travel Thursday afternoon to Regis High School for work that is closed to the public and media. Reason for the road trip: To get the team used to travelling and playing in an unfamiliar venue, Hawkins said

CU's Kasa mulling redshirt : Boulder Daily Camera

Colorado freshman defensive end Nick Kasa might have to undergo surgery after a magnetic resonance imaging test revealed he suffered a partially torn medial collateral ligament on Monday during two-on-two pass-rushing drills. Kasa said CU doctors and athletic trainers have told him to expect a 6-8 week recovery time, which could allow him to return prior to the beginning of conference play in early October. "Right now, they don’t really know," Kasa said. "It could heal itself or maybe not. We’re just going see what happens. Surgery could be an option or it could not be."

CSU's QB picture is getting clearer | coloradoan.com
The Colorado St. Rams QB race might be down to two participants due to injuries to the other two quarterbacks.

Grant Stucker and Jon Eastman not only are the top contenders to become CSU's starting quarterback this fall, they might be the only candidates.