SB Nation - Darrell Scott

Week 11: 5 Questions With Ralphie Report

Mark Kieffer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:47:46 -0000

As part of a preview for the game tomorrow, we asked each other questions about our respective teams. Below are Ralphie Report's answers to my questions about Colorado. For my answers to their questions, check out their site.

1. With no intent on trashing a student athlete, Colorado played some inspired football last weekend after Scott left the program. Has this team rallied around this adversity, or was this something else?

I think a few things contributed to the win last week:

First, I don't think Darrell Scott was holding this team back at all but I do think that Scott (or any player) leaving the team may have added to the Buffs playing a little better last week. Their is something to be said for the mentality of uniting when someone leaves the team and I know players rally around each other because they are out to prove they don't need players that leave the program to be successful, if that makes sense.

Second, I also think the players rallied around the student led demonstration of wearing powder blue shirts to display their displeasure of the coaching staff and the results on the field. The players took that as a shot against them as well.

Third, it was Tyler Hansen's fourth game as a starting quarterback this year and you could see that he is gaining confidence in the offense. Also, we saw the emergence of WR Markques Simas being featured in this offense. The Buffs added two playmakers to this offense, something that has been missing.

Finally, Texas A&M's defense is not very good which helps.

2. The past two weeks, Hansen has been sacked 8 times each, which is quite a bit. Are there serious pass protection issues, or is Hansen holding onto the ball too long?

Let's say that the pass protection has gotten so bad that the offensive line coach has counted the number of sacks the o-line is responsible for and the number of sacks the tight ends & running backs are responsible for. Of course, Hansen's mobility can sometimes lead to a sack here and there but nowhere near eight as it has been in the last two games. Part of the issue is the Buffs', until last last week, failed to put on film a downfield threat. That led teams to load the box against the run and attack the Buffs' offense from all angles. Hopefully that stops in subsequent weeks as Hansen and Simas developed a nice connection that led to big plays against A&M.

That being said, the offensive line has been a huge disappointment this year. Not only have they given up a lot of sacks, 36 in total, but the Colorado offense ranks 113th in the nation in rushing yards. They are missing blitz reads, are getting beat to the point of attack and at times, just look outmatched. If that wasn't enough, Colorado has been one of the most penalized teams in the nation. A bulk of those penalties stem from the offensive line. It's really a sad deal as we are starting to see players form (Hansen, Simas, Stewart, Geer) on the offensive side of the ball but Tyler Hansen is getting harrassed most of the game.

3. While the season has been a disappointment, is there anything that can salvage this season in the minds of the fans? Also, what is the biggest reason why CU has regressed (or at least remained the same) compared to last year?

Why CU has regressed from a year ago? Their is no great short answer to this question but I think you have to look at coaching in year four and the lack of player development. It is hard for Buff fans to name players who have gotten better under this coaching regime. It's a sad fact but the player's performance as a whole has been mediocre at best the past four years. Against Texas A&M, we saw some glimpses, against Kansas their was some signs but the fact that the coaches can't prepare this team to play consistently week in and week out is a major problem. Colorado continues to falter on the mental side of the game as well. They are once again at the bottom of the Big 12 in total penalties and turnovers, two categories that have a direct relationship to wins and losses. Bottom line, I believe this team is not very well prepared to play football week in and week out. I think that is very evident by the results on the field.

Anything we can salvage? Since the West Virginia game, the Buffs' defense has played pretty well, forcing turnovers and limiting the big plays. Sometimes they do play "bend but don't break" defense but for the most part, and considering the poor offensive play this year, CU's defense has done decent. Colorado returns all but two starters next year so I look for them to get better in 2010 as well. Offensively, we are seeing glimpses of Tyler Hansen progressing as a quarterback. Rodney Stewart is a solid running back and Markques Simas showed signs last week but we need to see more consistency. That doesn't look like it will happen unless the offensive line starts playing better.

4. What's your biggest concern about this game?

The fact that Colorado is playing on the road and Iowa State will be a motivated team. The Buffs under Dan Hawkins is 2 - 18 away from the state of Colorado, including a loss two years ago in Ames after the Buffs had a 21 - 0 lead in the first half. Players and coaches have cited multiple times that the Buffs' lose focus on the road and lack the required energy to win. I put that squarely on the coaches not keeping the team focused. It is embarrassing that the players aren't ready to play and many fans wonder why this "lack of energy" isn't getting fixed. It has been ten games since CU has last won on the road and this continues to be an excuse. Fix it!

5. Predictions. What does CU have to do to win, what does ISU have to do to win, and what do you think happens?

I think these two teams are pretty similar. To me their are three factors that will determine this game:

-The play in the trenches. Who wins the battle up front will go a long way in deciding this one.
-Win the turnover battle.
-Get ahead early. Both of these offenses are not explosive and both want to run the ball. Whoever can force the other team to play catchup football will be in good shape.

I want to pick the Buffs to win. This is a very winnable game but I have been fooled by winning performances before and I have to remember, this Colorado team has not proven they can win on the road or play with any consistency. Until they show me and show Buff nation that they are ready to grow up as a team and take the next step, it is only logical to say that Colorado will come up on the short end when they travel:

Iowa State 17, Colorado 14

Thanks again, and look forward to the game!

Thursday Buff Bites - Kasa's Medical Redshirt Up in the Air

irish1611 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:49:13 -0000

ISU football: Buffaloes will gladly take game on road | desmoinesregister.com | The Des Moines Register
Tyler Hansen thinks getting away from the Colorado fans who wore powder blue last week will be a good thing. Think whatever you want Tyler, as long as it motivates the team against Iowa State:

"Some of our fans are against us," quarterback Tyler Hansen said. "Because of everything that's gone on, we really won't mind going on the road. "In a way, it'll be good to get away." Even with an 11-game losing streak away from home, Hansen said going on the road for a game significant to bowl hopes of both teams won't be all that bad. Upset with the direction of the program, including losing six of the first eight games this season, some fans wore the same powder blue that Colorado football teams wore while winning 10 games in four seasons between 1981 and 1984. "A group of fans chose to wear blue to disrespect the players and to protest the coaching staff and the program as a whole," Hansen said. "It ticked us off."

Buffaloes try to fix road woes -- again - The Longmont Times-Call

KASA UPDATE: CU reported Wednesday the chances are not good for freshman defensive end Nick Kasa to receive a medical hardship in 2009, and the extra year of eligibility that accompanies it. He meets one of the criteria players must meet to receive the hardship year. He played in a maximum of 30 percent of the games, four of 12. Rounding up is allowed. Kasa does not meet the second piece of criteria. Kasa played in game No. 7, at Kansas State on Oct. 24. The injury or illness that ends the player’s year must occur in the first half of the season. Game 7 occurred in the second half of CU’s season.

Brooks: O-Line LooksTo Refocus - CUBuffs.com

At Iowa State Saturday (noon MST, no TV), CU expects to encounter a defense that has featured four down linemen and zone blitzes, with pressure brought off the edges. Linebacker Jesse Smith averages a conference-best 11.0 tackles a game (56 solo, 54 assists), but the Cyclones are last in the league in sacks (12 in 10 games)

09 week 11 picks - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN

Iowa State 24, Colorado 21: The Cyclones are playing for a bowl berth and Colorado is trying to keep its flickering bowl hopes and North title aspirations alive. ISU’s key will be to get its running game going and let Austen Arnaud have some success throwing play-action passes. The home team has claimed the victory in this series in each of the past five seasons. I’m looking for that streak to hit six.

Under Armour All-American RB Jordon James picks UCLA - ESPN
Here is another reason UCLA doesn't want to accept Darrell Scott's transfer:

After narrowing his choices to Arizona, Cal and UCLA, Under Armour All-American running back Jordon James (Corona, Calif./Corona) announced on ESPNU Thursday night that he'll play for the Bruins. James, who's earned a four-star rating, is ranked 19th in the ESPNU 150 and is the fourth-ranked running back in the country

MBB to Begin Season Friday - CUBuffs.com

ABOUT ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF: Head Coach George Ivory enters his second season (13-18 last year) and the Lions return all five starters from a year ago. The Lions won 11 SWAC games and finished fourth overall. Point-guard Terrance Calvin (12.0 ppg., 5.5 rpg., 3.6 apg) and power forward Tyree Glass (8.3 ppg., 4.4 rpg.) top the team in returners. CU defeated Ark.-Pine Bluff in the season opener for both schools last year, 76-56. In that game, returning forward Lebaron Weathers (7.3 ppg., 5.5 rpg.) recorded 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Cabral pleased with Major's development - The Denver Post

Those who think Colorado redshirt freshman linebacker Jon Major has been a disappointment this season do not see his potential, CU linebackers coach Brian Cabral said. Although Major, a former Ponderosa High standout and 2007 Parade All-American, has played in just four games, Cabral said he is "very pleased with where Jon is at and very excited about his future." Cabral said Major is still playing catch-up. The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder missed the 2008 season after undergoing knee surgery for a torn ACL. He sat out 2009 spring drills and was held out of some contact work early in August camp. "Early this season, it was just a matter of Jon getting physically healthy and getting more confidence in that leg," Cabral said. "Now, it's a matter of getting experience."

CU's McKnight doesn`t fit typical wide receiver mold - Boulder Daily Camera
Heart, mental fortitude make up for CU junior`s size

Hirschman Named Kelly-Moore Paints HS Player of the Week
Buffs' commit Nick Hirschman has been given an award by the San Francisco 49ers.com

What to watch in the Big 12, Week 11 - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN

8. Can Iowa State get its running game back against Colorado? The Cyclones were leading the league in rushing before producing a season-low 54 yards against Oklahoma State last week. They shouldn’t be as challenged against a Colorado defense that ranks 72nd nationally and ninth in the conference against the run. The Cyclones desperately need to get Alexander Robinson involved early to help boost a struggling offense that has produced only three touchdowns in its last 13 quarters. Bowl hopes might be riding on it.

Higgins & Thorne Named Captains - CUBuffs.com

University of Colorado men's basketball head coach Jeff Bzdelik announced Wednesday that senior Dwight Thorne II and junior Cory Higgins were named captains for the upcoming 2009-10 season. Both earned the honor for the second straight year.

Four-star viewers guide for Saturday's games - Big 12 Blog - ESPN

Colorado at Iowa State (1 p.m.): Something has to give in this game. Iowa State needs a victory to become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2005. Colorado needs a victory to keep its flickering championship and bowl hopes alive. A Buffalo loss ends all of that. The Buffaloes looked like they got a spark in the passing game with Tyler Hansen throwing to Markques Simas, they might be able to thrive against the smallish Cyclone secondary. But the Cyclones will be looking to dominate the clock with their running game, which struggled last week.

Wednesday Buff Bites - UCLA Tells Scott "No Thanks", O-Line Only Takes Accountability for 19.5 Out of 36 Sacks

irish1611 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:30:04 -0000

Stan Hasiak leaves Bruins for indefinite amount of time -- latimes.com

UCLA officials have told running back Darrell Scott, who is leaving Colorado, that they were not interested in having him play for the Bruins

No quick fix for Buffs' sack woes - Boulder Daily Camera

Only 19½ of the Buffs` 36 sacks allowed this season have been allowed by offensive linemen, according to the latest offensive line grades released Tuesday. Offensive line coach Denver Johnson is not happy with any sacks, but he is also careful not to beat up his guys for mistakes they didn`t make.

ISU Football: Cyclones look to plug gaps in their rush defense | desmoinesregister.com | The Des Moines Register

The Cyclones have surrendered 69 points, yielded 974 yards and watched opponents convert 16-of-25 third downs in beatdowns by Texas A&M and Oklahoma State. Especially troubling has been an ineffectiveness against the run, with the Aggies piling up 267 rushing yards in a 35-10 win and the Cowboys following with 331 in Saturday's 34-8 victory.

The Longmont Times-Call

Iowa State (5-5, 2-4) has scored only 27 points in its past three games after opening its Big 12 schedule with 23 in a one-point loss to Kansas State and 36 in a five-point loss to Kansas. Over their past 13 quarters, the Cyclones have three touchdowns. Iowa State entered last weekend’s game against Oklahoma State leading the league in rushing but finished with only 54 yards against the Cowboys. Oklahoma State had been allowing 200.3 per game.

ISU needs help in all areas | GazetteOnline.com

ISU (5-5, 2-4 Big 12) struggled to move the ball against Oklahoma State. Tailback Alexander Robinson, the conference’s leading rusher coming in, finished with 51 yards on 16 carries. Quarterback Austen Arnaud, who had missed the previous two games because of a bruised right hand, was 14 of 27 passing for 188 yards and three interceptions.

CU Buffs' offense finally showing some good signs - The Denver Post
Offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau talks about the offensive performance last week. Still the major issue on that side of the ball is the offensive line.

Now the Buffs hope their offense has turned a corner. Their 166 yards rushing against the Aggies were a season high. And wide receiver Markques Simas' 135 yards in receptions were a single-game high for a CU player this season. "We really just have to keep on getting better," Kiesau said. "Offensively we were doing OK, and we had a good game, but we can't start jumping off to Dal Ward and saying we're one of the top offenses in the country. We've got to continue to work on our run game and counter that with our pass game and just continue to get better. Because yes, (Saturday) was a very good game, and I'm fired up for our offense to do well, but we have to consistently do that every week. We can't just be a one-hit wonder."

Bzdelik holding out for junior college players - Boulder Daily Camera

The future of Colorado men`s basketball is already on campus. Jeff Bzdelik does not plan to sign any recruits today -- the first day members of the class of 2010-11 can fax in letters of intent -- and said his coaching staff will focus on filling the two scholarships it has to give during the spring signing period. "We`re looking more towards junior college kind of players who have some maturity behind them," Bzdelik said after Tuesday`s practice. "We`ve got enough youth. Historically, those kind of players sign late."

Cyclones just a win shy of bowl eligibility

Truthfully, most of Iowa State's pressure comes from within at the moment. The Cyclones (5-5) are desperate to end a bowl drought that dates back to 2005, but have little margin for error. With two regular-season games remaining, Iowa State may need to win out to assure itself a postseason appearance. According to NCAA statistics, there are currently 48 bowl-eligible teams nationally. Twenty-two more teams, including Iowa State, have five wins and several more have four with no fewer than two regular-season games remaining. There are 34 bowl games this season, meaning only 68 FBS teams will get to experience the postseason. Iowa State, a largely inexperienced program, could sorely use the roughly 15 additional practices a bowl game allows for.

Coach Hawkins Press Luncheon Quotes - CUBuffs.com—Official Athletics Web site of the University of Colorado
Coach Hawkins talks about the typical "combination of things" in regards to not being able to protect the quarterback:

On Protecting the Quarterback "We just have to keep emphasizing and keep working on it and again part of that is physical, part of it is mental, part of it is communication, it is something we are well aware of and also getting Tyler tied into that as well and getting all those guys on the same page. "It's a problem when you give up as many sacks as we have in the past two weeks, that's a problem. But it can be a combination of many things, it can be a vision thing, a communication thing, a physical thing, it can be a combination of all those things so we just have to continue to work on all of that and clean it up."

Buffs can't stand repeat of '07 finish vs. Iowa State - The Denver Post

Sophomore Jason Espinoza will be back to work this week at wide receiver and punt returner, Hawkins said.

Halftime: Are college football's high-paid staffs really worth it? - Game on - USATODAY.com

Ringo: Leadership can help teams win on road - Boulder Daily Camera

Speaking of winning on the road. The Buffs haven`t done so in more than two years now and are not-so-proud owners of the longest road-losing streak in the Big 12. It`s a streak that began in Ames and has spanned nine games now (10 if you count a 2008 neutral site game at Florida State).It`s a problem with which Iowa State is familiar. The Cyclones won on the road for the first time in four seasons earlier this season at Kent State and then won again at Nebraska for the first time since the late 1970s.

The Longmont Times-Call - CU’s O-line taken aback by numerous sacks

"When it’s a run or pass, it takes 11," Johnson said. "But whenever there is a sack, it falls back on to the offensive line, and oftentimes, that’s where it belongs. But certainly not every time.

CU Buffs' coach Dan Hawkins: 'You just have to bring more to the table' - Boulder Daily Camera

"You just have to bring more to the table," Hawkins said of what his team has learned from its previous four road trips this season. "You just have to have more concentration, more intensity, more enthusiasm, more focus. When you go on the road, there is just too many things distracting you, and you can't get caught up in the travel and all the other stuff. There has to be a heightened sense of focus and energy."

Colorado eyeing ... The Cyclones - The Denver Post

Key stat: ISU has allowed nine sacks this season — tied with Air Force for 10th in the nation — for just 47 yards lost.

Basketball Season Tip Off Highlights This Week At CU - CUBuffs.com
The Colorado men's and women's baskeball teams open their 2009-10 schedules, highlighting a busy home weekend for the Buffaloes.

Where is the Plan For Player Development and Progression?

irish1611 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:26:53 -0000

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One of the worst questions in college football that fans sometimes have to utter to themselves is: Should we have redshirted him? College football is the ultimate when you talk about playing every play like it is your last one. Eligibility is limited to only four years and truly, within those four years, you are one play away from that career ending injury that won't allow you to chase the goals you had in mind during your playing career.

The Colorado Buffaloes have certainly made fans ask the question about redshirting players more and more recently and it also makes the fan base question if the coaching staff has a plan? Eligibility is a serious part of a player's career and it is certainly not to be mismanaged. For all intensive purposes, Darrell Scott, for the limited number of plays he received on the offensive end this year, should have been redshirted. Instead of two years to play somewhere else, he would have three and a much better chance of fully getting entrenched in his new program. The coaches will say that Darrell Scott was used wisely this year because of his effort on special teams but we all know that is a disgrace to a player who has been perceived as someone with huge upside. Further, if you take away the ten carries in one half against Toledo, Darrell Scott averaged less than three carries in the five games he played in. Maybe even more of a mismanagement was playing Scott after he was injured on a kickoff return against Toledo that required surgery later in the year. If Scott gets shelved after that game (only 10 total carries after Toledo game anyway), he earns a medical redshirt and three more years of eligibility remains. I am sure Darrell Scott would have traded 10 carries for another year any day of the week. We all would have.

Certainly, the Colorado staff did not have a plan for Darrell Scott to fully utilize his eligibility nor did they have plans for Andre Simmons and Nick Kasa, two highly touted players in the 2009 recruiting class that, for varying reasons, did not get the full benefit of their first year of eligibility at the division one level.

read more after the jump...

The Andre Simmons situation is a perplexing one to me. You have heard many in the main stream media suggest based on what they have seen in practice or what they hear from Dan Hawkins that players only play when they know the playbook in and out. Here is what Dan Hawkins says about the subject:

"You win with achievers and lose with potential," the coach said. "You have to get guys to the point where they can do something well consistently and build from there. When that happens, you have something going. When you start trying to jump that train track, you're in trouble, because you're going to water down everything else."

Awesome. Great ideology if you first have strong depth, if you actually are winning ball games and finally, if the starters who are playing over the players with potential actually produce. None of which is true for the Buffs. But I understand Hawkins' utopian argument. It is better to reward kids who know the playbook in and out without making any mistakes. I understand it, I think there is a grey area, though, that you are flirting with where you have to ask yourself is the reward for making big plays during a game with a few mistakes thrown in better than a consistently bad offense that has shown zero big play potential? But that isn't the point of this piece.

Play who you will but play them wisely.

Andre Simmons had three years to play two, meaning his ability to redshirt was still there. He was a late arriver to camp due to qualification issues so understandably he probably needed extra time to get ready for the season. Most expected by West Virginia, Andre Simmons would be ready to go, in some productive capacity, where he would have an impact on the offense and in subsequent weeks, his role would increase. Given our current situation at wide receiver, that was a logical approach that should have been more than attainable. If the coaching staff did their job, he should have been ready in that amount of time, just like every other junior college player that would have arrived at Colorado on time in the fall. Instead, to our surprise, Andre Simmons played in the first game, sparingly, but he played and caught a 44 yard pass. Most of us thought, fine. He is getting some time, no way he would redshirt, we need him now and any early action is a bonus with the expectation that the Buffs coaching staff had a plan for him, a schedule if you will that this first three games, we are going to increase his play load slowly, work him into more situations so that by the Wyoming game, we could have a dress rehearsal.

Not so.

Since that one catch, Andre Simmons has touched the ball one other time on a reverse for 15 yards. Two plays, 59 yards, one year of eligibility done. Darrell Scott, 23 carries, 95 yards, 0 touchdowns, one year of eligibility done and a transfer.

It begs the question, is there a plan for these players? Why even play Andre Simmons in the Colorado State game unless he could handle at least 15 - 20 plays and make a contribution? Why not wait until the Wyoming or West Virginia game until he had shown in practice that he was able to make some sort of contribution this year? Clearly If he isn't ready, which the coaching staff CLEARLY has made known by only giving him two touches this year, why not redshirt him? All valid questions that are left unanswered with no logical reasoning or insight to construct an explanation.

Once again, the ability to manage and motivate players needs to come into question. You can throw in similar examples with Tyler Hansen, Kai Maiva and Nick Kasa. We were all shocked how quick Nick Kasa came back from injury questioning whether Kasa was ready to participate. Four games, 47 plays, 2 tackles. Kasa might be granted a medical redshirt but after being out a month+ due to injury, he was put into action and while looking good at times, never saw the field with any consistency to be able to be productive. Did we have a plan for Kasa and was he ready to go?

Part of the problem is the Buffs still lack depth so some players are forced into action and many of you are probably saying "if we used your theory, how would anybody but the starters be productive and thus every backup should redshirt." True but I want to see a plan and I want to see players benefit from coaching. Unless Andre Simmons refuses to practice and is extremely lazy (hard to say that after taking a plethora of spring, summer and fall classes just to qualify), why isn't he progressing to a point where he can play and why can't the coach's establish something for him on the offensive side of the ball? Right now, Andre Simmons and his one of two remaining years of eligibility is deteriorating on the sideline, one game at a time. You mean to tell me that instead of just letting him rot away, we can't find 5 plays for the 6'3" 4.5 forty running receiver on a Buffs' offense that ranks 113th overall (120 teams total in the NCAA), a full 59 yards behind a Baylor team that lost it's best player.

I know this topic has been discussed as to why we aren't seeing Andre Simmons or other players on the field more but it has come to a point where you have to ask why did we even play him to begin with?

We have heard all the excuses: the playbook changes so it is hard to pick up if you don't know the base which was learned in spring ball, the receiver needs to be able to read the defense and adjust with the quarterback, the playbook is extremely dynamic...it is like fitting that square peg in that round hole. Quotes continually come out like those noted above that suggest a system where the player is forced into an offense rather than the player and the offense evolving to feature the people who will actually be making plays on the field, not satisfying the way the coaches think it "ought" to be run. That is part of coaching, finding the answers with the players you have to work with. Yet the Buffs try to run the spread last year with no evidence that the players could support that sort of offense (square peg, round hole). Cody Hawkins is put back into the game to lead the two minute drill against Kansas State. Andre Simmons used here and there. There is little rhyme or reason to any of it, given the results on the field.

The sort of head scratching decisions that haven't yielded substantial positive results clearly shows that the program is not being run effectively. The program is being run in a way that tries to limit mistakes and difficult situations rather than taking more chances at being effective. Obvious examples to that statement is the lack of production in the punt return game, changing quarterbacks in the two minute drill, inserting Demetrius Sumler on passing situations to block, playing a soft defense in the Missouri game rather than get after the quarterback and force the issue. You would think by year four, more than one running back could learn to block, more than one player could field punts, more than one player could run a two minute drill.

I just wish their was some method behind the madness because this is one confused fan.

Q & A With The Ralphie Report

Beergut — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:08:44 -0000

This week, our Q&A session with with irish1611 of The Ralphie Report on the upcoming Texas A&M-Colorado football game.

1. With all of the distractions this week with the Darrell Scott transfer, how confident are you that your team can embrace the football field as their one place of peace, and play an inspired game on Saturday? How well do you think they can block out the distractions?

Good question. Who knows what is going on in that locker room today. Calls for the coaching staff to resign, a blue out this weekend, Darrell Scott leaving the program, etc, can't be an easy thing to deal with. But the way I will answer this question is looking at how they have handled adversity in the past. Look no further than their performance on the road the past four years. The Buffs have two wins when they go outside of the state of Colorado compared to eighteen losses, showing that they have difficulty playing in less than optimal situations. After the most recent road loss to Kansas State, many players say they don't have energy on the road and they are intimidated by an unknown environment. That tells you right there that they are tuned in more to their surroundings rather than the game plan or being confident in themselves.

With the students/fan base wearing powder blue shirts to the game in an act of displaying "displeasure," the playing situation won't be optimal this Saturday either. The boo birds will be out early if this game gets off on the wrong foot.

The Buffs haven't responded under Dan Hawkins one time, I don't think Saturday will be any different.

2. If you had to pinpoint one weakness of your team that needs to improve for you to win on Saturday, what would it be?

The Buffs need more than one thing to improve but the glaring issue right now is the offensive line. Preseason picks to be a top unit have made us all look stupid. The Buffs have had a difficult time protecting the quarterback and getting any sort of consistent offense going this year. Last week against Missouri, Tyler Hansen was running for his life the whole game, getting sacked eight times while the Buffs managed to lose 14 yards on the ground in total. You aren't going to win many games turning the ball over and not establishing a push in the trenches. I expect Von Miller to be able to increase his NCAA leading sack total this weekend.

3. With Tyler Hansen firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback (for now), what are the chances of a Cody Hawkins sighting on Saturday?

I don't think you will see Cody Hawkins on Saturday unless Hansen is injured. I don't believe Dan Hawkins will want to be part of a walk out/frenzy that will ensue at Folsom if that were to happen. In fairness, no quarterback will be successful in this offense the way the game plans are being constructed, the poor play of the offensive line and a major lack of playmakers. I think being a quarterback at the University of Colorado, with all the criticism due to the coach's relationship with Cody, no help from your surrounding cast and the pounding you take back there, is the worst position player situation in college football today. I don't even think their is an argument to be had on that one.

4. What offensive player should we watch out for on this Colorado team on Saturday? defensive player?

On the offensive side of the ball, the most productive player has been WR Scotty McKnight, who will lead the team in catches once again for a third straight year. RB Rodney Stewart has had his moments this year but with little running room the past few weeks coupled with the Buffs propensity to get behind early in ball games has limited his consistency. It all starts up front and since that has been a train wreck this year, the offensive has been less than potent.

On defense, I think we are all starting to see CB Jimmy Smith turn into a good one. He has been excellent the past few weeks in coverage, showing good breaks on passes and being the specimen we all thought he could be. If the Buffs want to be successful against A&M this week, they will need LB BJ Beatty to have a big game. Playing mostly as a rush end, when he has been able to get to the quarterback, the defense has done very well. If the Buffs let Jerrod Johnson sit back there, he will have the same big play success most of the other quarterbacks have had on Colorado.

This game of football is really easy. Block up front on offense and pressure the quarterback on defense. The Buffs have been inconsistent at pressuring the quarterback and have done nothing to show that they can protect.

5. Will you be wearing a powder blue shirt to show your dissatisfaction with what is going on with the program?

No, I think it is stupid. This has been a fan base that hasn't sold out a game in a while and the student section is hardly ever full to start the game, if it ever gets full at all. As you know, home games are full of potential recruits. Do you think that any of those players will come to Colorado that visits Boulder this weekend? No way. Why would you want to play for a student section/fan base that wears blue instead of black and gold to cheer the Buffs on. If you don't like what the program is doing, don't go to the game, try to give away your tickets and then don't renew your season tickets next year. Don't make a public showing that will put more of a negative light on the program. Plus, what point does it prove. It doesn't take blue clothes to let everyone know that they are less than pleased about where the program is at. All this does is create more problems and does nothing constructive for our situation. I would rather see those people put five dollars each in a jar and start the pot for a buyout if they want a change.

6. What is your final score prediction for the game?

27 - 17 Texas A&M.

Once again, thanks to irish1611 for answering all of our questions. To see my answers to his questions, go visit them at The Ralphie Report.

Mizzou Links, 11-5-09

Bill C. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:45:54 -0000

First of all, if you haven't been following this strange incident at Mizzourah, it might be worth your while to do so (Part II, Part III...each progressive part gets stranger). Needless to say, the Mizzou blogosphere has Chase Daniel's back, to say the least, huh? Anyhoo...

Baylor Links!

The Trib (Dave Matter): Behind the Numbers: Missouri-Baylor

Missouri has gradually revived its running game the last few weeks, peaking with an 184-yard day at Colorado. The increased use of two-back formations has gotten some play lately, including here, but let’s look at how the Tigers are producing their rushing yards based on formations. Here’s a general breakdown of the formations MU used on its 45 rushing attempts at Colorado. (Keep in mind, MU runs various personnel sets and dozens of formations out of these looks. This is just a general glance)

One-back, shotgun: 26 carries – 139 yards; 5.3 yards per carry; 1-yard touchdown; long runs of 23, 31, 15 and 16 yards

Two-backs, shotgun: 11 – 36; 3.3 ypc; long runs of 10, 18 yards

Empty-set, shotgun: 2 – 13; 6.5 ypc

Jumbo, shotgun (fullback, direct snap to tailback, second back in motion): 2 – 5; 2.5 ypc
KC Star (Campus Corner): Hey Baylor: Something You Shouldn't Have Said

Not that the words were mucho inflammatory, but Baylor defensive end Jason Lamb probably would have been better off not saying the following about the Bears' game Saturday at Missouri:

"Watching tape on them, it is a winnable game. We just got to come out from a defensive standpoint and just play like we did the whole second half against Nebraska."
The Trib: Behind the Stripes Webcast: Episode 13, Pt. 1

Wednesday Buff Bites - Boycotts, Anger, Criticism...That's Colorado Football Right Now

irish1611 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:40:05 -0000

CU: Scott-free: Tailback’s exit leaves football program reeling - The Longmont Times-Call

Other Buffs responded in different ways. Some were mad, others numb, others did not want to acknowledge more bad news coming from a 2-6 program that has fans threatening boycotts and protests. While Hagan conducted interviews, several Buffs walked by the scrum telling reporters to "get over it." But Hagan, the man who recruited Scott from Ventura, Calif., to Boulder when every other program in the nation craved his signature, could not mask his anger. This might take him awhile to get over. "I don’t even want to know a reason," Hagan said. "There’s not a reason. He’ll probably say, ‘I want to get home to my mom’ or ‘I wasn’t happy here.’ He’ll make up a whole bunch of different things. "But the truth of the matter is, this is something he shouldn’t have done."

Woelk: Departure of Scott more bad news for Buffaloes - Boulder Daily Camera

But what is lost is twofold: One is potential. Scott is a physically gifted young man who could very well still blossom into a top-notch Division I running back. It would have been nice to see him reach that potential in a Buff uniform. The biggest loss, however, may come in terms of recruiting. The Buffs lost a five-star recruit on Tuesday. Guaranteed, every opposing coach recruiting a prep standout who is considering Colorado will bring Scott into the conversation. They will use it as a tool to steer players away from CU and to their program.

CU athletic director Bohn always positive, even in rough times like the present - The Denver Post

Brooks: A 'Good Fit' Goes Bad For Scott - CUBuffs.com—Official Athletics Web site of the University of Colorado

Losing Scott, said Hagan, will not adversely affect the chemistry at his position: "All my guys like each other, they're all competitive. We just lost a pair of legs. But like I said, I wish Darrell nothing but the best . . . life goes on; I'll wake up tomorrow and it'll be a different day."

Fed-up CU Buffs fans plan powder-blue protest at Folsom - Colorado Daily

For Buffs fans, powder blue is the color of defeat. It's the color of losing streaks, of (arguably) poor coaching, of lackluster fans. It's the color that the University of Colorado Buffaloes football team wore from 1981 to 1984, when they won a total of 10 games out of 44.

Paige: Scott free, and for CU it's costly - The Denver Post

CU owed Scott more than an excellent education. He had committed to Hawkins and given the program a significant recruiting lift when it was needed. He deserved more of an opportunity to play when he was healthy, just as Marcus Houston deserved more when he was healthy. And Houston, the last "great" running back recruited by Colorado, had to run away. Who's next? In his first practice before last season, Scott looked impressive, elusive and fast. One senior defensive lineman predicted he would win the Heisman Trophy in two years. Others predicted immediate stardom. Nobody at CU is predicting trophies or stardom for Scott anymore, and Scott is not predicting a national championship for the Buffaloes. As the knight told Indiana Jones after the bad guy grabbed the wrong goblet and his head exploded: "He chose poorly."

much more after the jump...

Dan Hawkins job is in jeopardy | The Buffzone Blog

Hawkins’ stubborn refusal to play the best players on Saturdays bothers the powers that be just as much as the average fan. The slow starts and appearance that the Buffs are unprepared to play bother the powers that be just as much as the average fan. The attrition rate in Hawkins’ program bothers the powers that be just as much as the average fan. The never-ending excuse about the youth of the team while other young teams around the country are finding success bothers the powers that be just as much as the average fan. The handling of the quarterback situation and the lack of player development atthe position over 31/2 years now bothers the powers that be just as much as the average fan. The team’s inability to win on the road under Hawkins bothers the powers that be just as much as the average fan. Seeing Dan Hawkins handle news of Darrell Scott’s decision to transfer this way on Tuesday bothered the powers that be just as much as the average fan.

Buff Darrell Scott leaving CU football team - Buffzone

Running backs coach Darian Hagan said Scott's decision caught him by surprise. But Hagan admitted he had talked with Scott on several occasions in recent months about previous rumors of a transfer. "I didn't find out the way I thought I deserved to find out," Hagan said. "It's unfortunate he decided he had to leave. He has to do what he has to do, but I just wish he did it in a different way." Scott has said that his relationship with Hagan and the fact that his uncle was a Buff were the two biggest reasons he decided to join the CU program. After making his decision to end the recruiting process, Scott said Hagan was like a father figure in his life. "I had no idea he was even thinking about it," Hagan said. "I've asked him on different occasions, 'Was he OK? Was he thinking about transferring?' Because I heard people saying stuff. I told him to be a man about it and look me in the eye. He said, 'No, coach. I never thought about it.'"

RB Scott's interest in UCLA is 'really high' - The Daily Breeze

He said his interest in UCLA is high, "really high, really," and said despite the team's recent struggles he believes the Bruins can turn it around. "They started the year off pretty well," Scott said by phone Tuesday night. "I think they're struggling, but they can turn it around. I played football with most of the guys on that team, and I think they have a lot of potential. "A lot of talent."

CU’s Hagan will stick with what he has | All Things Colorado Sports

There has been some Internet chatter among CU fans wondering if redshirt-freshman safety Ray Polk might move back to running back, now that the stable is without Darrell Scott. Don’t look for that to happen. Defensive backs coach Greg Brown said moving Polk to the starting lineup has really solidified the secondary.

Hawkins Press Luncheon Quotes - CUBuffs.com—Official Athletics Web site of the University of Colorado

Head Coach Dan Hawkins held his weekly Press Luncheon Tuesday at the Dal Ward Athletic Center, the following are quotes from the session.

Ex-Buff Klatt criticizes CU over sign - Boulder Daily Camera

Klatt said the fact the sign was painted over concerns him and other former Buffs because it is an indication in their eyes that Hawkins and athletic director Mike Bohn don`t value some of the traditions in place before their arrival.

CU Buff's Nick Kasa disappointed by his season ending - Buffzone

Freshman defensive end Nick Kasa spoke at length Tuesday about his season coming to an end because of a case of mononucleosis and an enlarged spleen. "It`s really frustrating definitely," Kasa said. "I can`t catch a break. But if I get the season back, that would be even be better because I get some playing time and I still get my four years to play."

Ringo: Big 12 mulls changing North, South scheduling - Boulder Daily Camera

The proposed change would be for teams never to go more than one year without facing each other in the regular season. Colorado would play Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State this year and then play the other three South Division foes next season. In the third year, the Buffs would play Texas, Texas A&M and OSU again but at the opposite site from this season.

Teammates ‘bummed’ by departure - The Longmont Times-Call

CU's Hawkins: Buffs in must-win situation for rest of season - Boulder Daily Camera

Colorado coach Dan Hawkins returned to normal this week at his media luncheon today. There was no long, introspective opening statement, reading of letters of support or acknowledgement of mistakes made as was the case a week ago. Hawkins stayed with a business as usual approach in discussing last week's homecoming loss to Missouri and this Saturday's home game against a Texas A&M team he called "very electric."

Victoria Advocate | Miller leads nation in sacks, chasing A&M record

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Miller leads the nation with 13½ sacks as the Aggies (5-3, 2-2 Big 12) head into Saturday's game at Colorado (2-6, 1-3). He needs seven more sacks to pass the Texas A&M single-season mark of 20, set by defensive end Jacob Green in 1979.

Scout.com: Onyeali’s Broad Horizons

This coming weekend Nduka Onyeali will be taking an official visit to Arizona State. "I’ve heard a lot of good things about ASU," Onyeali said. "I’ve seen a few of their games on TV and the area looks great. It’s also a pretty good program. They seem to be doing well and I know they have great coaches." The Sun Devils were Onyeali’s first scholarship offer last spring.

A&M's offense humming along - Dallas Morning News

Texas A&M's offense put up big numbers in its first three games, but the level of competition raised doubts about how good the Aggies really were. After losing three in a row, A&M (5-3, 2-2 Big 12) has now topped 500 total yards in consecutive Big 12 victories and the offense remains one of the nation's best. The Aggies rank third in total yardage (490.5 yards per game), eighth in scoring (35.8 points per game) and fourth in third-down conversion rate (52.5 percent) heading into Saturday's game at Colorado (2-6, 1-3).

Clips of Dan Hawkins and Darian Hagan Talking About Darrell Scott

irish1611 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:01:29 -0000

Big 12 Cob of the Week: Todd Reesing, Big Leads, And Colorado's Downward Spiral - Pick The Ultimate Suckage!

Cobby — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:42:03 -0000

More photos » by J.D. Pooley - AP

Darrell Scott - can you blame him for wanting to transfer? No. When the ship's on fire, it's every rat for himself, ain't it?

Browse more photos »

Boy, it's getting tough to pick these. Normally you have your good teams and your bad teams, but this year we have half-good and half-bad teams and they trade positions every quarter. Everyone but Texas that is. Texas has done one thing really well so far this season and that's crush the hopes out of everyone else in the South.

The Big 12 North is still fun for everyone! Everyone's still special and everyone still has a chance to be a winner! Unless you're Colorado..... I think.

Husker Mike:

Todd Reesing - Earlier this season, Mark Mangino touted Reesing as a darkhorse Heisman candidate. Against Texas Tech, Reesing played his way onto the bench. Suddenly, he has the running ability of Dan Marino and the passing ability of former Husker quarterback Mickey Joseph. In Kansas' spread offense, a quarterback who can't run and can't throw isn't very productive ... and suddenly Kansas is staring bleakly into the future. Mangino went out of his way today to name Reesing as the starter for this week, which tells you just how Cobbish Reesing has become.

Oklahoma and Missouri second halves: Hey, I admit it. I didn't pay any attention to the Sooners or Tigers in the second half. They had huge halftime leads against opponents they should have crushed, so why not watch other games? (Or in the case of the Sooners, take the kids out trick-or-treating...) Imagine my surprise to check back and find that both teams mailed it in the second half, and let both Colorado and Kansas State back into the game.) Is that a trick? Or a Cob?

Jlew:

Missing. Probably drunk at a convention somewhere where the weather is nicer than where you are.

Corn Blight:

I'm not sure what's worse - rats leaving the sinking ship at Colorado or Oklahoma State's egg-laying against Texas. A lot was expected of Oklahoma State this season - starting out highly ranked and going into November highly tanked (hyuk!), but why is this different than any other Cowboy season? (insert Mike Gundy "not a man" joke here).

Colorado, on the other hand..... did anyone see the whole thing falling apart? A number of sites mentioned how painful it was to watch Dan Hawkin's press conference last week, but the real beginning of the end has to be this week's announcement that potential savior greatest recruit ever running back Darrell Scott is leaving the program.

Colorado is finding new depths this season. By the end of it, they may have surpassed Kansas State last season with the Ron Prince's firing and secret contract. What'll be funnier is if the CU faithful start to howl about bringing back Bill McCartney....... Ooops, they already have!

Poll

Your Pick for Big 12 Cob of the Week?

Colorado - for sinking to new lows beyond what we thought was possible

121 votes

Todd Reesing - for being the metaphorical representation of his failing team

28 votes

Oklahoma and Missouri's second half - get a big lead, take a nap, wonder where it went

7 votes

156 votes | Poll has closed

Mizzou Links, 11-4-09

Bill C. — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:46:40 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

Colorado Buffaloes tailback Darrell Scott talks to reporters during media day in the Dal Ward Center at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo. University of Colorado officials announced on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, that Scott intends to leave the school's football program. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Browse more photos »

MU-Baylor Links!

The Trib: The power of two
The Trib (Dave Matter): The Pile: Enter at your own risk
The Missourian: Changing positions helps Missouri defense get quicker
The Missourian: Baylor's second half against Nebraska offers Bears hope
Post-Dispatch: Missouri still has chance to win Big 12 North
PowerMizzou: Under pressure
Waco Tribune: Missouri QB back at full speed for game with Baylor