SB Nation - Matt Ballenger

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.

Saturday Buff Bites - It's Been More Bearish, Less Bullish For the Buffs This Week

irish1611 — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 15:41:35 -0000

View full size photo »

Offseasons definitely have their ups and downs and the 2009 one is no exception. The highlights have included signing Nick Kasa and 18 other future Buffs, receiving the pledge of former Michigan wide receiver Toney Clemons for the 2010 season, learning wide receiver Andre Simmons is progressing nicely in summer school and has a shot to be eligible, and staying relatively healthy across the board (my apologies to Max Tuioti-Mariner who suffered his third ACL tear - file under the low lights category). Optimism also formed around the additions of offensive line coach Denver Johnson (and his possible connections to Texas recruiting although that might take a year or two to bear fruit) and offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau who has been given the keys to the 95th ranked offense from a year ago. Everyone likes Kiesau now and everyone will love him if he can limit the number of end-around play calls and get the ball into the end zone, something the Buffs have done very little of the last three years.

But like any college program and especially for the Buffs in recent years, the offseason always has its challenges. The official Big 12 sports site has a cool piece up where the media ranked the top 10 games from 2008. At #10 was Colorado vs. West Virginia. Sign up for an account and you can watch the game. Check out the first two drives against West Virginia. I think former Colorado wide receiver Josh Smith touched the ball ten times. Then in the second half, he was on the bench, for any number of reasons that never made sense to me last year, but the guy had the potential. Not to go down that worm hole again of how big a loss you thought Josh Smith was but losing TE Ryan Wallace, WR Chance Blackmon, OL Devin Head, QB Matt Ballenger and Smith this offseason were definitely some of those tough moments. Missing out on potential wide receiver commits Markish Jones, Emory Blake and Diante Jackson at the time were downers. The Buffs also had turnover in the coaching staff with offensive line coach Jeff Grimes going to Auburn and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich to Oregon. Although, seen as a net positive in most minds as to who we got out of the deal in Johnson and Kiesau, change is stressful and unknown.

I am sure I am forgetting some other negatives and positives but you get the point. Yesterday, we received some more troubling news that in addition to 2009 commit OL Shaun Simon not qualifying academically for the upcoming season, heralded commit DT Edward Nuckols has also been deemed ineligible for next season. Who knows if Edward will re-up with the Buffs in 2010 after gray shirting (a nice term for sitting at home, not working out with teammates in Boulder) but we do know he won't be helping the defensive line in '09, something many felt he could do from day one. Let's face it, we were bound for letdown anyway if we expected Nuckols to be all-world as a freshman and anchor the defensive line. No freshman should be counted on as a "big piece" to the puzzle and in most people's minds, he had the potential to be a big piece.

No more for Nuckols. At least for 2009. 2010, we will see. Pouring salt on an open would be if WR Andre Simmons doesn't qualify. Once again, it is troubling to have to rely on the unknown and project greatness on the field the first week against Colorado State but that is what we wanted to believe with both Simmons and Nuckols. It would be bad cap to the offseason if Simmons is told "sorry, come back next year." Again, though, the problems at wide receiver and defensive line should have been addressed in 2007 and 2008, not counted on in 2009 but as fans, it's easy to believe the unknown "highly ranked by stars" player will transition those stars on the field and go for 10 sacks and 1,000 yards receiving in year one.

Then, here comes the preseason predictions. Yes, my grandma can give a preseason prediction and because of that, their is no merit to any of this hoopla that has been sweeping the papers. But it would be nice for a little more optimism going into the season. With the exception of Phil Steele who has been called "insane" by about every Kansas Jayhawks' fan for picking them fourth in the Big 12 North (the Buffs were picked second in a tie with Kansas State, making Missouri fifth), the general consensus is Colorado will be on the bottom side of the North, a fourth place finish has been deemed. Not that it was a surprise, it's just when you look at it all on paper, this should be the Buffs year to show results. Missouri and Nebraska return the fewest starters of any team in the Big 12. They are both breaking in new quarterbacks and have holes to fill on both sides of the ball. Kansas has the gauntlet schedule. On the flip side, Colorado has it's easiest non-conference schedule in years and it's easiest for the foreseeable future. They play Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas at home in Folsom with revenge on the mind in all three: they could have beat Kansas last year, should have beat Nebraska and Missouri has used the Buffs as a stat padding game the last two years but now have to reload and look a little more vulnerable.

But not many are buying what our Buffs have to offer. I can see why based on past results, winning only twice on the road in the past three years (one legitimate against the Texas Tech Red Raiders), question marks at a few positions and an overall lack of flash, firepower, identifiable commodities like a Sam Bradford, Dez Bryant,etc. I am more bullish on Cody Hawkins than most, more bearish on the our issues at a position called play makers, wide receiver and defensive line.

Most think six wins, some think seven, plenty think five is more likely than eight and above. I have seen as low as three wins. Everyone is playing on the safe side with the Buffs and that pick is look at the past and project to the future...five to six wins. Vegas has Colorado pegged at 6.5 wins, I can't say I am drooling on either side of that line.

No one has ever won a national championship in the offseason or in the preseason media poll, every one is 0 - 0. That is the positive for the Buffs.

Stating the obvious, it's time to buck the mediocre trend that has become the expectation for Colorado outside the state of Colorado and it's fan base around the nation. This is the year to do it or is it? One can hope.

Tons of great Buff Bites after the jump including articles on why it is crazy to think Nebraska is back, how Cody Hawkins feels this upcoming season could be special, WR Terdema Ussery and WR Jarrod Darden impressing and why five years of eligibility makes sense.

Cody Hawkins feeling good about 2009 | The Buffzone Blog
Kyle Ringo had a chance to catch up with Cody Hawkins.

"So I’m excited about that. Finally, you know, when you take talent, depth and experience are really important to winning ball games, and any time you can put those three together, you’re going to have a chance to win. Last year we had a lot of talent, but, I mean, depth and experience are hard to find. This year I think we’re going to be in great shape and I’m excited about it.

Two FB Recruits' Enrollment Delayed - CUBuffs.com
Just in case you haven't read the article on Josh Moten and Edward Nuckols not making it through the clearing house yet and in Nuckols case, being deemed ineligible for the 2009 season. It looks like Moten might be okay but he cannot participate in offseason drills until the paperwork issues have been cleared up and has officially deemed eligible.

Brooks: Frosh WRs Eager, Able - CUBuffs.com
According to B.G. Brooks at cubuffs.com, true freshman wide receivers Terdema Ussery and Jarrod Darden have made a good impression on their teammates thus far in offseason camps, including Scotty McKnight who takes a shot at former Buff wide receivers when comparing them to the newbies:

"Both guys have really taken in trying to learn everything, unlike other receivers in the past. These guys are really kind of entrenched already, trying to get as much of the offense in as they can before camp. "Both of them look physically ready to be playing college football – big, strong, fast kids. The mental side usually is the toughest part, but it looks like both are taking it in stride – and we’re going to need them. Hopefully that keeps going through camp.

Hawkins Wins Accuracy Competition At Elite 11 Camp - CUBuffs.com
In some tough competition, Cody Hawkins won a pretty cool competition among quarterbacks at the Elite 11 Camp.

Media pick OU-UT tie and Nebraska to win Big 12 divisions - Big 12 - ESPN
As noted above the Buffs were picked fourth in the Big 12 North by the media.

2008 Greatest Games - Big 12 Conference
A great way to get you excited for the 2009 season is to watch the first couple of series against West Virginia. That was a good couple of minutes, going up 14 - 0 on the Mountaineers on our way to a week three victory.

Woelk: Important numbers for CU this year - Boulder Daily Camera
Neill Woelk thinks it is time for the Buffs to show results on the field, not just off the field. He also highlights a few important numbers for the 2009 season like selling out games, not losing contests by 20+ points and finding more season ticket holders.

These are the players that Big 12 teams can't afford to lose - Big 12 - ESPN
Tim Griffin of ESPN think LB Jeff Smart is a player the Buffs cannot afford to lose for the upcoming season:

Colorado: LB Jeff Smart. The Buffaloes could withstand the loss of a quarterback like Cody Hawkins or a running back like Darrell Scott because of the depth at those positions. But the Buffaloes would be hard-pressed to replace Smart, considering their lack of senior leadership on the defense.

With all due respect to Tim and Jeff, I think the Buffs have great depth at linebacker, enough to feel confident in a 3 - 4. There is even hints that Jeff Smart might be in a tough competition for a starting job due to the depth. It is a tough job to place a player under the category of "can't lose" for this team but I think better choices would have been either of our safeties (who else do we really have behind them that is ready - I don't think Ray Polk is ready), Ryan Miller, Cody Hawkins, Scotty McKnight probably would have been a better choice considering our lack of proven commodities at wide receiver.

Nebraska Isn't Back Yet | Campus Corner
Mike DeArmond of the Kansas City Star still thinks Nebraska has a ways to go before they should be considered the Big 12 North favorites. Here’s where I shake my head in wonder at anyone picking Nebraska over Missouri but over Kansas as well. The Cornhuskers have an inexperienced quarterback, lost just as much as Missouri on offense, don’t have a running back of the caliber of MU’s Derrick Washington. Shouting The Blackshirts Are Back! seems based more on the hope that Bo Pelini is a defensive genius rather than a first-year college head coach that was simply better than Bill Callahan.

Woelk: Five years of eligibility makes lots of sense : Top Stories : Boulder Daily Camera
I've always thought that moving to five years of eligibility was a good idea. More degrees, less confusion with medical redshirts. I'd love to see it happen. For the last couple of years, Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe has been trying to marshall support for a proposal that would give college football players a fifth year of eligibility.

Jaguars sign veteran defensive tackle, cut rookie tackle | Jacksonville.com
Former Buff DL George Hypolite was cut by the Jaguars.

The Jaguars also waived rookie defensive tackle George Hypolite, an undrafted rookie from Colorado who signed with the team following the April draft.

College Football Countdown: Nos. 51-55 - Washington Times

No. 54: COLORADO After three losing seasons, a 13-24 record and one bowl berth (an Independence Bowl loss to Alabama in 2007), just what has Dan Hawkins learned about coaching at Colorado? Well, it's Division I football. It's the Big 12. It ain't intramurals. Fun rants from coaches in the heartland aside, the Buffaloes should be better and could well be a sneaky division contender if they can survive a brutal early October stretch. The Buffaloes finally have some experience at quarterback. Their tailback tandem of Rodney Stewart and Darrell Scott is superb. And they get Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri --- the three presumptive favorites in the Big 12 North --- in Boulder. If the defense gets better --- and not having to contend with Baylor, Oklahoma and Texas Tech for the second straight year won't hurt in that regard --- Colorado might just outdistance the mediocre prognostications it is receiving.

CU releases schedules for women's, men's hoops - Boulder Daily Camera
The Buffs basketball team has released its schedule for the upcoming season. It is highlighted by a trip to the Maui Invitational, with the big boys, and 11 conference games in all slated for television so far, including eight on Big 12 Network syndication, two on ESPNU and one on ESPN2.

Rams picked sixth in Mountain West | Out of Bounds
The Colorado St. Rams were picked to finish sixth in the Mountain West.

Boise State to the Mountain West? Perhaps - ESPN

Preliminary Spring Ball Review: Day 1

irish1611 — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:34:42 -0000

I have some other commitments tonight so there will be a full report tomorrow but I knew that it would be bush league to keep you hanging out there so here are a few bullet points about the afternoon:

We were only allowed to stand in the south end zone so most of the close viewing was the offense particularly the offensive line. The defense was well hidden towards the other side of the field. We were in the bubble, I would say about 25 - 40 people showed up, of course filled with the media folks (Ringo, Adam from Rivals, Dan Johnson, etc)
I definitely got stopped by the SID department from taking notes, camera use and phone use. They were really nice about it but rules are rules. We will try to get media passes.
Shorts and t-shirts today.
Cody Hawkins got most of the first team reps, then it went Tyler Hansen and Matt Ballenger. I thought all looked good at times and a little rusty at times. That should be expected on the first day. No cameras on the helmets, just tape. It is hard not to like Hawkins for his energy, excitement and leadership. Every drill he was the first one there and at the end of the practice, regardless of position, he was the first one to finish conditioning drills. He just has fun and loves to play. I thought Hansen was the most athletic looking. Good arm, tight spiral. All three will improve, it is hard on day one. Ballenger and Hansen had towels under their armpits most of the day during throwing drills. They must want them to stay more compact in their motion. I like Hansen's ease of motion much more than Hawkins right now but nothing will be learned until the scrimmages. In 7-on-7 drills, the defense dominated, often forcing the quarterback to dump the ball underneath or run. From what I saw, I thought the back seven on defense look solid and athletic.
Quote of the day was when EVERYONE (QB's included) on the team was doing form tackling drills, Coach Hawkins was giving pointers about how to swing the arms through and said "its just like last year, don't be afraid you aren't going to punch him in the sack."
Starting offensive line consisted of Nate Solder at left tackle, Matt Bahr at left guard, Mike Iltis at center, Ryan Miller at right guard and Bryce Givens at right tackle. I think it is Iltis job to lose as he was the guy getting the most reps. Nate Solder is a monster and every time you would look away, you would hear the pads pop and know it was him. He was the most aggressive of any lineman and he really got a good push off the line. I like Denver Johnson, he was really working the lineman. Bedell was there as well chiming in every so often but certainly stayed a little ways back to not get on Johnson's toes. Johnson spent a large part of his time tutoring Bryce Givens, making him do things over to get him to learn, and really congratulating him when he did something well. I think the Buffs have big plans for Givens based on what I saw today. Solder and Givens definitely were the guys that stuck out the most today.
Darrell Scott looks trim and fantastic. Great footspeed and the quickness overall was there. He looks a ton better than he did last fall where he looked more like a power back. He looks quicker for sure. Rodney Stewart does what Rodney Stewart does...and that is impress. Fast, strong, hits the hole hard, would run down the wide receivers. He is a hussler in every sense of the word and outworks everyone. We need to find a place for Lockridge this season. He has unbelievable quicks, the way he turns that corner is amazing. I think if you get him in a little bit of space, he can go the distance. Again, it is easy to look good in shorts but the running backs did not disappoint today.
Nothing too new on the wide receiver front. Simas looked good for the most part. He missed a few assignments and one assistant coach had to get on him a little bit for being slow after the catch. He will be an upgrade at the position. Josh Smith always looks good in shorts. Fast, took a slant route 80 yards for a touchdown on Burney in one on one drills. McKnight is Mr. Consistent and Blackmon got a lot of time today. Those are pretty much the four receivers we have now. Sort of scary if one of them goes down to injury.
As for the play calling...Hawkins was never in the shotgun. They sprinkled the gun in with Ballenger and Hansen. A ton of end arounds called today, probably the play they called the most. I don't think we should freak out about it yet because I think it was strictly to get the lineman spread out in their blocks but it is still in the playbook and every wideout and running back ran that play. A couple of times, Darrell Scott and Speedy Stewart were in together. They would flex Scott out to a flanker spot and either run a slip screen to him or work with Stewart.
I don't have a lot to report on the defense as they were on the opposite side of the field. Marcus Burton seemed to add more weight and looks destined for a defensive line spot. Sipili looked a little thiner. Shaun Mohler was all over the field making plays along with Beatty. Doug Rippy passed the eye test. I couldn't spot Major but linebacker is not a worry for me at all. CB Jimmy Smith made a nice interception at the end of practice to make the offense run. That was probably the play of the day.

More to come tomorrow

(photo from Marty Caivano)

Biggest Postion Battles Going Into Spring Ball: Part Two

irish1611 — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:41:02 -0000

As a follow up to our first part discussion about the biggest spring position battles, part two will talk about the spring/fall/season battle that will lead most conversations when talking about the 2009 Buffs: QB. Nothing will be more talked about this offseason than the competition between Hawkins, Hansen and Ballenger for the starting spot.

1) Starting Quarterback - Tyler Hansen, Cody Hawkins, Matt Ballenger

Get ready for the first of many debates about the quarterback position. Boy, has it been a while since we could come into the season confident about our signal caller. Right now, the topic is unsettling. None of the three above make you feel really good about the position in '09. Each has displayed traits to get fans optimistic but each has shown more than their fair share of inadequacies. The good news for Buff fans is that Cody Hawkins or Tyler Hansen's playing time consisted of lining up behind a banged up offensive line with inexperienced running backs and less than explosive wide outs. Hawkins along with the other two QB's will benefit greatly from another offseason of learning, an offensive scheme that plays towards the team's strengths (unlike last year's spread offense disaster), a healthy and more experienced group of linemen and a couple new playmakers at wideout.

One thing is for sure, I believe more than ever, this year's competition is as wide open as possible. I wrote a breakdown of each player after the jump but it sounds so similar to what we have been saying for a year that if you want to read it, go ahead. Before that, though, I thought I would put things we should watch for this spring regarding the progression of each quarterback.

Cody Hawkins - it is not the spring practice results we want to see, it is the game day success. The reason Hawkins has been the starter for two years is his ability to show leadership and knowledge of the playbook in practice over the other options. Unfortunately, I think we know what we get in Cody Hawkins and I think it is fair to say, his growth is much more dependent on the maturation of others around him, not necessarily things he can work on day in and day out. If this team is healthy around him, he may be the most knowledgeable and stable option the Buffs have at quarterback to run the ship. If their is anything we need to see from Hawkins is his ability to finish plays and make plays out of nothing. This offense lacked any real playmaking ability out of their quarterbacks last year.

Tyler Hansen - Hansen is probably the quarterback with the most to gain this spring. He will be like a freshman all over again, learning the playbook, gaining the trust of the coaching staff and teammates, etc. Luckily, he does have some experience from last year in all of those categories. What Hansen needs to build upon is the cerebral part of the game. If we see Hansen making audibles at the line, making all the throws, going through progression-based bootlegs, then we can say his camp was successful. Like all quarterbacks, Hansen will be learning a new offense that will challenge his comfort level. When I go to the practices and scrimmages, the main thing I will be watching for is Hansen's poise and confidence in the pocket. If he stands in their, delivers the ball promptly to receivers, doesn't vacate the pocket quickly (happy feet), then we are looking at the emergence of a confident, well-studied quarterback.

Matt Ballenger - like Hansen, Ballenger has a ton to gain this offseason. Hansen and Ballenger will be the flavor of choice for the fans and maybe even the coaching staff. This offense needs a jump start in the all important fourth year for Dan Hawkins and he may look to the sophomores for the spark. Ballenger has a more unknown task to fans. We really don't know much about him other than he is a bigger quarterback (6'4" 225 pounds), has decent mobility and a good arm. Much has been made of Ballenger's assertiveness and "too nice of a guy" approach so far. It will be important for Ballenger to start to display more leadership this spring and start to command the offense, not just go through the motions. Other than that, Ballenger's confidence and pocket presence will also be worth watching this spring. Like Hansen, he is still young and has a lot to learn about the college game.

For more thoughts, read after the jump...

Here is something we talked about a month ago (I made a few adjustments):

Now on to the meat. I believe Cody's development was stunted by the injuries and the youth of this team but I also think/know that Cody is limited. Nothing new by that statement.

Defining the qualities of each guy, Hansen and Ballenger both have measurables that Cody doesn't necessarily have and Hawkins has leadership qualities and is a gamer that we have yet to see from the other two.

QB Qualities:

Hansen - has the ability to run, adds a dimension, has a good arm that was shown in practice but wasn't confident enough to let it rip because he was young and had his hands tied when it came to having a full playbook at his disposal. he wasn't ready last year and didn't have enough practice to understand the progressions, the reads and the defense he was going against. The good thing is now Hansen will get his reps with the first team and will now be fully emerged in the playbook. That makes me very optimistic because the one thing holding him back was confidence in his domain at quarterback. Their is nothing more intimidating than playing quarterback with a limited set of plays, a lack of knowledge regarding defensive schemes, not having a feel for the college game. He does have good spin on the ball. He needs to continue to physically mature to go with his mental maturation. Bottom line with both Ballenger and Hansen is both are light year's behind Hawkins in knowledge, leadership and experience. The good thing is both are probably light years ahead of Hawkins in terms of physical characteristics. Bottom line, he has talent but he was a freshman last year. The learning curve will need to be big this offseason. Their is still a ton for us to find out about him.

Hawkins - undoubtedly, the leader of this team. I still think he has decent arm strength but his size gets balls batted down at the line and most importantly, he struggles to find throwing lanes. Again, I think it is unfair to totally place the blame on Hawkins last year considering all the injuries but we have yet to see a ton of playmaking ability from him. We need the potential touchdowns completed against FSU even though he is getting pressured. We need Hawkins to be able to make something happen when the protection breaks down, we need playmaking at the quarterback position...period. The Buffs offense needs the tight end and part of their decline in production is due to Cody not being able to see the entire field. His ability to throw sideline to sideline is a question mark. He had good games against only Iowa State and CSU this year with turnovers and short drives too often plaguing this team. Cody will always leave more to be desired as he isn't flashy but I still want to give him a shot behind a healthy line and some more playmakers this spring and fall. He has other intangibles that aren't necessarily measured by stats but at some point in time, the intangibles need to convert to not having a bottom tiered offense in the Big 12 and wins.

Ballenger - kind of the unknown in this whole process even though a recent article in the Boulder Daily Camera game us some insight into what he needs to improve on to become the Buffs quarterback. Basically, Ballenger needs a fire, a drive from within, a spark. What both Hansen and to a greater degree, Ballenger, has not shown the coaching staff is their ability to lead this team. He has great measurables with good size and height. I would say his arm strength is on par with Hansen. He does have some mobility, certainly more than Hawkins. Like Hansen, he just needs to bring it all together.

The Ralphie Report Prediction: I think I speak for most Buff fans in that we would like Tyler Hansen or Matt Ballenger totake control of the position to see what he brings to the table. Either way, though, we want someone to take the position, not just assume it. We have seen Cody and we like Cody a lot as a person and he will be a great coach one day but we have seen that show. If Cody wins the battle, so be it... we just have to hope experience, playmakers and health provide better results.

Expectations Adjusted: The Colorado Buffaloes Look Lifeless

irish1611 — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:00:13 -0000

How disappointing was yesterday's performance against the Kansas Jayhawks? Let me rephrase that; how disappointing has the 2008 season been so far? So much anticipation coming off a bowl season, a year when recruiting couldn't have been any better and the Buffs were finally going to play with coach Hawkins players. It is hard to even know where to begin to assess this game. Is there even a bright spot on this team? Can you name more than three players wearing black and gold who you feel is really playing great football right now? Only questions fill my mind today. It's gone from anger to sadness to just wanting to sit down with the coaches and ask them a couple of questions. Yes it is hard to coach with all of the injuries, the ineligibility, the coming in to training camp out of shape and the defections but these guys get paid a nice chunk of change to do the things that is not frankly getting done right now. You name it, the Buffs camp isn't doing it. Its starts and never ends with game planning, game day adjustments, player personnel decisions, play calling, schemes and, what should be an easy task of getting this team ready to play. By ready to play I mean show a pulse. Where is the excitement? This was 7 - 9 game at halftime and it just looked like the Buffs were expecting to lose. There is no leadership on this team, nobody trying to get people excited to play football...this team is going through the motions. So if I was granted my 5 minutes with coach Hawkins and the coaches I would ask these questions. I would probably get a cavalier response but at least I would feel better.

Frankly for me, it starts on defense...I know, what?

Coach Hawkins, what is the point of rushing three lineman and allowing a great quarterback to sit back there all day and pick and choose where he wanted to go with the ball? Frankly coach, the only way that you are going to beat teams is win the turnover battle and I don't think the no pass rush scheme is going to force any turnovers? And the whole time while you were rushing three, you once again made a team's weakness (Kansas' rushing game) turn into one of their strengths. Did you not see that Kerry Meier was hurt in the first half and try to blitz like crazy knowing he wasn't a viable option at that time? Don't you think you have to put a defensive scheme out there that will win you ball games and not just keep you in ball games? Frankly coach, you came out in the first quarter and blitzed, I have a hard time figuring out why you stopped. You allowed Todd Reesing to get comfortable back in the pocket and gain confidence. If there is any team in the country who should know what pressure does to a quarterback's play, the Buffs should, I mean look at how Cody is playing these days? Do you realize Kansas had more rushing yards against the Buffs than any other division one team this year?

continue reading the fictious Q&A session after the jump...

Coach Hawkins, is it time to scrap the offensive game plan? I know you don't like to call it the spread offense but whatever you want to call it, I call it the "Last in Every Single Statistical Category in the Big 12" offense. So are we to believe that Baylor, Iowa State and Texas A&M have more capable players on offense than the Buffs do?

Coach Hawkins, what is with all the roll out passes and Cody running backwards when he is trying to throw the ball? I realize you are trying to get Cody the ability to see and avoid some of the rush but you eliminate half of the field when you roll out your quarterback and Cody has shown his arm strength when rolling is not great. Don't you put Matt Ballenger in just so you have a quarterback that can stand in the pocket and deliver the ball to the entire field? This offensive passing game is so perimeter right now that it is pointless for any defense to cover the middle of the field.

Coach Hawkins, I know that the rumor is that Josh Smith didn't play a lot yesterday because of a shoulder sprain but I call fallacy on that assessment. Coach Hawkins, I have seen Josh Smith on the sidelines in the West Virginia game and the Texas game during the second and third quarters. What are you thinking here? I want you to put your prediction cap on and answer this...how many wins would CU have without Josh Smith right now? I will tell you; maybe one. This is far and away the most frustrating point for me because of the fact that he has shown play making ability on a team that has one...Josh Smith...and you refuse to play your play maker.

Coach Hawkins, why waste a year of eligibility on Darrell Scott? He has averaged seven carries a game. The first two games you could make a case that he wasn't in playing shape. The next four he was supposedly injured? Why give Darrell Scott any carries if he is injured? Why even waste his time putting him in for seven carries a game when he could have been red shirting, learning the game, getting stronger. I mean I believe you did Darrell Scott a disservice for not red shirting him. If he is physically not right, you are impeding his confidence and growth as an athlete.

Coach Hawkins, I danced around this in prior questions, but doesn't it feel like all of the offensive passing plays take so long to develop because you are consistently trying to force Cody into successful situations because of his physical shortcomings? What has happened to the quick passes and slant routes and Scotty McKnight and the tight ends. I feel like the Buffs are playing 5 on 11 football. Don't you feel that too?

Coach Hawkins, why does it seem like the Buffs are lacking in the halftime adjustments. I know you were quoted as saying Kansas didn't make any halftime adjustments, they just beat you with what they were doing in the first half. Once again, that is a fallacy. Kansas saw that you were rushing three guys and made the adjustments to run the ball and speed up the offense to tire out your three defensive linemen, allowing Reesing all the time he needed to sit in the pocket or run. The Buffs made a mediocre running back in Jack Sharpe look All Big 12 yesterday.

Coach Hawkins, are the Buffs headed in the right direction? Convince me that you have the coaching staff around you to get this job done. Do you have faith in the scheme and play calling of your offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich?

Coach Hawkins, do you believe that your players enjoy playing football? They sure don't act like they do.

In fairness coach Hawkins, there are a lot of players who are not able to play for whatever reason. Cody gets a lot of pressure and the running game leaves more to be desired. I realize that Cody's physical limitations dictate a lot of your play calling. But tell me coach Hawkins, how much of the excuse is injuries and how much of the excuse is coaching and putting forth a scheme that will give the players you have on the field the best chance of winning? Right now, the Buffs are a broken record on offense where it seems the game plan has not changed in the last three weeks. Every week I write, why is Josh Smith not playing? Why are we playing Darrell Scott for two plays a game? Where is the tight ends in this offense? Where is our leading receiver last year in Scotty McKnight? Why are we accepting turnover filled quarterback play? Why are we not throwing from the pocket? Why is Cody Crawford in the game? Why are we running Patrick Williams on end arounds and not Josh Smith?Are you asking these same questions of your coaching staff? Don't these things get you frustrated?

Lastly Coach Hawkins and more to the point than the last question, are the Buffs headed in the right direction? Convince me that you have the coaching staff around you to get this job done. Do you have faith in the scheme and play calling of your offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich? Are the Buffs going to win another game this year?

Ralphie Report readers...what would you ask Coach Hawkins right now? Vent with me!

The worst part about this year is that I have no reason to believe that the product on the field is going to get any better. I fear that this is the Buffs team that will show up every week and that is a very painful thing to watch. I think there is no way we win next week, no matter how bad Kansas State's defense is. How is the offense ever going to score enough points to keep up with Josh Freeman and Co. Six wins looks like a stretch now.

Be Honest With Me Brothers & Sisters: Colorado Buffaloes Embarrassed by Texas Longhorns

irish1611 — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:54:29 -0000

The Kool-Aid was emptied last week. This week, hope became a hard reality...and it came like a freight truck coming 100 mph down the freeway right into Folsom Field. There were so many things to be disappointed with last night, it made all Buff fans take the big pill that was prescribed for those who still maintained the FSU game was an anomaly. This post will be honest and straight forward. It will be different than other wrap ups because it is not all about X and O's anymore. Don't get me wrong, I still believe this team is headed in a positive direction, we are just so far from the talent that the Big 4 in Missouri, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Texas put on the field. The question is will the Buffs ever have the talent to compete with Texas and Oklahoma? After sitting 20 rows right behind the Texas sideline (unfortunately with a bunch of Texas fans...thanks for selling your tickets to Texas fans CU donors), you see the eye-popping difference between the two teams. I have to tell you Buff fans, there might be one or two players on Colorado that would start/play at Texas. That is a fact. CU's defensive line would be scout players, that includes DT George Hypolite. I like our linebackers but they would be special teams players. C Daniel Sanders and injured OT Ryan Miller might play for the Longhorns but that is it. And do I have to go into our skill players? Texas backup quarterback John Chiles was bigger than our linebackers. And it isn't just bigger for Texas players, it is faster, taller, stronger, tougher and more physical. And they make plays, they are confident, they have an amazing amount of pride in their university and it shows in their performance. I can't say that for Colorado. It is a complete athlete.

It is really hard to look anywhere other than the talent on the field and blame coaching or play calling but once again I am dumbfounded. I know some of you are sick of WR/KR Josh Smith. He almost made a bad safety last night and had bad kickoff return/fumble against FSU but nothing is bad about his offensive game. Last night, Josh Smith was taken out of the game by the coaches and substituted for Cody Crawford until they went 4 WR in the fourth quarter? Smith is CU's leading statistical WR? The Buffs' coaches have voluntarily taken our best play maker off the field for a possession receiver. Unbelievable. The Buffs already have 2 possession receivers out their in Scotty McKnight and Patrick Williams. CU has no field stretch, no deep threat, nobody who can out run the defense when Smith isn't in there. What is going on...am I missing something?

Once again the opposing teams offense showed the Buffs how to do it. First, EWU showed the Buffs how to smoothly execute the spread offense. The Buffs still run it like an erratic fire drill that has no consistency and is starting to become a detriment. Then it was FSU who knew they didn't have a strong QB, just like CU, and they made a point to run the ball. Last night Texas did something beautiful that the Buffs refused to do until a 7 minutes left in the third quarter. Texas got McCoy into rhythm, throwing quick passes to get the ball out of his hands, away from the CU blitzes and into their receivers hands. Texas was moving forward on first down every single time because the ball was out of McCoy's hands early. The Buffs continue to call long developing plays, running that slow play action out of the shotgun and roll out passes that Cody doesn't have the arm strength to throw on a consistent basis. No simple out routes, no screen passes to counter the "pass rush first" Longhorn defensive line. Nothing but plays that took forever to develop. Time for CU to watch how OU runs the spread offense or is it time to scrap the spread offense? The Buffs aren't physical enough and they don't have the speed to make it work. The offense doesn't feature the running game enough (the strong part of this team) while it over features the quarterback (the weakest part of this team).

Now for the impending quarterback controversy. A couple of weeks ago, I think one our members was calling for Matt Ballenger and I dismissed it. I am here to say I was wrong. I am wrong not on the basis that Ballenger looked decent against a second team Texas team and not because I think Ballenger can do much better than Hawkins. I was wrong because it cannot get much worse. I have been a big supporter of Cody Hawkins but he is not going to get it done. Great kid, great perspective, good football...not physically big enough to do it in the Big 12. Cody went 13 - 33 and 118 yards with one TD and one fumble. Too many balls batted down, too many easy throws missed, too much of an altered game plan to get it done. Too many mistakes and turnovers like the fumble last night where he just dropped the ball on the broken play for fumble that led to 7. It's hard to say that because I like the kid but this team needs a jump start and Cody just isn't going to take this team to where they need to go.

Among other thoughts...was K Aric Goodman wearing some sort of copper/gold colored shoes last night? That is embarrassing especially when you miss 3 field goals. Make those, the game is probably 14 - 9 heading into half time and who knows at that point. Add a kicker to the need list. And whoever game him the nickname "Money" needs to rethink that immediately to more like "Practice Player." Nothing drives me up the wall more than kicking problems. That being said, the play calling on the series before being forced to kick the field goal was confusing. The Buffs threw the ball 7 of the 9 times? Two were forced by a holding call but still the Buffs tried to get cute again with subpar talent. Do we need to start questioning Coach Hawkins game day coaching now? It is probably unfair right now due to the talent disparity between Texas and Colorado? If anything, the play calling is not strong right now. The CU offense is anemic. I thought the defense came out with a good game plan, blitzing a lot and at least trying to attack Texas early. Shaun Mohler was active, Brad Jones got to McCoy early and the Buffs forced a couple of meaningful turnovers. There was actually some movement up front. The first touchdown was a great play by McCoy who really impressed me with his zip on the ball and his complete control of the offense. Nothing the CU defense could really do about that one. The offense continues to put the defense in horrible spots.

Now looking at Texas. Good team...I don't think a great team. I still think this defense can be beaten and the offensive line was not extremely impressive to me. The Buffs were able to get some pressure and Colt McCoy won't have that much running room against a faster defense like OU. I believe the OU vs Texas game is not within 14 points. Yes, if Texas fans read this, you can beat me up now but the OU team is scary good.

Now to the fans. I am ashamed to be a CU fan this morning not because of the play on the field but because of the students. I realize we have students who read this report and we thank you. But hopefully you weren't one of the people/idiots throwing shirts on the field, right in front of recruits, all night long. And then you leave in the 3rd quarter. I am in my mid 20's so don't call me an old fart. I don't see Texas or OU (the class of the Big 12) throwing items on the field on a regular basis like Boulder fans do. The fans not in the student section don't stand up. Luckily or unluckily on other fronts, there were a lot of Texas fans in my section so the complaining fans who yelled at them to sit down in the first quarter where forced to finally stand up as they refused.

I don't like to judge an entire group based on a couple of fans but I had the most annoying Texas fans around me that at one point I got up told this lady that she should stop saying "Colt McCoy was better than Mark Sanchez from USC so Colt should win the Heisman" because she was embarrassing Texas fans. A couple of them then asked the others around them whether this game counted or not in the season standings or do the games start counting only when Texas plays OU. All of the Texas fans were good for in my section was putting their horns up and singing that fight song. The best part is how Texas fans have "OU sucks" worked into their songs. Should be more like "OU owns us." I think Texas fans successfully turned 50,000 CU fans into Oklahoma fans next week. Yeah, bitter CU fan here, say what you want but I wasn't very impressed with the supposed great football IQ of Texas fans? Texas fans shouldn't be impressed with CU fans either so I guess it cancels itself out.

Either way, Texas worked the Buffaloes this weekend. A darn good football team beat an athletically challenged Buffaloes team. The Buffs better get something to click quick or this could be a 5 win season before we know it. Buffs can take nothing positive from this one. The coaching staff needs to shake it up to get a fire under this team. Thanks to Burnt Orange Nation for the Q&A session this week. Buffs take on Kansas this week...could be another long day. At least we don't have to watch it in person.

The Kool-Aid Has Been Emptied - Florida State Seminoles Beat the Colorado Buffaloes

irish1611 — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:22:50 -0000

I didn't see that one coming yesterday...just like Hawkins' fumble on the first possession of the game, I got blindsided. I guess I was sipping the Kool-Aid, I guess we all kind of were except a few of you brave souls that picked Florida State on The Ralphie Report to win the game. I remember asking the question, "how does anyone possibly think the Florida State Seminoles will score 20 points on the Colorado Buffaloes this weekend." I got blindside. The 'Noles actually scored 39 points in a way that I didn't see coming because, once again, I was sipping the Kool-Aid. All the signs were there. All three phases of the game were disappointing yesterday. The offense left points on the field and continually let opportunities slip away or should I say " over throw" away. Special teams gave up big play after big play while missing field goals and dropping kickoffs that led to 12 points for FSU. And the defense, although probably won't get a lot of the blame because the two first phases did nothing to help them, really disappointed me from a game plan standpoint. The Buffs let Florida State run for 259 yards! 259 yards when all we wanted FSU to do was throw the ball with Christian Ponder who still showed his sub par ability going 10 - 22. Even the refs "played" bad for the Buffs, missing three reviewable calls and what I believe/know/blatantly saw was a holding on LB Michael Sipili on the 60 yard touchdown run by FSU RB Antone Smith. The point is nothing went the Buffs way, better said; the Buffs didn't get out of their own way. This game was a missed opportunity that the Buffs let slip away. This Florida State team was not better than the Buffs, the Buffs did not capitalize while FSU made enough plays to win the game.

Hopefully you have read the Neil Woelk article in the Daily Camera this morning. It is an excellent piece and if I wasn't washing my sorrows away, it is exactly what I am feeling. I really like Woelk's approach. He is honest unlike the other writers at the Camera who sugar-coat their articles so they don't offend Colorado.

Yesterday, someone commented yesterday during our live game thread (which was great yesterday...thanks to all of those who came out) that "if you said the Buffs would be 3 - 1 after four games, we would have all been happy." But Woelk feels the same way I do right now and probably the same way you do:

First, the realistic look: Nobody expected anything better than 3-1 after Colorado's first four games this year.

The general consensus was that CU would win the first two and hope for a split in the West Virginia-Florida State stretch.

That's exactly what happened.

Now the bottom line: Never has a realistic perspective looked so sour.

Sour...more like fortunate to be 3 - 1. Yesterday I deemed "the answer game" because all of our questions were supposed to be answered. None of my questions were answered and I have somehow compiled a couple more questions...more poignant and direct to this team's success. Now that we have a loss, Buffs fans can now look back and be honest with themselves. I find myself wondering if we have the play makers on offense to get it done? Let me rephrase that: Do the Buffs have the ability to make plays when they have the opportunity? Do we have the talent yet to get it done? The Buffs looked slow yesterday, looked less physical and looked a little timid. The writing on the wall was there; the Buffs escaped with wins the previous two weeks against teams they shouldn't have struggled with in Eastern Washington and West Virginia. The Buffs got beat yesterday by a FSU team that is in disarray and will struggle in the ACC. The worst part is that they should have beaten FSU. Neil Woelk hits it on the head again:

Saturday, the Buffs walked away knowing they should have beaten Florida State. This was a squandered opportunity that will haunt the Buffaloes for the rest of the season-- if not longer.

Once again, not trying to disrespect an opponent but FSU fans can still not feel great about their team after yesterday.

Now to the question on everyone's mind: what to do with Cody Hawkins. You really couldn't play a much worse game at quarterback than Hawkins did yesterday except if your an FSU quarterback against Wake Forest but the Buffs defense did force them to throw which was frustrating in its own right.

Truth is, Hawkins has not had a good year. The youngster who showed plenty of promise down the stretch last year has struggled this season. Until Saturday, the Buffs had managed to overcome those struggles.

Their luck ran out Saturday. Three different times, Hawkins missed open receivers on plays that would have either put the Buffs in scoring position or put them in the end zone. Any one of those plays would have given CU the lead, put the Seminoles on their heels and changed the complexion of the entire game.

Those three passes were inexcusable. Make even one of those plays and this is a different game. I will tell what the problem is: confidence. If you are confident as a quarterback, you deliver the ball with a purpose. The three passes that Cody missed on and the floater to Smith on the 5 yard line that got knocked away had one distinct similar characteristic: a ball thrown will the hope of getting there not like a confident quarterback would thrown it. Arm strength, smarm strength. Deliver the ball like you mean it Cody, not like a shot put trying to guide it in there. I know Cody Hawkins can make those throws but in crunch time that is a different question.

As for the calls to get Cody out. I have a very strong opinion about this one. Absolutely not. If we had a viable quarterback in the waiting, I would be the first to stand up and say put him in. But we don't. Calling for the back-up quarterback is the easiest thing to do but their is a reason he is a back-up quarterback. I have been to a lot of practices and scrimmages; enough to know that I don't believe Matt Ballenger or Nick Nelson will ever take a meaningful snap in their Division 1 football careers. I think the Freshman Tyler Hansen might be a player but he is too green. The Buffs are getting a "Tim Tebow like" player in Clark Evans and a true pocket passing quarterback in Jordan Wynn as 2009 commits. Once again they are probably two years away from playing. That being said, Cody Hawkins will be the Buffs starting quarterback for the foreseeable future.

All the blame shouldn't fall on the quarterback either as Woelk says. The special teams were horrendous yesterday. Missing field goals, dropping balls, missing tackles, giving up touchdowns. Sloppy sloppy sloppy.

So where do we go from here Buffs fans. It really hurts that OT Ryan Miller is out 4 - 6 weeks (I think it will be more...I don't know how you return from a broken ankle and be ready to play in 4 - 6 weeks without conditioning while carrying 300+ lbs on a 6'7" frame). The depleted depth on the offensive line will not make the Big 12 schedule easy and will probably cost the Buffs a win before it is all said and done. I thought the offensive line played relatively well yesterday, picking up big blitzes and only making one really bad play which was the Everette Brown sack and fumble on the third play of the game. The sad thing about yesterday for as bad as the Buffs played, you can circle 3 plays (two overthrows and a kickoff return for a TD) and say if the Buffs make them (not hard plays to make), they win this game even with the poor officiating. Still doesn't make me feel any better about next week against Texas because I don't know if the special teams will improve or if we can count on Cody Hawkins to be the confident quarterback we need him to be. The good is that CU returns to Folsom, the bad is UT is rolling right now. The good is that FSU is probably the best defense CU plays all year (anyone else not that impressed with FSU on defense...I wasn't particularly) but FSU will have the worst offense we face all year.

The great thing about college football is their is always next week. The game film will be painful to watch for this team. A lot of players will have to answer the call. The question that will need to be answered next week is do they have the ability to make the play when needed. All I know is Cody needs to make us all forget about "those three passes" or else that is what we will remember for a long time.

2005 - 2008 Colorado Offensive Production
Stat	2008	2007	2006	2005
Total Offense	318 ypg	378 ypg	291 ypg	333 ypg
National Rank	95th	72nd	102nd	88th
Big 12 Rank	12th	10th	12th	8th

Rushing Offense	125 ypg	144 ypg	173 ypg	110 ypg
National Rank	87th	69th	22nd	99th
Big 12 Rank	10th	8th	5th	9th

Passing Offense	194 ypg	234 ypg	118 ypg	223 ypg
National Rank	80th	53rd	116th	59th
Big 12 Rank	11th	10th	12th	6th

Scoring Offense	20 ppg	27 ppg	16 ppg	24 ppg
National Rank	100th	62nd	107th	78th
Big 12 Rank	12th	10th	12th	9th

Pos	Name	Injury	Last Year Production	Status
OG	Blake Behrens	*shoulder surgery	769 plays (12 gms), 3rd most on OL	Limited
FB	Jake Behrens	*knee surgery	Played in 12 gms, 2 TD, 75 yds receiving	Full Go
CB	Cha'pelle Brown	*shoulder surgery	starter, 4th in tkles, 1st in int, best DB in 08	Full Go
CB	Jalil Brown	*shoulder surgery	started 12 gms, 7th in tkles, 4 break ups	Limited
CB	Ben Burney	shoulder surgery	2007 starter, 2008 injured	Full Go
DT	Curtis Cunningham	*shoulder surgery	Productive true frosh, 12 games, 2TFL, 1 int	Limited
PK	Jameson Davis	*knee surgery	Kickoff guy and limited FG action	Out
WR	Jason Espinoza	broken collarbone	Potential special teams returner	Full Go
TE	Riar Geer	*shoulder surgery	Starting TE, 13 receptions, 2 TD's	Limited
OG	Devin Head	*shoulder surgery	Played in 11 games, 4th most plays on Oline	Limited
OG	Mike Iltis	knee surgery	Potential starter, hurt in offseason drills	Limited
ILB	Jon Major	knee surgery	Blue chip recruit, injured offseason drills	Limited
WR	Ryan Maxwell	shoulder surgery	Walkon	Full Go
OT	Ryan Miller	broken fibula	Starting RT before getting hurt in FSU game	Full Go
S	Ray Polk	shoulder surgery	Blue chip recruit, redshirt last year	Out
WR	Markques Simas	*finger surgery	Ineligible last year, talent to be big time player	Full Go
RB	Rodney Stewart	leg/ankle	08 leading rusher as a freshman, 669 yds	Full Go
OG	Max Tuioti-Mariner	torn ACL	Starter as a true freshman, hurt in practice	Out
TE	Luke Walters	stress fracture	Walkon	Out
QB	Cameron Wright	*shoulder surgery	Walkon	Limited
*denotes offseason surgery