SB Nation - Anthony Wright

WR Markques Simas' Emergence Bodes Well for the Future

irish1611 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:20:15 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Riedel - AP

For the past two years and most of year three, we heard the rumors of redshirt sophomore WR Markques Simas' potential. Apparently, he was making the first team defense look silly on the scout team and once he dedicated himself both on and off the field, he would be something special. After Simas was ruled ineligible last year and suspended for the first two games of this season for an off-the-field incident, many Buff fans wondered if this would be another one of those players who was highly recruited that wouldn't pan out.

Simas, in his third year at Colorado, finally caught his first ball and touchdown against West Virginia. The next four games, the 6'2" 215 pound receiver never had more than three receptions in any single game. But then November rolled around...and something seemed to click between the receiver and his quarterback Tyler Hansen.

The last three weeks, Simas has been everything Buff fans dreamed for and more, turning in performances that bring back memories of top flight receivers of the past. Colorado fans have been clamoring for a bona fide number one receiver for a while now. Going back to 2004, Colorado's leading receiver has not gone over 600 yards and in two of those years, the Buffs leading receiver had 226 yards and 449 yards.

Just in the month of November, Markques Simas has 25 receptions and 355 yards. If he kept that production up over a full season, he would total 100 receptions, 1,412 yards and 8 touchdowns. Now that is a #1 receiver. It is clear Hansen and Simas have developed a nice report.

As you can see from the chart below (for optimal viewing, click the "wide view" button on the top right of the page), Simas ranks 10th in the nation for yards/game in the month of November among all receivers. He is surrounded by some pretty good company as well:

Top Receivers for the Month of November
#	Name	Team	Yr	Pos	G	Rec.	Yards	Avg.	TD	Rec./G	Yards/G
1	Danario Alexander	Missouri	SR	WR	3	34	587	17.26	5	11.3	195.7
2	Damaris Johnson	Tulsa	SO	WR	3	41	475	11.59	1	13.7	158.3
3	Antonio Brown	C Mich	JR	WR	2	24	299	12.46	2	12.0	149.5
4	Greg Salas	Hawai'i	JR	WR	3	34	435	12.79	3	11.3	145.0
5	Freddie Barnes	BGSU	SR	WR	3	30	428	14.27	5	10.0	142.7
6	Jordan Shipley	Texas	SR	WR	3	27	427	15.81	4	9.0	142.3
7	Golden Tate	Notre Dame	JR	WR	3	27	368	13.63	3	9.0	122.7
8	Emmanuel Sanders	SMU	SR	WR	3	21	364	17.33	4	7.0	121.3
9	Shay Hodge	Miss	SR	WR	3	19	363	19.11	3	6.3	121.0
10	Markques Simas	Colorado	SO	WR	3	25	355	14.2	2	8.3	118.3

It would be disrespectful not to mention the stellar play of WR Scotty McKnight. He catches a bad wrap because he is not a game breaker but McKnight has been solid and has led the Buffs in receiving yards for the past three seasons, something that should not be forgotten. McKnight has put up some amazing numbers in his three year career at Colorado. He has caught at least one pass in 34 straight games, a Colorado record, meaning he has caught a pass in every game he has played in. He ranks sixth in the Big 12 with 779 receiving yards in 2009, which is 44th in the nation.

Combine McKnight and Simas with Michigan transfer Toney Clemons and next year, this looks like a potential unit of strength. Also, don't forget 2009 signees Jarrod Darden, Terdema Ussery, Will Jefferson and Andre Simmons should be up to speed and challenging for playing time next year. It is not known whether WR/CB Anthony Wright will remain on the offensive side next year but if he does, that is another athlete that could make a difference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Statistical Look - Colorado Buffaloes vs. Texas Longhorns

irish1611 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:07:34 -0000


	National	Conf	Actual	Category	Actual	Conf	National
Advantage	Rank	Rank	Actual	Category	Actual	Rank	Rank
Texas	109	11	93.75	Rushing Offense	207.3	4	21
Texas	109	12	103.2	Passing Efficiency	149.6	7	28
Texas	27	6	261.3	Passing Offense	314	3	9
Texas	77	12	355	Total Offense	521.3	2	4
Texas	71	10	25.75	Scoring Offense	49.5	1	1
Texas	91	12	2.5	Sacks Allowed	1	4	17
Colorado	54	6	207.3	Pass Defense	212.3	7	65
Texas	111	12	201.5	Rushing Defense	47.25	1	2
Texas	106	12	148.1	Pass Efficiency Defense	97.96	3	18
Texas	102	12	408.8	Total Defense	259.5	2	11
Texas	86	12	28	Scoring Defense	15.25	4	19
Texas	T-30	6	2.5	Sacks	3	4	11
Texas	60	10	5.75	Tackles For Loss	8	2	8
Texas	T-78	9	-0.25	Turnover Margin	0.75	5	T-36
Colorado	70	9	35.67	Net Punting	35.07	10	78
Texas	106	12	3.82	Punt Returns	13.92	2	22
Texas	30	5	25.05	Kickoff Returns	37.25	1	2

Not much to say here. The 102nd ranked defense (against West Virginia, Colorado State, Toledo and Wyoming) will play the top scoring offense in the country today. If the Buffs have any chance, that 102nd ranked defense will have to play more like they did in two consecutive drives in the third quarter against West Virginia, probably there two best defensive outputs of the year. Game was on the line still, the Buffs defense came out and got positive plays on first down, stopped the run and was able to apply pressure on Jarrett Brown in passing situations. It won't be as easy today but once again, putting Texas into second and long situations to start drives and then getting solid corner back play on passing situations with a healthy dose of Marcus Burton and B.J. Beatty from the linebacker position is crucial. Sounding like a broken record, Ron Colllins' unit needs to limit the big play. The numbers are astonishing: According to Dave Plati of the Colorado SID, CU has allowed 1,635 yards in its first four games, on 260 plays (6.3 per); that includes 23 plays of 20 yards or more (13 pass/10 rush), 11 of those for 40 or more. Those 23 plays have accounted for a whopping 962 yards; when adding in 18 other plays of 10 yards or more, the count rises to 1,205 yards. It translates to 16 percent of the opponent plays (41 of 260) having accounted for 74 percent of the yards.

The Buffs certainly need more defensive possessions like these two:

West Virginia at 10:02		COLO	WVU
1st and 10 at WVU 23	Tavon Austin rush for 4 yards to the WVirg 27.	17	21
2nd and 6 at WVU 27	Noel Devine rush for 2 yards to the WVirg 29.
3rd and 4 at WVU 29	Brown sacked by Chap Brown and Burton for a loss of 16
4th and 20 at WVU 13	Scott Kozlowski punt for 55 yards
DRIVE TOTALS: WVirg drive: 3 plays -10 yards, 02:07 WVirg PUNT

West Virginia at 4:31		COLO	WVU
1st and 10 at WVU 47	Jarrett Brown pass incomplete to Tavon Austin.	17	21
2nd and 10 at WVU 47	Jarrett Brown sacked by Marcus Burton for a loss of 12
3rd and 22 at WVU 35	Jarrett Brown sacked by Chapelle Brown for a loss of 16
4th and 38 at WVU 19	Scott Kozlowski punt for 47 yards
DRIVE TOTALS: WVirg drive: 3 plays -28 yards, 01:50 WVirg PUNT

Offensive look for the Buffs after the jump...

I have looked for trends for this Colorado offense and it is hard to tie any sequences together that lead to success. But back to the big play talk we had for the defense, the offense has had two plays over forty yards and those plays belong to WR Andre Simmons and WR Anthony Wright. Two players who Buff fans are dying to see on the field more. Coach Eric Kiesau indicated this week that Anthony Wright is progressing and should hopefully receive more opportunities with the undertone that Andre Simmons has not really done enough in practice to suggest that he is ready to go at a high level. If they do decide to give Anthony Wright some time at receiver today and Markques Simas can get some featured time away from Scotty McKniight, the Buffs may be starting to get that receiver balance Buff fans have been callling for since the Colorado State game.

A big problem with this offense, in my opinion, is the ability to stretch the opposition's defense. Right now you have a defense that is not playing in a back peddle. They are sitting in a 15 yard box and only moving forward not backword. I don't care who you are, when your team lacks any threat to go beyond the 15 yard level, your offense will be ranked dead last in the Big 12. Throw a fast and aggressive Texas' defense at the Buffs' offense and that could be big trouble if the Buffs don't find a way to get those safeties and cornerbacks in a back peddle. Texas is going to do what every team in the Big 12 is going to do to the Buffs this year: make Cody Hawkins beat them. Mack Brown has made it clear in his press conferences this week that they are heavily focused on the Colorado running game. The only way Colorado's offense has success today is if they come out and can rattle of a few big plays and loosen the defense. A five yard offensive game plan early will lead to a big Texas rout.

The Buffs have nothing to lose. Everyone expects the score to be around 55 to 14. Take your shots early and try to make the Texas defense adjust and allow your offense to operate in some space.

Gameday Buff Bites - Colorado Buffaloes vs. Texas Longhorns

irish1611 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:44:18 -0000

Woelk: Big 12 need not be waste for Buffaloes - Buffzone
I love Neill Woelk's spirit and optimism. The nine days off since the Buffs' last game against West Virginia has given Woelk the opportunity to rationalize that the Buffs' conference season hasn't even started and there is time to be successful. It is true, conference play hasn't started yet but one thing I don't necessarily agree with, and I may catch some flack for it, I am not in the general consensus of CU fans that a respectable showing would be satisfying and that a respectable showing would be defined as anything north of the 33 point spread. I can't rationalize moral victories at this point, maybe after year one or two, not year four...that is a hard notion for me to submit to. There are only two options in my head for the rest of the year's results and one of them is win. The other one I will keep a secret because it is depressing.

Start over.
....
But despite their disappointing 1-3 start, despite the tumult that swirls around the program, Dan Hawkins` Buffs still have plenty to play for in their final eight games. The Buffs are 0-0 in the Big 12. That means the chance to make a dent in the Big 12 North standings is within their grasp. It means a chance to improve, the chance to establish something resembling consistency and continuity remains. And it means they need to begin heading that direction in a hurry. Nobody outside of the Buffs` locker room is expecting Colorado to win tonight (did we mention the 33-point spread)? The general consensus among CU fans is that a respectable showing -- i.e., anything north of the point spread -- would be a start.

Woelk calls for the Buffs to go to a short passing game featuring playmakers at wide receiver. He singles out Andre Simmons, Markques Simas and Anthony Wright as those playmakers that need to be able to work with the ball in their hands.

Amen, brother.

Young CU Buffaloes looking for fast start against No. 2 Longhorns - The Denver Post
Now here is a quote I can get behind. The best thing for Buff fans today is to see a team play with an attitude and get after the Longhorns physically.

"It's important for us to get out and play physical with Texas, right from the beginning," Buffs LB Marcus Burton said. "It sets a tone for ourselves, and for them. We have to come out of the gates fast."

and our favorite reoccurring quote:

"Darrell had a great week of practice," Hagan said. "I'm expecting big things from both Speedy and Darrell. We should be able to roll a little bit."

Buffs looking to begin again - The Longmont Times-Call
This about sums it up...as the Buffs look to begin again:

Texas leads the Big 12 in scoring; CU is last in scoring defense. Texas has gained the second-most yards; CU has given up the league’s second-highest total. The Buffs have amassed the league’s fewest yards; Texas’ defense allows the second fewest. Texas has a Heisman contender at quarterback; the Buffs have Hawkins. CU is a 321/2-point underdog.

Buffs face long odds vs. Longhorns - Buffzone

If the Buffs can surprise the nation by keeping things close and playing a competitive game from beginning to end, it could be used as evidence that Hawkins is on the right track, despite unexpected setbacks earlier this season against the likes of Colorado State and Toledo. If the Hawkins skeptics and Las Vegas wagering gurus are proved correct, it will undoubtedly fuel the Fire Dan Hawkins movement that began to rumble a month ago. "I`ve never been real big believer, long term, in extrinsic motivation," Hawkins said of being such a big underdog. "I think every sports psychologist would tell you that`s not the road to go down. Ultimately at the end of the day, it`s about your own self-efficacy and being able to get your 'A` game on regardless of who you play and where you play or what the situation is. Whether you`re favored or not favored, you better have a healthy respect for the other team and yourself and understand the variables that go into it. I just think that`s what all great coaches and all great players and all great teams aspire to do."

The Daily Texan - Colorado running game will test defense

It is hard for me to keep a straight face when Mack Brown says that the Colorado running game will give the Longhorns a good test today. Maybe they will through the first 10 minutes of the game but then Air Hawkins.

"[They] are very much like us. Each back does something a little better than the others," said Texas head coach Mack Brown. "The big question mark on our defense …is, can we stop the run? We haven’t had the test yet. The way people beat you is they keep the ball. We cannot let Colorado come in and run the ball."

While the Buffaloes’ offensive numbers don’t look impressive, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry and ranking second to last in rushing in the Big 12, Texas is more concerned with proving its run-stuffing ability before facing more-daunting competition the rest of October.

Colorado program has a long way to go
Yes we know:

The Colorado athletic department has operated in the black the last three years even though basketball produces little and the department's annual budget of $46.5 million ranks no higher than 10th in the Big 12. Financially, Colorado has long been fighting those "enterprises that gobble up resources," as Bohn calls them. Throw in the added challenges of trying economic times, athletic facilities in dire need of upgrade like the 30-year-old Coors Events Center that the school's basketball and volleyball teams share, an $8 million loan the athletic department is repaying the university over 10 years and an angry alumni base, and Bohn is facing the Olympics of obstacles.

The Daily Texan - Top recruits who didn't pick Texas have been unlucky

Longhorns know this is one they're supposed to win | Texas College Main List | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

"This is an older team, so we can tell them the truth," Mack Brown said. "We can be direct with them."

Texas-Colorado position matchups

Colorado's run offense vs. Texas' run defense The Buffaloes would like to get their running game going, behind Rodney Stewart. He's averaging 90 yards a game and is coming off a 105-yard performance. The Longhorns are second-best in the country defending the run, allowing only 47.25 yards per game. Edge: Texas

Game Day Notes - CuBuffs.com

The Colorado Buffaloes (1-3, 0-0 Big 12) open conference play this Saturday, October 10, traveling to Austin to face the No. 2 Texas Longhorns (4-0, 0-0 Big 12) in a 5:15 p.m. MDT kickoff at Memorial Stadium (100,119) … The game will be televised nationally on ESPN, with Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analysis) and Erin Andrews (sideline reporter) to call the action.

Game Day Notes - Texas Longhorns

The Longhorns have had great success following regular-season bye weeks in recent years. Since Mack Brown took over the program in 1998, the Horns have posted a 14-4 (.778) record following regular-season bye weeks. The only defeats came against Texas A&M (38-30, 2007; 12-7, 2006; 20-16, 1999) and versus Arkansas in 2003 (38-28). If you include bowl games, in which Brown is 8-3 at Texas, the Horns have posted a 22-7 (.758) mark in the last 11 years when they’ve had at least one extra week to prepare.

Brooks: Buffs Know McCoy's The Real Deal - CUBuffs.com

Good luck. McCoy is averaging 286.2 yards passing per game (fourth in the Big 12) and 301.5 yards in total offense (fifth). He's accounted for 10 touchdowns (nine passing, one rushing) in an offense that leads the nation in scoring (49.5 points a game) and is second in total yardage (545.2 a game).

Buffs-Longhorns matchups - Buffzone

CU’s Smart a true player - The Longmont Times-Call

Tuesday Buff Bites - Texas Thinks Colorado's Running Game Will Test Them (Me Laughing)

irish1611 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:22:46 -0000

Colorado should provide tuneup for UT run defense | College Sports | Star-Telegram
Apparently Mack Brown thinks the Colorado running game will give the Longhorns their first real test of the season. Well, Mack, if you plan on scoring any points in the first quarter, you won't see much of a running game the rest of the game because the Colorado coaches like to throw the ball 50+ times with Cody Hawkins instead of run the ball, even when they are not that far behind (see Colorado State - 40 attempts and West Virginia - 54 attempts). Yes, Cody Hawkins has averaged 46.5 attempts per game, sixth in the college football. If you would have told me that stat before the beginning of the season, I would have said the Buffs would be 0 - 4. Luckily, we had Wyoming on our schedule. With a 31.5 point spread, I am sorry Mack, but this week won't be your tune up:

Although the Colorado ground game lacks statistical success this season, Texas coaches and players view the Buffaloes as a viable litmus test for the Longhorns’ largely untested run defense. Colorado (1-3, 0-0 in Big 12) builds its offense around a power running game, with three backs — Rodney Stewart, Darrell Scott and Demetrius Sumler — sharing the load. No. 2 Texas (4-0, 1-0) ranks second nationally in rushing defense, allowing 47.3 yards per game, but has posted those numbers against teams that run pass-oriented, spread offenses.

CU’s Iltis, Wright ready for Texas | All Things Colorado Sports

Hawkins said reserve wide receiver Anthony Wright (ankle sprain) and starting center Mike Iltis (concussion) will be available for Saturday’s game at No. 2 Texas.

‘Speedy’ recovery - The Longmont Times-Call

Texas leads the Big 12 with 49.5 points a game and is second in yards with 521.2 per. CU is last in scoring defense, allowing 28 points per, and yards allowed, 408.8. The Buffs have produced two plays of 40 yards or more while allowing 11. In its three losses, CU has allowed 20 plays of 20 yards or more. CU has allowed 14 touchdowns from scrimmage from distances that average 28 yards.

Barking Carnival — Blog — Mack Brown compliments Cody Hawkins. I think.

Yes, we actually had Cody here at our camp. He came down and spent time with us. I think Major was coaching him at that time when he was a graduate assistant. Cody is a lot like Colt. He is tough, he’s smart, he makes good decisions, and you’re not going to rattle him. Every time he gets knocked down, he jumps up before they get off the field and he is a very good football player. They are throwing the ball more this year than they did last year, and he’s throwing it at a very high rate.

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Sports - Big 12: Outlook is bleak for North trio

Colorado is in the deepest trouble of all, with the Dan Hawkins hire looking more like a mistake every day. The Buffaloes are carrying millions in athletic debt, and seem to have lost the ace-in-the-hole boosters who can change things quickly. But don't tell me CU can't afford to buy out Hawkins if he posts a fourth straight losing season. CU can't afford not to make a change. If you struggle to recruit and the fan base has lost hope, it takes two years to recover for every year the wrong hire is kept in place.

Hawk: Cody’s interceptions ‘alarming’ | All Things Colorado Sports

"The interceptions, to me, are obviously the most alarming part," Dan Hawkins said. "They’ve all been sort of different, in different cases. His first year, there was a decent amount that came off batted balls, like our guys dropping ‘em. "I do think he’s been pounded a little bit, so I think he has a tendency to get it out (too quickly). This year, I do think some of it has to do with a couple of things: 1) Is him trying to force the issue a little bit. I think also, most of the time when he throws it to Scotty (McKnight), he doesn’t throw a pick. (Cody) has a pretty good idea of where Scotty is going to be and what he’s going to do. That’s part of the whole mixture in there."

Hawkins Quotes From Tuesday Press Luncheon - CUBuffs.com

Brooks: Riddle Retains Confidence In Goodman - CUBuffs.com
Although weekly competition at all positions is standard procedure at Colorado, chances appear good that Aric Goodman will be the Buffaloes' placekicker on Saturday when they visit No. 2 Texas in their Big 12 Conference opener.

LeGarrette Blount, Tate Forcier, Clemson Tigers, LSU Tigers and the art of the apology - ESPN

Falling back: Darrell Scott (27), Colorado. If the hugely touted recruit's freshman season was a disappointment (448 yards from scrimmage in 11 games), his sophomore season has been closer to a disappearance (106 yards from scrimmage in three games).

Buffs' Crawford a bigger big man - Boulder Daily Camera
CU junior added 18 lbs. of muscle in offseason.

Mack Brown Monday Press Conference

CU football primer: the Texas Longhorns - The Denver Post

Colorado-Texas Preview - Oct. 6, 2009 - NCAA Football - CBSSports.com Live GameCenter

Texas hasn't budged in the Top 25 since the preseason poll was released. If the Longhorns can keep it that way through the rest of the regular season, they would have a good chance of playing for the national championship.

Texas' Lamarr Houston morphs into team leader | Dallas Morning News

Neither defensive tackle nor a vocal leadership role came naturally for Lamarr Houston. Now Houston has progressed well enough that he has turned into this season's version of Roy Miller, easing a major Texas concern. Going into Saturday's game with Colorado, Houston is tied for the team lead in tackles-for-loss with five, while ranking second on the team in quarterback pressures (11) and fumbles recovered (two). "If he stays healthy and continues to play like he has the past couple of weeks, he'll make a lot of money," coach Mack Brown said bluntly. "He'll be in the NFL and be a great player."

As Colorado game approaches, UT on guard against overconfidence

If you're a Longhorns player, it's human nature to glance past Saturday's game against Colorado, given what comes next. Then next, and next, all on the road. The one-victory Buffaloes, whom oddsmakers have established as 311/2-point underdogs, should be the easiest team Texas will face until a Nov. 7 home date against Central Florida.

West Virgina Mountaineers vs. Colorado Buffaloes: Keys to the Game

irish1611 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:00:21 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - AP

Browse more photos »

The Colorado Buffaloes have a chance to make some believers out of all of us tonight. A win against an athletic West Virginia team in their own back yard where they are so tough to beat would make everyone reconsider their thoughts on this years' Buffs team. Is this game a must win if Colorado has hopes of going to a bowl game? Like we talked about earlier this week, the number of winnable games is rapidly decreasing to a point where an upset in a game like tonight is probably needed. If the 17 point underdogs have any shot tonight, here are five things that need to happen for the Buffs to walk out of Morgantown with a win.

Hawkins and Co. >>>>>>>>>>>> Bill Stewart and Co.

It all starts and stops for me there. Dan Hawkins showed he could out coach Bill Stewart a little bit last year. The CU staff out-coached the West Virginia staff in the first five minutes of last year's game and held on. To win this year, Dan Hawkins and Co. need to be better in every phase the entire game. When we watch tonight, we need to say many times: "that was a great play call or I really like the blitz in that situation or the Buffs seem to be in the right spots compared to West Virginia." The Colorado Buffaloes are not that far behind West Virginia on talent level, certainly not 17 points worse. It is up to the coaches to get these players ready to go, in the right positions to exceed and out-coach the one and only Bill Stewart. Dan Hawkins has a great opportunity to change the tide of the season tonight. He has been preaching that this squad is still a good football team and that he believes they just need to make a few tweaks. If that is the case, the Buffs need to be ready to go on full cylinders tonight. Make us believe now coach!

Time to Grow Up and Be Aggressive

You ever watch a Florida or an Oklahoma and then watch the Buffs and go, "where is the intensity compared to those other teams?" I know I do. The Buffs need to start playing with an attitude tonight. Part of that falls on Hawkins to instill, which he gets plenty of heat for, but part of that falls on the players and team leaders to motivate themselves. The Colorado Buffaloes need to grow up tonight. If they come out flat, come out lethargic, they will get waxed on national television on the road like they usually do. Is this the night the team steps up and defines change in the program. A few leaders on this team need to answer the call and make sure everyone is ready to go.

Force Turnovers

It has been well documented that the West Virginia Mountaineers lost to Auburn mostly because they turned the ball over five times. West Virginia quarterback Jarrett Brown has thrown 6 interceptions in the last two weeks, five against the Tigers. On the road, winning the turnover battle is crucial and tonight in my mind, the Buffs need to be at +3 in turnover margin to come out victorious.

Jimmy Smith, Cha'pelle Brown, Jalil Brown and Ben Burney: it is time to join the party and make some interceptions. These four players need to make Bill Stewart pay if he chooses to throw the ball against the Buffs. This group in the preseason was picked to be dominant in the Big 12. Tonight would be a good time to start proving that out.

Weather the Tide Early

We know how the Buffs perform when the get behind (Toledo and Colorado State) and we know how they perform when the get ahead (Wyoming). The biggest fear tonight is that the Buffs come out lethargic, West Virginia puts up 14 points early and the Buffs go into a pass frenzy offense. In the Colorado's two losses, the opponent has scored on their opening drive.

The first four series of the game will be crucial. If the Buffs get can get the Mountaineers offense off the field twice and can show some movement offensively, maybe even get an early lead, I like the Buffs chances to keep this game close. Getting in a shoot out earlier against the 10th ranked offense will be a recipe for disaster that the Buffs won't win. Colorado needs to play a game similar to last year, keep West Virginia under 20 - 23 points.

Win the Big Play Battle

Finally, the Buffs must show that they can contain playmakers on defense and on offense, they need to show they have playmakers. The defense will be tasked with kepping Noel Devine in front of them and must pressure Jarrett Brown. Ron Collins will have his work cut out for him in trying to create a scheme for the front seven to acheive the level of containment the Buffs need to be successful (see Keys to the Game #1 above). As for the Buffs offense, the offensive line needs to play up to their full potential tonight and well, it would be nice to see Darrell Scott, Rodney Stewart, Brian Lockridge, Andre Simmons, Anthony Wright and Markques Simas be put in a position to give this offense some explosiveness.

Bottom line - Will this team answer the call or will they fold? They have a big opportunity to get back on track tonight.

Game Day Buff Bites - Colorado Buffaloes vs West Virginia Mountaineers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A lot more links after the jump...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buffs face potent Mountaineers - Boulder Daily Camera

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday Morning Buff Bites - "It's time for CU's inexperienced but talented wide receivers to show their stuff"

irish1611 — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:29:23 -0000

It's time for CU's inexperienced but talented wide receivers to show their stuff - The Denver Post
Tom Kensler of the Denver Post hits the nail on the head with his article title this morning:

Other wide receivers must step up, be it Simmons, true freshman Will Jefferson, former cornerback Anthony Wright or sophomore Mark-ques Simas, a third-year player who finally got on the field for the first time against Wyoming. McKnight believes Thursday night's ESPN game at West Virginia will be a coming-out party for some of them, if not all. Last week's bye allowed for five extra practices and additional time to memorize the plays. "I think all those guys have made a ton of progress, just in the last couple of weeks," McKnight said. "They've been getting a lot of reps in practice. (Coaches) are going to try to work them in more. That's been pretty cool to see."

CU Game Notes: West Virginia - CUBUFFS.com
Dave Plati of the CU sports information department as put out his weekly game notes and he some interesting stats. First, he tries to put a spin on the yards the Colorado defense has given up this year, imploring us to look at the 85% of the plays the Buffs have been on the field and have only allowed 1.9 per play:

This one still works: to say big plays have hurt the Buffaloes would be an understatement, but there was dramatic improvement between games two and three. A young defense has already given up more than its fair share of long plays in 2009, but therein lays some good news as well. CU has allowed 1,230 yards in its first three games, on 199 plays (6.2 per); that includes 19 plays of 20 yards or more (12 pass/7 rush), eight of those for 40 or more. Those 19 plays have accounted for a whopping 755 yards; when adding in 10 other plays of 10 yards or more, the count rises to 899 yards. It translates to 15 percent of the opponent plays (29 of 199) having accounted for 73 percent of the yards, meaning the other 170 plays have netted just 331 yards (or just 1.9 yards per play). Wyoming had just five plays out of 71 gain 10 or more yards.

Here are a few other interesting stats:

Colorado is tied for the nation's lead in red zone offense, scoring at a 100 percent clip (12-of-12); that's the fourth most penetrations of the opponent 20 with all scores: 16 teams are perfect; Texas (23-of-23), Wisconsin (16-of-16) and TCU (13-of-13). Georgia is tied with CU and Arkansas is 11-of-11.

Colorado is 28-19-1 against I-A/FBS opponents in the second game of the series (13-8-1 when a true home-and-home deal). CU's most famous second game with a team? That was on Sept. 26, 1970, when CU ended Penn State's 34-game unbeaten streak with a 41-13 romp in Boulder.

The Daily Athenaeum - Defense wants breakout game

West Virginia’s defense was expected to lead the Mountaineers in 2009. Three games in, though, and it’s been the opposite. While the offense is ranked in the top 10 in total offense in the country, the defense is allowing 27 points per game (83rd in scoring defense). West Virginia has been known for a bend-but-don’t-break style under defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel. But after giving up 41 points in a loss to Auburn in the team’s last game, the Mountaineers have been broken a lot.

Colorado looking forward to visiting WVU - WVU Football - Charleston Daily Mail - West Virginia News and Sports
Head coach Bill Stewart again loves up on Cody Hawkins, hoping that his defense can contain him:

Stewart still admires Hawkins, but isn't as afraid this season and said ball control and a sustained running game aren't the objectives. "We're going to let it go," Stewart said. "We're not going to change our offense. We'll do what we do best and hope our defense can contain him."

Colorado v. West Virginia Preview - MSNSPORTSNET.com

West Virginia inebacker J.T. Thomas, who missed a good portion of last year’s Colorado game with a concussion, leads the Mountaineer defense with 22 tackles and 4 ½ tackles for losses. Corner Brandon Hogan shows 20 stops and two tackles for losses. Defensive end Julian Miller has 2 ½ sacks and four tackles for losses.

MSNsportsNET.Com -- West Virginia University Mountaineers

On injuries Reed Williams had a good practice yesterday. He hit in shells, he ran full speed and he competed in every drill. Scooter ran yesterday, we had him on the sled but he did not hit live. I did not want to see his arm get pulled back. I am hoping Thursday night Scooter can go. Reed Williams is cranked and ready to go.

Colorado's Hawkins has close ties - Post Gazette
Cody Hawkins former high school coach at Bishop Kelly High in Boise talks about the current Buffs quarterback:

One thing is for certain: Brennan knows what makes the younger Hawkins so good and what he does that could give the West Virginia defense fits. "His leadership ability," Brennan said of the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Hawkins. "He has made kids, at all levels he's played, rally around him. Cody understands, and I have never really coached a kid who has done this like him, he understands that everyone needs to be motivated a little differently. Sometimes, there is a kid who you need to really get after and sometimes you need to approach another kid a little differently. He just knows how to do it."

Former Boulder County stars contributing for Buffs - Boulder Daily Camera

Buffs like Burney at safety spot - The Longmont Times-Call

The Learning Curve of the Colorado Offense

irish1611 — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:24:59 -0000

The Longmont Times, CUBuffs.com and the Boulder Daily Camera all had stories today on "the armchair offensive coordinators", how much of a learning curve the new receivers are going through with this read-based offense and basically, how everyone needs to tone back their expectations of Andre Simmons, Will Jefferson and Anthony Wright until they get a firm grasp of the position.

I wish the amount of "learning" going on transferred onto the field more. The Buffs offensive ranking the last four years:

2006: 102nd
2007: 72nd
2008: 95th
2009: 79th

I think it is time to get the playmakers the ball, regardless of how it is done.

Buff fans saw first hand that a true freshman, someone who hasn't been campus for three years, can have success in an offense. Imagine that! His name was Eric Page, the Toledo Rockets true freshman receiver, that "learned" and was coached up in less than one month to torch the Buffs for 138 yards and a score. This year the true freshman has hauled in 21 passes for 320 yards, putting him on pace for 84 receptions, 1,280 yards and 8 touchdowns. All of those statistics against BCS teams - Purdue Boilermakers, Ohio State Buckeyes and the Colorado Buffaloes. You would think a freshman wouldn't be able to "learn and read" those complex defenses of BCS schools. By the way, the Buffs have yet to face a BCS team. That same true freshman named Eric Page is currently 14th in the entire NCAA in receiving yards. Eric Page was named the starter after only three weeks of practice. And just in case you were wondering, Page was a 2-star cornerback/running back/receiver coming out of high school, unranked at any position by the recruiting sites.

Toledo's offense has averaged 442 yards per game against BCS teams. Colorado has racked up 342 yards on non-BCS teams. "Learning curve" gets you every time playing those pesky non-BCS teams!

Anyone else find themselves saying, "how come so-and-so can do it but we cannot" all the time? Yeah, me too.

I am ready for the Buffs to one day surprise, exceed expectations, have someone "learn" faster than usual, have someone make a big play before they are supposed to be ready, have someone be a difference maker, take a chance, live on the edge, create a buzz, score 60 on Wyoming...I am ready for a player to be put in a position like Eric Page and make an impact. I am ready to not have a 70+ ranked offense against non-BCS schools.

The Longmont Times-Call - CU Receivers Catching On

The big play has played a big role in Colorado’s season so far. Unfortunately, they’ve all been on the wrong side of the ball. Through the first three games of 2009, the Buffs have had just two pass plays go for more than 30 yards. It suffices to say that Andre Simmons and Anthony Wright, a pair of speedy CU receivers brought in to boost the Buffs’ receiving, will add to that total this season — but for now, CU fans will have to remain patient while the duo catches up to the offense. "There’s a learning curve, but I’m starting to pick up on things — like where to line up, little things like that," Wright said. "I really think this bye week will help me and Andre get caught up. "There’s a just a lot to learn."

Learning curve steep for CU receivers - Boulder Daily Camera

"I think the hardest thing for me is just to have confidence to know what I`m doing," Jefferson said. "You get these huge play books every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for the whole week and you line up and it`s like, 'Wait a minute. I know this, but is it the right thing?` You just doubt yourself. You know that you know the play, but you just have to have confidence, which is really hard to gain as a true freshman."

Three Linemen Return To Practice - CUBuffs.com
More on the learning curve:

After being asked how hard it is for a wide receiver to come into the program and contribute right away, Hawkins explained that, "there's a lot that goes into it. Even if you try to use them only in certain situations, if we just had them line up in the same formation on the same side of the field every time, there's still adjustments based on coverages and audibles. Then it's a matter of making it not-mechanical where a guy is not a second behind."

Only if we can ever get past this learning curve!

Other non-learning curve and West Virginia Mountaineer links after the jump...

The Buffzone Blog - After further review of the po…

After further review of the post-practice audio, coach Hawkins did say Bryce Givens will play against the Mountaineers.

Redshirting an option for CU guard : All Things Colorado Sports Colorado

Redshirting appears to be an option for Colorado redshirt-freshman guard Max Tuioti-Mariner, who is participating in some individual practice drills this week after returning from two ACL surgeries during the past 12 months. "I know that’s been discussed, with him and by him," CU offensive line coach Denver Johnson said Wednesday. "It’s a little bit above my pay grade to make that decision. But that is an option, I would think. But that’s not my call, so I’m not sure where that will go.’’

Woelk: CU needs to consider risk-reward of scheduling - Boulder Daily Camera
I didn't know their was an agreement to play Colorado State the opening Thursday of the season:

There was a tentative agreement at one point for Colorado and Colorado State to open the season on the Thursday before Labor Day (Sept. 3). That date would have allowed the game to still be televised by FSN (the Rockies had an afternoon game that day), and it would have given the Buffs more than a week of preparation instead of just four days. But the Thursday game was quashed because of faculty concerns, and thus the Sunday-Friday set-up.

Injured Colorado running back Scott makes progress - The Denver Post

Scott won't go through full contact in practice until next week. But he says he'll be ready to go when the Buffs face West Virginia on Oct. 1. Scott has played in two of the Buffs' three games, but has carried the ball just 13 times. However, he has made the most of those carries, rushing for 86 yards, a team-high 6.6 yards per tote. Scott is also looking forward to getting back to returning kicks. "Oh, yeah," Scott said. "I love it."

I hate it! Put Lockridge or someone else back there. We don't need our horse returning kicks after he has had health issues in the past.

Big 12 internal affairs: CU's Stewart provides RB depth - College Football Nation - ESPN
It was certainly good to get Rodney Stewart back last week. He has done nothing but play well, when healthy, in his short collegiate career. Darrell Scott or no Darrell Scott, it is going to be hard to keep him off the field.

The performance of running back Rodney "Speedy" Stewart last week against Wyoming was an obvious indicator of why Colorado’s biggest offensive strength is its deep backfield. And Dan Hawkins has shown no hesitancy to go with different backs as his featured runner depending on game situations. Darrell Scott will get his chances after he becomes healthy, but Stewart is a consistent substitute if the Buffaloes need another feature back.

The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia - WVU getting ball to speedy playmakers Devine and Sanders
West Virginia does a good job getting the ball in their playmaker's hands

West Virginia has had success with its two playmakers on offense, Noel Devine and Jock Sanders. Devine had 128 yards rushing and three touchdowns in last Saturday’s 41-30 loss at Auburn, one fewer than he had all last season. His five through three games is one more than the four he had in 2008. And Sanders is catching the ball at an alarming rate, with 29 in three games, and he is well on pace to break the record for receptions in a season (77 by David Saunders in 1998). His 12 against Auburn tied the game mark, last done by Saunders that same year.

West Virginia must address turnover plague - Big East - ESPN

The Mountaineers currently are last in the Big East in turnover margin at minus-7. That ties them for 116th nationally, ahead of only three other teams in the FBS.....The main culprit, statistically speaking, in the turnover spree has been quarterback Jarrett Brown. Though the fifth-year senior rarely if ever threw picks in spring or fall practice, the regular season has been a different story. He has five interceptions and two lost fumbles his past two games...Yet Brown is still completing 68.5 percent of his passes and has a knack for making big plays even when flushed out of the pocket. Stewart pointed out that the Auburn game was just the quarterback's fifth career start, and his first one on the road.

West Virginia looks to heal after Auburn loss

Quarterback Jarrett Brown, who threw a career-high four TD passes a week earlier against East Carolina, was limited to one TD toss at Auburn, threw four interceptions and bruised his left, non-throwing shoulder when he was slammed to the ground while being tackled late in the fourth quarter. Stewart said. He didn’t indicate whether Brown would start against Colorado (1-2) on Oct. 1. ‘‘As tough as Jarrett Brown is, he would play if he could,’’ Stewart said. ‘‘He’s that kind of tough.’’

Scout.com: Stew's Views: Evolving Offense

Whether those have been the result of the development of big-play receivers like Alric Arnett and Bradley Starks or the gun-slinging ability of quarterback Jarrett Brown, the deep pass has been seen more often through the first three games of this season at WVU than perhaps at any other point this decade.

MSNsportsNET.Com -- West Virginia University Mountaineers

On Colorado I see a lot of talent from this Colorado team. A lot of misfiring, but a lot of talent and it was shown this week against a very tough Wyoming team. They played very hard against Colorado State and Toledo, but they were just misfiring. So I see a talented group of people that beat us last year. They have good running backs, quarterback and receivers says Bill Stewart (West Virginia Head Coach)

Monday Buff Bites: Coach Hawkins Says Reporters Don't Have Kids, Kasa Returns to Practice

irish1611 — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:54:33 -0000

Boy, did Dan Hawkins rile up some reporters. Hawkins, among other things, had this to say about reporters this weekend after the game:

"The only speculation was from you guys," he told reporters. "There was no speculation from my boss, there was no speculation from our big hitters (donors). That speculation came from you guys." OK. Was the week following a 58-34 loss at Toledo disconcerting? "Not at all. I love these guys. I’ve said this many times before. "Unfortunately in this (media) business, there’s not a lot of you that have children. I don’t know why that is. But when you have kids, you love them up. You give them unconditional love. And you hang in there. "And sometimes they flunk science, and sometimes they strike out and sometimes they drop fly balls and sometimes they miss last-second shots. But when you’re a true parent, you’re a true teacher, and you hang in there and you keep believing them and keep working on things, and eventually it turns."

Patrick Ridgell from the Longmont Times and Woody Paige of the Denver Post responded to the comments made by Hawkins in some pretty comical articles. I thought Ridgell's article was very well written and all the "speculation of Hawkins job being in danger" wasn't all on the reporters as Hawkins indicated. It all comes down to this for me: reporters have a job to do. Dan Hawkins has a job to do and he gets compensated probably 10 times more than those reporters do. Hawkins needs to be bigger than the comments he has put out there on paper. Sure, the Ralphie Report criticizes, fans criticized and reporters have questioned what is happening in Boulder but Hawkins needs to be above that, say next question and move on. Just win football games. The program doesn't need comments like this from Hawkins out there, especially when he fires out like this after beating the all powerful Wyoming Cowboys. Fire away after West Virginia, Kansas and Texas.

And for the record, I don't have kids yet, way too young but soon enough and I have played football at a pretty high level so I have been in the arena before. Just an FYI to Coach Hawkins so he knows my standing.

On to the Buffs Bites:

Paige: It's proof positive — Buffs are great - The Denver Post
Woody Paige may or may not have been drunk when he wrote this but here is all you need to know about this article:

Hawkins should have been more pleased than he seemed. (I mentioned in the hallways that he selected this profession. He said it has changed. Dan, you're not in Boise anymore.)

Harried Hawkins fiesty after win - Boulder Daily Camera
More Hawkins quotes:

"I thought it was awesome for our fans," he said. "To show up and over 50,000 people in the stands. Again, you've got everybody flicking dirt on you, and for those people to show up and be supportive and be enthusiastic and cheer and hang to the end, I thought that was awesome.

Dan Hawkins Sounding Like Mike Gundy When It Comes to Sportswriters -- NCAA Football FanHouse
Even FanHouse compares Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy (I'm a man, I'm 40) to Dan Hawkins. If Hawkins would have raised his voice to "it's intramurals brother" levels, it would have gotten just as much pub as the Gundy rant.

But Hawkins wasn't doing much of that. "It's easy to stand outside of the arena and point fingers and say you're not good enough and criticize and be negative,'' he said in his opening remarks after the game. "But, when you're in the arena and you're scrapping, you're never that far away from victory and you're never that far away from defeat. And until you're in the arena, until you've gone through it a time or two, until you've done some things in your life, until you've strived and you've succeeded and you've failed... people don't get that.''

So, evidently, not only do not many sports writers have children, they haven't strapped on helmets and laced up cleats. Hawkins couldn't resist taking dig after dig after the game at all the reporters last week who speculated he was on the hot seat. He lauded the 50,535 fans who showed up even though "you've got everybody flipping dirt on you.'' OK, so the Buffaloes aren't buried yet. But Saturday's win won't result in a lot of shovels being put back in the tool shed.

CU's Kasa Says He'll Practice - The Longmont Times
Welcome back Nick. Now get ready fast!

Nick Kasa still doesn’t know if he’ll play as a true freshman for the Colorado football program in 2009. His decision could be made soon. Kasa said Sunday he will practice Tuesday for the first time since Aug. 17, when he suffered a partially torn MCL in his left knee during pass-rushing drills. CU is listing him as day-to-day.

more Buff Bites after the jump...including an Oregon fan who is getting a little peeved at Mark Helfrich

Why is No One Blaming Helfrich? | Bleacher Report
This Oregon fan compares Jeremiah Masoli to Cody Hawkins and sees a correlation: regression.

Yes, Chip Kelly is still calling the plays, but he is not a man on an island. He’s got a lot of other responsibilities now. As the goducks.com bio for Mark Helfrich states "The Oregon native and the Ducks’ former graduate assistant coach… will concentrate his efforts on the Ducks’ passing attack."

Colorado-Wyoming Quotes - CUBuffs.com—Official Athletics Web site of the University of Colorado
Quotes from both Colorado and Wyoming representatives after the game.

What we learned in the Big 12, Week 3 - Big 12 - ESPN

4. Colorado's simpler defense pays off. There's a message in how Colorado played defense Saturday against Wyoming. After the game, Colorado coach Dan Hawkins said that the Buffaloes made things easier by running fewer personnel groups and fewer specialized situations. The result was Colorado’s first shutout in two years, punctuated by only five Wyoming plays of 10 yards or more. Sometimes limiting defensive demands works out better.

Big 12 helmet stickers, Week 3 - Big 12 - ESPN

The Colorado defense: Yes, this is the same unit that was gashed for 1,000 yards and 77 points in its first two games. The Buffaloes answered their critics with their first shutout in two seasons in a 24-0 victory over Wyoming. In the process, the Cowboys were limited to 230 yards as the Buffaloes racked up four sacks, seven tackles for loss and six passes defensed. And making it even sweeter, it came against Wyoming coach Dave Christensen, who has blistered the Buffaloes for 113 points in the last two seasons when he served as Missouri's offensive coordinator.

Brooks: The Monday AM QB - CUBuffs.com
B.G. Brooks of cubuffs.com talks about how the defense cut the playbook by more than half and reiterated something that the Ralphie Report has been saying for the past two weeks: Where is Andre Simmons, Anthony Wright and Markques Simas and can the Buffs' staff not find a few plays for them each?

One coach predicted as many as 25 calls used in the first two games were to be trimmed to half a dozen; a player chimed in with a guesstimate that the Buffs would use perhaps "eight or ten" defensive calls against the Cowboys - that total being reduced from about 50 in the entire package. ... The ground game finding its legs was a plus, but the passing game was middling. Quarterback Cody Hawkins (17-of-31, 175 yards) hit several critical throws, but missed a couple of open receivers - not what is expected of a three-year starter whose forte is accuracy. Eight players caught passes, but none by Markques Simas, Andre Simmons or Anthony Wright. That trio has accounted for two catches in three games (one each by Simmons and Wright, Simas was suspended for Games 1-2). That's not nearly good enough for players CU is counting on to stretch the field. Before the opener, offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau said Simmons, who was not cleared to play until the next-to-last week of August camp, and Wright, a late switch from cornerback, would be given 12-15 plays to grasp for Game 1. Going into Game 4, their knowledge of the playbook and roles in the offense should be expanding - unless there are complications with blocking or running routes, they're not yet in sync with their QB, or they're simply bogging down mentally. In which case, does the offense take a hint from the defense and go "lite"? Just a thought.