SB Nation - Mike Iltis

The North in 2010

Bill C. — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:00:31 -0000

The 2009 Big 12 North race is, to say the least, intriguing heading into November, but the way my brain works, I can't help but keep an eye on the future as all of this plays out. And since it's in my head, I might as well type it out too, huh? As November 2009 begins, let's take a look at...2010.

What we're going to do is simple: we're going to take the most recent two-deeps listed on each team's website, remove the seniors, and see what's left. Obviously there will be plenty more analysis to come, but this will be a nice, preliminary peek. I can't help myself.

Missouri

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Blaine Gabbert (Jr) Jimmy Costello (So)	DE	Jacquies Smith (Jr) Marcus Malbrough (So)
RB	Derrick Washington (Sr) De'Vion Moore (So)	DT	Dominique Hamilton (Jr) Marvin Foster (RSFr)
WR	Jerrell Jackson (Jr) Brandon Gerau (Jr)	DT	Terrell Resonno (Jr) Bart Coslet (Sr)
WR	T.J. Moe (So) Rolandis Woodland (So)	DE	Aldon Smith (So) Brad Madison (So)
WR	Wes Kemp (Jr) Michael Egnew (Jr)	WLB	Zaviar Gooden (So) Donovan Bonner (So)
TE	Andrew Jones (Jr) Beau Brinkley (Jr)	MLB	Will Ebner (Jr) Luke Lambert (Sr)
LT	Elvis Fisher (Jr) Justin Britt (RSFr)	SLB	Andrew Gachkar (Sr) Tyler Crane (Jr)
LG	Austin Wuebbels (Jr) Travis Ruth (So)	CB	Carl Gettis (Sr) Trey Hobson (Jr)
C	Tim Barnes (Sr) J.T. Beasley (Jr)	CB	Kevin Rutland (Sr) Robert Steeples (So)
RG	Jayson Palmgren (Jr) Travis Ruth (So)	FS	Jasper Simmons (Sr) Munir Prince (Sr)
RT	Dan Hoch (Jr) Jack Meiners (So)	SS	Jarrell Harrison (Sr) Kenji Jackson (Jr)

K	Grant Ressel (Jr)	P	Matt Grabner (Jr)
PR	Carl Gettis (Sr)	KR	Jasper Simmons (Sr)

I've got to say, this is the most complete team heading into 2010. Blaine Gabbert will be the most accomplished North QB heading into 2010 and Derrick Washington the second-most accomplished RB. The improved secondary will return just about everybody of importance, and a deep LB corps could be well-positioned to absorb the loss of Sean Weatherspoon with as little drop-off as possible.
Two major question marks: a) who replaces Danario Alexander, and b) who replaces Jaron Baston? Multiple candidates exist to replace Spoon, so that's actually less of a worry, but the WR situation is at least a bit worrisome. Wes Kemp has shown flashes, and if he continues to grow, he could be the deep threat this team needs, but what is it I always say? Until you actually prove it, it's a question mark. Beyond Kemp, guys like Jackson, T.J. Moe (remember him?), Rolandis Woodland, and one of the redshirting freshmen (L'Damian Washington, Jaleel Clark, Kerwin Stricker) will fill out the depth chart, and at least one of them will need to take a step forward.
Of course, you know who else could absorb the loss of Danario? Tight ends. Novel concept, I know.
I really like what I've seen out of Dominique Hamilton recently, but Terrell Resonno seems to have disappeared. Either he or one of the underclassmen (Marvin Foster, Jimmy Burge, George White) will need to raise their game. If somebody competent steps up at WR and DT, this team is loaded.

Colorado

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Tyler Hansen (Jr) Cody Hawkins (Sr)	DE	Marquez Herrod (Sr) Josh Hartigan (Jr)
RB	Rodney Stewart (Jr) Darrell Scott (Jr)	DT	Curtis Cunningham (Jr) Nate Bonsu (So)
FB	Ryan Deehan (Jr) ?	DT	Will Pericak (So) Conrad Obi (Jr)
WR	Scotty McKnight (Sr) Jason Espinoza (Jr)	DE	Forrest West (So) Nick Kasa (So)
WR	Markques Simas (Jr) Will Jefferson (So)	WLB	Jon Major (So) Tyler Ahles (Jr)
TE	Ryan Deehan? (Jr) ?	MLB	Michael Sipili (Sr) ?
LT	Nate Solder (Sr) Ryan Dannewitz (So)	SLB	B.J. Beatty (Sr) Doug Rippy (So)
LG	Ethan Adkins (Jr) Blake Behrens (Jr)	CB	Jimmy Smith (Sr) ?
C	Keenan Stevens (Sr) Mike Iltis (Jr)	CB	Jalil Brown (Sr) Arthur Jaffee (Jr)
RG	Matthew Bahr (Jr) Max Tuioti-Mariner? (So)	FS	Ray Polk (So) Anthony Perkins (Jr)
RT	Ryan Miller (Jr) Bryce Givens (So)	SS	Travis Sandersfeld (Jr) ?

K	Aric Goodman (Sr)	P	Aric Goodman (Sr)
PR	Jason Espinoza (Jr)	KR	Brian Lockridge (Jr)

I mentioned this past offseason that while Colorado was going to stink in 2009, they might actually be positioning themselves to actually fulfill the role of sleeper that has been foisted upon them for most of the last half-decade. Ironically, they might actually emerge as a sleeper just as everybody finally gives up on them.
Of course, there will still be some major question marks. You know I'm not at all impressed with Rodney "Another Short Gain By" Stewart, and while Scotty McKnight (how is he still an underclassman???) is a great possession guy, he'd be a helluva lot better as a #2 or #3 threat than a #1. Unless Markques Simas finally starts to live up to the potential everybody says he has, this team is still severely lacking at WR, and they're losing both of their top tight ends. (I'm going out of my way not to mention Darrell Scott here, as he...whatever. I have no expectations whatsoever for him at this point, and I'm going to let him surprise me.)
I really like Jimmy Smith at CB, but CU's going to be searching for some replacements in the secondary. Jalil Brown has potential, and Ray Polk is young, but depth could be an issue.
Same can be said for the LB corps. Luckily for CU, they should have a strong D-line to maybe deflect some of the concerns.
If CU really does live up to its annual sleeper reputation, it will be in the trenches, where a struggling O-line will at least have experience on its side, and the D-line could be strong. Then again, after watching CU's O-line attempt to handle MU's improving-but-not-amazing D-line, maybe returning a bunch of these guys might not be a good thing.

Iowa State

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Austen Arnaud (Sr) Jerome Tiller (So)	DE	Patrick Neal (Jr) ?
RB	Alexander Robinson (Sr) Beau Blankenship (So)	DT	Bailey Johnson (Jr) Stephen Ruempolhamer (Jr)
WR	Jake Williams (Sr) ?	DT	Austin Alburtis (Sr) ?
WR	Sedrick Johnson (Jr) ?	DE	Roosevelt Maggitt (So) Cleyon Lang (So)
WR	Josh Lenz (So) Darius Darks (Jr)	SLB	Jacob Lattimer (Jr) ?
TE	Collin Franklin (Sr) ?	MLB	Matt Tau'fo'ou (Sr) A.J. Klein (So)
LT	Kelechi Osmele (Jr) Brayden Burris (So)	WLB	Jake Knott (So) ?
LG	Alex Alvarez (Sr) Mike Bangston (So)	CB	Leonard Johnson (Jr) Jeremy Reeves (So)
C	Sean Smith (Sr) ?	CB	Jacques Washington (So) ?
RG	Ben Lamaak (Sr) Trey Baysinger (Jr)	FS	Michael O'Connell (Sr) ?
RT	Scott Haughton (Jr) Zack Spears (Jr)	SS	David Sims (Sr) Zac Sandvig (Sr)

K	Grant Mahoney (Jr)	P	?
PR	Leonard Johnson (Jr)	KR	Leonard Johnson (Jr)

So Paul Rhoads' second year in Ames will potentially see a downright strong offense and a thin, depleted, inexperienced defense. I don't want to overstate the offensive potential (the WR situation is iffy, to say the least), but ISU might have the best O-line in the North blocking for what is at least decent skill position talent.
Arnaud vs Tiller. Could be interesting to watch this competition.
Really, if ISU returned just a couple more decent playmakers on defense, I could talk myself into them being a darkhorse contender. But while I do like what Rhoads has done with the talent on hand this year, I just can't figure they'll be that great next year. They will need another year or two of Rhoads developing his own recruits before I feel a lot more comfortable about the potential of their program.

Kansas

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Kale Pick (So) ?	DE	Jake Laptad (Sr) ?
RB	Toben Opurum (So) ?	DT	Jamal Greene (Sr) ?
WR	Dezmon Briscoe?? (Sr) ?	DT	John Williams (So) Richard Johnson (Jr)
WR	Johnathan Wilson (Sr) Tertavian Ingram (Sr)	DE	Quintin Woods (Sr) ?
WR	Bradley McDougald (So) Chris Omigie (So)	SLB	Justin Springer (Sr) ?
TE	Tim Biere (Jr) Ted McNulty (Jr)	MLB	Drew Dudley (Sr) ?
LT	Tanner Hawkinson (So) Ian Wolfe (Sr)	WLB	Huldon Tharp (So) ?
LG	Brad Thorson (Sr) Carl Wilson (Sr)	CB	D.J. Beshears (So) Daymond Patterson (Jr)
C	Jeremiah Hatch (Jr) Brad Thorson (Sr)	CB	Chris Harris (Sr) Calvin Rubles (Sr)
RG	Sal Capra (Sr) Trevor Marrongelli (So)	FS	Lubbock Smith (So) ?
RT	Jeff Spikes (Jr) Michael Martinovich (Jr)	SS	Phil Strozier (Sr) ?

K	Jacob Branstetter (Sr)	P	Alonso Rojas (Sr)
PR	Daymond Patterson (Jr)	KR	Bradley McDougald (So)

So KU's biggest question mark (offensive line) will return completely intact next year, while most of the known skill position talent disappears. I listed Dez Briscoe on the two-deep above, but I've got to be honest: I'm about 92% sure he's going pro this year. His stats are ridiculous, he's got decent NFL size, he's been suspended for academic reasons, and supposedly he was tied to those football-vs-basketball brawls earlier in the year. That's not a recipe for someone who's going to go out of his way to stick around campus for another season.
Without Briscoe, I have to figure this is going to be a run-heavy offense next year. Kale Pick's got a lot to prove, but with Toben Opurum and an experienced line, they might (might) be able to rely on the run. Then again, they'll still need some sort of passing attack, and...who will be the #1 receiver? Johnathan Wilson, I guess? Color me unafraid.
I'm not even going to try to figure out if KU's D is going to be any good. They've improved recently, but they lose Darrell Stuckey and two linemen, and the depth from LB corps vanishes. I assume this will be a decent unit, and really you can start to maybe see the identity KU might be going with--defense first, run-heavy, grind it out.

Kansas State

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Carson Coffman (Sr) ?	DE	Brandon Harold (Jr) ?
RB	Daniel Thomas (Sr) ?	DT	Prizell Brown (Sr) ?
FB	Braden Wilson (So) Lucas Hamm (Sr)	DT	Raphael Guidry (Jr) ?
WR	Lamark Brown (Sr) ?	DE	Antonio Felder (Sr) Joseph Kassanavoid (So)
WR	Collin Klein (So) Chris Harper (So)	LB	Kevin Rohleder (Sr) ?
TE	Travis Tannahill (So) ?	LB	Alex Hrebec (Jr) ?
LT	Zach Hanson (Jr) ?	LB	Troy Butler (Sr) Thomas Ferguson (So)
LG	Zach Kendall (Sr) Trevor Viers (Sr)	CB	Joshua Moore (Sr) Darious Thomas (So)
C	Wade Weibert (Sr) ?	CB	Stephen Harrison (Sr) David Garrett (Jr)
RG	Kenneth Mayfield (Sr) Colten Freeze (Jr)	FS	Emmanuel Lamur (Jr) ?
RT	Clyde Aufner (Jr) Ethan Douglas (So)	SS	Tysyn Hartman (Jr) Torrell Miller (So)

K	Josh Cherry (Sr)	P	Ryan Doerr (So)
PR	Tysyn Hartman (Jr)	KR	Daniel Thomas (Sr)

Like Kansas, this looks to be a pretty run-heavy, can't-pass-on-them team, with Daniel Thomas running behind a super-experienced line and a well-coached defense that is iffy in the front seven but stout in the secondary. In other words, this looks like a Bill Snyder team (sans the All-American linebackers). We've made a big deal out of the fact that they're losing about 35 seniors this year (and that's only a slight exaggeration), and that will absolutely murder their depth, but if they stay reasonably healthy, the Snyder identity might be able to take shape a bit more.
Now, I say they'll have a good secondary...I'm still unsure about how good the secondary is now, but returning all four current starters certainly suggests decent improvement for next year.
I believe I heard that Chris Harper is moving to WR instead of competing at QB, right?

Nebraska

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Cody Green (So) Zac Lee (Sr)	DE	Cameron Meredith (So) Josh Williams (So)
RB	Roy Helu, Jr. (Sr) Rex Burkhead (So)	DT	Baker Steinkuhler (So) Terrence Moore (Jr)
FB	Tyler Legate (So) Mike Hays (Jr)	DT	Jared Crick (Jr) ?
WR	Niles Paul (Sr) Antonio Bell (So)	DE	Pierre Allen (Sr) ?
WR	Curenski Gilleylen (Jr) Khiry Cooper (So)	Will	Blake Lawrence (Sr) Matthew May (Jr)
TE	Mike McNeill (Sr) Dreu Young (Sr)	Mike	Will Compton (So) Micah Kreikemeier (So)
LT	Mike Smith (Sr) ?	Buck	Sean Fisher (So) Eric Martin (So)
LG	Keith Williams (Sr) ?	CB	Prince Amukamara (Sr) Dejon Gomes (Sr)
C	Mike Caputo (Jr) ?	CB	Anthony West (Sr) Alfonzo Dennard (Jr)
RG	Ricky Henry (Sr) ?	FS	Eric Hagg (Sr) Austin Cassidy (Jr)
RT	Marcel Jones (Jr) D.J. Jones (Sr)	SS	P.J. Smith (So) Courtney Osborne (So)

K	Alex Henery (Sr)	P	Alex Henery (Sr)
PR	Niles Paul (Sr)	KR	Niles Paul (Sr)

How the hell is Pierre Allen still an underclassman? I was completely convinced that both he and Barry Turner were seniors, but I guess not.
Next question: how much of Nebraska's defensive identity is grounded in Ndamukong Suh? He and Turner depart, but will Allen and the stout Jared Crick be able to keep the great D-line play coming? And how much of Crick's success is due to offenses' fear of Suh?
The shine is quickly wearing off of Roy Helu, Jr., but he does return next year (lord knows he's not going pro), and with yet another experienced O-line, NU should be able to run the ball pretty well. That will obviously take some pressure off of Cody Green if Green is not, after all, ready to be NU's savior.
I really like what NU has returning at CB, but...safety? I think I like their second-string CBs more than their first string safeties. Will be interesting to see if there's some position shifting when all is said and done.

As a Missouri fan, I look at this information and quickly conclude that Missouri will be the 2010 favorite, and really I'd say I have pretty good basis in fact for that opinion. That said, Nebraska is intriguing, and even though K-State is not a stat-friendly team (I've already accepted that they're better than the stats say--I just can't figure out how much better), Bill Snyder really might get them back into the hunt despite the youth and lack of depth. Colorado could be interesting depending on who the head coach is (ahem), Kansas has recruited well and will see plenty of talented-but-young players hitting the field, and Iowa State might have the best offensive line in the division. I'd like to think Missouri might run away with this thing, and I'm sure it could happen (the trip to Lincoln aside), but with five of six North teams (all but Kansas) looking potentially better next year than this year, we might have another fun race on our hands.

Tuesday Buff Bites - He Could Play, He Might Play, I Don't Know

irish1611 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:16:08 -0000

Door open for both CU QBs to play | All Things Colorado Sports
Who knows what is going on with the quarterback spot..."he could play, he might play, I don't know" is the current ruling that we have now to go by. How about just saying that we fully support Tyler Hansen as our quarterback going forward like you did with Cody at the beginning of the year. Of course, if Tyler Hansen throws four interceptions in the first half against Kansas, I am sure that we would see another quarterback, coach, but we don't need all of this circus talk going on. Everyone is already laughing at the program for the 1 - 4 start, now we just look dysfunctional:

Dan Hawkins said there will not be a particular package in place for Cody. But … "The thing is, everything is fluid, everything is fluid," Hawkins said. "Tyler’s going to start. It’s Tyler’s show. How that goes, I don’t know. "It’s the same as before (when Cody was the starter). I know (reporters are) trying to get it exact. The way to get it exact is, that’s how it is: It’s Tyler’s show. We’re going with Tyler. But you never know.’’ Dan Hawkins was asked if he likely will enter the game thinking that his son will also play. "If we’re trying to get this down to a legal document here, maybe I should say, ‘He could play, he might play, I don’t know.’’’ However, Dan Hawkins said it is important for the team to have "some continuity" at the quarterback position. "We don’t want (Hansen) to have the hook hanging over his head," Dan Hawkins said.

Hawkins Press Luncheon Quotes - CUBuffs.com

On QB Cody Hawkins' New Role "He's great, he's great about it. This is one instance where it's not good to be the coach's son. He made some great plays in the game and he got hit a bunch. Really on that play, it was a combination of things where I expect more of him in that situation, if that's Tyler [Hansen] I probably don't take him out, if it's Bernard [Jackson] I probably won't take him out, but when you're Cody I expect him to make that [play]. He's [Cody] still going to have a role and I think there is a very good chance you could see both of them, they will both be ready to go. Cody knows, he has handled this whole thing great, and so has Tyler for that matter. I think those two guys exemplify selflessness. They have always put the team before themselves."

CU-Buffs QB flip-flop: Dan Hawkins says both Tyler Hansen and Cody could play - Boulder Daily Camera
I like this attitude from Tyler Hansen even in the wake of this mess that has been created:

"Right now I'm going into it like I'm going to be the guy," Hansen said today. "I'm looking at it like I'm going to compete my butt off and prepare so that I go into Kansas balling out and doing awesome. Right now it's me, and if I do like that I'll be the guy playing. I want it to be like I'm not sharing any time, but if that is what they want and that's what the team needs, I'll do it."

Jayhawks keeping it simple as CU awaits - The Longmont Times-Call
The game against Kansas State next week has not been announced for television yet as they are waiting to hear from FCS-C and whether they want to air it or not.

The Big 12 on Monday did not announce the start time and TV plans for CU’s Oct. 24 game at Kansas State. The league is waiting to see if FCS-C wants to air it. FSN, Versus and ABC are set to air other Big 12 games.

Keenan Stevens wins center job | The Buffzone Blog
In some surprising news, Keenan Stevens has been named the permanent starter at center, replacing Mike Iltis who has been injured the past two weeks:

One piece of overlooked news at today’s newsconference with Dan Hawkins was the coach saying Keenan Stevens has earned the starting center job while filling in for Mike Iltis the past two weeks.

Kansas vs. Colorado Team Analysis - Rock Chalk Talk

Kansas vs. Colorado team analysis from our fellow SBNation blog, Rock Chalk Talk.

more links are after the jump...

Brooks: KU Dials It Back On 'D' - CUBuffs.com

The most recent Big 12 Conference coach to snuggle up to the KISS theory (Keep It Simple, Stupid) on defense is Kansas' Mark Mangino, who on Saturday watched Iowa State roll up 512 yards of total offense against his Jayhawks.

Roesler: Colorado home advantage to test Kansas | Kansan.com

Colorado’s offense, which has struggled all year, has the opportunity to gain confidence against a Kansas defense that showed some uninspired play against Iowa State. If Kansas can stop Colorado early, take the fans out of the game and force the Buffaloes to rely on their passing attack, the Jayhawks will have a good chance to win.

Kansas-Colorado Preview - Oct. 13, 2009 - NCAA Football - CBSSports.com

While quarterback Todd Reesing and a talented pair of receivers continue to break school records, Kansas keeps winning.

Sunday Buff Bites - Tyler Hansen in, Cody Hawkins Out

irish1611 — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:54:29 -0000

More photos » by Eric Gay - AP

2 months ago: Texas' Marquise Goodwin (84) blocks a punt by Colorado's Matt DiLallo (14) during the third quarter of their NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Texas recovered and scored a touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Browse more photos »

For one half last night, Colorado Buff fans enjoyed themselves mightily. Dreams of a big upset danced in everyone's head and to get a taste of that in what has been a tumultuous season so far was a welcomed feeling, even if the second half was brutal. As I stated last night, the defense played exceptionally well, holding the number one scoring offense to only 17 points and less than 50 yards rushing.

On the flipside, the Buffs' offense gave the defense zero help. Without the defense turning over Texas QB Colt McCoy twice deep in Longhorn territory, the offensive performance would have been even more putrid. The Colorado offense only totaled 127 yards, completed only 9 of 23 passes and averaged a measley 1.2 yards/rush. The fact that the Buffs had a chance to go up 21 - 17 late in the third quarter showed you how strong the defense played.

Kent Riddle, the special teams and tight end coach, should once again begin to catch some fire. A week after the Colorado Buffaloes missed three field goals in a tight contest the Buffs only lost by 11 points against West Virginia, the special teams' play reared its ugly head. Last year, the special teams performance was downright awful and the trend is continuing this year. Against Texas, in crucial times during the game, the Buffs gave up a kickoff return to Jordan Shipley and a blocked punt both resulting in touchdowns for the Longhorns. Texas continually came close to blocking punts all night long and the Buffs failed to make the necessary adjustments.

You won't win many games against the second ranked team giving up 21 points on non-offensive plays. The Buffs aren't good enough to give up 21 points on non offensive plays to any team remaining on their schedule and expect to win. The Buffs have to be more disciplined in this aspect.

This team also needs to start capitalizing on the oppositions' mistakes and limit the mental mishaps of their own. Last week, Colorado had its opportunities when West Virginia turned the ball over four times and let the Buffs hang around. Against Texas, the Buffs defense played well but mental breakdowns on offense (20 penalties and a red zone interception for a touchdown after an Colt McCoy interception) and on special teams cost this team a victory. Call it youth, call it poor coaching, call it whatever you want, we can all agree that these are the plays and mistakes Colorado needs to fix if they want to be a good team. You have to win ball games when the opposition turns the ball over four times and you have to be sound in the special teams game and not turn the ball over in big situations.

Buff links and Tyler Hansen talk after the jump...

Buffaloes turn to Hansen - The Longmont Times-Call

Hansen revealed Saturday night that offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau asked him to stay late after a quarterback meeting one day last week to talk. Hansen said that’s when he knew something was up. "He said, ‘Close the door,’" Hansen said. "He said, ‘You know what I’m going to tell you.’ Once he sat me down, I knew. Once he gave me that look, it was pretty much the exact same thing (former offensive coordinator Mark) Helfrich had last year. "I guess I’m getting kind of used to burning this redshirt, you know?"

Hansen said coaches gave him a couple of days to decide if he was willing to do it again, as he did in the sixth game of 2008 when he was a true freshman. He discussed it with parents and high school coaches. "It pretty much came down to I could get in an accident tomorrow and never have an opportunity to play another game, so if you have the opportunity to play, especially at the college level in this kind of atmosphere, so you take it," he said. "It came down to that. I’m happy with it. Now I have to roll with it."

Buffs fade at Texas after strong start; Hansen new No. 1 QB - The Denver Post

The quarterback position may be more important in the college game than in either the high school level or the NFL. With Hansen at the controls now, Colorado has made a decision to go in a new direction. Hansen burned his redshirt in the sixth game last year and in Game 5 this time. No regrets, the Californian said. "I think I am able to handle it better than last year," Hansen said. "I'm going to try to get this thing rolling."

Colorado offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau said the decision to anoint Hansen the permanent starter was made as soon as he went into the game. Last year, Hansen started two games but didn't play much in the final two. "The thing that I wanted to make sure (to Hansen) was that, if and when we do this, like we did tonight, it would be worth his while," Kiesau said.

Hansen takes reins as Buffs fall to Texas - Boulder Daily Camera

Coaches inserted sophomore Tyler Hansen, who played the rest of the game, but was unable to lead the Buffs to more points or a comeback. It is the second consecutive season Hansen`s redshirt has been burned midway through the year. This time around, coaches say they will stick with him for the rest of the year barring injury or completely ineffective play. "I don`t want to get into the back and forth, back and forth or having packages," offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau said. "I want to have a guy. I want the team to see that, and right now, today, Tyler is our guy."

Turnaround for CU - The Longmont Times-Call

The special teams errors glared brightest. CU led 14-10 in the third quarter when Texas’ Marquise Goodwin blocked CU’s punt and Ben Wells scooped it up and went three yards for the score. In the fourth, Texas’ Jordan Shipley ran through CU’s rattled punt cover team on a 74-yard touchdown return that put the Longhorns ahead 31-14.

"They cost us the game," special teams coach Kent Riddle said. "Unacceptable performance. That’s a little bit the nature of special teams. It only takes one play to kill you. We let that play happen to us. "It shouldn’t have ever happened. We’re going to make damn sure it doesn’t happen again." Dan Hawkins might appreciate that. "We let (Texas) off the hook," he said. "I’m proud of (his players). Nobody batted an eye. We weren’t shocked when we were ahead or when things went bad. We saw glimpses of what we can be down the stretch. We have to put all three phases together and we’ll have a chance to do some things."

Paige: Hawkins benching tough for dad, son - The Denver
Woody Paige of the Denver Post talked about the difficult decision the coach and the father had to make last night, pulling his quarterback and son for Tyler Hansen.

When I asked the elder Hawkins about his decision, he replied: "Do you mean about Cody? . . . He's got to make that throw . . . in the red zone." He obviously was answering as a coach and as a father. Then the coach said of Hansen: "He's really a trouper. He has paid his dues. . . . He will start next week" against Kansas. Last year Hansen was put in against Kansas State, and the Buffs won 14-13. He started the following Saturday at Missouri, and the Buffs lost 58-0. Cody started three more games, Hansen one more. Eric Kiesau, CU's offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, said the Buffs will not be "wishy-washy" about the starting quarterback the rest of the season. "You can't go back and forth. . . . Tyler is our quarterback."

Buffs’ defense leaves Austin happy - The Longmont Times-Call
Injury news:

CU linebacker Doug Rippy suffered a knee sprain in the second quarter. He did not return. Receiver Jason Espinoza (broken thumb) was again limited to fielding punts, which he did without a fumble. He did not play on offense for the second game in a row. CU reported no other injuries.

Another reason the Buffs felt the need to make a switch at quarterback is Texas showed that if you take away Scotty McKnight, Colorado's passing game turned to very ineffective:

EXTRA POINTS: Receiver Scotty McKnight extended his streak of catches to 29 straight games. He finished with one grab, and it came late in the fourth quarter

Hansen, CU coaches discussed possible removal of redshirt early in week - Boulder Daily Camera

Center Mike Iltis was medically cleared from a concussion late in the week, but because he did not practice, he did not play against the Longhorns. Junior walk-on Keenan Stevens started for the second consecutive week in place of Iltis.

KU defense needs to get better in a hurry
The Buffs next opponent, the Kansas Jayhawks, gave up a lot of yards to Iowa State this past week. Tyler Hansen should have a good opportunity to show some stuff next week in his 2009 debut.

The Cyclones finished with 512 yards of offense, snapped the ball 84 times and totaled 26 first downs.

Second half proves to be Buffs downfall | CU Independent

The Buffs were called for a school-record 20 penalties, eclipsing the 18 they had on Sept. 30, 1950 against Kansas State. The 140 penalty yards were the second-most behind the 153 accrued on Oct. 11, 1958 against Arizona.

Thursday Buff Bites - Multiple Cases of Believe It When I See It

irish1611 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:06:39 -0000

CU running back Scott recovering for Texas - Boulder Daily Camera
How many times have we heard this before or something similar to it:

Darrell Scott produced his best week of practice since joining the Colorado football program, running backs coach Darian Hagan said Wednesday.

Whether it actually leads to a committed game plan featuring Darrell Scott is another thing. Darrell Scott says he is just patiently waiting:

"It`s negative if you don`t produce," Scott said of being labeled the best recruit in the nation at his position. "People are going to be like, 'Hey, wasn`t he the No. 1 running back but he`s not doing anything?` So that`s one part of it, but at the same time, you want to show that you were and you have the talent to back up everything that was said about you. So I`m just waiting, patiently waiting. That`s all I`m doing right now."

It looks like Kyle Ringo has heard the same internet RUMOR about Darrell Scott looking elsewhere:

Colorado coaches have received plenty of criticism for not getting Scott more involved in the game even when he has been healthy. Scott`s toughness has been questioned and fans seem to be on 24-hour watch for the possibility he might just decide CU isn`t the place for him after all and transfer. Fellow running back and former California high school star Brian Lockridge is one of Scott`s closest friends on the team. He said he hasn`t seen any hint of negativity come from Scott.

Buff fans used to get excited over this talk of Scott doing something well in practice or hints of him being featured more in the next game...not anymore. We have gotten our hopes up too many times to fall for that anymore. Believe it when we see it, right?

CU’s Wright ahead of other new WRs | All Things Colorado Sports
Here is another, "I will believe it when I see it":

CU offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau said sophomore receiver Anthony Wright is further along than junior-college transfer Andre Simmons and freshman Will Jefferson. Wright, who converted from cornerback in August, said he is fully recovered from an ankle injury that slowed him for more than two weeks. "He’s been getting better every week," Kiesau said, "and we just have to find more opportunities to get him on the field. I think we’re going to do that."

CU football: Cody Hawkins gets some help heading into game at Texas - The Denver Post
How about three "I will believe it when I see its." One day all these words will actually turn into something we see on the field. When that day happens, it is going to be glorious...how does that saying go "fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice..." You have fooled us more than twice

Speaking Tuesday during his weekly media luncheon, Colorado coach Dan Hawkins said the offensive staff "has a bead on some things" that should help junior quarterback Cody Hawkins minimize his mistakes as the team prepares for Saturday's game at No. 2 Texas.

Beads! I have a bead for you...don't throw the ball 46.5 times per game. Easier said then done as a 32 point underdog I guess. I am scared for Saturday, very scared. I will be shocked if the Buffs don't throw the ball 50+ times and that usually means a very, very long day.

CU’s QB, team seek cohesion - Hawkins may not improve until the ‘big picture’ does -The Longmont Times-Call
Same old story, different day..."we are just too young and inexperienced to be successful, especially at quarterback." I want the quarterback to be able to compensate for the youth and inexperience one day, not be dependent on what is around him all the time. Our quarterback needs to be able to make others better sometimes too.

more links after the jump...

Brooks: QB Efficiency Still Lacking - CUBuffs.com

Numbers never tell the whole story, but the partial tale they relate here isn't pretty: Cody Hawkins ranks last among Big 12 Conference QBs in three categories (pass efficiency, pass completion percentage, yards per completion) and first in the most dubious department - interceptions. His seven touchdown passes are matched by seven interceptions - three fewer than he threw in 12 games last season. Kiesau said Markques Simas, who caught his first career pass (it was for a 30-yard score) at West Virginia, and Anthony Wright, who is recovering from an ankle sprain, "are coming along." But junior college transfer Andre Simmons, a late-August arrival who has only one reception, appears to be coming along more slowly than anticipated. "We would like to have some more out of him, get him some more opportunities," Kiesau said. "It's hard because you don't want to put him out there too much and have him make a bunch of mistakes and get down on himself.

Longhorns notebook - The Statesman
Here is some positive news on the Buffs' offense:

UT, Buffs make others see a lot of red If season statistics are any indication, Saturday's Texas-Colorado matchup should be a game of touchdowns. The Longhorns and Buffaloes are tied for the top red zone offenses in the country. Both teams have scored every time they've gotten inside the opponent's 20-yard line this year. Colorado is 12 of 12 so far, with 10 touchdowns. The Longhorns are an impressive 23 of 23 in the red zone. Texas has scored 16 touchdowns — 12 by running plays — and kicked seven field goals. There are six other teams in the country that also are perfect.

Big 12 internal affairs: Grayshirting paying off with Florence, Leong - Big 12 - ESPN

The best example of Colorado’s offensive and defensive struggles can be seen in this statistic. The Buffaloes have produced two gains of 40 yards or more on offense. And they’ve allowed 11 gains of 40 yards or more on defense.

CU coach Hawkins evaluates play of Buff QB Hawkins - Boulder Daily Camera
I couldn't even get through all the quotes from Dan Hawkins talking about the quarterback play this season.

The Big 12 race: Our picks, thoughts - The Statesman
Five writers from the statesman got together and tried to assess the Big 12 after the first five weeks. The Buffs got a mention for the most disappointing team and the two mentions as a team that will flop in the future...sorry fellas, we have already flopped:

And the biggest disappointment? Bohls: Colorado. Awful scheduling — two games, one of them on the road, five days apart — inconsistent quarterbacking and a dismally slow defense has killed the Buffaloes' chances of a winning season.

Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas

Texas has outscored Colorado 181-41 in the last four meetings. The Buffaloes' last win in the series was the 2001 Big 12 championship game that kept Texas from playing for the national title. ... Shipley is averaging nine catches per game and is on pace to join Kwame Cavil #100 in 1999 as the only Longhorns to catch 100 passes in a season ... Texas leads the nation in scoring at 49.5 points per game.

Buffs go big red with linebacker Beatty - The Denver Post

The Longmont Times-Call - CU’s Stevens maximizes opportunity

Buffs center Mike Iltis is questionable for the Texas game so Keenan Stevens might have to fill in again. Iltis is suffering from the same concussion that kept him out of the West Virginia game.

Scouting Texas' next opponent: Colorado

Note to sports editors: do the staff a favor and make Dan Hawkins a permanent guest on the college pick-it line next season. He looks like an easy mark. Hawkins, the Colorado coach, adopted a "10 wins, no excuses" attitude for the 2009

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.

Monday Buff Bites: Bryce Givens Gets Start at Tackle, Guard Spots Undecided

irish1611 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:08:29 -0000

Givens to Start for CU - The Longmont Times-Call
A lot of good information in Patrick Ridgell's article this morning. Some surprising news to say the least regarding the offensive line. OT Bryce Givens will get the start back at right tackle after missing last week's game due to personal issues. One would initially think that Ryan Miller would move back this his guard spot but both guard positions are undecided according to the coaching staff. The only players slated to start against the Mountaineers right now are LT Nate Solder, RT Bryce Givens and C Mike Iltis:

Offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau said redshirt freshman right tackle Bryce Givens will start Thursday when the Buffs visit West Virginia. Givens missed CU’s 24-0 defeat of Wyoming on Sept. 19 and some practices prior to the game due to "personal issues," according to offensive line coach Denver Johnson. Givens, who started the first two games of 2009, was not available for interviews following Sunday’s practice, according to CU’s sports information department. Kiesau said Givens shows no ill effects from the time he spent away. "He’s fine, doing good," Kiesau said. Kiesau said Mike Iltis will start at center and Nate Solder at left tackle, as usual. He said the guard positions remain undecided. "We’re going to move some guys around," Kiesau said. "Not necessarily because someone did bad, but just to get some guys in and get some fresh faces in there and create some competition, especially inside. It’s the same nucleus inside, we’re just moving them around." Ryan Miller started the first two games at right guard before moving to tackle in Givens’ absence. Johnson said last week Ethan Adkins, Matt Bahr and Blake Behrensare in the mix at guard, as well. Adkins started the season’s first three games at left guard. CU did not release a depth chart Sunday.

If you go to the percentage grades released on the Colorado Buffs website for offensive lineman, guards Ryan Miller and Ethan Adkins have been the worst performers of the five offensive linemen who started the year. Miller's high grade is 82% and Adkins high grade is 79%, both against an undersized Toledo defensive front.

This will be interesting to see who starts Thursday night. Nothing wrong with a little competition or a wake up call. It looks like Givens earned his spot back and now the guards will have to battle it out this week in practice. This is a good thing from my point of view. It increases practice intensity which results in a more focused unit. Hopefully, Adkins and Miller earn their spots back because their is familiarity between the group with those players.

Kiesau said "we will see" in regards to RB Darrell Scott being "sharp" for the West Virginia game but Scott is supposedly healthy and ready to play. Dan Hawkins said "we will see" about when freshman DE Nick Kasa will see action.

Brown brings balance to West Virginia offense - Boulder Daily Camera
You are going to hear a lot this week about how West Virginia QB Jarrett Brown brings a better passing game to the Mountaineers compared to Pat White. At the same time, though, Brown's decision making has been questionable in the early going of the season:

Entering this weekend's action, West Virginia ranked 116th nationally and last in the Big East in turnover margin (-7). Bill Stewart said after the loss in Auburn that his offense would continue to play aggressively with Brown breaking the huddle.

West Virginia: Brown should be fine by Thursday
West Virginia QB Jarrett Brown suffered a shoulder bruise in the fourthquarter of last week's loss to Auburn. He would have been questionable to play against Colorado if the game was last Saturday but with five extra days off, Brown is expected to start. The injury is on his non-throwing shoulder but if they get to Brown, it may only take one hit to re-aggravate it. Just more incentive for the defense to get after it again this Thursday. Also:

The nationally televised game (ESPN) Thursday night has been declared a "Gold Rush" for which fans are being asked to wear gold shirts.

CU cornerback Brown to square off against hot WVU receiver - The Denver Post
As mentioned above, West Virginia's now has a passing attack and the leading receiver is Jock Sanders who is ranked third nationally in receptions per game at 9.67. If you remember correctly, Toledo WR Eric Page torched the Buffs in week two from the slot position. If Colorado is going to pull of a major upset, the Buffs will need to account for Sanders and the middle of the field.

Brooks: Defense Up For Mountaineer Challenge - CUBuffs.com

"If you ask him, he'll probably say, 'I don't want to be Pat White.' He's a whole different animal," Burton said of West Virginia QB Jarret Brown. "Pat White was athletic and they had a whole lot of plays designed for him to run. It's no different now, but (Brown) is definitely a passer. The guy can use his arm or his feet; he's a football savvy guy when you watch his film."

But there are times when Brown appears not-so-savvy. During spring drills in Morgantown, coach Bill Stewart told reporters, "One scrimmage . . . I went over to him and told him, 'Youmake one more throw like that and you will never quarterback this football team . . . "He wants to make every play, but sometimes you have to learn to retreat. There is nothing wrong with a punt. Whenever I was an offensive coordinator in high school, college and the pros, I said, 'You've got to protect this football.'

Woelk: Expectations, reality don't always mesh at Colorado - Buffzone
I responded to this article in yesterday's post in case anyone wants to know my take. In a nut shell, no one is expecting the University of Colorado to field a top 10 team but the Buffs should be respectable on the field, go to bowl games and have winning records. That isn't to much to ask. The article feeds into the current administration's propensity to look at the negatives and provide excuses for them. Certainly there are obstacles and no one said it was going to be easy, it isn't easy for any school and frankly, that is why you get paid $1.0 million+ a year. I am tired of the excuses and I am tired of seeing teams in our region like Missouri, Kansas, Houston, Boise State, Utah, BYU and even Colorado State the last few years, who have similar obstacles in recruiting and athletic budgets outperform the University of Colorado.

Buffs wage battle with attrition - The Longmont Times-Call
Patrick Ridgell of the LongmontTimes has an interesting article on recruiting and the attrition that goes along with it. He takes a deep look at Hawkins' 2007 class and looks at what players are still on the team.

more links after the jump...

Double-T nation Daily Diatribe :: 09.28.09 - Double-T Nation
Some interesting things are brewing in Lubbock after their loss to Houston. OL Brandon Carter has been suspended indefinitely and LB Marlon Williams had a nice message to Mike Leach via twitter that should make for some nice discussion over on Doube-T Nation today.

Big 12 power rankings: Week 5 - College Football Nation - ESPN

12. Colorado: The Buffaloes got the week off before a tough trip to West Virginia, which still remembers the Mountaineers'tough loss in Boulder last season. Rodney Stewart was the key in that triumph with a career-best 166 yards. He likely will be called on again against a tougher West Virginia run defense that ranks No. 14 nationally. Defensive improvement will be key this week for the Buffaloes as they gear up for a challenging West Virginia team led by multi-purpose quarterback Jarrett Brown and Jock Sanders, who ranks third nationally in receptions per game.

Hawkins aims to get Buffs to scholarship limit - Boulder Daily Camera

The Colorado football program has been operating well under the maximum allowable scholarship limit for major college programs for years now. But it`s inching its way back to fully loaded status -- 85 scholarships in any one season -- and might actually reach it on signing day in February. Coach Dan Hawkins said he plans to sign 21 players during the 2010 recruiting cycle. He has seven known commitments now, which means the next four months should be a lively time for CU recruiting junkies and the Web sites that follow the game behind the game.

MBB - Aussie Harris-Tunks aims to fill CU Buffs' void at center - Boulder Daily Camera

"He`s got good size. He`s an excellent defender. He`s intelligent and he passes well," is how Bzdelik describes his freshman big man. "He can score a little bit, too."Harris-Tunks is a product of the Australian Institute of Sport and has international playing experience as a member of Australia`s under-19 squad. He also visited Gonzaga and Vanderbilt before committing to CU last year.

Buffs quick to imitate W. Va. stars - The Denver Post

On the scout team, the freshman tailback from Denver East imitates West Virginia's electrifying runner, Noel Devine, so the CU defense will have some idea of what to expect Thursday night at Morgantown. Colorado coaches say it's impossible to replicate the speed of West Virginia, led by Devine and quarterback Jarrett Brown. But the 5-foot-8, 190-pound Hildreth is doing his part by impersonating Devine. CU wide receiver Toney Clemons has the task of mimicking Brown. Hildreth, an invited walk-on, is redshirting this season. Clemons, a junior, must sit out this season under NCAA transfer rules after leaving Michigan.

Thursday Buff Bites - Buffs Offensive Line Outweighs Toledo Defensive Line By 42 Pounds

irish1611 — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:09:40 -0000

Scout.com: RocketDigest.com Staff Predictions
Three of the RocketDigest.com writers have picked Toledo over the Buffs this week. The one guy who didn't take the homer train brought up a good point about the Rockets being too small up front on the defensive line. Got me to look at the starters last week and then look at their size...Check this out:

#56 Derrick Summers - 6'2" 258 pounds
#40 Alex Johnson - 6'2" 244 pounds
#98 Maurice Hill - 6'2" 286 pounds
#58 Douglas Webster - 6'3" 233 pounds

No, those aren't typos. They average 255 pounds across the front. The Buffs starting offensive line averages 297. You do the math. RUN THE BALL!

toledoblade.com -- University of Toledo quickly tackles fix for defense
Toledo gave up 300+ yards rushing last week to Purdue. They believe they have made the necessary changes to fix the problem for the Buffs.

After ranking as one of the worst defenses in the Mid-American Conference last season, UT worked all preseason with the expectation of shedding that label. Yet the Rockets still allowed the most rushing yards and points of any MAC team last weekend.

Beckman and the Rockets said there were 10-15 "big chunk" plays that decided the course of Saturday's loss. They also said their mistakes were "minor" and are immediately correctable heading into Friday's primetime home opener at the Glass Bowl against Colorado. Richmond said filling run gaps, something the Rockets didn't do a good enough job at against the Boilermakers, will be key against Colorado. "It goes from the defensive line all the way back to the secondary," Richmond said. "The d-line has to fit into their gaps. Then the linebackers have to get off blocks and hit their gaps, and then, ultimately, it's up to the secondary. You can't score if the secondary makes a tackle."

Tim Griffin Predicts Buffs Win in a Nailbiter

Colorado 21, Toledo 20: This might be the biggest game of Dan Hawkins’ career after his team’s opening-game debacle against Colorado State. The Buffaloes need to get a ground game going -- remember that guy on the bench is Darrell Scott -- and do a better job of limiting big plays on defense. Toledo quarterback Aaron Opelt threw 67 passes in last week’s loss at Purdue, but will find it much tougher this week against the Buffaloes’ underrated secondary keyed by cornerback Jimmy Smith. I’m looking for the Buffaloes to do just enough to escape the Glass Bowl with a victory-- but it’s not going to be easy or pretty.

CU Buffs set for road game rarity - Boulder Daily Camera

Coach Dan Hawkins was 16 years old the last time the program played a team from a non-Bowl Championship Series conference in a true road game outside the state. Almost 32 years later, the Buffs will head for the airport this afternoon for a flight to Toledo where they face the Rockets at The Glass Bowl Stadium on Friday night.

Let's Go Rockets " Colorado Buffalo Q&A: The Ralphie Report

more links after the jump...

The University of Toledo Game Notes For Colorado
A total of eight true freshmen and four redshirt freshmen saw action against Purdue. True Freshmen: Robert Bell, Julian Bellinger, Byron Best, T.J. Fatinikun, Dan Molls, Eric Page, Jermaine Robinson, Daxton Swanson. Redshirt Freshmen: Jimmy Davidson, Danny Farr, Sam Gaymon, David Pasquale.

What to watch for in the Big 12 this weekend - Big 12 - ESPN

1. Colorado handling adversity after its opening-game debacle: The Buffaloes suffered an embarrassing loss to cross-state rival Colorado State in their opener Sunday night. Coach Dan Hawkins and his team have only five days as they travel halfway across the country to try to blot those painful memories against Toledo. It will be interesting to see how much heralded Colorado tailback Darrell Scott will play against the Rockets -- particularly after his pointed criticism of his lack of playing time earlier this week.

2009 Colorado Football: Game 2 - Toledo - CUBuffs.com
This cubuffs.com page has a lot of good roster and depth chart notes about Toledo. Here is a good stat about Colorado from last week:

Obscure Notes Of The Week: Looking inside the statistics, the defense didn't have a horrible game in the opener. CU did surrender five plays over 20 yards, four which covered 42 through 57 yards for a total of 215; that means CSU gained 161 on its other 57 plays from scrimmage (2.8). The Rams missed on their last 10 third down conversions, had four three-and-outs on its last six possessions (not including the game's final one where they kneeled down to run out the clock), and gained three or fewer yards on 34 of 59 plays (58%, again not include those three late kneeldowns).

FSN Rocky Mountain Schedule Announced - CUBuffs.com
FSN Rocky Mountain will telecast nine University of Colorado men's basketball games and eight women's games during the 2009-10 season, the network announced on Thursday.

Colorado O-line knows it must improve - Buffzone

Colorado faces an aggressive Toledo defense that likes to use speed to disrupt the run and blitzing to get to the quarterback. The Rockets gave up 315 yards on the ground last week to Purdue in a game CU coaches say was much closer than the 52-31 final scores indicates. It should help that center Mike Iltis is probable for the game after missing all but the first six snaps of the CSU game. His replacement, Keenan Stevens, played well in his absence, but losing Iltis so early in the game compounded problems because it added more unfamiliarity.

The Longmont Times-Call - QB Slota Temporarily Suspended
Head coach Dan Hawkins said walk-on quarterback Jerry Slota has been "temporarily suspended from the football team until we ascertain further evidence." Hawkins did not say what evidence he’s seeking, or why Slota was suspended.

Tuesday Buff Bites: Colorado Will TRY to Work Darrell Scott Into the Mix

irish1611 — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:12:46 -0000

CU’s Scott anxious for more carries : All Things Colorado Sports Colorado
Supposedly there is another article coming out in tomorrow's Denver Post that portrays Darrell Scott's frustration with the offense last week. Here is a first taste:

"I was warm. I was hyped. I was ready," Scott said. Apparently, Scott and running backs coach Darian Hagan talked over things the next day. "After meetings (Monday) it was like, ‘We’re going to try to work you in,’’’ Scott said. "That kind of reassured me on everything. We’ll see on Friday. "(Getting carries) is what I was recruited for. We’ll see."

We are going to "try" to work you in? There is no try, only do! I absolutely feel for the kid.

104.3 The Fan - Scott Hastings and Alfred Williams Talk Colorado Buffaloes Football
I guess this is the nice version but Alfred Williams was none too happy with the Buffaloes performance before this interview with Dave Lapham of FSN. Scott Hastings makes fun of Hawkins' comment about Darrell Scott being nicked so he couldn't get rushing attempts but still was able to return kickoffs.

Dan Hawkins: Cody must perform to keep job : All Things Colorado Sports Colorado
I'm confused. So Tyler Hansen's redshirt will come off if Cody Hawkins gets hurt or doesn't perform up to par? Who knows what the plan is but if this is the case, you have to wonder where the "underperforming" line is:

At his weekly media luncheon today, Colorado coach Dan Hawkins said it is not set in stone that junior Cody Hawkins will be the starting quarterback for the entire season — even if his son stays healthy. The coach said that players must perform to earn and keep their spots, quarterbacks included. Although the plan is for sophomore Tyler Hansen to sit out the season as a redshirt, things could change. "(Hansen’s redshirt) could all go out the window, in a variety of ways," Dan Hawkins said. "If Cody just ends up not getting it done … there’s a lot of situations (that could change things). "You’ve got to play well. You’ve got to play well at the spot. But there is never a set of rules that govern that. That’s always a judgment call.’’

Scout.com: UT/Colorado Game Notes
From the Toledo scout.com site. Remember Toledo has beat a BCS team each of the last three years and the last two Big 12 teams who played in the Glass Bowl left with losses. The Buffs will try to avoid being the third:

This will be the third Big 12 opponent to come to the Glass Bowl in the last four years. Toledo is 2-0 in the two previous contests with a 37-31 2OT win over Kansas in 2006 and a 36-35 victory over Iowa State in 2007. Toledo has also defeated a BCS opponent in each of the last three years, and will be gunning for a fourth straight year with a win over a BCS team Friday night. Toledo comes into the game 0-1, but had a strong offensive showing at Purdue in a 52-31 loss. Senior QB Aaron Opelt completed 41 of 67 passes for 423 yards and three touchdowns. He leads the nation in passing yards and pass attempts. Senior wide receiver Stephen Williams collected 15 catches for 185 yards and two touchdowns in the game, while true freshman receiver Eric Page added 12 receptions for 128 yards and one touchdown. Senior wide receiver Robin Bailey also added 6 receptions for the Rockets.

Hawk: Early Emotion Was There vs. CSU - CUBuffs.com
Here is a few status updates on some players:

McKnight should be able to play Friday night at Toledo (7 p.m. MDT, ESPN) and center Mike Iltis (sprained ankle) also is expected to play. The status of safety Patrick Mahnke (sprained ankle) isn't known yet . . . . Dan Hawkins said he hopes to get increased contributions from receivers Andre Simmons and Anthony Wright as the weeks progress.

CU foe Rockets look to the air : All Things Colorado Sports Colorado
Toledo senior quarterback Aaron Opelt was named offensive player of the week for the Mid-American Conference’s West Division after throwing for 423 yards and three touchdowns Saturday in a 52-31 loss at Purdue. Rockets coach Tim Beckman told the Toledo Blade: "(Opelt) might throw it a hundred (times) if we have to (against Colorado). Whatever it takes to win."

More Buff Bites after the jump...

Hawkins Press Conference Quotes - CUBuffs.com
University of Colorado head football coach Dan Hawkins held his weekly press luncheon Tuesday at the Dal Ward Athletic Center. He recapped last week's game against Colorado State and previewed Friday's showdown against the Toledo Rockets.

OTC: MU’s Gabbert Amazes / Snyder’s KSU Not So Much | KC Confidential.com
The University of Colorado is getting ridiculed all over the nation:

"For people who were looking or hoping for Colorado to be the dark horse, well, that’s fine. The Colorado offensive line play was terrible!" Steven St. John, in a not-so-subtle message to KK and Clink, who both picked the Buffs to win the North, 810 AM GH: It appears the North can be divided into the haves and have nots. CU, ISU and KSU look to be hapless. Of these three, the Cyclones may be the only one who ekes out a conference win. The Colorado/K-State game could end in a scoreless tie.

Big 12 power rankings - College Football Nation - ESPN
Tim Griffin is letting the Buffs have it this week and rightfully so;

12. Colorado: So much for much "Hawk Love" with this team. The Buffaloes were humiliated in their own stadium as Colorado State jumped on them early and dictated the tempo from the opening snap. They were gashed for too many big plays and couldn’t run the ball when they needed to. And that debacle is followed by a tough road trip to Toledo to play on a short work week.

CU players not about to push panic button - The Denver Post

Buffs Rippy, Stewart will head home for Toledo game - Boulder Daily Camera

Tuesday Buff Bites - Excitement is in the Air

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More links after the jump...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday Buff Bites - CSU Announces Starting Quarterback, 8 Days Away From Opener

irish1611 — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:01:02 -0000

Stucker to start at QB for Rams | The Coloradoan
Steve Fairchild has named his starter for the showdown. Grant Stucker, the 6-foot-2, 203-pound quarterback, will start his first game for the Rams. "Stucker played in four games last fall, completing 3 of 5 passes for 22 yards in a loss at Utah and running four times in the other three games for 43 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown run in the New Mexico Bowl."

Stucker has the opportunity to be successful this year with two strong receivers and an offensive line that returns a lot of experience. The running backs are a question mark but if they get anything out of them and Stucker, this could be a decent offense.

Buffs get one more chance to impress - Boulder Daily Camera
Kyle Ringo highlights many positions that will be decided in tonight's final scrimmage going into the Colorado State game, including quarterback.

Cody Hawkins or Tyler Hansen? The Colorado coaching staff is expected to determine which player will be the starting quarterback this season after tonight`s final scrimmage at Folsom Field. And then Dan Hawkins will try to keep the decision a secret until the Buffs kick off the 2009 campaign against Colorado State on Sept. 6.

Big 12 mailbag: Why I flip-flopped to Kansas this week - Big 12 - ESPN

Tim Griffin of ESPN thinks WR Markques Simas will be one of two surprise players in the Big 12 once he returns from his suspension and believes Andre Simmons is a great addition to the Buffs team, saying all he has done at the high school and junior college level is win. Definitely a good synopsis of Simmons.

Jones, Lions make an early statement - The Denver Post
CU Buffs 2010 commit, RB Mister Jones, had a nice start to his senior season, going for 115 yards on 11 carries including a 61 yard score in the third quarter.

Jeff Bzdelik prepared for the tough road ahead with Colorado Buffaloes - ESPN
Andy Katz of ESPN has a good read diagnosing Jeff Bzdelik and the Colorado Buffaloes basketball program.

Hawkins won't name Colorado starting QB until day of CSU game - Boulder Daily Camera
Two position updates: It is believed that the quarterback position will be decided tonight but not announced until gametime agains the Rams. G Ethan Adkins has won the other starting guard spot and will see his first collegiate action against Colorado St.

Watch for these freshmen across the Big 12 - College Football Nation - ESPN

Colorado: Freshman defensive end Forrest West is mature enough physically to compete for playing time immediately from early in the season. Coaches rave about his quick learning abilities and his physical skill. They think he can position himself into the rotation early in the season.

Many more links after the jump...

Fall Camp: Special (Teams) Delivery? - CUBuffs.com
Coach Kent Riddle describes the last three's as bad, average and bad when referring to the play of his special teams units. I would say last year was horrific, but that is me. Riddle believes that the increased depth will make this year's performance much stronger.

The Longmont Times-Call - Game day a test for CU O-line
Patrick Ridgell of the Longmont Times points out that while the Buffs offensive line is considered a strength due to the talent on the team, the downside is many of the offensive lineman will be playing their first games at the collegiate level:

There are some other facts that aren’t so comforting. Starting center Mike Iltis and right tackle Bryce Givens will take their first collegiate snaps Sept. 6. Left guard Ethan Adkins has participated in 41 plays over three games. Right guard Ryan Miller has 11 starts, including the first four of 2008 before a broken fibula ended his season. He received a medical hardship last year and remains a sophomore in eligibility. The graybeard is left tackle Nate Solder, a fourth-year junior and converted tight end who was in on all 843 offensive snaps in 2008. Miller, Iltis and Adkins are sophomores; Givens is a redshirt freshman.

CU's Smart embraces another role - Boulder Daily Camera

There are a lot of good stories on any football team. Brian Cabral's favorite from the 2009 Buffs is probably Jeff Smart's. "I think it's awesome," Colorado's legendary linebackers coach said. "For a walk-on to become a captain ... that says volumes about him."

Brooks: Receivers Are 'Hands-On' - CUBuffs.com
Colorado's receiving corps is a work in progress -- with the emphasis being on hard work and precision.

Week 1 Pick 'Em: Great matchups right away Week 1 Pick 'Em - CBS Sports

Colorado State at Colorado (Sept. 6, 7 p.m.) Outside of Colorado, this game might go unnoticed if it were not on a Sunday in primetime. During the Bill McCartney/Rick Neuheisel/Sonny Lubick days, the Colorado/Colorado State rivalry was an event that drew national attention. Now that both programs continue to rebuild under Dan Hawkins (Colorado) and Steve Fairchild (Colorado State), the game has lost some of its luster. We can't promise this game is going to be one for the ages since both programs are unsettled at quarterback and many other positions. Colorado won this game in 2008 (38-17) and hold the all-time record (59-19-2). Hurc's breakdown: Can I choose the flip-a-coin method? Even if Colorado has to use Cody Hawkins and Tyler Hansen at quarterback, they still are in a little better situation heading into the season.

Colorado State making a home out of Central Florida's recruiting hotbed -- OrlandoSentinel.com

Simmons has Buffs' opener in his sights - The Denver Post
Anthony Wright, who converted from cornerback to wide receiver this past week, was asked how the move was going and what the biggest difference was:

The biggest difference between playing cornerback and wide receiver? Sophomore Anthony Wright pointed to the bulging spiral binder tucked under his arm. Wright said he was "kind of like joking, but being serious" when asking Hawkins on Saturday if he could get a tryout at wideout. "Man, (wide receivers) have a big playbook," Wright said Wednesday. "It's a whole different language. I walk around with it all day. I don't look at it during class, though."

Evans, Lobato ahead in battle for No. 3 QB : All Things Colorado Sports Colorado

The Longmont Times-Call - Geer, Burton overcome adversity to earn spots

New punter ready for CSU opener

Pete Kontodiakos, a true freshman out of Tarpon Springs, Fla., was named to high school All-American teams by USA Today, EA Sports/ESPN.com and MaxPreps.com and was rated the top punting prospect in the nation by Ray Guy's ProKicker.com. So far, CSU coaches said, he's lived up to the billing. Although he shanked his first kick in his first scrimmage at Hughes Stadium nearly three weeks ago, every one of his punts during scrimmages since then have gone at least 40 yards, and Thursday night, he booted back-to-back 55-yarders, both with tremendous hang time.