SB Nation - Devin Shanahan

Wednesday Buff Bites - The Talk Continues to Center Around Dan Hawkins' Job Status

irish1611 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:00:26 -0000

Hawkins Tells Staff He's Got One More Year - cbs4denver.com

Two sources inside the CU football progam told CBS4's Vic Lombardi that Hawkins recently met with Unversity Chancellor Phil DiStefano and came away from the meeting with the understanding that he's safe for another year no matter what happens on Friday against Nebraska.

What went wrong? - The Longmont Times-Call

The Colorado Buffaloes are already wrestling with their lack of success in 2009. Have been for weeks. But with the end coming after Friday’s Nebraska game (1:30 p.m., ABC) and expectations so far from being met, hard answers are expected soon. No one wants 2010 to resemble 2009. At all. So here’s the key question: What went wrong? Maybe coach Dan Hawkins shouldn’t have publicly said anything —– no matter what it was — about winning 10 games. Maybe changing offensive coordinators after spring drills hurt more than anyone could have expected; four offensive line coaches in five years shows. And maybe a less funky schedule will help. But the consensus is that this team’s biggest problem boiled down to one word.

Confidence.

Huskers Prep For Potent Colorado Offense
Colorado with a potent offense??? News to me.

"He is similar (to guys we've seen). He has a good arm and he's real slippery. He can find his way out of pressure and when he does he is always looking downfield. Again, you have to do a good job in coverage, but you still have to deal with him. That has kind of been the theme of the last few weeks. We've been facing quarterback after quarterback who can run and hurt you with their feet. You have to account for that all the time." Pelini noted that while they know there is a possibility of seeing quarterback Cody Hawkins, the offensive scheme as a whole does not change. He said Colorado boasts one of the biggest offensive lines they have encountered all year. "(They are) one of the better lines we've seen. They are big and athletic, too. They can move their feet really well. They get out and pull on plays and find people in space. It's a good offensive line, they've come a long way."

Much more after the jump...

What would Cody do? | All Things Colorado Sports

The player said he was positive that Cody will return to the Buffaloes for the 2010 season, even if his father, Dan Hawkins, is fired as head coach following this season. "Cody loves this place, and he loves Colorado football," the player said. "I don’t think he’d go anywhere."

Big 12 predictions, Week 13 - Big 12 Blog - ESPN

Nebraska 23, Colorado 10: These two teams have played some great games in recent seasons. But the Cornhuskers’ defense is too solid not to come prepared, even if it did clinch the North title last week. The Colorado team should be poised for an emotional effort in what could be Dan Hawkins’ last game. Despite Colorado’s ‘strong showing at Oklahoma State last week, the Nebraska defense will be ready to throttle Tyler Hansen and whatever offense the Buffaloes can muster. Look for Alex Henery to be a huge factor kicking in the high altitude in Boulder.

Commentary: Win or lose Friday, CU Dan Hawkins coach deserves one more year - KDVR
Stick to the telecasts, not articles...

Here is the reality, though: win or lose Friday against arch rival Nebraska, Hawkins will most likely return to coach CU next year and here is the kicker, the decision has very little to do with football. The bottom line in Boulder is this: wins and losses are secondary to the image of the program.

CU Buffs land 14 on All-Big 12 academic team - Boulder Daily Camera

Fourteen members of the Colorado football team were named to the Academic All-Big 12 team, the conference announced today. Colorado placed nine players on the first team and five on the second team. In order to qualify, a player must have maintained at least a 3.2 GPA and participated in at least 60 percent of his team's games for first-team consideration and a 3.0 GPA for second team honors. Colorado's first team members include Jake Behrens, Ben Burney, Patrick Devenny, Dustin Ebner, Will Pericak, Travis Sandersfeld, Devin Shanahan, Bret Smith and Nate Solder. Second-team Buffs were David Clark, Marquez Herrod, Jon Major, Tyler Sale and Luke Walters. The conference named a total of 170 players from all 12 programs to the team. Nick Florence of Baylor and Austin Cassidy and Sean Fisher of Nebraska were nominated with a 4.00 grade point average.

What to watch for in the Big 12, Week 13 - Big 12 Blog - ESPN

Dan Hawkins' possible last game in Boulder: The embattled Colorado coach’s job has been in question since a slow start after he boldly predicting his team would challenge for the Big 12 North title. Instead, the Buffaloes were the first team in the conference eliminated from bowl consideration. The Buffaloes showed some promise in last week’s narrow loss at Oklahoma State, although they repeatedly made critical mistakes and penalties that kept them from winning. Will the Colorado coach be able to circle the wagons and get his team to play one final strong performance? Or is it already too late for him to save his job after a disappointing 16-32 career record?

A little doom, a little gloom at the holidays for CU football | All Things Colorado Sports

What, you think the economy stinks? Check out what’s going on on the Front Range football front, where …
* The Broncos’ offense considers a field goal a moral touchdown. Or maybe you haven’t noticed that the Local 11 haven’t scored an offensive touchdown at home in November.
* CSU just lost to New Mexico, which hadn’t won a game since New Mexico was a territory. Or seemingly so.
* CU has lost 20 of its last 22 road games and hasn’t won a Big 12 North roadie during the Dan Hawkins era.

Omaha.com - The Omaha World-Herald: Big Red Today - Beleaguered Buffs won't back down

Colorado players say the uncertainty surrounding coach Dan Hawkins' job status hasn't been a distraction. "There's a lot of stuff being said outside of the program, but you step into our locker room or in meetings or in practice and it's hardly spoken of,'' CU tight end Devenny said.

Wideout Simas gives jolt to the Buffs' offense - The Denver Post

"The chemistry between the wide receivers and tight ends and Tyler has improved over the last few weeks," Simas said. "Tyler knows that if the defense gives us this look, I'm going to be here. And if the defensive gives us that look, I'm going to be there. It's a feel thing we're developing."

Brooks: Seniors' Legacy Better Than 3-8 - CUBuffs.com

The Colorado football program's 17 seniors have so much more to their collective resumes than a disappointing 3-8 record entering Friday's final game against Nebraska (1:30 p.m., Folsom Field, ABC). The Buffaloes' three senior captains - Marcus Burton, Riar Geer, Jeff Smart - are a storyline within the tale, each having persevered through individual hardships to reach the point where their teammates recognized and honored them.

CU's Hagan wants critics to stay patient - Boulder Daily Camera

Henderson: McCartney knows the heat under Hawkins - The Denver Post

Colorado comes up short against Arizona in overtime - KansasCity.com

For the second night in a row, not-so-lowly Colorado took a perennial powerhouse the distance. For the second night in a row, the Buffaloes barely missed a statement victory.

CU`s Higgins making name for self - Boulder Daily Camera

"Great player," Wildcats guard Nick Wise, an All-American candidate, noticed. "Before watching film on him I never really heard too much about him. He`s an All-Big 12 player and that says enough about him because it`s a great conference."

Buffs Drop OT Thriller in Maui - CUBuffs.com

Both teams protected the ball after halftime as Colorado committed zero turnovers in the second half and Arizona only committed two. Arizona's hot shooting from the three-point line proved too much for the Buffaloes to overcome though. The Wildcats shot 14-of-24 (58.3 percent) from beyond the arc as a whole, including a perfect 5-of-5 from Jamelle Horne. Wise went 5-of-9 from long distance and his 30 points were a career high. Horne was Arizona's second leading scorer with 17. Arizona's 14 treys today was the most for the program in a single game since the Cats connected on 14-of-23 attempts (60.9 percent) on Jan. 17, 2004, in a 97-72 win at UCLA. That covers a span of 189 games played.

Catch Up Buff Bites - Clearance Issues, Suspensions, Missions...We Got It All At CU

irish1611 — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:01:01 -0000

It was a bad weekend to go away for a bachelor party, never a bad event but bad timing for sure. Many noteworthy news stories in Buffland: WR Andre Simmons is still awaiting the final clearance from who knows who but Dan Hawkins says their should be no problems what so ever, OG Maxwell Tuioti-Mariner has decided to take a leave of absence to fulfill his LDS mission, and WR Markques Simas has been suspended for two games in what has been dubbed as an off the field incident that happened "a long time ago." You have to wonder if Simas will ever get it; I sure hope he does and one day it will click that he has a great opportunity to be a special player. I do find it ironic that West Virginia just allowed their number one receiver, Jock Sanders back on the team after his DUI arrest earlier this offseason. The Buffs received clearance from the newest member of the 2009 recruiting class, WR Will Jefferson, who seems to be impressing early on.

That was the big news of the weekend. Then their was the talk about Cody Hawkins increased build and Darrell Scott's weight as Hawkins added some more definition to his biceps and well, Darrell Scott is now 220 pounds after convincing us 205 pounds was his ideal playing weight. Again, who knows? From all accounts, Scott's 220 is not like last year's weight, consisting of all muscle. As long as he is running through guys this season and is healthy, no one will care.

Let the college football season begin and begin like a freight train it has. Here is the most links you will ever see posted in one serving. Enjoy as their is some good stuff. I am trying to get to practice this week as I know you are craving them.

Brooks: Kiesau Embraces New Role - CUBuffs.com

What does Kiesau, who replaces Mark Helfrich, have in mind to fix all the above? For starters, he, head man/receivers coach Dan Hawkins and the other offensive coaches have committed to what Kiesau calls "a downhill, blue-collar run game and an extensive passing game. "It'll be very different from last season . . . we're not going to do the no-huddle spread stuff. If I had to categorize and give it a name, it would be more of a pro-style, NFL offense. "We're going to get the ball downfield, let our playmakers get vertical. If you just run the ball along the box, they're going to stop you. We're going to play action and be able to throw it, we'll be extremely multiple. "It could change from week to week - one week we could be in a lot of two-back, the next week be empty (no backs). But we want to keep a lot of the same concepts, a lot of the same rhythm of the offense. "I don't know if 'identity' is the right word, but people will be able to see it."

Buffs tailback Scott bulks up for sophomore season - Boulder Daily Camera

Scott trimmed down to 200 pounds for spring ball and has since put on weight again. He started camp Friday at approximately 220 pounds. He hopes to play this season between 210 and 215 pounds. He believes a little extra weight will help achieve his goals. Hawkins announced Friday that redshirt freshman offensive lineman Max Tuioti-Mariner will take two years away from the program to complete his Mormon mission. He will return to the program in 2011. "I feel like I'm more experienced," Scott said. "I like this weight I have on and I'm going to use it to my advantage. "After our summer lifting, I put on a little extra muscle and I like it. I can run people over and it will help me with my durability."

Scout.com: 2009 Big 12 Schedules & Picks
CollegeFootballNews.com thinks the Buffs will be 7 - 5, beating Nebraska in the finale to get to win #7.

Scout.com: 2009 Big 12 Preview - Unit Rankings
College Football News was very friendly to the Colorado Buffaloes in their Big 12 unit rankings in my opinion going into the 2009 season. Nebraska was ranked behind the Buffs in both offense and quarterback rankings. The Buffs also were noted with the best secondary, 3rd best running backs and a 4th ranked defense.

Scout.com: 2009 CFN Top 30 Big 12 Players
CFN ranks the top 30 players in the Big 12 with Darrell Scott making an appearance as #17 on their list. Not a bad ranking at all.

Guard Max Tuioti-Mariner is leaving the program to serve an LDS mission - Longmont Times

Guard Max Tuioti-Mariner is leaving the program to serve an LDS mission, CU coach Dan Hawkins said Friday. Andre Simmons was on Colorado’s practice field wearing jersey No. 1 Friday night when the Buffs opened August camp. But he was not participating. Simmons, the wide receiver from Independence Community College whom CU signed last February, said his former school "closed early" Friday and did not send his transcripts to CU. CU reported Thursday night that Simmons has been accepted to the university as long as his community college transcript confirms what the football program has been told about it. The school will continue to wait for it over the weekend. Simmons said he expects Independence Community College to fax the transcript to CU on Monday. Once CU has it, he expects to be able to practice with the team.

Markques Simas Suspended - Longmont Times

Saturday’s news about Markques Simas’ suspension for the first two games of 2009 has left some Colorado Buffaloes frustrated. Simas, for one. "It’s a little frustrating, but I’m the only person you can blame for it," Simas said. "So I’m just going to keep preparing and work hard. "When it comes time for Wyoming, I’ll just be prepared and mentally ready." Simas redshirted in 2007 as a true freshman after he missed most of the summer and arrived in need of conditioning. He was academically ineligible in 2008. Simas will miss CU’s season opener against Colorado State on Sept. 6, then its first road game five days later at Toledo. Wyoming visits Folsom Field on Sept. 19. CU announced that Simas violated team rules to earn the suspension. Said Simas: "It’s just an issue me and (coach Dan Hawkins) have. It happened a while ago, but it’s overlapped into the next season." Senior linebacker Bryan Stengel, senior tight end Devin Shanahan and sophomore safety Travis Sandersfeld have been awarded scholarships.

Paige: A look at Buffs' H&H QB battle - The Denver Post
Woody Paige sits down with Cody Hawkins and Tyler Hansen for an interview that has some great quotes from the two buddies/competing quarterbacks.

Many, many more links after the jump...

Buffs DE Kasa not looking back - Boulder Daily Camera

"Once I made the decision that this was right for me, I haven't thought about it at all since," Kasa said after his first official collegiate practice. "I love it up here." Had Kasa gone to Florida, the preseason No. 1 in the USA Today Coaches poll, he would have almost certainly redshirted and perhaps been asked to play offensive line. At CU, there is a good chance Kasa will be in the rotation at defensive end this season. Over the summer he added 20 pounds to his 6-7 frame while working out with the rest of the Buffs. "He impacted the team in the offseason just by his ability," Bandison said. "He came in and he was able to compete right away in the conditioning stuff. He was running with Nate Solder, who makes every lineman look bad because he's so talented. Solder always wins all of the drills, he's always the fastest and the most athletic. And now Nick's competing with him. I think that helps them both.

Brooks: Buffs A Closer Bunch - CUBuffs.com

Returning Colorado players who began fall camp Thursday night say something was different about this opening, something present that might not have been there in recent camps. "Before, there were some really loving guys like Brad Jones (graduated outside linebacker), but there also were some other guys who just . . . weren't," said defensive end Conrad Obi, a sophomore scheduled to battle classmate Lagrone Shields for a starting spot at right defensive end. Continued Obi: "Now, everybody just loves everybody; there's not much hazing going on . . . everybody's respectful. There's no more fighting, things like that. We've got our minds on one thing and that's it."

The Buffzone Blog - A few minutes with RB Brian Lockridge

Optimistic Buffs open camp : Top Stories : Boulder Daily Camera

From Cody Hawkins' biceps to Darrell Scott's powerful runs to Nick Kasa's un-freshman-like physique, it's clear that this group made a commitment to the strength and conditioning program over the summer after injuries made life miserable for the Buffs last season.

Four Big 12 teams make USA Today coaches' poll - Big 12 - ESPN
Colorado received two votes in the coaches poll, putting the 53rd overall in the rankings

Coach Hawk Press Conference Transcription - CUBuffs.com

Buffs Wrap Up Third Day Of Practice - CUBuffs.comThe CUfootball team was back on the practice field on Sunday afternoon, as they continue to work their way through fall camp.

The Longmont Times-Call - Expectations remain high for CU running back Scott

Buffs Wrap Up Media Day After Second Fall Practice - CUBuffs.com
The University of Colorado football team wrapped up the second official practice of 2009 fall camp on the practice fields and then took part in the annual fall sports media day Saturday at the Dal Ward Athletic Center.

Scout.com: 2009 CFN Big 12 Preview

Coach On The Hot Seat Dan Hawkins, Colorado - Insiders suggest that there's no thought whatsoever of Hawkins not being around in 2010 unless the Buffs go into the tank this year, but there needs to be a major positive step forward to show the fan base that there's hope for a return to glory. The Gary Barnett era might have been marred by scandal and embarrassment, but the Buffs were in the Big 12 title mix every year. The program hasn't been close under Hawkins, but to be fair, he had to rebuild. Now there needs to be a payoff.

Young CU defense learning ropes - The Denver Post

Kiesau's plan: Stick to it - Boulder Daily Camera

Purify enjoys purity of semipro football - Colorado Springs Gazette

Bobby Purify doesn’t miss the days of scoring touchdowns for the University of Colorado. He’s OK with not hearing his name on ESPN and not reading his name in the newspaper. "It’s in my past," said Purify who works in real estate as a contractor for Colorado Springs Utilities. "I’ve lived my dream. I’ve done what I’ve wanted to do in my life. I have a blessed life in my eyes. My two girls (ages 4 and 2) are healthy, and I’m still able to play the sport I grew up playing." From 2000 to 2004, Purify trotted out to games in a black and gold uniform for the Buffaloes. Now, he takes the field donning red and black for the Colorado Springs Flames, a semipro team in the Colorado Football Conference.

The Quad Countdown: No. 26 West Virginia - The Quad Blog - NYTimes.com
Life after Pat White begins with Jarrett Brown under center, though the Mountaineers will rely heavily upon running back Noel Devine. Can West Virginia upend Cincinnati and return to the top of the Big East?

West Virginia Mountaineers receiver Jock Sanders reinstated 6 months after DUI arrest - ESPN
West Virginia has reinstated leading receiver Jock Sanders six months after a drunken-driving arrest in Morgantown.