SB Nation - Colorado Buffaloes

Don't Bet On It!: College Football Bowl Edition (Part I)

T Kyle King — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 01:53:51 -0000

The outcome of this afternoon’s Army-Navy game finalized the Division I-A postseason lineup, so now we are able to begin (albeit not end; there are a lot of these games, you know) taking a look at this year’s bowl pairings. My 4-3 record in last weekend’s predictions brought me to 69-16 (.812) in SEC forecasts, 35-33 (.515) in non-conference prognostications, and 104-49 (.680) in overall picks for 2009. Perhaps now would be a good time to remind you . . . Don’t Bet On It!

Here are the first four games of the 2009 bowl season, the earliest of which will occur only one week from today (which hopefully will keep tankertoad’s Saturday from sucking):

New Mexico Bowl: Fresno St. Bulldogs v. Wyoming Cowboys (Dec. 19): All right, seriously, this isn’t a rematch of a conference game? I genuinely find that hard to believe. The Cowboys will arrive in Albuquerque fresh from a 6-6 season that included losses to the Texas Longhorns, Colorado Buffaloes, Brigham Young Cougars, and TCU Horned Frogs by margins of 31, 24, 52, and 35 points, respectively. Wyoming simply hasn’t so much as shown up against anyone even passably good. The West Coast Bulldogs are passably good.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl: Central Florida Golden Knights v. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Dec. 19): On a day we all spent watching the Army Black Knights put forth a pretty good first-half effort in an attempt to earn a bowl bid, we now find ourselves confronting the prospect of two more groups of color-coded paladins squaring off in the postseason. It’s almost as though the Nike guys in charge of the Oregon Ducks’ uniforms were digitally enhancing the costumes in "Excalibur." I don’t know whether this one will begin with a coin toss or a jousting tournament, but I’m confident it will end with a Rutgers victory.

New Orleans Bowl: Middle Tenn. St. Blue Raiders v. Southern Miss. Golden Eagles (Dec. 20): Really, now, you can’t be telling me this isn’t a rematch of a conference game, can you? I mean, I’ve been in Sanford Stadium to see the Georgia Bulldogs up the integer in the left-hand side of their ledger against both of these teams. Then again, I’ve also been in the Classic City to see the Red and Black come up short against one of these teams, so that’s the one I’m picking to win. Southern Miss annually opens the season as the No. 25 team on my BlogPoll ballot in a nod to Matt Hinton and the Golden Eagles will end this season with a win.

Las Vegas Bowl: BYU Cougars v. Oregon St. Beavers (Dec. 22): Two things about this game continue to baffle me. First of all, if the bowl in Nashville is the Music City Bowl and the bowl in Detroit used to be the Motor City Bowl, shouldn’t the bowl in Las Vegas be the Sin City Bowl? Secondly, how strange is it that this bowl keeps playing host to Brigham Young, a school whose student-athletes consider caffeine morally objectionable? I’m not sure whether Oregon State’s presence in this game attests more to the depth of the Pac-10 as a conference or the crummy quality of the league’s postseason tie-ins, but, either way, if what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, then what’s staying in Vegas is a Beaver beatdown of the overrated Cougars.

You know, I know, and the American people know that I’m flying blind on these early predictions, so, even if you find that my forecasts make sense to you in the later games, that should not cause you to place faith in my initial set of prognostications. Simply stated, whatever you do . . . Don’t Bet On It!

Go ‘Dawgs!

Tennessee's Famous Hostesses

aramnath — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:46:30 -0000

More photos » by Michael H. Miller - AP

Lane might be in a bit of trouble. This picture's really only here because I couldn't find any decent one to put up of the "hostesses" under NCAA investigation. (AP Photo/Michael H. Miller)

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The NCAA is investigating some of the University of Tennessee's football recruiting practices that involved the use of "hostesses" in recruiting prep and high school players. From reading the rest of this article it seems that the "hostesses" can be called out on what they actually were doing; getting real cozy with some high school kids. One recruit, Marcus Lattimore, described the hostesses as "real pretty, real nice and real cool", which I read as, "yeah those b*tch*s sure put out". Lattimore also said that he thought they had a "large influence" in a couple of his teammates' decision to commit.

This reminds me of the Colorado football program that was accused of using sex and alcohol to recruit their players. At least Lane Kiffin wasn't paying cash to an escort service to come and"entertain" some recruits on a campus visit, which is a good thing. Then again we'll find out how these "hostesses" were rewarded for visiting recruits during their high school football games and persuading them to commit to Tennessee. Is the university's reasoning going to be that the "hostesses" explained to the players how they fit into their scheme and the kind of program they are trying to build? I'm very excited to hear more about the details of this story.

Game 6 Recap: Oregon State 74, Colorado 69

Jake Bertalotto — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:18:18 -0000

Coming in, the Beavers knew Colorado would be a great outside shooting team and that contesting shots would be key. Having played Sacramento State two weeks ago, a team that just made it rain from the outside in the first half, perphaps the Beavers knew what to do. Oregon State held CU to just 23.5% from three-- a mark well below their season average.

It was a close game throughout, but Oregon State trailed for much of the first half and beginning of the second. They never gave up though, and continued to fight and make plays on both sides of the ball to keep it close.

Rebounding plagued the Beavers, especially on the defensive side. They gave up 15 offensive board to the Buffaloes, allowing CU to get 23 second chance points. Several players had lapses on the boards- you could tell from the FSN telecast that Coach Robinson was very upset with Angus Brandt at times, but Joe Burton had some hiccups in the low box as well.

Ultimately, this game we decided at the foul line. Oregon State was 9-of-16 in the first half, but made up for it and really won to the game due to their 17-for-18 mark (95%) in the second half. Schaftenaar was 8-for-8 on the game, Cunningham was 7-of-7.... Haynes, Cunningham, Schaftenaar, and Seth Tarver all hit a pair of foul shots down the stretch to seal the game.

Individual player notes:

Calvin Haynes: Very glad that Calvin found his touch last night. Nineteen points, 6-of-9 shooting... that's the old Calvin we've been looking for this pre-season. You could tell that he had his confidence, as he was talking some off balance and contested shots, and sinking them. He also hit the big go-ahead basket with just over a minute to go.
Seth Tarver: His offensive game continues to improve. 14 points, 6-of-10 from the field in 32 minutes... that's the kind of performance we need from Seth all year.
Joe Burton/ Jared Cunningham: These two are very exciting to watch, and have asserted themselves in the upper eschelon of players on this team. You can see that CR is confident in them-- as they've started the last two (maybe three?) games, and are playing heavy minutes. They're both athletic in different ways-- Cunningham has the quicks to separate from defenders on the fast break, and Burton moves very well for a 295-pound big man. 13 points for Cunningham, 8 for Burton.
Angus Brandt: I'll hit on the other freshman while we're on the subject... the guy has some potential, but he really struggled rebounding against Colorado. Sometimes it looks like he's just outworked in the paint, but there was one time on a free-throws where he flat out didn't make much of an effort on his defender. I'm guessing that those are the things that CR is upset about the most.
Roeland Schaftenaar: I'm not sure that anyone knows the full story on Roeland except for the coaching staff, but it doesn't look like he is being utilized in the same way he was last season. Not sure if he's in a slump and the coaches just don't want to put him at the top of the key, or they actually want to see him down in the low block more. He only made one field goal, but the biggest stat in his line is the 8-of-8 free throw shooting. That was huge for the team down the stretch, as the Beavers made 17-of-18 in the second half.

--Jake | (jake.buildingthedam@gmail.com) | Twitter

Thursday Buff Bites - Hawkins Does Not Envision Any Changes to His Staff

irish1611 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:22:22 -0000

Woelk: Time to put CU`s past woes to rest - Boulder Daily Camera

Speaking of staff, Hawkins said he didn`t anticipate any changes in his assistant coaches, unless some of them choose to leave on their own volition. But nobody should have expected him to say anything different in that regard. If he makes any changes, it likely won`t happen for another month or so -- meaning the current staffers are needed to be out on the road recruiting. Honestly? I`ll be surprised if the Buffs start spring ball with the same staff that took the field in the season finale against Nebraska. The gut feeling here is that there will be at least a couple of new faces when the Buffs hit the practice fields in mid-March. Meanwhile, Hawkins has a laundry list of issues to address in the offseason. Hementioned special teams -- several times -- Tuesday, as well as penalties, the running game and turnovers.

Hawkins humbled - The Longmont Times-Call

"Living in this world, where your whole life is exposed to TV every night and Internet every day, it’s interesting," he said. "It really is. I’m trying so hard to be everything to everybody. And I’m trying so hard to say all the right things and I’m trying so hard to do all the right things. It’s frustrating for me. ... I don’t know if I’ll ever do that, quite honestly. "Where our record is and where we’re at, that’s all me. It is. When you have press conferences every day and (reporters) talk to me every day, I could just say it’s my fault and I have to fix it and walk away. And you’d guys would go, ‘Where’s the story there,’ right? "My comment about this program — I came here because Colorado has such a great tradition, but I’m also very well aware, as are our guys, that when an institution has a new president, chancellor, (athletic director) and football coach, and you get an entirely new compliance department, athletic department, trainers, strength people, every single person is new, that’s like going from scratch. "I’m not trying to disrespect anybody, I’m not trying to disrespect any games won here, any championships won, any alums here, any faculty, any former players. I’m not."

In other news:

Offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau said Tuesday he was contacted by Portland State regarding its head coaching vacancy. Kiesau said he has decided the position is "not for me" and has withdrawn his name from consideration. Player news: Hawkins said receiver Kendrick Celestine and offensive lineman Sione Tau "might be" on the team in January. Spring dates: CU will return to holding two weeks of spring drills prior to spring break, and two more after spring break, which runs March 22-26, 2010. The spring game is scheduled for April 10.

CU Buffs show their killer instinct - Boulder Daily Camera

"We just wanted to basically stomp on them," explained Cory Higgins, who scored a game-high 22 points on 9-for-12 shooting with three rebounds, three steals and an assist in 30 minutes. "In the past we've had leads and relaxed a little bit and let teams get back into games. In this game we made a big step to show that we have that killer instinct.

On-fire offense gets win for CU - The Longmont Times-Call

If the Colorado men’s basketball team keeps shooting like it did during Tuesday’s 78-54 defeat of San Francisco, it’ll win some games this year. Maybe a bunch. Who knows? Of course, concerns linger about its defense and rebounding, concerns that Tuesday’s first half did little to alleviate when San Francisco created nine second-chance scoring opportunities. Those concerns were addressed at halftime, and San Francisco had none in the second half.

Big 12 All Conference Teams Announced, OT Nate Solder Selected to First Team

irish1611 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:12:41 -0000

The All-Big 12 Conference football teams and individual award winners have been announced by conference officials. All selections are made by the Big 12 head coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own players.

Junior offensive tackle Nate Solder received the highest award on the Buffs squad, being named first team All Big 12 at tackle, a great accomplishment for the converted tight end. Solder brings a rare combination of size and speed to the mix and is currently looked at as being one of the players with a strong chance to make it in the NFL. He still has a lot to learn about the position but the athleticism is there.

Two other Buffs, TE Riar Geer and CB Cha'pelle Brown were named second team All Big 12. Rounding out the teams, these Colorado Buffaloes were named honorable mention: Jake Behrens, FB; Jalil Brown, DB; Benjamin Burney, DB; Marquez Herrod, DL; Scotty McKnight, WR; Ryan Miller, OL; Jeff Smart, LB; Jimmy Smith, DB; Rodney Stewart, RB.

The biggest surprise is WR Scotty McKnight not being named second team All Conference. He did make honorable mention but Kansas State WR Brandon Banks was named over McKnight. Banks, a talented return man, was named first team KR/PR so this selection over McKnight is very confusing considering it wasn't a charity place for a kick returner.

Scotty McKnight was sixth in the conference with 74.42 yards per game. McKnight was tied for fifth in receptions with 76, was sixth in yards at 893 and sixth in receptions per game at 6.33. Brandon Banks ranked 10th in receiving yards per game at 58.75, 10th in yards at 705 and ninth in receptions with 56. McKnight had six touchdowns to Banks' one.

Congrats to all of those Buffs who were named to the All-Conference teams

Sunday Buff Bites - 2010 Prognostications are Already Turning Positive

irish1611 — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:31:03 -0000

Two head coaches not named Dan Hawkins have already been fired: Steve Kragthorpe of Louisville and Al Groh at Virginia. Louisville bought out Kragthorpe for $2.2 million and Virginia paid Al Groh $4.33 million to get him out of Charlottesville. Kragthorpe was fired after just three years at Louisville while Groh went 59-53 with the Cavaliers and guided them to five bowl games. Groh only managed one winning season in his last four, going 9-4 in 2007.

Kragthorpe went 15 - 21 at Louisville. Louisville, a Big East team, is looking at Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin (Colorado and Big 12 ties), former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, Texas Tech coac Mike Leach and former Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer.

McDaniels now a mouth that roared profanity - The Denver Post

"So you advocated the firing of Colorado football coach Dan Hawkins, even though he is doing things the right way off the field. Of course, if CU has a team with disciplinary problems and/or low graduation rates, you're the first one to criticize the coach. Consistency isn't your strong suit." Randy, Littleton

Kiz: There's a reason college football coaches are paid $1 million per year. It's a hard job. It's the Big 12 Conference, brother. It's hard to win with players who are gentlemen and scholars. But there's nothing inconsistent in expecting a fine university serious about football and academics to succeed on and off the field. If the Buffaloes were truly serious about football, Hawkins and his 16-33 record would be gone. Coaches are tested on the scoreboard. Hawk has turned in a score of 32.7 percent. No matter how lenient the grading curve or how much extra credit is given for the fine citizenship of players, that's an F.

"The problem with CU football is the snooty city of Boulder. If you were to switch the people who live in Westminster, Thornton, Broomfield or any other city in the metro area with the people of Boulder, CU would be top five in the country as far as fan base and support. People in the great state of Colorado love their Buffs and get chills when Ralphie takes to the field, but people in Boulder couldn't care less." Earl, Ithaca, N.Y.

Kiz: Hey, go easy on the People's Republic. Boulder is one of the best towns in the USA. But does anybody else get the impression that seeing the Buffs beat Nebraska is not high on the priority list of CU president Bruce Benson? Athletic director Mike Bohn has pledged loyalty to Hawkins in tough times. That's admirable. But what happens when an athletic director loves a losing football coach too much? Both men lose their jobs.

Boivin: ASU needs changes on offense
Mark Helfrich on the move again?

They only category the Sun Devils lead now is offensive predictability.
Among the names that have come up in speculation is Mark Helfrich, Oregon's offensive coordinator who previously coached quarterbacks at ASU under Dirk Koetter. Helfrich, 36, is well-regarded in the coaching ranks but it's hard to imagine he would leave the Ducks. He has ties there and is part of a successful program. His head coach, Chip Kelly, also calls plays, so possibly the promise of that role in Tempe could sway Helfrich.

281 days to the season opener | The Buffzone Blog

For three years running, I’ve heard players talk during the offseason about how that particular offseason was the best the program has experienced in recent memory. I’m not buying it this time. The Buffs might actually have an outstanding offseason this year, but I think I’ll wait to write about it when we actually have some proof of it. Otherwise, it’s just talk, and if there is one thing I know CU football fans are sick of, it’s bold, brash words with little or nothing backing them up.

Buffaloes peer into future - The Longmont Times-Call

Starting up front, they graduate no linemen, offensive or defensive, who played a lot in 2009. Barring attrition, they expect to return every starter on both lines. Some might say that’s not as encouraging as it sounds because CU’s offense and defense ranked toward the bottom of the Big 12 in most statistical categories. But if success begins by controlling the line of scrimmage, the Buffs should be happy. They’ll be loaded with experience and depth up front in 2009. The offense loses its two top tight ends and the fullback, but every other skill position player returns. If his work in practice in 2009 as he redshirted is an indication, transfer receiver Toney Clemons will be one to watch in 2010.

more after the jump...

Fan reaction to Colorado’s retention of Hawkins mixed - The Longmont Times-Call

Ringo: Bowl game within CU`s sights for 2010 - Boulder Daily Camera

But there are some reasons to believe the Buffs could be capable of at least getting to a bowl game in 2010 and being competitive in the Big 12 North Division, the lighter side of the Big 12. Quarterback Tyler Hansen will return and figures to be the starter from the beginning of his junior year. The experience he gained this season and his work with the first team in spring and summer practices will help him. He will have to beat out senior Cody Hawkins, redshirt freshman Clark Evans and several true freshmen quarterbacks expected to join the program, but it would be a surprise to see anyone overtake him. We`re guessing CU coaches won`t be thrilled with the idea of starting over at the position with one of the younger players in a year in which their jobs will once again be on the line.

Losing gets old, so Buffs turning eye to offseason - The Denver Post

Three redshirt freshmen to watch LB Derrick Webb: Former Memphis Whitehaven HS standout could replace Marcus Burton as team's most punishing tackler. CB Deji Olatoye: Ohioan has size (6-2, 185), athleticism (6-4 high jump) and smarts (business major). TE DaVaughn Thornton: Coaches believe the 6-5, 230-pounder from Denver East could develop into CU's next great tight end.
Three goals in spring 1. Get used to new assistant coaches. In addition to former NFL DB Ashley Ambrose being elevated to full-time WR coach, look for at least one other offseason change in the staff. 2. Settle on an O-line. Even in the 12th game, there was some juggling, with backup center Mike Iltis becoming a starting guard. 3. Develop an offense with greater big-play capability.

The Offseason Begins, Plenty to Do in the Upcoming Months

irish1611 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:00:20 -0000

More photos » by Jack Dempsey - AP

Browse more photos »

It is hard to believe the season is already over, it seems like yesterday the Buffs were just getting ready to start the all important fourth season under Dan Hawkins. As we embark on the fifth season of the era, their are a few things on the top of my mind that I would like to see addressed this offseason to turn the Buffs from a "competitive" team to a winning team. Here is a short list, of course, this will be grow but right now, it is what I am thinking about this Saturday afternoon.

Solidify the recruiting class - I love QB Nick Hirschman, RB Mister Jones and QB Munchie Legaux. If there is anyway to get Hirschman enrolled in January, make it happen. The Buffs' need to keep these three players and now go find depth at defensive line, safety and offensive line. A good place to start is with DT Harold Legania who is Munchie Legaux and Keenan Canty's teammate at Edna Karr in Louisiana. A few speedsters would be welcome as well. The Buffs have already received word that Colorado Prep QB Danny Spond has re-opened his commitment, something that was rumored for a while now.

Address the special teams issue - it's been four years and it isn't working. Last year, the Ralphie Report noted over 80 points the poor special teams play was accountable for giving up whether it was a turnover, poor coverage, penalties, etc. Over the past two years, the special teams unit has given up seven touchdowns directly. The Buffs' aren't good enough to give up non-offensive touchdowns.

Players in the trenches need to get stronger, tougher and focused - penalties, missed assignments, physically manhandled at times. It's gut check time for the players on the offensive line. This team will go the way they go in 2010.

Hire an assistant coach that brings intensity, motivation and let him do his thing - I long for a Bo Pelini moment on the sideline, a few F-bombs like Josh McDaniels does to motivate his players. Hawk might not think this is the right way to do things but in three years these two coaches took over programs/organizations that were less than competitive themselves and their combined records are 25 - 11. Winning is the "right way" and football is an intense sport.

Modify the strategy to feature the player, not fit the player to the strategy

To Hawkins: No more abstract statements, no more unrealistic quotes, make us and the players believe again - it was a rough year for Dan Hawkins both on- and off-the-field, whether it was "we''ll see" answers to questions or "10 wins, no excuses", a 3-9 record, telling reporters they must not have kids, suggesting people who criticize as never having faced adversity in life, to "get your horns", to closing spring practice because of measly practice reports we "internet scum" put on the net.

I hope their is some retrospective moments this offseason about ways you can motivate the players, answer questions in the media, embrace the fan base and most important, find ways to win. Your job, coach, is to never hear from your players that "they don't have confidence" or that they "lack energy on the road". Your one job, regardless of what you believe, all centers around you getting your players to show up. Get back to the details and the focus required to win in the Big 12.

Own this next season and the results than come with it, refuse to keep saying "we just need to cinch a few things up." It is long overdue for accountability, something you try to teach your players but have a hard time buying into yourself. Demand the problems be fixed!

I would suggest asking Josh McDaniels if you can take in some Denver Broncos' practices, go to Florida during bowl preparations and view the structure of the Gators, maybe run up to USC on a recruiting trip and take in the practices. I know we can agree on one thing and that is you never stop learning and developing as a person.

We want to believe in you coach Hawkins, just like we did when you signed here four years ago.

ESPN: QB/Ath Danny Spond Has Re-Opened His Recruitment, De-Commits From Colorado

irish1611 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:35:20 -0000

Something that should not come as a surprise, 4-star Colorado prep QB/Athlete Danny Spond has re-opened his recruitment, de-committing from the Colorado Buffaloes according to ESPN.com.

A three-star athlete, Danny Spond of Columbine (Littleton, Colo.) has withdrawn his Class of 2010 commitment to Colorado.

Spond is now considering the Buffs, Stanford, Wyoming and Duke.

He was Colorado's first pledge back in April, but then the Buffs suffered a disappointing 2009 season and the coaching staff was narrowly retained.

A 6-foot-2, 220-pound prospect, Spond has been recruited as a quarterback, linebacker or tight end.

Spond accounted for 883 yards and 14 touchdowns through the first six games of his senior season before suffering a severe head-injury. He is now back in school full-time.

Spond has not eliminated Colorado from consideration but due to the way the Buffs season ended up, he decided that he needed to reconsider his options on where he will be most effectively used.

Although his decision is mostly due to the Buffs on the field performance, Colorado has also received two other verbals from quarterbacks - Nick Hirschman and Munchie Legaux. Spond has stated that he is willing to play any position but would also like a shot at quarterback.

Saturday Buff Bites - Paige: "Pathetic excuses instead of positive results"

irish1611 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:52:10 -0000

Paige: Time for Hawk, CU to get real - The Denver Post

After the game, Hawkins addressed his return for the first time, when I asked him about it. "I think they (the AD and chancellor Phil DiStefano) have a great perspective on the chore that this was. More than anybody, they have an understanding of all the little things that go into this deal," Hawk said.

This deal. Coaching at a major university in a major conference is not a "this deal." It's a major responsibility, and Hawkins didn't even understand that in his postseason spiel. How about: "I've done a lousy job of coaching, and my assistants have done a lousy job, and if we do a lousy job again, I'll resign and not ask for a buffalo nickel from the Buffaloes." Instead, he wants to dredge up that "this place (that would be Colorado) was burned to the ground" before he got hired. Pathetic excuses instead of positive results. Hawkins said he and Nebraska coach Bo Pelini were talking before the game about how tough it is to turn around a program. Pelini, in his second year, has already won nine games, twice.

Woelk: There can`t be any more mulligans for Hawkins - Boulder Daily Camera

There will be no more mulligans for Hawkins or his staff. "There`s a lot of potential on this team, but we`ve got to stop talking about being young said Scotty McKnight. We`ve got to stop making these dumb mistakes that are killing us. It`s not acceptable. ... It`s not the coaches. It`s us."

But I`d also beg to differ with McKnight in his defense of the coaches, at least in terms of some of the mistakes. When a team suffers a delay of game penalty in the fourth quarter deep in an opponent`s red zone, that`s a lack of communication -- and communication comes down to coaching. When a team has been burned repeatedly on kickoff and punt returns, it`s a matter of coaching. And, when your field goal kicker has missed 19 attempts in two seasons, that`s coaching. Find a way to get plays into the huddle on time. Find another kicker (preferably someone along the lines of NU`s Alex Henery, who might just be the Huskers` most impressive weapon). Find players who know their special teams assignments. Simply, find a way to fix the problems that can be fixed.

Early 2010 forecast for Buffs | The Buffzone Blog
Kyle Ringo looks at next year's schedule and predicts the wins and losses. He has the Buffs going 7 - 6 with a bowl win. He has the Buffs winning one road game at Kansas, beating Georgia at home and then beating Rutgers at Yankee Stadium in the first Yankee Bowl. That would be pretty sweet to play in New York.

Oct. 2 GEORGIA — With a bye week to prepare and some early momentum from three solid performances, the Buffs beat the Bulldogs in a thriller, maybe even overtime. 3-1

Buffs missing something special - The Longmont Times-Call

Kent Riddle stood by the Colorado locker room Friday evening looking like a defeated man. The 2009 season was a tough one for the special teams coach to stomach. "Poor," Riddle answered, when asked to grade the special teams’ performance this season. "We had some positive moments and did some good things, but you know, we gave up too many big plays. Way too many. One is too many, and believe me, I understand that." And five is downright absurd. The Buffs allowed another punt return for a touchdown in Friday’s 28-20 loss to Nebraska. Niles Paul’s 59-yard punt return was the fifth special teams touchdown CU allowed this season.

Nebraska-Colorado Quotes - CUBuffs.com

We need to clean up a few things along the way, whether it be fumbles or sacks. They are not quitters, and they never quit. We just have to build a body of confidence in the offseason so that we can have an intensity coming out to start the season. I think it's one of those seasons where if you take away ten plays, you are probably a bowl team."

Hawkins vows "to build on formula" at CU - The Denver Post

As for his record, Hawkins said: "We all want to win more games. For those that are disappointed, just contact Mike Bohn and say, 'Hey, Mike. How can I help? What can I do to help?' And then go in and help."

Same mistakes, and same outcome for CU - The Longmont Times-Call

Nevertheless, many are angry, and Friday’s result won’t appease them. The fan who planted the flag is Kevin Swope, a club-level season ticket holder who said he will maintain his rights next year but will return the tickets to the athletic department with a terse letter. "Probably one of the biggest things is the complete disregard and disrespect to the fans and donors," he said. "People ask critical questions that are solid questions, and he’ll scoff at them and give a condescending laugh."

Split decision on coach support - The Denver Post

Kelly Kizer of Northglenn, who has been attending CU games for 45 years, had a different opinion. "I think he should have been fired. The athletic department is accepting mediocrity and they're expecting the fan base to do the same. They act as if all the players who played here before were a bunch of thugs, which they weren't. I think the job is too much for him (Hawkins). He's a blowhard. How Mike Bohn can say he's seen improvement is beyond me."

Fans honor Brown with Heart award - Boulder Daily Camera
Cha'pelle Brown was the recipient of the Buffalo Heart Award.

-The award is 12 years old now and goes to the Buff the fans believe has shown heart, grit, determination and desire on and off the field throughout the season.

-Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith has a decision to make about his future after completing his junior season on Friday. Smith is already considered an NFL prospect and will have to decide whether to turn professional early or return for his senior season. The NFL has a committee in place to help advise underclassmen about their chances of being drafted and what round they might be taken in if they decide to turn pro early. Smith would probably improve his draft position if he waited a year and performed well as a senior, but there is always the risk of injury in violent game.

CU hangs tough but bows with loss to Nebraska - The Denver Post

When Hawkins hunkers down during the offseason to correct all the flaws in his program, he can use Friday's game as a microcosm.

Nebraska hands CU 9th loss of woeful season - Boulder Daily Camera
Buffs defense delivers, but special teams sputter

Turnovers, penalties doom CU — again | INDenverTimes

McKnight set to leave his mark at Colorado - Boulder Daily Camera

McKnight finished with seven catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns. He will enter his senior season with 165 receptions, second all-time in CU history behind Michael Westbrook (167 from 1991-94).

Nebraska-Colorado Notes - CUBuffs.com

WR SCOTTY McKNIGHT (7-114, 2 TD) He finished the season with 76 receptions for 893 yards; those numbers rank tied for second and seventh for a single-season at CU. He will enter his senior year with 165 receptions, second all-time and just two behind leader Michael Westbrook, who had 167 between 1991-94. He has 1,900 career yards, seventh all-time on that list, and 15 TD receptions, tied for fifth on that list. He also extended his regular season streak to 36 games with at least one reception (every game of his career, 37 including postseason). His 56-yard TD catch to close the game was the longest pass reception of his career (previous long was 40 his freshman year).

CU players embrace future with Hawkins - The Longmont Times-Call

Pelinis give Blackshirts mixed reviews

"It’s just a culmination of how we played today," Bo Pelini said. "That’s how we played all day. We played sloppy football."

Saturday playoff roundup | After School

Los Gatos continued to roll through the Division II playoffs, crushing Aragon 45-6 at Westmont High on Friday. Senior running back Cory McDowell had a season-high 137 yards and three touchdowns, and Nick Hirschman and Andrew Berg hooked up on two first-quarter scores to put the game away early. Berg had six catches for 164 yards, with 100 of them coming in the first quarter. The senior has six 100-yard receiving games this season. Hirschman was 11-of-17 for 286 yards, his second-highest total this season. Nose guard Suhkraj Sohal had 11 tackles, and linebackers Joey Vizzusi and Alec Gletzer had 10 tackles each for the Wildcats defense, which allowed its first points of the postseason with three minutes remaining. Los Gatos has outscored its opponents 93-6 in clinching a spot in the title game. The Wildcats will face the winner of today’s matchup between Leland and Wilcox.

Post Game Reaction - Colorado Buffaloes Lose Season Finale to Nebraska 28 - 20

irish1611 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:33:32 -0000

More photos » by Jack Dempsey - AP

17 days ago: After losing his helmet in the scrum, Nebraska defensive end Barry Turner (99), right, pursues Colorado quarterback Tyler Hansen, left, for the sack in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Boulder, Colo., on Friday, Nov. 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

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The Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-3, 6-2) scored 14 points via special teams and an interception to upend the Colorado Buffaloes (3-9, 2-6) 28 - 20 in the Buffs' last game of the 2009 season. On a beautiful day in Boulder, the Buffs played well at times and in other situations, they continued to be their own worst enemy, something that has become a staple for the Buffs in Dan Hawkins' four years at Colorado.

The Colorado defense only allowed 14 points and held the Cornhuskers' offense to just 217 yards, only 73 of which came through the air. Cha'pelle Brown played wonderfully in his final game as a Buff including a sack of Husker QB Zac Lee. The senior cornerback was also awarded this season's Buffalo Heart Award, presented annually to a Buffs player by fans. Colorado's defense has played relatively well since the West Virginia game but were never helped by its offensive and special teams counterparts for most of the season.

OG Ryan Miller and the offensive line did very well on DT Ndamukong Suh, even though the announcers kept making it out to be that Suh had 50 tackles and 20 sacks while being blocked by 19 players. Suh was the benefactor of a sack on a poor intentional grounding flag thrown in the third quarter that was clearly a tipped pass to Rodney Stewart. The penalty pushed the ball back to the 34 yard line and resulted in a missed field goal. That one phantom sack by Suh was the only sack given up today, a major improvement. QB Tyler Hansen still had to do some scrambling but the Buffs never were in 3rd and 20's because of a Husker sack.

Buff WR Markques Simas caught six balls for 107 yards. Although he was not featured enough tonight, he finished the month of November with 462 yards and 31 receptions. A very impressive last month for the sophomore receiver and will be a positive going into next season. Simas did not have a ball thrown his way until the 8 minute mark of the second quarter and had only one catch in the first half. Colorado forgot about him until half number two. Scotty McKnight, thanks to a 56 yard touchdown reception as time expired, also finished with over 100 yards, the second time the duo has accomplished that this year. McKnight had 7 catches for 114 yards and two scores. RB Rodney Stewart also went over the century mark with 110 yards on 21 carries as well.

Overall, the Buffs out gained Nebraska 403 to 217. They had 20 first downs to the Huskers' 14.

But, Colorado made enough mistakes to end up with their ninth loss of the season in a very winnable game.

more after the jump...

Tyler Hansen completed less than 50% of his passes and threw three interceptions as the Buffs lost the turnover battle by two. Colorado continues to struggle in the turnover margin category, often making more mistakes than the other team. One of the interceptions resulted in a Nebraska defensive touchdown.

The Buffs also gave up another non-defensive touchdown on a low line drive punt in the first quarter that WR Nebraska Niles Paul returned 59 yards for a 7 - 0 lead.

Special teams play continues to doom the Buffs. In the first quarter, the Buffs starting field position averaged the 8.5 yard line while Nebraska started at the 46. K Aric Goodman's performance continues to be abysmal as he missed two field goals in the second half that would have brought the Buffs within one point, 21 - 20, with 13:35 left in the game. The last two years, Goodman is 15 of 32 on field goal attempts, hitting only 46%. In 2009, he is 10 of 18. Essentially, the Buffs turned the ball over five times when counting the empty possessions from the missed field goals.

Colorado fielded punts inside the five yard line, dropped kickoffs and subsequently, were tackled inside the 20 yard line, kicked low line drive punts, missed field goals and of course, gave up the touchdown on a punt return.

The very next possession with 13:35 left after the second missed field goal, Nebraska had their only impressive offensive drive of the game, a 13 play, 80 yard drive for the 14 point lead. The Huskers only had to convert one third down on the drive while RB Rex Burkhead carried the ball 9 of the 13 plays. Burkhead ended up scoring, putting Nebraska up 28 - 14.

The Buffs were able to get the ball back and drive down to the Nebraska 15 yard line with about five minutes left but, once again, the team shot themselves in the foot. This drive is a microcosm of the inadequacies this team displays on a weekly basis:

Play 1 - quick zero yard pass to Simas in bounds while the Buffs are down 14 points. You have to go up field there considering your timeout situation and only five minutes on the clock. At least a play out of bounds. Before that play, the Buffs took their second timeout of the second half, leaving them with only one. The play call of a small flip pass to Simas after the timeout is mind boggling.
Play 2 - incomplete pass. Now 3rd and 10 from the 15 yard line
Play 3 - delay of game, five yard penalty. Now 3rd and 15 from the 20 yard line.
Play 4 - false start, five yard penalty. Now 3rd and 20 from the 25 yard line.
Play 5 - pass incomplete. Now 4th and 20 from the 25 yard line
Play 6 - timeout, their second of the drive without gaining a yard since having the ball 1st & 10 and last timeout of the half.
Play 7 - interception

The Buffs had 7 penalties in total. They continue to be one of the most penalized teams in the nation.

Just like the defensive drive before it, this offensive drive and the two missed field goals in the second half, the Buffs continually fail to convert and make big plays when the game is within reach. The people in charge at the University of Colorado might think and interpret this as being a very competitive outing, as their press release stated yesterday, but I believe it to be a dangerous trend that we have seen all year against a very manageable out of conference and Big 12 North schedule.

I wish we could have pulled this out for the seniors. We are certainly going to miss players like Cha'pelle Brown, Marcus Burton, Benjamin Burney, Riar Geer, Jake Behrens, Shaun Mohler, Patrick Devenny, Kevin Moyd, Jeff Smart, etc. Thanks for sticking through this mess, it probably would have been easy to quit. Best of luck in the future. I wish it would have turned out better for you in your last season.