View Full Version : Colorado Buffs 2008
MissouriBronc
07-22-2008, 12:07 PM
Big 12 Media Days:
COLORADO
COACH DAN HAWKINS
PETER IRWIN: Coach Hawkins is now joining us. He's going to identify the players that have joined him today and then we will take an opening comment and take questions from the floor.
Coach, welcome.
COACH HAWKINS: Good morning, troops! Day two, gotta finish. We've got three guys here. Ryan Walters, our senior safety. Ryan has been a great kid for us and a real leader for us and somebody I've hung my hat on since I've been there. And George Hypolite, who is our senior defensive tackle, very good player. Also just a great icon I think for our program. He's already graduated, tremendous community service guy. And Daniel Sanders, AKA Girthy, you'll probably hear us refer to him as Girthy. He'll be a guy 20 years down the road you won't be able to remember his name but his nickname. Our senior center.
Happy to have those guys here. Opening comments. It's really great to be here. And I mean that sincerely. I think I just asked these guys, Do we get one of those helmets? Being in the Big 12 is a great privilege. And being a college football coach is a great privilege.
And being able to be a part of this conference and so much tradition and so much excellence and I love the heartland of America and being a part of something that's been around for a long time. Obviously the Big 12 is somewhat new, but certainly the programs and the traditions in it are not.
It's awesome to be in a program who faces some of the best programs in the country and some of the best players in the country. And I think so many people have asked me about our schedule both in and out of conference, and I think, quite frankly, that's why you do it. I think that's why you play, I think that's why you coach.
And certainly have a tremendous amount of affinity for the great players in our conference and being able to compete against those guys, as well as so many great coaches and legendary programs.
So I'm always fired up and I'm certainly fired up to get going again this year. I've told my wife many times I'll know when it's time to retire because it just seems like every year my hair starts on fire again, I'm fired up to be coaching. So I'm very blessed to have this job and be at Colorado and be in this conference.
PETER IRWIN: Questions.
Q. Would you talk about the buzz in Boulder around Darrell Scott and any sense of urgency that a coach might feel in getting a recruit like that on the field very fast?
COACH HAWKINS: Well, you guys have been around sports a long time. And there's a lot of great players and a lot of great athletes in a lot of sports that never amounted to anything and to some degree were great tragedies. My biggest talkings and dealings with Darrell have more to do with understanding a quality balance of life and what it takes to be successful. And he's a tremendous talent. He's a great player. He really is.
And he is a good kid. I think he's a very humble kid. But, to me, that -- to get his feet on the ground academically and socially and really focus on those type of things. Because his game will come around at some point, whether that's day one or week one or year two, I don't know. I know that it will come at some point.
But my biggest push for him is just all the intangible factors, really.
Q. Touching on something you mentioned a minute ago, the schedule. Given how difficult your schedule is this year, how big and what kind of improvements does your program need to make for it to be reflected in the final record?
COACH HAWKINS: I said this many times. You guys know. So much of life is made up of the details in the little things. And we were a scosche from winning 10 games a year and also a scosche from winning two, again, as horrific as it sounds. But that's really how it goes. There were many games that we had an opportunity to win and lose and we've got to be able to -- number one, there's a turnover margin that's got to be adhered to. And you've heard every coach talk about that and everybody thinks it's coach-speak. It's really not. I don't know much about a lot of sports like lacrosse and some of those things.
But I know if you turn the ball over it's probably not a good thing. So the same is with football. That's got to be an important thing. We've got to do a better job on third downs on offense and defense. We gave up a too many few plays last year. We've got to be able to pressure the quarterback back more and get back to running the ball a little bit better.
So in every area it's going to have to be minuscule improvements to scratch and claw and be able to win some games.
Q. Coach, when you came to Colorado and you saw what you had, and you probably have one-year, three-year, five-year plan in mind, is it going according to Hoyle? Were there any big surprises?
COACH HAWKINS: It never goes as fast as you want to. I'm not a very patient guy, like the rest of the country. And so I expected to win 10, 11, 12 our first year out of the gate. So that's always a shocker.
I always have those expectations. I really do. They're not false. I really believe that if we're able to reach down in the hearts and minds of young men and push the right buttons and do the right things, you can develop that kind of chemistry and that kind of magic and make that thing happen.
And you never know exactly how long that's going to take. I just don't think if you sit back and go, well, it's a five-year plan or seven-year or three-year plan, why we should wait that long. I think we just have to push as hard and as fast as we can as early as we can and make it happen as fast as we can.
Q. Coach, with the plethora of great quarterbacks in this league, it wouldn't seem like it's a great time to be breaking in two new cornerbacks. Is it scaring you to death? Where do we stand?
COACH HAWKINS: I don't think it matters even if you have veteran guys, I really don't. You're right, there are a tremendous amount of players in our conference. And so we're going to have to do a lot of things that starts up front and mixing things up and changing things up and giving people on the back end a chance. Like I said, I don't think it matters whether you're veterans or rookies, you're going to have some problems, with the talent we have in the league.
Q. Given all the success you've had in Boise and given your own, as you've just said, lack of patience, how have you coped with the fact that this is year three and you're in kind of the middle right now?
COACH HAWKINS: It's hard on you. It grinds on you. I took a lot of years off of my life I think in '06. And there's not a guy that does this, and you're aware of this, that isn't extremely passionate about what they do. And that's very hard on you. It is. But I think it's also to some degree why I came to Colorado and why anybody does what they do. I just think there has to be a certain amount of reinvention in a person in being able to put yourself up against it and see what you're all about. So as my dad told me when I came there, he said, You asked for it, buddy, and you got it.
It's been great. It really has been. And really fulfilling because I think there's so many great things at Colorado and great people. And it's been nice to kind of roll up your sleeves and jump in the garden and start weeding and watering and planting some good crops.
Q. Question about Girthy. We don't write a lot about him because he's so quiet, but what makes this guy so good? And I remember last year we asked you about the snaps, 99 percent of the time his snaps were perfect, but there is some inopportune moments. Is that something that a guy works on in the off season?
COACH HAWKINS: Yes, he needs to. That's part of the turnover quotient and every coach that gets in the gun knows that's an issue. One is having to catch to have a snap that's catchable, and then also a snap that even gets better than catchable and puts a quarterback in a
visit our archives at asapsports.com
Coach Hawkins - 07 22 08.doc 3
position where can focus more on what's going on down field.
Girthy has been around. He's been a guard. He's had a lot of snaps, seen a lot of things. I think he brings a lot to the O line that way. And as you know we're pretty young up there to begin with. So having a veteran guy that's been in a lot of stadiums and seen a lot of other teams play, I think it's good to have that experience around.
PETER IRWIN: Thank you, Coach.
MissouriBronc
07-22-2008, 12:08 PM
Nothing up from the players, and I can't get the video to work on my damn mac...so...that's all I've got for now.
I'm excited about Scott.
MissouriBronc
07-22-2008, 12:14 PM
From the good ole' times at Media Days to a harsh reality:
WR Simas declared ineligible
Two others also fail to make grades over summer
By Kyle Ringo
"You can't charm your way through college." Markques Simas CU wide receiver
KANSAS CITY --- Big plays on the football field were expected from Colorado redshirt freshman wide receiver Markques Simas this fall, but he will be watching from the sideline instead.
Simas, offensive lineman Sione Tau and linebacker Nate Vaiomounga have been declared academically ineligible following the first summer session at CU and will likely miss the coming season, according to a press release issued Monday by the school's sports information office.
Simas was a four-star prospect when he was recruited from the San Diego area as part of the 2007 recruiting class. He sat out his first season in Boulder last fall redshirting, a practice commonly used to allow players to build strength and get ahead in the classroom. Simas didn't take advantage of the experience, failing three courses during his first full year in Boulder, dragging his grade-point average below the eligible level.
"I think it was just my sense of urgency," Simas said. "I start the beginning of the semester strong and then once I get a rhythm I kind of slack off a little too much. And then at the end, I try to turn it up.
"I did it in high school, but I realize I can't do it in college. The teachers are real strict and they really don't know you all too well like a high school teacher would. I thought I could give them a smile or whatever and get the grade, but then I realized it doesn't work. You can't charm your way through college."
Simas said there is a chance he could regain his eligibility if he can convince one of his professors to change a failing grade to an incomplete. He said that combined with a good grade in the course he is taking in the second summer session would raise his GPA to an acceptable level.
CU coach Dan Hawkins said he does not expect any of the three to be available to play this fall. He said hehopes other players learn from their teammates' experience.
Simas said he remains committed to Colorado no matter how the situation plays out. He said he expects to know whether he will be able to play by the first week of training camp.
"I'm disappointed and I know I let a lot of people down," Simas said. "I let my mom down most importantly, but I let my coaches and my teammates down. So I'm really just trying to get better."
The loss of Tau and Vaiomounga is also significant, but both were expected to serve as backups this fall. Vaiomounga played sparingly as a true freshman last season.
Hawkins also said tight end Riar Geer is eligible to play this season after recently pleading guilty in Boulder County Court to misdemeanor assault charges stemming from a fistfight in March. Hawkins indicated there is a chance Geer could be suspended for at least one game at the beginning of the season as further punishment.
"We'll have to sit down and see where we are with him, but obviously, and rightfully so, he has learned a tough lesson," Hawkins said. "And hopefully that experience will serve him and the rest of our team."
Geer was suspended from the team throughout spring ball and will have a suspension in abeyance hanging over his head, meaning he will be suspended from school if he gets into any further trouble.
Also, former walk-ons Daniel Modrovsky and tight end Kyle Tompane have decided to quit football.
Notable
Hawkins and seniors George Hypolite, Ryan Walters and Daniel Sanders will meet with the media today at Big 12 Media Days here. Hawkins was already busy Monday afternoon making the rounds to 10 different radio stations from assorted Big 12 cities. He did it all carrying a copy of former Nebraska defensive lineman Jason Peter's book "Hero of the Underground." ... The cover of the 2008 CU football media guide features a photo of a Buffalo as the school celebrates the 75th anniversary this season of adopting the Buffalo as the school mascot. ... No new summer injuries have been reported.
I had a whole long ass post typed out to this, but I obviously ****** up the clicking process...
The loss of Simas hurts. We needed another big-bodied receiver and I had him penciled in the #2 spot, maybe even #1 the way Patrick Williams dropped balls last year. Now, we're banking all on Williams (which I hate). I love Scotty McKnight, but the dude doesn't have a Big 12 body, he's more of a #3, slot receiver but will end up seeing alot of time at #2. So this ****s everything up. Now Smith and Celestine will need to step up big time.
On the other hand, that's huge that Geer is cleared to play. We need a reliable target at TE while we're breaking in 3 freshman. We also need to hope Solder and Miller stay healthy at tackle with Tau ineligible.
Slick
07-22-2008, 10:42 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V359F6V2w-E&feature=related
MissouriBronc
07-22-2008, 10:46 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V359F6V2w-E&feature=related
I wish we could get back to the top...
I pissed off my best friend today, he's a Nebraska fan, and I called him about something stupid Mangino did, so we could both laugh, and I asked him if Callahan had been at the podium yet because I forgot. I think I pissed him off.
Slick
07-22-2008, 10:56 PM
I still miss Coach Mac. He turned it around even if he was recruiting crips from Los Angeles.. I like what Hawkins is doing, Barnett left him a big steaming pile on and off the field IMO.
Thanks for keeping me in the know MB. The only CU game I got to see last year was the Nebraska game. I'm going to try like hell not to let that happen again this year.
MissouriBronc
07-24-2008, 09:21 AM
More from Media Days from Buff Zone:
http://www.buffzone.com/news/2008/jul/23/hypolite-draws-crowd-at-big-12-media-days/
Hypolite draws crowd at Big 12 media days
Buff DE never at loss for words
By Kyle Ringo (Contact)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
KANSAS CITY --- A sharp wit, scholarly perspective and affable nature have drawn regular Colorado football writers and readers to defensive tackle George Hypolite the past three years for insight on the inner workings of the team and just about anything else.
The rest of the conference discovered the joy of covering a unique young man from Los Angeles this week at Big 12 football media days.
Outside one of the ballrooms in the downtown Marriott hotel here Tuesday one Big 12 radio announcer was heard telling another, "If you don t get anyone else while you're here, make sure you get George Hypolite from Colorado. He is the best guy I've ever had on."
Hypolite is a rare breed. He graduated in three years with two degrees -- in women's studies and ethnic studies -- while simultaneously becoming one of the best defensive linemen in the country. He is a first-team member of the All-Big 12 team and a candidate for just about every major award for defensive players and linemen.
He is working on his honors 200-page thesis in "An Interrogation in African-American Masculinity Through a Social Constructionist Decolonial and Feminist Gaze." Hypolite hopes to be an attorney one day and has spent the past twosummers as an intern in the CU marketing office where he sold season tickets among other responsibilities.
He will be one of four Big 12 players and 21 total players from around the country writing a column for The Sporting News this season. The columns will feature player perspectives concerning football and the other parts of college life.
Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and Nebraska wide receiver Todd Peterson also are writing columns.
"He's a very smart kid," CU coach Dan Hawkins said. "He's very intelligent and he's always got some great things to say," Hawkins said. "In this day and age, and you guys know this, everybody is all about reality TV, and they want to tape a camera to everybody's head and have them walk around for two weeks and get it all on tape.
"But he is a very bright kid a very mature kid and I think he'll do a good job with it."
Hypolite, who was raised by a single mother, Mary, a librarian at Southern Cal, said the primary influences in his life have been female. Those influences, including his third grade teacher, Barbara Chambers, and his eighth grade teacher, the late Mrs. Watson, inspired him to want to help people and be the best he can be.
Here is a sampling of some of the questions Hypolite was asked Tuesday and his perspectives:
Q. Are defenses getting any closer to figuring out the spread offense.
GH: The spread, what's unique about it is they put you in a lot of compromising positions because there are a lot of one-on-one tackles. It's really hard to gang tackle the spread, which gets the ball out in 2.2 seconds. So a receiver is one-on-one with the corner and if he breaks a tackle, that's 15 extra yards. So I think that running the spread puts the defense on an island.
Q. Given your team's schedule this year, how much improvement has to be made in order for an improved record to result?
GH: It's funny. Teams change year to year. Every team is different. I don't care if you won a national championship or you were the 119th team in the NCAA. And you have to respect that and understand that, 'Hey, I may be watching film from last year, but this team is going to be entirely different because you never know those guys are going to gel together. There is always going to be somebody who nobody ever thought about and nobody could predict who is going to come out and just start knocking people off. ... As a football team, we just have to rely on the process and make sure that every day we come in and put quality work in and get done what our coaches want us to get done. And off the field we need to get it done like out coaches want us to get it done. If we can do that, we'll be fine."
Q: How much have you thought about playing Texas given what happened last time you played the Longhorns (2005 Big 12 championship game)?
GH: 70 to 3, it's going to stick, and I think there was a nasty, nasty glow hanging over our program for about two years because of the 70-3 loss. You still have to take it every game at a time. I can't worry about Texas right now because I have to beat CSU, and if I don't beat CSU, what does it matter if I beat Texas or not? I think it hurt a lot, but, hey, we've got to go play football.
Q. How did season-ticket sales go?
GH: You know, I didn't do as well as I did last year. Last year I sold a lot of tickets. This year I was kind of somewhere in the middle. Maybe I just didn't have my magical touch this year. I think it was beginners luck last year. That's a really difficult process. As a student-athlete, you get a lot more respect for the people who do this job on a day-to-day basis because it's hard making cold calls, going on business meetings and not knowing what this person's interest level is and then selling them on something that is not Texas or Oklahoma or Miami or USC football. That everyone knows about. You know, selling to them, 'Hey, this is Boulder, Colorado. We're going to put a great product on the field and you might want to get your tickets before we run off 12 straight victories and go to a national championship and then there are not tickets available.'
Q. Talk about your chance to be in the news media as a writer.
GH: I thought it was the coolest thing I've ever heard of because I get to somehow write a column that everyone is going to read every week. I don't know exactly what I'm going to write about from week to week, but hopefully I can voice some issues that student-athletes are going through on a week-to-week basis, write some fun columns and talk about some community service initiatives that I'm doing.
Q. You got a degree in three years. Do you think some student-athletes don't set the bar high enough and think five years and may not even get it in five years?
GH: I think that comes down to student-athlete visibility. A lot of people go, 'Well, you set the bar at five years.' Well there are a lot of students who don't get a degree in five years. There are a lot of regular students, most regular students want to stick around in college for five years. For me, I was just driven to do that. I wanted to get my degrees in three years so I could play my senior year without having that looming over me. It was a big push from the moment I stepped on campus and I pushed it that way. I think that's all just me and it's not saying anything about there was something special about me. That was just my goal. I think if student-athletes come to college with goals on what to do academically as well as athletically, they will have a better shot at it.
MissouriBronc
07-24-2008, 09:39 AM
More:
http://www.buffzone.com/news/2008/jul/22/cus-scott-hot-topic-big-12-media-days/
CU's Scott a hot topic at Big 12 media days
Expectations are big for Buffs' prize recruit
By Kyle Ringo (Contact)
KANSAS CITY — Hype comes with the territory in preseason football discussions, and Colorado coach Dan Hawkins and three of his players figured to experience some of it while making their appearance at Big 12 Conference media days Tuesday.
What was somewhat unexpected was most of the excitement around CU concerned a player who wasn’t in the building and who hasn’t even participated in a single practice yet. He is a freshman who missed most of the summer throwing and conditioning program back in Boulder as well.
People just can’t wait to finally set their eyes on freshman running back Darrell Scott, formerly the nation’s No. 1 running back recruit from Ventura, Calif. It doesn’t seem to matter if you’re a rabid Buffs fan or a reporter from Middle of Nowhere, Okla.
They want to determine for themselves whether Scott is the real deal or another in a long line of athletes who never caught up to the advance press.
Media members who cover the conference seem to have their minds made up already after naming Scott the Big 12 newcomer of the year in the annual preseason poll. Hawkins said Scott, a player who announced his college choice on national television, was even surprised by the show of respect.
“Wow. That’s flattering, but I haven’t even put on any pads yet. It’s too early,” Scott is quoted as saying in a statement published in CU’s preseason notes.
If Scott thought it was too early for a newcomer nod from scribes, he might have been floored to hear his new teammates discussing what they think he can do. Senior defensive tackle George Hypolite compared Scott’s body type to a young Jim Brown and former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson.
But Hypolite didn’t stop there.
“At the end of the day, as a senior and as leaders, we have to show him how to play football,” Hypolite said. “We have show him how to prepare, how to work, how to work smart, how to be a smart football player in practice and all these kinds of things, and, in three years, if I’m worth my salt in doing that, he will be a Heisman Trophy winner.”
Hawkins is doing his best not to contribute to the buildup and the pressure that has to be mounting as Scott nears the beginning of his college career when the Buffs report for training camp Aug. 4. But even Hawkins managed to stoke the fire a bit with titillating tales of Scott’s potential as a punter.
Hawkins said he will consider using Scott on occasion in that role because of the problems it will cause opponents. Hawkins said he and assistant coaches have had done plenty of advance work with Scott in relation to dealing with media, celebrity and jealousies that sometimes accompany such attention.
“My biggest talkings and dealings with Darrell have more to do with understanding a quality balance of life and what it takes to be successful,” Hawkins said. “And he’s a tremendous talent. He’s a great player. He really is. And he’s a good kid.
“I think he’s a very humble kid, but to me, that is my focus to get his feet on the ground academically and socially and focus on those types of things because the game will come around at some point. Whether that’s Day One or Week One or Year Two I don’t know. I know that it will come around at some point.
“My biggest push for him is all the intangible factors.”
The reality for Hawkins is that Scott is the most popular of many young players who will have to play at a high level early in their careers for the Buffs to improve on a 6-7 season a year ago, considering the difficult schedule they face in 2008.
Hawkins is not surprised by the relatively low regard the Buffs are held in —- they were voted fourth in the Big 12 North by media members —- going into the season. He focused on four areas in which the Buffs must improve this season to reach the next level of success and respect.
Hawkins said his team must improve its turnover margin. The Buffs committed 25 turnovers in 2007 and finished with 21 takeaways for a minus-four ratio. The Buffs also must improve in third- and fourth-down situations on both side of the ball, Hawkins said. Last season they converted only 34.5 percent of third downs and allowed an astounding 57 percent conversion rate on fourth down tries by opponents.
Hawkins also said the Buffs have to improve at pressuring opposing quarterbacks after sacking or hurrying throwers only 66 times in 443 passing plays by opponents last season. The Buffs finished 103rd in the country in pass defense.
Hawkins finally mentioned getting back to running the ball more effectively. No one figures that will be a problem with Scott around.
“He’s got a good head on his shoulders,” safety Ryan Walters said. “He’s a quiet, humble kid. That’s the kind of kid you want on your team, especially with that kind of talent and that kind of hype around him.”
MissouriBronc
07-24-2008, 10:03 AM
http://www.denverpost.com/colleges/ci_9964566
CU cornerbacks in jam via Big 12 passing lane
New starters at a key position will get tested by a strong set of quarterbacks in the league.
By Tom Kensler
The Denver Post
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ryan Walters is a glass-half-full kind of guy. If it's raining, at least it isn't hailing. Stuck in traffic? Hey, more time to listen to some tunes.
Colorado's senior free safety looks at the bright side. But even Walters had to admit the timing couldn't be much worse for CU to break in new starters at both cornerback positions. Last year, 10 quarterbacks in the Big 12 Conference ranked among the nation's top 50 in total offense. Only one of those, Nebraska's Sam Keller (38th), completed his eligibility.
This fall, Colorado will face five Big 12 quarterbacks who accounted for at least 275 yards per game. At least top-ranked Graham Harrell of Texas Tech is off the schedule, but Walters knows the challenge that lies ahead for a rebuilt CU secondary.
Seemingly overnight, the Big 12 has become pass-happy — and fearless.
"It's going to be somewhat difficult with new corners," Walters conceded Tuesday at the Big 12 football preview. "But they're not really rookies. They have a lot of game experience. It's just that now they have to step up to a starting role."
This season, the job descriptions of Walters and senior strong safety Daniel Dykes might include counselor, mentor and safety net — providing help for the newbies at cornerback. Likely candidates appear to be senior Gardner McKay, junior Cha'pelle Brown, sophomores Jalil Brown and Jimmy Smith, and redshirt freshman Anthony Wright.
Big shoes must be filled. Terrence Wheatley, a second-round draft choice, is a member of the New England Patriots. The other 2007 starter, Benjamin Burney, has a year of eligibility remaining but will redshirt this fall after under-going multiple offseason surgeries to repair shoulder problems and other ailments.
"I have a lot of confidence in the guys competing at corner," Walters said. "It will be fun to see who comes out on top. They have a lot of potential. They've got a lot of athleticism. I think they'll be all right."
CU coach Dan Hawkins said Tuesday he couldn't relax even if he had returning starters at cornerback. In 2007, 10 Big 12 teams averaged 30 or more passes per game. And even with Wheatley and Burney suiting up, Colorado (6-7) yielded 389.3 total yards per game to rank sixth in the Big 12 and 64th nationally.
"There are a tremendous amount of good quarterbacks in our conference," Hawkins said. "Starting up front, we're going to have to do a lot of things, mixing things up, giving people on the back end a chance."
Harrell, Missouri's Chase Daniel, Texas' Colt McCoy, Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Kansas' Todd Reesing can be considered All-America candidates. Daniel was a Heisman Trophy finalist last fall. Harrell led the nation in total offense (431.8 yards per game). Bradford topped the pass-efficiency category. McCoy suffered through somewhat of a sophomore slump in 2007 but still threw for 3,303 yards. Reesing threw for 33 TDs and only seven interceptions.
"You get the scouting report and you say, 'Man, this guy is just like the quarterback we faced last week!' " Texas A&M junior safety Jordan Pugh said.
The Big 12's transformation from a grounded, defensive-based conference to a veritable flying circus has been nothing short of amazing to first-year Big 12 coaches Bo Pelini of Nebraska and Mike Sherman of Texas A&M.
Said Pelini: "I was really taken aback when I first got back to Nebraska, seeing the offensive numbers in the Big 12. For a defensive guy, that kind of woke me up a little bit."
Sherman must have wondered if he had walked into the Western Athletic Conference. But the Big 12 is not alone in taking flight.
"It seems in the past that teams put their best athletes at cornerback and defensive end," Sherman said. "Now they're on offense, trying to get them in space. Throwing the football has taken on a life of its own."
It's working. Eight Big 12 teams averaged at least 33 points per game in 2007. With only Nebraska and Iowa State not returning last year's regular starting quarterback (and Ganz started Nebraska's final three games), stats crews figure to get another workout this fall.
"I'm sorry, but I don't feel bad for the cornerbacks in our league," Daniel said with a grin.
Nike has tweaked the CU uniforms... Again...
Hard to tell from these pictures, but I guess the only change is the reflective silver on the shoulder pad area (similar to Oregon jersies).
http://media.buffzone.com/buff/content/img/photos/2008/08/07/S0808CUMD189.jpg
http://media.buffzone.com/buff/content/img/photos/2008/08/07/S0808CUMD43.jpg
MissouriBronc
08-19-2008, 02:36 PM
:tsk:
:tsk:
Yeah, judging from these pictures I share your sentiments... But I'll at least wait to see how they look in pads before I fully denounce them.
MissouriBronc
08-19-2008, 03:18 PM
Yeah, judging from these pictures I share your sentiments... But I'll at least wait to see how they look in pads before I fully denounce them.
My dislike for them only comes from what I've seen Nike destroy these past five seasons or so. Those ducks uniforms can just get plain gaudy. Then they've been messing with Va Tech's and Miami's uniforms too.
My dislike for them only comes from what I've seen Nike destroy these past five seasons or so. Those ducks uniforms can just get plain gaudy. Then they've been messing with Va Tech's and Miami's uniforms too.
I actually have always been a fan of the Oregon uniforms for the most part... But I think there does need to be some continuity-- they can't just change the uniforms every 5 years (or in this case, every year)...
This is the video they play on the Folsom Field big screen before the Buffs come out-- They already posted this years, which is cool considering there haven't been any home games yet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPOe1T6gSkc&feature=related
In honor of tomorrow night's game, here is my favorite game in CU vs CSU series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5SOj14WfnQ&feature=related
MissouriBronc
08-30-2008, 12:01 PM
In honor of tomorrow night's game, here is my favorite game in CU vs CSU series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5SOj14WfnQ&feature=related
Too bad the rest of that year sucked...
Were you there Buff?
Too bad the rest of that year sucked...
Were you there Buff?
Yeah, I've been there every year since 02... That game was particularly epic because it was a night game, there was rain and lightning, back and forth scoring, both QB's (Klatt and BVP) played out of their minds, DJ Hackett ran those Rams over at the goalline. Good stuff.
On Friday morning at a pep rally with CSU players, cheerleaders and coaches of other sports, Gartrell Johnson -- the team's leading rusher and scorer in 2007 -- encouraged the drunk college student stereotype.
"We just want to get your guys' support and just come out and get drunk, talk sh** at CU fans and watch us kick their a**. Go Rams," Johnson, a senior, said.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/17339513/detail.html
I hope George Hyoplite and Mo Lucas heard him say that.
Watchthemiddle
08-31-2008, 09:49 PM
28-14 mid way through 3rd quarter.
All I have to say is Josh Smith is a player. I wish I could watch it, but listening to it online on KOA. Can't wait to see the highlights.
Slick
08-31-2008, 11:04 PM
A pretty good game. CU looked decent. I don't think Hawkins can see when he stays in the pocket. Hopefully he was just rusty because I don't think CSU is that good. Nevertheless, good win, did what they were supposed to do, and when Scott gets blocking, he looks special.
Went to the game last night and am just rewatching some of it... CU looked good, but CSU looked really bad. There were a few times CU could have pulled away and didn't. Still, I'm excited about the new offense, our RB's and it looks like Josh Smith has come into his own. The way he pulled away on that kickoff was like watching a man among boys.
I was happy to see D. Scott get some serious playing time. I think I saw he had like 50 some yards on 11-12 carries. Coming into the game I was hoping he'd get 10 touches. Good win to build off of, now we need to take care of business against Eastern Washington next week before we start muderer's row the next week.
http://media.dailycamera.com/bdc/content/img/photos/2008/08/31/S0901CUCSU247.JPG_COBOU101_t600.jpghttp://media.dailycamera.com/bdc/content/img/photos/2008/08/31/S0901CUCSU380.JPG_COBOU101_t600.jpg
BroncoAV06
09-01-2008, 01:33 PM
Well this game is always close no matter the talent level. Both teams come out ready. One thing that stood out to me was Farris either had plenty of time or no time, surprised that actually a few times he did not even move in the pocket while looking down field. Like Johnson, he was running hard. But where was Sperry?
As for CU, they definitly are getting athletes on offense, plenty of speed and very deep at tailback. Hawkins looked good throwing on the run, wonder if he can't see over the line like you said Slick, lol. Will be interesting to see how the Buffs fair when they get up against the speedy Big 12 defenses.
Outsiders point of view, (Lobos fan) but very much enjoying watching the Buffs!
Slick
09-01-2008, 04:58 PM
Went to the game last night and am just rewatching some of it... CU looked good, but CSU looked really bad. There were a few times CU could have pulled away and didn't. Still, I'm excited about the new offense, our RB's and it looks like Josh Smith has come into his own. The way he pulled away on that kickoff was like watching a man among boys.
I was happy to see D. Scott get some serious playing time. I think I saw he had like 50 some yards on 11-12 carries. Coming into the game I was hoping he'd get 10 touches. Good win to build off of, now we need to take care of business against Eastern Washington next week before we start muderer's row the next week.
Smith is fast, but he is far from a man among boys. He's a twig that could snap in a 10mph wind.
One of my buddies from WVU is already emailing and talking shit. I'm glad we get them in Boulder first.
Smith is fast, but he is far from a man among boys. He's a twig that could snap in a 10mph wind.
One of my buddies from WVU is already emailing and talking shit. I'm glad we get them in Boulder first.
Maybe a man among boys was the wrong characterization-- But when he cut it back and hit that hole, there was no catching him. Definitely the type of D-1 speed Colorado has been lacking since Bloom left, and something CSU obviously didn't possess last night. He still needs to put on some more weight, but I wouldn't say he's a twig, he gave one of the CSU CB's an arm shuck that allowed him to get open and has generally shown pretty good toughness.
I'm glad we get WVU at home too, though that should be a good gauge on whether we're getting closer to being ready for primetime.
Slick
09-01-2008, 06:46 PM
Maybe a man among boys was the wrong characterization-- But when he cut it back and hit that hole, there was no catching him. Definitely the type of D-1 speed Colorado has been lacking since Bloom left, and something CSU obviously didn't possess last night. He still needs to put on some more weight, but I wouldn't say he's a twig, he gave one of the CSU CB's an arm shuck that allowed him to get open and has generally shown pretty good toughness.
I'm glad we get WVU at home too, though that should be a good gauge on whether we're getting closer to being ready for primetime.
He had a gear no one else had, it was sexy. I'm just bustin' stones Buff. I want to see them run more against EW. sharpen the run blocking....WVU is a fast team, but not big. We need to over power them and let the altitude help wear them down.
The crowd at Invesco seemed rowdy. Looked like the game was a good time.
Wow, close call today, I thought for a while I was gonna go home in a bad mood--
CU trailed 21-7 at half. Josh Smith had a killer fumble on a punt return that EWU ended up scoring off of, Cody Hawkins threw an absolutely terrible pick that got returned for a touchdown, and Jalil Brown got embarrassed by one of their receivers, the guy caught it on the 15 yard line and then drug Brown 15 yards for the TD... And that was all in the 1st half.
Luckily CU was able to pull their heads out in the 2nd half. Cody threw 2 scores, and the defense finally got their shit together. Still, EWU kicked a 53 yard FG to go up 24-17 with about 6 minutes to go in the 4th and it looked like we were screwed. They squibbed it and we got the ball on around the 40. Had a big throw and catch to Patrick Williams that got us in the red zone and we were able to score from there... With about 2 minutes left and the score tied their QB threw a pick to Cha'Pelle Brown who returned it for a TD. That was an absolute gift, otherwise the game was headed for overtime...
Anyway, I'm glad they were able to squeak out a win, as CU can't handle another loss to a D-II team. It was definitely impressive how they were able to come back in the 2nd half, but they made way too many mistakes and are gonna have to clean things up significantly before a week from Thursday (thought from what I hear, WVU didn't look to impressive today either).
Slick
09-06-2008, 08:08 PM
Thanks for the summary. Spent the day in the water and missed most of the action.
str8jacket
09-06-2008, 10:01 PM
Mohler fractured his clavicle today, in case you noticed he came out. :shocked:
Mohler fractured his clavicle today, in case you noticed he came out. :shocked:
:tsk:
Figures, he was the only damn one making tackles in the 1st half. The LB's were supposed to be our area of depth coming into the season, but we're getting a little depleated there between Katoa, Major and now Mohler going down.
Wrote up a few more thoughts on the Daily Camera message board, figured I'd share em over here too...
After that 1st half (and beginning of the 3rd quarter), I'm thrilled that we were able to come away with a win. Any win. I just couldn't stomach all the national media talking about another FCS loss.
My thoughts on the game:
Cody missed a couple big throws, 2 almost sure fire TD's. I can't believe he threw that pick, it couldn't have been anymore telegraphed-- we had the WR split wide across the far hash (I think it was Crawford, but I'm not 100%), isolated, and he didn't even get any seperation from the CB on him, and the inside LB had it read the whole time (could have been a nickel back). That was an unforced error, Cody locking into his presnap read.
Josh Smith is the playmaker we've been lacking. People get excited everytime he touches the ball. (now he just needs to hold onto the ball)... His nephew pancaked a dude while carrying the ball-- Seriously, he stiff armed a defender onto his back, it was great.
If you would have told me Jalil Brown was the D-1 player and Brynsen Brown was the D-2 player, I wouldn't have believed you after seeing Jalil get dragged for 10 yards into the endzone. It was ugly.
Special Teams had better get it together. Smith needs to stop fumbling, the kick return team needs to stop letting the ball hit the ground, and we can't miss FG's. At the same time, Smith is making up for some of the mistakes with his amazing speed and vision.
Overall, great resiliency from the team. Cody Hawkins kind of embodies the whole team's mentality, which is that no matter how many mistakes they make, they're going to keep on fighting and trying to make plays-- that was evident in the 2nd half, where they outscored EW 24-3.
str8jacket
09-06-2008, 10:37 PM
I haven't posted much on this board lately so here's my take on the team so far.
Our defense has been great. Yeah, we start slow but here is a GREAT stat. CU has allowed SIX total points in the second half this year. SIX!
Our offense has started slow, I believe this is due to keeping the playbook hidden until WVU and FSU. People are upset with the running game. I'm okay with it. Scott has been GREAT in his 33 rushes so far. he has over 120 All Purpose yards, splitting time with 2 other backs.
The Offensive line needs work, we need a set number of starters.
Daniel Dykes is the weak link of the defense, he looks lost out there sometimes.
Hawkins has indeed improved, he needs to eliminate the dumb play. Today was just awful on that pick.
I called J Fly as our game breaker this year, he is THE man. This is his first year returning for us, so I'll let the fumbles slide for now. They kill us regardless. Howeva! When he is out there he is a very legit, real threat to take it to the house.
Kicking is bad. Just bad. Even though kickoffs in general have been great.
str8jacket
09-06-2008, 10:45 PM
I just heard a conflicting report Mohler has a deep shoulder bruise....Hope its true.
Especially considering Major is out and how bad Smart is, CU needs Mohler.
How did Smart play, I missed the game, did he get run over again?......
str8jacket
09-06-2008, 11:50 PM
Especially considering Major is out and how bad Smart is, CU needs Mohler.
How did Smart play, I missed the game, did he get run over again?......
Uhhh...he's been one of the more consistent LB's this year?
I can't remember him being run over, and I've been to both games. And watched the CSU game three times.
Maybe it's just me, I'm not seeing it.
http://media.dailycamera.com/bdc/content/img/photos/2008/09/06/S0907CUEWU591.JPG_COBOU101_t600.jpghttp://media.dailycamera.com/bdc/content/img/photos/2008/09/06/S0907CUEWU557.JPG_COBOU101_t600.jpg
str8jacket
09-07-2008, 01:17 PM
http://media.dailycamera.com/bdc/content/img/photos/2008/09/06/S0907CUEWU591.JPG_COBOU101_t600.jpghttp://media.dailycamera.com/bdc/content/img/photos/2008/09/06/S0907CUEWU557.JPG_COBOU101_t600.jpg
That run Scott broke was SICK
Uhhh...he's been one of the more consistent LB's this year?
I can't remember him being run over, and I've been to both games. And watched the CSU game three times.
Maybe it's just me, I'm not seeing it.
Gartrell Johnson bounced his head off the turf, it was a case of Johnson being a beast and Smart using pathetic form and not being a LB......
BroncoJoe
09-07-2008, 01:32 PM
I wish they'd televise more games around here.
Any thoughts/predictions for tonight's game?
I think CU has a chance if they can get up early and win the turnover battle. They need to establish a running game though, something they weren't able to do against Eastern Washington. They also need to do alot better on 1st down, I can't remember how many negative 1st down plays we had last game-- it reminded me of our Shawn Watson days.
If WVU gets a lead and Pat White can just start running the option I think we're in trouble.
I'm cautiously optimistic though. I'll be there with my black on.
MissouriBronc
09-18-2008, 12:51 PM
Any thoughts/predictions for tonight's game?
I think CU has a chance if they can get up early and win the turnover battle. They need to establish a running game though, something they weren't able to do against Eastern Washington. They also need to do alot better on 1st down, I can't remember how many negative 1st down plays we had last game-- it reminded me of our Shawn Watson days.
If WVU gets a lead and Pat White can just start running the option I think we're in trouble.
I'm cautiously optimistic though. I'll be there with my black on.
WVU is a better team, I think (Obviously, we'll find that out tonight), but I'd say somewhere in the neighborhood of a one-touchdown game, 31-24...something like that. CU definitely has a shot, especially since its at Boulder.
WVU is a better team, I think (Obviously, we'll find that out tonight), but I'd say somewhere in the neighborhood of a one-touchdown game, 31-24...something like that. CU definitely has a shot, especially since its at Boulder.
I think you're right... WVU is probably the better team talent wise. Though I heard their pass defense is actually ranked below Colorado's... Which means they must be attrocious at stopping the pass.
Colorado has also been pretty good historically in stopping running QB's. Brad Smith and Seneca Wallace both had a hard time getting going in Boulder. Then again, I can remember Elle Roberson from K-State rolling up 100 on us pretty easily.
I do feel better about Colorado's chances of stopping a run-heavy team like WVU than a spread passing attack like EWU or Missouri. Sort of a strength on strength matchup.
MissouriBronc
09-18-2008, 03:26 PM
I think you're right... WVU is probably the better team talent wise. Though I heard their pass defense is actually ranked below Colorado's... Which means they must be attrocious at stopping the pass.
Colorado has also been pretty good historically in stopping running QB's. Brad Smith and Seneca Wallace both had a hard time getting going in Boulder. Then again, I can remember Elle Roberson from K-State rolling up 100 on us pretty easily.
I do feel better about Colorado's chances of stopping a run-heavy team like WVU than a spread passing attack like EWU or Missouri. Sort of a strength on strength matchup.
Rich Rodriguez wouldn't know what defense was if it reached up and smacked him in the face. That team has absolutely no defensive talent, and elevating Bill Stewart (that's his name, right) to head coach was a bad move...I hate the spread option...just saying (I know CU is going to be running some of it...but I hate it).
Tailgate starts in T-minus 41 minutes and counting...
TD Buffs! I'm not really a fan of the Buffs, but I'm definitely pulling for them tonight.
MissouriBronc
09-18-2008, 08:50 PM
A beautiful start...touchdown and a turnover...but I hope CU can keep this up, because WVU can score in a hurry.
MissouriBronc
09-18-2008, 08:54 PM
:balloons:
The Buffs are playing pretty well...up by a TD at the half!
MissouriBronc
09-18-2008, 10:06 PM
The Buffs are playing pretty well...up by a TD at the half!
Playing OK...missed a few chances. Defense is playing excellent defense though.
Slick
09-18-2008, 10:09 PM
WVU is playing dirty. Pat White can't throw the ball in to the ocean.
MissouriBronc
09-18-2008, 10:10 PM
WVU is playing dirty. Pat White can't throw the ball in to the ocean.
He never could.
Stuffed WVU on 4th and inches! C'mon Buffs, put some more points on the board!
Stuffed WVU on 4th and inches! C'mon Buffs, put some more points on the board!
A 3 and out works too...:tsk:
MissouriBronc
09-18-2008, 10:49 PM
Pat White is a douche bag, taunting the crowd...nice...classy...especially after running all over the Colorado defen...oh wait...you didn't...
WOOOOO! Go Buffs! Great job by the D all game long. Good win for the Buffs.
Magnificent Seven
09-19-2008, 12:16 AM
I love those fans getting crowded on the field
Great Game! I'll post my pictures tomorrow.
Magnificent Seven
09-19-2008, 04:26 AM
Great Game! I'll post my pictures tomorrow.
Excellent!
At work, so I haven't had a chance to upload all my pictures... Couple good one's from the DC.
http://media.dailycamera.com/bdc/content/img/photos/2008/09/18/S0919CUWV54.JPG_COBOU101_t600.jpghttp://media.dailycamera.com/bdc/content/img/photos/2008/09/18/S0919CUWV458.JPG_COBOU101_t600.jpg
Oh, btw, if anyone was listening to 850 KOA at about 11 pm last night-- I called in and talked with Charles Johnson for about 5 minutes. It was pretty cool, talked about Noel Divine & Pat White, the CU Defense and whether Cody Hawkins is the long term answer at QB.
MissouriBronc
09-19-2008, 01:24 PM
Oh, btw, if anyone was listening to 850 KOA at about 11 pm last night-- I called in and talked with Charles Johnson for about 5 minutes. It was pretty cool, talked about Noel Divine & Pat White, the CU Defense and whether Cody Hawkins is the long term answer at QB.
I don't think they have "long-term" answers in college...
lol...just giving you crap. Sure he is, unless his pappy gets CU a major stud.
I don't think they have "long-term" answers in college...
lol...just giving you crap. Sure he is, unless his pappy gets CU a major stud.
Good point, but it's about as long term as you can get in college football when you start a redshirt freshman. (sophomore this year)... Meaning he's got 2 more years in the program, meaning, serious 5-star QB recruits won't want to come here until 2010.
CJ agreed with you, he's a Cody guy. I'm torn on Cody. He drives me nuts. I know he's the best answer we have right now, but I just don't think he can compete against the elite college programs. I think we can be an above average team with him, but I just don't know if he's the guy that can lead CU to another Big 12 championship. He still throws at least 1 bonehead INT a game, and misses a few key throws each game. He can't throw that effectively on the run, and his speed is a limitation.
He does make good decisions more often than not-- but he does at least one thing each game that makes you want to rip your hair out. I just hope they keep recruiting serious talent at the position. I don't want it to be a foregone conclusion that Cody is the starter for the next 2 and a half years.
Broncolingus
09-19-2008, 04:44 PM
Great win last night...
Liked the way the Buffs defense hung in against a pretty good offense in WV...
Colorado and Colorado State have agreed, a week ahead of their self-imposed deadline, to continue their football series but the game sites past 2010 remains under discussion.
"This simply addressed the need for a commitment to play prior to Oct. 1 (the deadline in the existing contract), CU athletic director Mike Bohn said. "We have a lot of work to do engaging Denver, Fort Collins Boulder and all the entities involved. I'm not prepared to say it will be in Denver only. We have a lot of groups to visit with."
CSU counterpart Paul Kowalczyk said, "We're extremely excited about continuing the series for the good our respective institutions and the state. We look forward to working with the leadership of Denver as we get closer to finalizing the details of the agreement."
The series has been played continuously since 1995, with every game except 2004 and 2005 played in Denver. The current agreement expires in 2010. The schools previously placed an Oct. 1 deadline to extend the series.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
I think we could do without the game personally, but it's nice that I'll be able to bask in the misery of my two good friends from CSU for years to come.
In case you didn't hear. Starting guard Max Tuioti-Mariner tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the season. Too bad too, he was looking like a true-freshman phenom. He tore his other ACL last year in high school, so needless to say he's had some bad luck...
There's also a really good article in today's Rocky Mountain News about Rodney Stewart. (http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/sep/24/rb-stewart-glad-buffs-tried-him-on-for-size/)
I don't know where to start with a performance like that...
1.)The Buffs seem to have a tendency to get that deer in the headlights look on the road, especially outside the Big 12... On the punt that was blocked (directly after a dumb penalty, and a bothced KR by Smith), it was as if the players didn't even understand the magnitude of the situation, Jeff Smart non-chalantly gets beat by his man and then shucks him and starts to run down field to cover the punt as if his guy didn't just run him over and block the punt... On the 1st TD by FSU they had the ball on the 3 yard line and our LB's are lined up 5 yards deep in the end zone-- huge surprise we get demolished up the middle for the TD. Don't get me started on kick return for a TD, or the stretch play they broke for 60+ when it was obvious they could NOT throw the ball effectively.
2.)People are starting to see that Cody is not a D-1 athlete, no other way to put it. He's still the best option for now, but if he keeps floating the ball into coverage and missing wide open receivers, there's no reason we shouldn't get Ballenger some time.
3.)The O-line is officially a problem once again. It looked like they were jelling and starting turn the corner after the WVU game, but they just seemed confused and outmatched against FSU (And that was before Miller went down). I know it doesn't help that we're missing 2 starting guards, and now miller, but I couldn't help but wonder if we're outscheming ourselves a little bit. Maybe we just need to dumb down the blocking schemes a little bit and hammer the guy in front of us.
4.)Josh Smith is clearly one of our better players, now I'd like to see him take it to the next level-- hold onto the ball, be a leader, get in elite phyiscal shape where he doesn't have to check himself out of the game so much and so he can run crisp routes in the no huddle on 3rd down after he's just run routes on 1st and 2nd down.
5.)On the bright side, we are still 3-1 in non-conference which you'd have to take if someone asked you at the beginning of the season. Speedy Stewart is a bonafide bad a$$... Not only will he hit the hole at 100 mph, but he'll hit you too-- dude can deliver a blow. D-line looks solid. Nicholas and Hypolite are underrated, Lucas is playing solid against the run, and it was good to see a Curtis Cunningham sighting. Let's hope we play to our strengths a little more against Texas this week.
ApaOps5
09-28-2008, 11:24 AM
Great stuff BUFF. What a let down yesterday. After the high of winning in OT on National Television against a once high ranked team to this sucks. Hopefully recruits remember the WVU game more.
I totally agree on Kid Hawkins he is not D-I material right now. But in is defense he was staring down a freight train all game long. For having such a huge OL they sure are raw and not very consistent. Losing Miller sucks and it looks like he may be out a while.
My biggest complaint yesterday was Hawkins went away from the run too many times. Its my biggest complaint on Hawkins thus far. He has an electric backfield but wants to use his passing game over and over again. Speedy was getting great gains. I guess you have to go away from it when you put yourself in a hole like that. But maybe if they played ball control a little more they wouldn't have been down so quick.
It doesn't help when Cody misses 2 sure fire TD passes.
Be happy though 3-1 isn't bad especially when it looked damn near impossible before the season started. Tough road ahead though but hopefully they get it together.
I will say this though. I started school at CU in 1997 the year Neuheisel had the top recruit class. My dorm neighbors were Andre Gurode, Victor Rodgers, and Daniel Graham. It was exciting times but then Neuheisel bolted and Barnett took over and things eventually plummeted. With coach Hawkins that excitement is back, at least for me it is.
Great stuff BUFF. What a let down yesterday. After the high of winning in OT on National Television against a once high ranked team to this sucks. Hopefully recruits remember the WVU game more.
I totally agree on Kid Hawkins he is not D-I material right now. But in is defense he was staring down a freight train all game long. For having such a huge OL they sure are raw and not very consistent. Losing Miller sucks and it looks like he may be out a while.
My biggest complaint yesterday was Hawkins went away from the run too many times. Its my biggest complaint on Hawkins thus far. He has an electric backfield but wants to use his passing game over and over again. Speedy was getting great gains. I guess you have to go away from it when you put yourself in a hole like that. But maybe if they played ball control a little more they wouldn't have been down so quick.
It doesn't help when Cody misses 2 sure fire TD passes.
Be happy though 3-1 isn't bad especially when it looked damn near impossible before the season started. Tough road ahead though but hopefully they get it together.
I will say this though. I started school at CU in 1997 the year Neuheisel had the top recruit class. My dorm neighbors were Andre Gurode, Victor Rodgers, and Daniel Graham. It was exciting times but then Neuheisel bolted and Barnett took over and things eventually plummeted. With coach Hawkins that excitement is back, at least for me it is.
I agree all the way around-- We need to stick with the run more, that's clearly our strength with Speedy (and you have to think D. Scott will start running with more authority eventually). The O-line did make it very tough on Cody, like you said, for as big as they are, they sure looked outmatched at times. It only gets tougher now so we need to quit shooting ourselves in the foot.
I've never been sold on Cody. If we're supposed to overlook his average arm, small stature, and lack of mobility, then we need him to play mistake free football. When he starts missing receivers and turning the ball over, he becomes a very mediocre QB in a hurry.
That's cool you were neighbors with all those guys... I saw the tail end of some good football before it slid downhill. Got there in 2002, so I got to see a year of Chris Brown before he headed off, JJ Billingsley was next door to me freshman year, and I had a class with Mason Crosby Junior year. I agree Hawk has made it exciting again, after a couple declining years it's nice to feel good about the direction of the program again.
Broncolingus
09-28-2008, 11:43 AM
Thought the Buffs might play them a little closer yesterday, but I agree 3-1 isn't bad for where this team 'should' be...
...love the job Hawkins has done putting some integrity and respect back into this program from what it'd become after McCartney left.
What the Althetic Dept. had done (see no evil, hear no evil) along with Barnett, and that even bigger idiot Neuheisel, don't deserve to ever be allowed back into the State...
http://nwanews.com/blogs/slophouse/files/2008/02/texas-longhorns-logo.gif
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/graphics/photos/sex/fb_internal.gif
BigDaddyBronco
09-29-2008, 04:45 PM
Will the Buffs be able to keep the Horns from scoring 40?
Let's see Texas is ranked 10th in the NCAA in Offensive yardage, 6th in scoring.
The Buffs are 53rd in Defense yds allowed and 63rd in points allowed.
Looks like an ass wuppin to me.
Will the Buffs be able to keep the Horns from scoring 40?
Let's see Texas is ranked 10th in the NCAA in Offensive yardage, 6th in scoring.
The Buffs are 53rd in Defense yds allowed and 63rd in points allowed.
Looks like an ass wuppin to me.
I think the Buffs will keep UT from scoring 40. The defensive line is one of CU's few consistant areas, and the play from our safeties has been good. But, the Buffs will struggle to get a W against UT-- It'll need to be one of those perfect storm situations where CU does everything right and UT shoots themselves in the foot.
Either way, the longhorn logo looks like a vagina and I hate Mack Brown :D
BigDaddyBronco
09-29-2008, 04:55 PM
I think the Buffs will keep UT from scoring 40. The defensive line is one of CU's few consistant areas, and the play from our safeties has been good. But, the Buffs will struggle to get a W against UT-- It'll need to be one of those perfect storm situations where CU does everything right and UT shoots themselves in the foot.
Either way, the longhorn logo looks like a vagina and I hate Mack Brown :D
Nice campus though, and lots of pretty ladies.
I don't care about the game, but doesn't Texas usually pound CU?
Nice campus though, and lots of pretty ladies.
I don't care about the game, but doesn't Texas usually pound CU?
Yeah, unfortunately alot of teams have dominated the Buffs in recent years... And UT pounds most teams anyway. The last time we played texas was Gary Barnett's last game as coach when Vince Young and Co. put a 70 spot up on the buffs. Leaves us alot of room for improvement if nothing else.
MissouriBronc
09-30-2008, 09:54 AM
And things just keep getting worse...
http://www.denverpost.com/colleges/ci_10594511
Buffs' Miller done for season
CU's offensive line takes a big hit with the loss of its starting right tackle to a fractured fibula.
By Tom Kensler
The Denver Post
Colorado's young offensive line become even younger Monday.
Coach Dan Hawkins confirmed that starting right tackle Ryan Miller has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a fracture of his left fibula Saturday against Florida State.
Hawkins said Miller, a sophomore, and freshman offensive guard Max Tuioti-Mariner (torn ACL last week in practice) should be able to recover a year of eligibility through an NCAA injury hardship ruling. That won't help against No. 5 Texas on Saturday at Folsom Field, however.
The Longhorns (4-0) lead the Big 12 Conference with 16 quarterback sacks.
Miller was replaced in the lineup by Matt Bahr, a 6-foot-4, 285-pound redshirt freshman who will be making his first career start Saturday.
After the Florida State game, CU offensive line coach Jeff Grimes said Bahr played "pretty well," but Miller's ability and leadership will be missed.
"You've got speed, talent, strength and experience on one side," Hawkins said of the Texas defensive line. "And you've got youth on the other (CU)."
Texas recorded seven sacks for 58 yards in losses Saturday in a 52-10 blowout of Arkansas. Senior defensive end Brian Orakpo (6-4, 260) tops Big 12 defenders with 5 1/2 sacks. He was defensive MVP in last year's Holiday Bowl.
"Brian is playing with so much more confidence than I've seen him play with since he's been here," Texas coach Mack Brown said Monday on the Big 12 coaches teleconference. "He's a force against the running game, but he's also becoming one of the best pass rushers we've ever had."
Rankings jackpot.
Led by new No. 1 Oklahoma, four Big 12 teams are in the top seven of the Associated Press media poll, and six are in the top 25.
"It's exciting for the Big 12 that we're getting recognition," Brown said. "But those numbers will change in the next three or four weeks because a lot of top 10 teams start playing each other."
Footnotes.
Brown, asked about Colorado, said: "They're playing hard. They're really well-coached. They're running the ball so well. Cody (Hawkins) is in that group of (top Big 12) quarterbacks we're talking about. They're playing really, really hard on defense. And Dan (Hawkins) is always good with the kicking game. . . . It will be a real test for us." . . . CU's game at Kansas on Oct. 11 has been selected for broadcast by ESPN2, with kickoff set for 10:30 a.m. Mountain time. The Texas at Colorado game will be a 5 p.m. start and televised by Fox Sports Network.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
Yeah, I figured 4-6 weeks with a broken leg was a little overly optimistic at his position... The good news is that he and MTM are both eligible for a medical redshirt.
BroncoJoe
09-30-2008, 10:37 AM
Nice to see them getting on national TV this year.
MissouriBronc
09-30-2008, 10:41 AM
Nice to see them getting on national TV this year.
Noticed that too...the Darrell Scott signing + Rodney Stewart show + Hawk Love = National Television Exposure Baby!
Nice to see them getting on national TV this year.
They were actually one of the most nationally televised teams last year too surprisingly enough... That's one of the perks of not lining up a bunch of cupcakes for nonconference, and playing in the Big 12. Lots of quality opponents.
Requiem
09-30-2008, 12:37 PM
Hey Buff, how did you take the loss to FSU? :D
MissouriBronc
10-18-2008, 07:06 PM
:whoo:
Gametime!
MissouriBronc
10-18-2008, 07:44 PM
Kansas State looks like the better team...:tsk:
This offense sucks. I really like Cody, but I'm just not sure he's the guy.
Slick
10-18-2008, 07:48 PM
Kansas State looks like the better team...:tsk:
This offense sucks. I really like Cody, but I'm just not sure he's the guy.
I've only seen him play a few times, but he reminds me of Mike Moshetti(sp), and that's not a good memory.
I wish I could find the game online, all I can see is a gamecenter.
MissouriBronc
10-18-2008, 07:50 PM
I've only seen him play a few times, but he reminds me of Mike Moshetti(sp), and that's not a good memory.
I wish I could find the game online, all I can see is a gamecenter.
They just put in Hansen for a snap, and they ran the Student Body Left, and he fumbled it with no contact. :tsk:
So now we have THREE quarterbacks...:confused:
MissouriBronc
10-18-2008, 07:50 PM
OK, quarterback draw for Hansen and he gets the first down...makes some nice moves too.
MissouriBronc
10-18-2008, 08:12 PM
K-State making me hate them even more. What a cheap shot?
Slick
10-18-2008, 08:22 PM
So this Hansen kid comes in for a drive and they march down and score. 3 for 3 and a TD. Sounds good to me.
Hansen showed that he has a lot of potential last night... The fact that the coaches were willing to burn his red shirt halfway into the season shows how much we were hurting at the position. I expect to see a QB rotation between Hawkins and Hansen from here on out, but if Hansen shows he can run and pass without turning it over, Cody's days may be numbered.
Side note: Our kicker and punter suck. Bad.
Denver Native (Carol)
10-19-2008, 07:37 PM
http://www.denverpost.com/kiszla
Great story on John Hessler for those of you who remember him at CU, and what happened to him in the hit and run car accident.
"Comeback Kid" moniker fits Hessler just perfectly
Almost 13 lucky years to the day when a raw, reserve quarterback came ambling off the Colorado bench wearing a goofy Alfred E. Neuman grin and inspired the Buffaloes to a jaw-dropping victory against the No. 3-ranked team in the nation, the Comeback Kid struck again.
And it left John Hessler bleeding.
Hessler, maybe the most unlikely football hero in state history, took a stroll in the countryside on a recent autumn day.
Slapstick comedy ensued.
Hessler fell down, went boom with a thud. It was a real humdinger that hurtled the 34-year-old CU alum into a sticker bush, its needles puncturing his skin.
"I fell in a ditch. And you know what? It was one of the biggest moments of my life," said Hessler, telling a joke at his own expense, but 100 percent serious about the pratfall's significance.
"I was covered in stickers. I was bleeding. But I picked my fat butt up. All by myself. I confronted my worst fears, and I finally knew that when I fall down, I can get back up."
Hessler can now laugh at himself. It's a more beautiful noise than a stadium rocking after a touchdown pass.
For the longest time, Hessler could not recall why Oct. 19, 2003, was so heavy with meaning. When the frayed circuits of his brain reconnected, the memory made him cry.
"We're not talking little tears," Hessler said. "I was flat-out bawlin', crying so hard to the point where I couldn't breathe."
But this October will be different. To recognize the fifth anniversary of
a car wreck that left Hessler for dead, put him in a coma for 33 days and stole the physical gifts that once impressed scouts in two professional sports, his family plans to gather tonight in a local Italian restaurant.
They can raise their breadsticks to salute the Comeback Kid.
In his darkest moments after the accident, Hessler never thought Oct. 19, 2003, could ever be a reason to celebrate.
What Hessler has pulled off in recent months, however, is more remarkable than how he effortlessly replaced injured teammate Koy Detmer, engineered an upset of Oklahoma or threw two TD passes in the Cotton Bowl.
For the first time since the accident, Hessler has recently begun moving across fields and up steps on his own power, without the mechanical assistance of a walker.
But that's not even the biggest step in his comeback tale.
Big John is getting married. He got engaged almost 13 years to the day that an unheralded CU reserve snapped his chinstrap and led the Buffs to a 10-2 record in 1995.
Don't you just love it?
"This guy is a blessing to everyone who knows him, to everyone who remembers how devastating it was to see him in a coma after the accident," said former CU linebacker Matt Russell, who now works in the scouting department of the Philadelphia Eagles. "We're all fragile. You're not promised tomorrow. John Hessler is never going to run or throw a football like he did years ago, and nothing we can do or say will ever change that.
"But the miracle is that when I talk to John now, I again hear a man happy to be alive. And when I see him now, I can again see the same guy I always knew."
Those who missed Hessler the most have finally welcomed back the fun-loving character who was the flesh-and-blood version of Alfred E. Neuman from Mad magazine fame, right down to these famous words to live by:
What, me worry?
Finding true love
For Hessler, the motto was turned into a brave lie five years ago, when his Honda Accord was clipped by an SUV, sending him across the median of Interstate 76 and into the path of a pickup truck. In the aftermath of the tragedy, as doctors put a titanium plate in his skull, Hessler's weight dropped to 143 pounds, and his young teaching career was ripped apart by a hit- and-run driver who was never caught.
There were many lonely nights when Hessler felt trapped inside his body. At times, the rest of his life seemed like a prison sentence.
The damage to his brain slowly healed, but the emotional scars caused friends permanent worry. Why get off the couch if there's nowhere to go? Hessler stopped dreaming. He forgot how.
Then, something wonderful happened that Hessler never saw coming. The quarterback became a cowboy, although more like Billy Crystal in "City Slickers" than John Wayne in "True Grit."
Like all great Western movies, this third-reel comeback began on a horse, a trusty steed named Sweet Lou.
"The first time John rode, he hung on for dear life and screamed every time the horse moved a step," said Justine Williams, who coaxed Hessler into the saddle at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, which gives children and adults with disabilities a sense of balance and control in their lives.
"I was born in the city, for crying out loud," said Hessler, recalling his tenderfoot fears of 20 months ago.
In time, however, sitting atop Sweet Lou gave Hessler the idea he could go places.
Which brings us to last week, when I bumped into Hessler at a coffee shop. Holding a big plate of pastries in both hands, he whispered, "Watch this trick."
Hessler walked deliberately, feet shuffling like a big wind-up toy, in the direction of a smiling woman sitting at a nearby booth.
The lady was physical therapist Sarah Bindel, who knocked at Hessler's door on a spring day in 2007. "April 20," he recalled. Why will a brain-injury victim who spent years futilely trying to remember yesterday never forget the date?
This woman would throw away Hessler's metal walker, which had become an emotional crutch. "Took a sledgehammer to it," Bindel said.
She made him stand on his own two feet.
No wonder Hessler fell so hard in love with her.
"I got down on one knee," said Hessler, replaying the details of the most important question ever asked in his life, "and said, 'Would you take me to be your lawfully wedded husband, Sarah Elizabeth Bindel Jr.?' "
"I'm not a junior," said Bindel, giggling.
But she said yes to the marriage proposal.
A remarkable comeback
After rallying the Buffs to a victory against Texas in 1996, coach Rick Neuheisel made a prediction more true now than the day he declared: "John Hessler is going to go down in Colorado football history as the Comeback Kid."
Hessler has a new goal. By next autumn, he wants to be standing somewhere in a football stadium, as a coach who makes a young quarterback truly believe doing the impossible is nothing more than a dream realized.
Back in the day, the Comeback Kid heard 50,000 screaming people in Folsom Field cheer his name.
Hessler never thought it would be possible to experience those goose bumps again.
Lucky guy, he was wrong.
What sports do is teach unrelenting faith in unscripted little miracles that nobody could imagine. Through the years, we have seen the Rockies win 21 of 22 games to reach the World Series and a Hail Mary passed 64 yards and through several hands before a football prayer was answered for the Buffaloes in Michigan.
"But," CU associate athletic director Dave Plati said, "I have never seen a comeback in sports like John Hessler."
At an upcoming wedding, after the I-do's are done and the rings exchanged, the preacher will introduce Sarah and John as husband and wife.
Then, as the Comeback Kid turns to the congregation and takes a long, slow walk toward the door with that trademark Mad magazine smile plastered on his mug, how do you think the crowd will react?
Standing ovation. All the way.
vBulletin® v3.8.4, Copyright ©2000-2010, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.