When Mike MacIntyre was hired last December to take over the program from the fired Jon Embree, he came into Boulder and said all the right things. He spoke of "values" and their importance. He brought with him his dedication to the 4-F's (Foundation, Family, Future, and Football).
With a full off-season, spring, and summer to work with, MacIntyre preached tirelessly of the importance of "WE" over the individual. He spoke of togetherness and making the team into a family. He said the right things and started his young charges toward the path of becoming a truly close-knit team.
After starting the season 2-0, the love and the commitment to "WE" was growing around the CU campus. Then came the flood and the three week break before the next game after the home tilt against Fresno State was postponed. This allowed the good feelings to go on for an extra 3 weeks...
Then came the game in Corvallis against Oregon State and a 44-17 loss.
On a very windy (40-50 mph) day, neither MacIntyre nor the offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren had the intellectual wherewithal to adjust their offensive game plan to account for the wind. The Oregon State coaching staff adjusted, but the Buff coaches proved themselves incapable.
When they should have focused on short passes directly into the wind (and the longer ones when the wind was at their back), the OC continued to call for long out passes to the sidelines. This rendered Paul Richardson nearly useless, and made Connor Wood look horrible.
The play calling was so bad that the Buffs really had no chance. After starting out strong, the Buff defense tired of fighting an unwinnable battle. They did not give up, like in years past, but they certainly reflected the futility of their efforts. You could see it in their faces that unless their coaches themselves made the adjustment to the game conditions, that there was no possibility of developing an offensive flow.
If you are playing basketball outside when the wind is blowing 40+ mph, you
take it the hoop and try to get layups or short shots. You do NOT
continue to launch 3 pointers and wonder why the ball ends up 6 feet
away from the rim.
Lindgren's play calling was the same as launching 3 pointers in the wind.
It
is simple physics and aerodynamics. The shape of a football is designed
for the nose of the ball to cut through the air. When strong wind blows
on the side of the ball it is quickly disrupted. Maybe Lindgren and Mac should take a science class that will explain this to them.
After about
three passes, Lindgren should have changed his play calling strategy.
When he didn't, Mac should have changed it for him. When neither did
anything, the offense was doomed to failure. In effect, the game was lost long before the final seconds ticked off.
The loss was not the most bothersome thing that happened in Corvallis, however. Most Buff fans have been used to losses for quite a few years now. No, the biggest issue this writer saw was when the coaches talked to the press afterwards.
Like magic, the dedication to "WE" quickly disappeared. All of a sudden, Mac's players were now "THEY," and "They did not do their jobs!" This is bullshit. Football players are often compared to soldiers, and like soldiers they look horrible under bad planning and orders from the officers. The result of this game came from officers (coaches) who froze under fire in adverse conditions. Period. Many of the players were simply "running for cover" after their coaches froze up.
Is it really VALUES? Or is it just advertising?
The test of one's values are NOT when things are going well. The real test comes when things get bad. Based on CU's first loss and his response after the game, Coach Mac deserves an "F" for failing to reflect the values that he claims to hold so dear.
When you get paid millions of dollars a year to lead a group of college kids playing a game, failure on the field should be followed with a big "I" when meeting with the press after the game.
You know, as in "I did not do my very well paid job correctly. My fellow coaches and myself were not prepared, and did not adjust to game-time conditions. We let our players and our university down and we vow not to let it happen again."
Mac and his staff have five days to learn how to address a post game press conference after a loss. It's a month into the season, and Oregon is arguably the best team in the country. A win by Colorado would go down as one of the biggest upsets in college football history.
The CU coaches need to emphasize to themselves the importance of acting like grown men when the game is over. If they cannot do it, how can they expect it from their players?
I knew the end was near for Gary Barnett when he started blaming his players. The same went for Hawkins and Embree. I certainly hoped that it would take longer than 3 games for that crap to come out of the mouth of MacIntyre.
The Buck Stops Here!
Harry Truman used to have a sign on his desk that read "The Buck Stops Here!" It was meant to indicate that HE was responsible for everything under his command. No underling would be blamed for the shortcomings of this president.
By contrast, a popular phrase over the last couple of decades comes courtesy of the cartoon character Bart Simpson when he exclaims "I didn't do it!" when something goes wrong. Unlike Truman, Bart is "passing the buck!"
Saturday and a date with Oregon is close at hand. Coach MacIntyre needs to decide and share with his coaches and his players and the Colorado Buff community the answer to one simple question:
Is MAC a LEADER or a cartoon character?
Check back each Saturday to find out.
Last week he left his players dangling in the wind, both on the field and in the post-game press conference. His angry "deer in the headlights" can be forgiven on the field. Some folks don't respond well under stress, but they can LEARN to respond better in the future.
It is much harder to UNLEARN the habit of blaming others for your mistakes.
*************************************************************
Those who have read my other blog posts know I have been a very strong supporter of Coach MacIntyre and his staff. It pained me greatly to watch him flee from his supposed values after the Oregon State game. Leaders sometimes make great mistakes, but great leaders learn from those mistakes. My hope is that MacIntyre finally recognizes his mistake and learns from it. If not, I hope it is NEVER windy again when he is coaching.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Mike MacIntyre's CU Buffs Didn't Have a Chance in Corvallis... and it was NOT because of the players
When Brian Lindgren and Mike MacIntyre look at themselves in the mirror today, they will be looking upon the main reason their team wasted a huge opportunity in their 44-17 loss to Oregon State. When the rest of the coaching staff looks in the mirror, they should know that they had the chance to change what was happening... but nothing was done to alter the outcome.
The reason the Buffs were given no chance by their coaches is blindingly simple. Yet, even a day later, what I see out of this staff is a collective head scratching and a muttering of idiotic catchphrases like "we have to look at the tape" to breakdown what went wrong. Let me save you guys a little time...
The defensive line was harassing Sean Mannion and putting him on the ground. Linebacker Addison Gillam was again all over the field. DB Greg Henderson once again showed he is a ball hawk of the highest order.
Unfortunately, you could see the frustration begin to set in as the defensive players seem to realize that no matter how much opportunity they gave the Buffs' offense, the play calling of Brian Lindgren effectively doomed any chance that Connor Wood and the offense had to build a rhythm of success.
In hindsight, it could be reasonably argued that anything positive created by the offense was sheer dumb luck. By the end of the second quarter, the defense realized that fact and it took a bit of the wind out of their sails. On top of that, the OSU offensive coordinator adjusted HIS play calling to account for the wind.
MacIntyre's Buffs would be better served by a scarecrow with these simple points taped to his chest:
One of the morals to the story is that things change. The application of that thought for the Buff coaches must be that they HAVE to be aware that playing conditions strongly influence what can and will work and what will NOT.
At playing time, the temperature in Green Bay was 15 degrees BELOW zero. The wind chill was nearly 50 degrees below zero. Every football coach should be able to talk about the adjustments that had to be made by both players and coaches in that famous game.
The game winning touchdown was scored on fourth down near the end of the game when quarterback Bart Starr followed his guard Jerry Kramer into the endzone on a quarterback sneak. Later, when asked by the media why the Packers did not simply kick a field goal to send the game into overtime instead of risking a loss by going for it on 4th down, Lombardi said it was "too cold" to take the game into overtime. Kramer later immortalized the game and play in his book "Instant Replay" with Dick Schaap.
The game against Oregon State in Corvallis was one of those moments in which reality punched the CU coaches in the face. It was not the Beavers who did the punching. It was not Sean Mannion. It was the WIND. And Brian Lindgren and Mike MacIntyre were knocked stupid by it.
Let's hope that in the future, Mr. Lindgren doesn't have such a hard time figuring out which way the wind is blowing.
The reason the Buffs were given no chance by their coaches is blindingly simple. Yet, even a day later, what I see out of this staff is a collective head scratching and a muttering of idiotic catchphrases like "we have to look at the tape" to breakdown what went wrong. Let me save you guys a little time...
It's the Wind, Stupid!
Bill Clinton election theme in 1992 was "It's the economy, stupid!" and it poked fun at the economic policies of George Bush. It's an apt analogy here that the CU coaching staff should think about when looking at the tape of the game.- When you look at the tape, look at MacIntyre's hair blowing sideways off his head due to the 40+ mph winds blowing through Reser Stadium.
- Look at the first half as OC Brian Lindgren repeatedly calls long out passes across the wind that had LITTLE chance for success.
- Hell, watch the halftime report from the Pac-12 network. Rick Neuheisel and company pointed out the obvious by stating the wind was too strong to throw the ball "outside the numbers."
- Despite the weather, Lindgren ordered the Buffs to piss and spit over and over and over again into the wind.
- MacIntyre stood by and let it happen, and both now seem dumbfounded by the fact that their offensive players ended up with piss and spit all over themselves.
Kent Baer's Defense was Ready to Play.
Watch the first half of the game, and you come away mightily impressed with the game plan put together by DC Kent Baer and the other defensive coaches. The mighty OSU offense struggled to move the ball or convert on third down. Even when catches were made, the Buffs were almost always providing excellent coverage.The defensive line was harassing Sean Mannion and putting him on the ground. Linebacker Addison Gillam was again all over the field. DB Greg Henderson once again showed he is a ball hawk of the highest order.
Unfortunately, you could see the frustration begin to set in as the defensive players seem to realize that no matter how much opportunity they gave the Buffs' offense, the play calling of Brian Lindgren effectively doomed any chance that Connor Wood and the offense had to build a rhythm of success.
In hindsight, it could be reasonably argued that anything positive created by the offense was sheer dumb luck. By the end of the second quarter, the defense realized that fact and it took a bit of the wind out of their sails. On top of that, the OSU offensive coordinator adjusted HIS play calling to account for the wind.
Toby Neinas Should Wear a Bag Over His Head
Much was made of the hiring of Toby Neinas as a full time special teams coordinator. Special teams had been a nightmare for the Buffs the last several years and the conventional wisdom was that a full time coach devoted to this part of the team would help immensely. As is often the case, conventional wisdom was wrong. Special teams continues to be an embarrassment.MacIntyre's Buffs would be better served by a scarecrow with these simple points taped to his chest:
- Coverage Team: Tackle the guy with the ball.
- Return Team: Block the guys trying to tackle your guy with the ball.
- Returners: Catch the ball and HOLD onto the ball until the whistle blows. Run with the ball ONLY if you can manage the first two parts.
The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men Often Go Awry
The gist of the old Scot saying was highlighted by poet Robert Burns and later immortalized by John Steinbeck in his classic novella "Of Mice and Men" about a couple of guys in Depression Era California. It is a short and easy but very powerful book that the entire CU Buff coaching staff should read THIS weekend.One of the morals to the story is that things change. The application of that thought for the Buff coaches must be that they HAVE to be aware that playing conditions strongly influence what can and will work and what will NOT.
The Ice Bowl
The effect of playing conditions in football were most famously demonstrated in 1967 during the NFL Championship game at frigid Lambeau Field between Tom Landry's Dallas Cowboys and Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers.At playing time, the temperature in Green Bay was 15 degrees BELOW zero. The wind chill was nearly 50 degrees below zero. Every football coach should be able to talk about the adjustments that had to be made by both players and coaches in that famous game.
The game winning touchdown was scored on fourth down near the end of the game when quarterback Bart Starr followed his guard Jerry Kramer into the endzone on a quarterback sneak. Later, when asked by the media why the Packers did not simply kick a field goal to send the game into overtime instead of risking a loss by going for it on 4th down, Lombardi said it was "too cold" to take the game into overtime. Kramer later immortalized the game and play in his book "Instant Replay" with Dick Schaap.
Everyone Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Face
Boxer Mike Tyson made that famous comment in response to questions about the lateral movement and jabs of an upcoming opponent. It pointed out that many great plans are destroyed by the reality of the moment.The game against Oregon State in Corvallis was one of those moments in which reality punched the CU coaches in the face. It was not the Beavers who did the punching. It was not Sean Mannion. It was the WIND. And Brian Lindgren and Mike MacIntyre were knocked stupid by it.
Which Way Did He Go, George? Which Way Did He Go?
According to the New York Times, the classic characters of Lennie and George were "endlessly parodied" by cartoons of the 40's and 50's. One of the most common of those parodies was of a big, goofy, Lennie-type character being confused about something and asking breathlessly, "Which way did he go, George? Which way did he go?" Unfortunately for the Colorado Buffaloes, the part played by OC Brian Lindgren was that of Lennie.Let's hope that in the future, Mr. Lindgren doesn't have such a hard time figuring out which way the wind is blowing.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Colorado vs. Oregon State: Why it is a Winnable Game for the Buffs
After three long weeks off courtesy of a bye week and 100 year flooding, the Colorado Buffaloes head off to Corvallis with a chance to extend their 2013 record to 3-0. Nobody outside of Boulder seems to think the Buffs have much of a chance, but the view from here is that the Beavers and everyone else in the conference are going to be re-evaluating Colorado after the game. Or just maybe, they will be taking a harder look at Oregon State.
Let's go back to August and remember that these Beavers were ranked in the top 25 to start the season. There were high expectations as they took the home field against FCS team Eastern Washington... and proceeded to give up 49 points in a LOSS. An update to the dominating offense shown by EW shows they scored only 21 points in their latest game, a loss to powerhouse Toledo.
It it true that OSU has responded to their shocking opening game loss to EW by winning three straight games... but they have been very uninspiring in those games which they should have won easily if they were really a top 25 caliber team. After all, Hawaii and San Diego State are a combined 0-6.
Even then, it took a collapse of damn near biblical proportions for San Diego State to lose their game against Oregon State. Even though they were way ahead deep in the fourth quarter, the Aztecs decided to keep throwing and gave up two interceptions (including a pick 6) to seal their stunning come from ahead loss. If they had opted for the old "3 yards and cloud of dust" followed by a couple of punts, the Aztecs would be reveling in a big win this week.
In retrospect, the Beavers did go on the road and earn a big win over Utah. Like Colorado, not much was expected of Utah this year. But they beat Utah State, an 11 game winner last year, and a team that should have defeated USC at the Coliseum in Los Angeles had their coaches not been so poor in clock management. They also beat BYU a week after the Cougars destroyed the Texas Longhorns. Even so, BYU's record still stands at 1-2, while Utah is 3-1.
That means that OSU has won three straight against teams with a combined record of 3-7. It is not something that should be inspiring fear in any future opponent, including Colorado.
Despite the 2-0 start for the Mike MacIntyre's Buffaloes, many CU fans have been wringing their hands at the lack of a running game. As bad as it has been running the ball for Colorado, it has been much worse for OSU. This reason alone shows why Sean Mannion has to throw so much. Hell, he threw 50 times against Hawaii and the game wasn't even close. But if you cannot run the ball, there really is no other option.
While the college football world seems to be caught up in calling Mannion the greatest thing since Beaver pelts in pre-industrial America, the fact is that his stats are only marginally different than those of CU's Connor Wood. And Mannion has had to throw the ball more than 48 times a game, which is 7 more per game than Wood has heaved it up.
One of the reasons that Mannion has put up such large numbers passing has been that the Beavers have HAD to throw the ball while trying to play catch-up or being caught in a shoot-out. The OSU defense has been a little shell-shocked this year, and not to some very good teams.
It is a FACT that the Beavers have not had to play a receiver of the caliber of Colorado's Paul Richardson this year. Richardson leads the country in yards per game with back to back 200 yard games. How good is that? In more than 100 years of CU football, there had only been three 200 yard games by receivers before Richardson arrived in Boulder. With his start this year, Richardson now has 3 all by himself. That's pretty good when you consider how many NFL wide-outs have played their college ball in Boulder over the years.
Taking a long hard look at Colorado and Oregon State offers the promise of an exciting game. One HUNDRED passes and more than 1000 yards of total offense look likely. There will be LOTS and LOTS of highlights.
What the game will most likely come down to is DEFENSE. Whoever can make the most big plays and create some turnovers will win. Whoever can pressure the quarterback effectively and minimize big plays will win. Both teams have shown they can come back and both have fought through adversity to win. Neither team can count on the other team giving up, even if they are down.
These facts will make this an exciting game. It is a winnable game for both teams. Methinks the Buffs come out with a 3-0 record, and a pride that has not been seen for a long, long time. It is a win that should earn them a brick in the wall.
FUCK 'EM UP, FUCK 'EM UP... GO CU!
Let's go back to August and remember that these Beavers were ranked in the top 25 to start the season. There were high expectations as they took the home field against FCS team Eastern Washington... and proceeded to give up 49 points in a LOSS. An update to the dominating offense shown by EW shows they scored only 21 points in their latest game, a loss to powerhouse Toledo.
It it true that OSU has responded to their shocking opening game loss to EW by winning three straight games... but they have been very uninspiring in those games which they should have won easily if they were really a top 25 caliber team. After all, Hawaii and San Diego State are a combined 0-6.
Even then, it took a collapse of damn near biblical proportions for San Diego State to lose their game against Oregon State. Even though they were way ahead deep in the fourth quarter, the Aztecs decided to keep throwing and gave up two interceptions (including a pick 6) to seal their stunning come from ahead loss. If they had opted for the old "3 yards and cloud of dust" followed by a couple of punts, the Aztecs would be reveling in a big win this week.
In retrospect, the Beavers did go on the road and earn a big win over Utah. Like Colorado, not much was expected of Utah this year. But they beat Utah State, an 11 game winner last year, and a team that should have defeated USC at the Coliseum in Los Angeles had their coaches not been so poor in clock management. They also beat BYU a week after the Cougars destroyed the Texas Longhorns. Even so, BYU's record still stands at 1-2, while Utah is 3-1.
That means that OSU has won three straight against teams with a combined record of 3-7. It is not something that should be inspiring fear in any future opponent, including Colorado.
Despite the 2-0 start for the Mike MacIntyre's Buffaloes, many CU fans have been wringing their hands at the lack of a running game. As bad as it has been running the ball for Colorado, it has been much worse for OSU. This reason alone shows why Sean Mannion has to throw so much. Hell, he threw 50 times against Hawaii and the game wasn't even close. But if you cannot run the ball, there really is no other option.
While the college football world seems to be caught up in calling Mannion the greatest thing since Beaver pelts in pre-industrial America, the fact is that his stats are only marginally different than those of CU's Connor Wood. And Mannion has had to throw the ball more than 48 times a game, which is 7 more per game than Wood has heaved it up.
One of the reasons that Mannion has put up such large numbers passing has been that the Beavers have HAD to throw the ball while trying to play catch-up or being caught in a shoot-out. The OSU defense has been a little shell-shocked this year, and not to some very good teams.
It is a FACT that the Beavers have not had to play a receiver of the caliber of Colorado's Paul Richardson this year. Richardson leads the country in yards per game with back to back 200 yard games. How good is that? In more than 100 years of CU football, there had only been three 200 yard games by receivers before Richardson arrived in Boulder. With his start this year, Richardson now has 3 all by himself. That's pretty good when you consider how many NFL wide-outs have played their college ball in Boulder over the years.
Taking a long hard look at Colorado and Oregon State offers the promise of an exciting game. One HUNDRED passes and more than 1000 yards of total offense look likely. There will be LOTS and LOTS of highlights.
What the game will most likely come down to is DEFENSE. Whoever can make the most big plays and create some turnovers will win. Whoever can pressure the quarterback effectively and minimize big plays will win. Both teams have shown they can come back and both have fought through adversity to win. Neither team can count on the other team giving up, even if they are down.
These facts will make this an exciting game. It is a winnable game for both teams. Methinks the Buffs come out with a 3-0 record, and a pride that has not been seen for a long, long time. It is a win that should earn them a brick in the wall.
FUCK 'EM UP, FUCK 'EM UP... GO CU!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Colorado Should Look to the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors to Make Up Lost Fresno State Game
Colorado athletic director Rick George has his hands full trying to get someone, ANYONE, to come to Boulder on October 19th to fill in for the Fresno State game, which was lost to unprecedented flooding in Boulder and much of Eastern Colorado. Perhaps he should do what mankind has done for millennia by looking for the Rainbows following the rain. The Honolulu Star Advertiser reports that CU and Hawaii are still in negotiations for this possibility.
The Hawaii Rainbows are one of 29 teams which are available to play on the Buffs' last remaining bye week in October. What makes UH such an intriguing option is that CU is already scheduled to play the Rainbows next year here in Boulder. CU should offer to switch the locations for the games. Let the Rainbow Warriors come to Boulder this year, and switch the game next year to Aloha Stadium.
The Hawaii Rainbows are one of 29 teams which are available to play on the Buffs' last remaining bye week in October. What makes UH such an intriguing option is that CU is already scheduled to play the Rainbows next year here in Boulder. CU should offer to switch the locations for the games. Let the Rainbow Warriors come to Boulder this year, and switch the game next year to Aloha Stadium.
Making this move does several wonderful things.
- It allows the Buffaloes a chance to play a 6th home game this year.
- It brings needed revenue to the program and the city of Boulder following the 100-year flood.
- It will serve as a reward for most of the team and Mike MacIntyre's staff for their hard work in getting through the disaster and starting the rebuilding process for a team that went 1-11 the year before. To put that in perspective, no matter what the Buffs do the rest of the year, it will be an improvement on last year. Better yet, these Buffs are aiming high and looking to make a bowl game THIS year. A trip to Hawaii next season would be a great reward.
- Adding a road game to Hawaii next season would allow the Buffs to add another home game, since the NCAA generally allows teams that play at Hawaii to schedule a 13th game.
- Adding a 13th game next year gives the Buffs yet another chance to have enough wins to play in a bowl game.
- Adding a 13th game will also allow Fresno State the chance to come back next year and finish their series with CU instead of stretching the process out several more years.
Git-R-Done!
Monday, September 16, 2013
29 Teams Colorado COULD Play October 19th to Make Up For Lost Fresno State Game
Massive floodwaters are still raging high in Colorado. Those 100-year floodwaters forced the postponement of the CU game vs. Fresno State this past weekend. Today, new athletic director Rick George looks to find a way to re-schedule Fresno State or find another opponent to come to Boulder on the Buffs' bye week of October 19th.
Colorado faced a very large financial shortfall last year and desperately needs the revenue which would have been brought in had the Fresno State game not been postponed by the natural disaster.
Colorado faced a very large financial shortfall last year and desperately needs the revenue which would have been brought in had the Fresno State game not been postponed by the natural disaster.
Schools which are scheduled for a bye week on October 19th.
Air Force
Alabama-Birmingham
Arkansas State
Boston College
Bowling Green
Florida Atlantic
Florida International
Hawaii
Idaho
Kansas State
Kentucky
Louisiana-Monroe
Marshall
Middle Tennessee
Mississippi State
Nebraska
North Carolina State
Penn State
Rutgers
San Diego State
San Jose State
South Carolina
Texas
Texas-El Paso (UTEP)
Texas-San Antonio
Troy
Tulane
Tulsa
Virginia Tech
Since the NCAA generally limits the number of games played to 12 (not counting conference championship games), any team willing to come in would have to get the extra game approved by them.
Historically, however, the NCAA has allowed teams which have played an away game at Hawaii to add an additional game. Both San Jose State and San Diego State play away games at Hawaii this year. That being the case, they would certainly seem to face the least amount of red tape from the NCAA if they would be willing to travel to Boulder.
Both teams already play a Pac-12 team this year. SJS played Stanford in week 2, and SDS plays Oregon State this week. Oregon State is Colorado's next scheduled opponent. Another connection for San Jose State is that Colorado head coach Mike MacIntyre is the former head coach for SJS, and the man who rebuilt the program into a top 25 team in 2012.
Historically speaking, the teams from Texas, Nebraska and Kansas State offer the chance to play someone with a conference history with Colorado. The Buffs are scheduled to play Nebraska four times from 2018-24. Each team will have two home games.
Closest at hand would be a game with Air Force. No costly air travel would be required, and it would give the federal government a chance to help out the University of Colorado without writing a check.
Rick George faces an arduous task in getting something done to help Colorado secure another game this year. Here's to hoping the NCAA does its part to smooth the process.
Friday, September 13, 2013
PAC-12 UPDATE: Colorado Football Game Against Fresno State Postponed
University of Colorado officials finally came to their senses today by postponing Saturday's scheduled football game against the Fresno State Bulldogs. Even though Boulder and 150 miles of Colorado's front range were fighting through a storm categorized as somewhere between a 100-500 year storm, campus officials had steadfastly maintained that the game would go on because Folsom Field was in "great shape."
Fortunately, the rain stopped for a bit and sun came out. This allowed helicopters that had been grounded throughout the storm to get up and finally reveal the horrible devastation wrought by the disaster which dropped as much moisture in a few short days as Boulder and surrounding areas typically see over an entire year. Faced with the grim reality of the Colorado catastrophe, Chancellor Philip DiStefano opted to postpone the game and not put added stress on a city and area literally struggling to keep their heads above water.
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper announced that President Barack Obama had signed the designation of the Colorado flooding as a national disaster.
Colorado Athletic Director Rick George and Head Coach Mike MacIntyre fully supported the decision by DiStefano. According to MacIntyre, although the team expressed a strong desire to compete, they were "all 100 percent in agreement” with the decision.
Colorado and Fresno State officials will meet soon to discuss when the game could be made up. Colorado has two bye weeks scheduled this year, while Fresno State has one. Unfortunately, none of the bye weeks coincide.
The teams could possibly play a game on December 7th, but that is the date the Pac-12 and the Mountain West Conference each play their championship game. It would be considered shocking for the Buffaloes to make the Pac-12 championship game as the South representative, the Bulldogs are favorites to represent their division of the Mountain West. If that date does not work out, the schools may have to put off the game for a year or two.
Fortunately, the rain stopped for a bit and sun came out. This allowed helicopters that had been grounded throughout the storm to get up and finally reveal the horrible devastation wrought by the disaster which dropped as much moisture in a few short days as Boulder and surrounding areas typically see over an entire year. Faced with the grim reality of the Colorado catastrophe, Chancellor Philip DiStefano opted to postpone the game and not put added stress on a city and area literally struggling to keep their heads above water.
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper announced that President Barack Obama had signed the designation of the Colorado flooding as a national disaster.
Colorado Athletic Director Rick George and Head Coach Mike MacIntyre fully supported the decision by DiStefano. According to MacIntyre, although the team expressed a strong desire to compete, they were "all 100 percent in agreement” with the decision.
Colorado and Fresno State officials will meet soon to discuss when the game could be made up. Colorado has two bye weeks scheduled this year, while Fresno State has one. Unfortunately, none of the bye weeks coincide.
The teams could possibly play a game on December 7th, but that is the date the Pac-12 and the Mountain West Conference each play their championship game. It would be considered shocking for the Buffaloes to make the Pac-12 championship game as the South representative, the Bulldogs are favorites to represent their division of the Mountain West. If that date does not work out, the schools may have to put off the game for a year or two.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Flooding in Boulder Threatens Football Game Against Fresno State
It's just a game. That is quickly becoming the mantra regarding the University of Colorado Buffaloes football game scheduled for Saturday against the Fresno State Bulldogs. CU is closed today while officials evaluate damage to the campus that has affected nearly every building. There has been flooding in dorms and some 500 people living in family housing on campus have been evacuated. The City and County of Boulder are on Emergency Alert.
Sometimes it takes the wrath of Mother Nature to remind us that the things we do for entertainment pale in comparison to real world issues, especially when they slap us in the face. More than 10 inches of rain have fallen on Boulder and the University of Colorado over the last several days, including an estimated 6-8 inches overnight. On top of that, the rain continues and is expected to drop several more inches today and tomorrow.
The damage inflicted by the massive storm has not been limited to Boulder. Much of Eastern Colorado has felt its wrath. Lyons to the North of Boulder is effectively an island, with every road in and out closed by floodwaters, debris and washed out roads. In the mountain towns just west of Boulder, waters have washed away buildings and homes. So far, at least two deaths have been attributed to the 100 year-storm. With the light of day, the true extent of the damage is becoming evident.
The CU Buffs football team is 2-0 for the first time in 5 years, and after the nightmare 2012 season in which they went 1-11, the players have been fired up to play a Bulldog team which completely destroyed them last season by a score of 69-14. This CU team has improved greatly since last year, and the team has been anxious to show that improvement against a FSU team which is ranked #27 in the country.
All the desires and plans for the game by the players and head coach Mike MacIntyre and his staff might have to redirected toward helping CU and Boulder recover from the worst rains Boulder has ever experienced. The amount of precipitation Boulder and CU have received in the last 72 hours is roughly the same as they would normally get in an entire year (around 16 inches). Forecasts call for several more inches in the next 48 hours. It could be less than that, but it could also be much more.
There have been no official statements from CU about the status of the game that is scheduled for kickoff shortly after noon on Saturday. This does not mean that the officials do not think it is important, it just means they have more important things to worry about right now. Not just the condition of the buildings on campus, but more importantly, the safety of the students and staff at the state's flagship university.
More and more, even the question about whether to play is met with incredulous stares. This is just as it should be. After all, it IS just a game.
Sometimes it takes the wrath of Mother Nature to remind us that the things we do for entertainment pale in comparison to real world issues, especially when they slap us in the face. More than 10 inches of rain have fallen on Boulder and the University of Colorado over the last several days, including an estimated 6-8 inches overnight. On top of that, the rain continues and is expected to drop several more inches today and tomorrow.
The damage inflicted by the massive storm has not been limited to Boulder. Much of Eastern Colorado has felt its wrath. Lyons to the North of Boulder is effectively an island, with every road in and out closed by floodwaters, debris and washed out roads. In the mountain towns just west of Boulder, waters have washed away buildings and homes. So far, at least two deaths have been attributed to the 100 year-storm. With the light of day, the true extent of the damage is becoming evident.
The CU Buffs football team is 2-0 for the first time in 5 years, and after the nightmare 2012 season in which they went 1-11, the players have been fired up to play a Bulldog team which completely destroyed them last season by a score of 69-14. This CU team has improved greatly since last year, and the team has been anxious to show that improvement against a FSU team which is ranked #27 in the country.
All the desires and plans for the game by the players and head coach Mike MacIntyre and his staff might have to redirected toward helping CU and Boulder recover from the worst rains Boulder has ever experienced. The amount of precipitation Boulder and CU have received in the last 72 hours is roughly the same as they would normally get in an entire year (around 16 inches). Forecasts call for several more inches in the next 48 hours. It could be less than that, but it could also be much more.
There have been no official statements from CU about the status of the game that is scheduled for kickoff shortly after noon on Saturday. This does not mean that the officials do not think it is important, it just means they have more important things to worry about right now. Not just the condition of the buildings on campus, but more importantly, the safety of the students and staff at the state's flagship university.
More and more, even the question about whether to play is met with incredulous stares. This is just as it should be. After all, it IS just a game.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Pac-12 Football: Colorado's Road to Respectability a Combination of Autobahn Speeds and Road Contruction Woes
After suffering through the worst year ever for Colorado Buffaloes football in 2012, perhaps it is still a bit too early to hope for an easy win. Easy or not, though, Mike MacIntyre's Buffs improved their season record to 2-0 after scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter to come back from a 7 point deficit to Central Arkansas. The final score at Folsom Field was 38-24.
Just about everyone conceded that the road to rebuilding Colorado Football by Mac and staff would have a fair share of bumps and detours. Two games in, that is certainly the case. The difference this year from prior years is that the Buffaloes do not fold when the going gets tough. On the contrary, to borrow a boxing term, when these Buffs get knocked to the canvas they get right back up and start swinging.
In both games, late heroics were enough to pull out victories. Colorado scored 18 points in the fourth quarter in game one against CSU, and bettered that with the 21 points in the final stanza against Central Arkansas. The 39 points scored by CU in the last quarter this year is near the top of the NCAA rankings. Last year, the Buffs scored an average of 17.8 points per GAME. This year, the Buffs are beating that by nearly two points in just the fourth QUARTER!
Overall, the Buffs are averaging 39 points per game. That puts CU at 33rd in the country in scoring. Last year, they were 120th! Paul Richardson is the #1 receiver in the country with 417 yards, 4 touchdown and 21 catches. Connor Wood is 7th in the country in passing, while last year the Buffs finished 99th in that category. While the Buffaloes are still looking for a breakout game on the ground, the passing game has more than made up for it so far this season.
On the defensive side of the ball, the difference has been just as dramatic. Last year, the Buffs had just three interceptions the entire year. That was bad enough to have them ranked 122nd in the country. This year, they equaled that total in one game against Central Arkansas. Moreover, they returned two of the interceptions for touchdowns. After two games, the Buffs are tied for #2 in the country. Add the fumble recovery for a touchdown by Greg Henderson in game one, and the Buffs Defense is averaging 1.5 TD's per game.
Does that mean everything is going smoothly for the Buffs in 2013? Not by a long shot. The kickoff return coverage is so bad that Buffs are by far the worst in the country. Right now it is so bad that kicking the ball out of bounds on purpose to let the opponent start their series on the 35 yard line would be a significant improvement. As for punting, only the mad skills of All-American candidate Darragh O'Neill has kept the punt return stats from being as bad as the kickoff returns.
Strangely enough, other than on kick and punt returns, the overall tackling of these Buffs has been light years better than last year. Coach Mac and special teams coach Toby Neinas are working feverishly to rectify the situation. Neinas is no newbie in the profession, with more than 15 years on his resume. Chances are that some fine tuning on proper lane coverage will eventually lead CU back to respectability. If not that, Buff fans can hope that the team at least gets to the point the every kick does not lead to serious hand wringing.
Through two games in 2013, the Buffs road to respectability has been a combination of Autobahn speeds and road construction woes. So far, the improvements in offense and defense have allowed CU to win despite the setbacks on special teams and rushing. They are working hard, but they knew it wouldn't be clear sailing the entire way, not this early in the process.
This week the Buffs face a Fresno State team which decimated them last year by a score of a score of 69-14. It is obviously a major step up in competition. These Buffs are a drastic improvement over last year, most notably in their hearts and dedication. They may not beat this FS team which is close to joining the Top 25, but their hearts will be in it to the very end. They may take some damaging shots, and even find themselves on the canvas, but they will land some haymakers of their own. Indeed, count on them to start earning back the respect that disappeared last year in Fresno.
Just about everyone conceded that the road to rebuilding Colorado Football by Mac and staff would have a fair share of bumps and detours. Two games in, that is certainly the case. The difference this year from prior years is that the Buffaloes do not fold when the going gets tough. On the contrary, to borrow a boxing term, when these Buffs get knocked to the canvas they get right back up and start swinging.
In both games, late heroics were enough to pull out victories. Colorado scored 18 points in the fourth quarter in game one against CSU, and bettered that with the 21 points in the final stanza against Central Arkansas. The 39 points scored by CU in the last quarter this year is near the top of the NCAA rankings. Last year, the Buffs scored an average of 17.8 points per GAME. This year, the Buffs are beating that by nearly two points in just the fourth QUARTER!
Overall, the Buffs are averaging 39 points per game. That puts CU at 33rd in the country in scoring. Last year, they were 120th! Paul Richardson is the #1 receiver in the country with 417 yards, 4 touchdown and 21 catches. Connor Wood is 7th in the country in passing, while last year the Buffs finished 99th in that category. While the Buffaloes are still looking for a breakout game on the ground, the passing game has more than made up for it so far this season.
On the defensive side of the ball, the difference has been just as dramatic. Last year, the Buffs had just three interceptions the entire year. That was bad enough to have them ranked 122nd in the country. This year, they equaled that total in one game against Central Arkansas. Moreover, they returned two of the interceptions for touchdowns. After two games, the Buffs are tied for #2 in the country. Add the fumble recovery for a touchdown by Greg Henderson in game one, and the Buffs Defense is averaging 1.5 TD's per game.
Does that mean everything is going smoothly for the Buffs in 2013? Not by a long shot. The kickoff return coverage is so bad that Buffs are by far the worst in the country. Right now it is so bad that kicking the ball out of bounds on purpose to let the opponent start their series on the 35 yard line would be a significant improvement. As for punting, only the mad skills of All-American candidate Darragh O'Neill has kept the punt return stats from being as bad as the kickoff returns.
Strangely enough, other than on kick and punt returns, the overall tackling of these Buffs has been light years better than last year. Coach Mac and special teams coach Toby Neinas are working feverishly to rectify the situation. Neinas is no newbie in the profession, with more than 15 years on his resume. Chances are that some fine tuning on proper lane coverage will eventually lead CU back to respectability. If not that, Buff fans can hope that the team at least gets to the point the every kick does not lead to serious hand wringing.
Through two games in 2013, the Buffs road to respectability has been a combination of Autobahn speeds and road construction woes. So far, the improvements in offense and defense have allowed CU to win despite the setbacks on special teams and rushing. They are working hard, but they knew it wouldn't be clear sailing the entire way, not this early in the process.
This week the Buffs face a Fresno State team which decimated them last year by a score of a score of 69-14. It is obviously a major step up in competition. These Buffs are a drastic improvement over last year, most notably in their hearts and dedication. They may not beat this FS team which is close to joining the Top 25, but their hearts will be in it to the very end. They may take some damaging shots, and even find themselves on the canvas, but they will land some haymakers of their own. Indeed, count on them to start earning back the respect that disappeared last year in Fresno.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
The Hunt Continues: Colorado Buffaloes Look to go Sugar Bear Hunting against Central Arkansas at Folsom Field
The HUNT for victories continues! Six days after successfully bringing down the CSU Rams in Denver for the Rocky Mountain Showdown, the Colorado Buffaloes and Head Coach Mike MacIntyre open their home season at Folsom Field looking to add a Central Arkansas Sugar Bear head to the wall of their 2013 trophy room. In the process, they want to re-establish that Boulder is a tough place to play for visiting teams.
Mostly because it has been a long time since it was true. 2012 was the first time in the history of Folsom Field that the Buffs went through the entire season without a win at home. The most embarrassing loss among their 0-6 record at Folsom in 2012 was a loss to mediocre FCS team Sacramento State. It was not much better in 2011, as the Buffs won only one game at home against Arizona. That means that Colorado has only won one game at home in the last 11 tries. It is the primary reason that Jon Embree was fired.
One of the main reasons that Mike MacIntyre was hired is that he had already demonstrated the ability to take a down program and rebuild it to respectability in a hurry. That was important because few programs in the FBS were more down than Colorado. Perhaps more important than the rebuilding itself was the fact that Mac did it right. He did not try to make things easier for the players on the field and in the classroom. NO! He raised expectations all across the board. More importantly still, he and his staff hold themselves accountable first.
One of the hallmarks of the last two coaching regimes (three if you count the last couple years of Gary Barnett) was a consistent blaming of the players when things did not go well. One of the reasons that Mac and staff will be successful in Boulder like they were at San Jose State is that they rightfully take the blame for problems their teams have on the field. It is the way it should be. After all, they and not the players are the ones making lots of money.
Like Sacramento State, Central Arkansas is a team from the FCS. Unlike Sac. St., the Sugar Bears are a good team. They are ranked #5 in the latest FCS poll, while Sacramento State opened the season in Tempe against Arizona State. The Sun Devils spanked 'em 55-0. Central Arkansas opened their season with a 58-7 win against the University of the Incarnate Word. (It must be true because I certainly could not have made that up!)
Check out the Bring the Buff blog by David Smith to find out lots more about Central Arkansas, their unique cereal sounding name, and their silver and purple football field.
Central Arkansas has some good players, including more than a dozen transfers from FBS schools. They are coached very well by Clint Conque and his staff. And they are led by quarterback Wynrick Smothers, who was the offensive player of the year for his conference in 2012. They are an excellent FCS team who could play on an even keel with a good number of FBS teams. In fact, if this CA team were playing the 2012 Buffs, they would likely have smoked the Buffs.
This is NOT the 2012 Buffaloes, however, and chances are that the excellent coaching of Mac and staff will be enough to give the Buffs all they need to take down the Sugar Bears.
Connor Wood passed for 400 yards last week, and Paul Richardson is the #1 receiver in the country after week one. The defense is much more solid, the punter is one of the elite in the nation, and the place-kicker looks dangerous from 55 yards in.
Due to the offense run by the Sugar Bears, the Buffs will spend a lot of time in nickel and dime packages. Fortunately, the secondary looks much better than it has in years. The Buffs had only three interceptions all of last year. Look for their first and maybe second today against the Sugar Bears as Chidera Uzo-Diribe and his mates on the defensive front put lots of pressure on Smothers.
Central Arkansas will make some good plays, but the depth of CU, a loud and fired up student section, and the altitude of Boulder will be more than enough to carry the Buffaloes to victory. Make a place on the wall for a Sugar Bear head.
Why is that so important?
Mostly because it has been a long time since it was true. 2012 was the first time in the history of Folsom Field that the Buffs went through the entire season without a win at home. The most embarrassing loss among their 0-6 record at Folsom in 2012 was a loss to mediocre FCS team Sacramento State. It was not much better in 2011, as the Buffs won only one game at home against Arizona. That means that Colorado has only won one game at home in the last 11 tries. It is the primary reason that Jon Embree was fired.
New Honcho in Town
One of the main reasons that Mike MacIntyre was hired is that he had already demonstrated the ability to take a down program and rebuild it to respectability in a hurry. That was important because few programs in the FBS were more down than Colorado. Perhaps more important than the rebuilding itself was the fact that Mac did it right. He did not try to make things easier for the players on the field and in the classroom. NO! He raised expectations all across the board. More importantly still, he and his staff hold themselves accountable first.
One of the hallmarks of the last two coaching regimes (three if you count the last couple years of Gary Barnett) was a consistent blaming of the players when things did not go well. One of the reasons that Mac and staff will be successful in Boulder like they were at San Jose State is that they rightfully take the blame for problems their teams have on the field. It is the way it should be. After all, they and not the players are the ones making lots of money.
Central Arkansas Sugar Bears in Town
Like Sacramento State, Central Arkansas is a team from the FCS. Unlike Sac. St., the Sugar Bears are a good team. They are ranked #5 in the latest FCS poll, while Sacramento State opened the season in Tempe against Arizona State. The Sun Devils spanked 'em 55-0. Central Arkansas opened their season with a 58-7 win against the University of the Incarnate Word. (It must be true because I certainly could not have made that up!)
Check out the Bring the Buff blog by David Smith to find out lots more about Central Arkansas, their unique cereal sounding name, and their silver and purple football field.
How the game will turn out:
Central Arkansas has some good players, including more than a dozen transfers from FBS schools. They are coached very well by Clint Conque and his staff. And they are led by quarterback Wynrick Smothers, who was the offensive player of the year for his conference in 2012. They are an excellent FCS team who could play on an even keel with a good number of FBS teams. In fact, if this CA team were playing the 2012 Buffs, they would likely have smoked the Buffs.
This is NOT the 2012 Buffaloes, however, and chances are that the excellent coaching of Mac and staff will be enough to give the Buffs all they need to take down the Sugar Bears.
Connor Wood passed for 400 yards last week, and Paul Richardson is the #1 receiver in the country after week one. The defense is much more solid, the punter is one of the elite in the nation, and the place-kicker looks dangerous from 55 yards in.
Due to the offense run by the Sugar Bears, the Buffs will spend a lot of time in nickel and dime packages. Fortunately, the secondary looks much better than it has in years. The Buffs had only three interceptions all of last year. Look for their first and maybe second today against the Sugar Bears as Chidera Uzo-Diribe and his mates on the defensive front put lots of pressure on Smothers.
Central Arkansas will make some good plays, but the depth of CU, a loud and fired up student section, and the altitude of Boulder will be more than enough to carry the Buffaloes to victory. Make a place on the wall for a Sugar Bear head.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Are Mike MacIntyre's Colorado Buffaloes Ready to Take the Next Big Step?
It's an old adage in college football that the greatest improvement during the season comes between the first and second games. The first game always comes with the jitters of a new season and playing with new or even freshman guys around one another. For the Colorado Buffs, those concerns were magnified by the fact that Coach Mac's staff was new, along with new schemes on offense, defense and special teams.
The Buffs passed the first test of the season with flying colors when they defeated CSU by a score of 41-27 at the Rocky Mountain Showdown in Denver. The next big question is whether they can improve upon their overall performance this weekend when they open their home schedule at Folsom Field against FCS powerhouse Central Arkansas.
The Bears are ranked #5 in this week's FCS poll, and last week no less than 8 FCS teams stepped up and defeated FBS schools, including a win by Eastern Washington against a ranked Oregon State team. That being the case, there is no reason for CU to be taking the Bears lightly. The Buffs must also remember that they lost at home last year to another FCS team, Sacramento State. They do not want to face the same embarrassment as last year.
On the other hand, CU could rightly claim that the final winning margin was much smaller than it could have been due to two special teams plays. CSU receiver Joe Hansley returned a punt for 74 yards and a touchdown, and Thomas Coffman returned a kickoff 84 yards to set up CSU's go ahead touchdown. Take those two plays away and maybe Colorado wins by 30.
It doesn't really matter. The RMS is over and the Buffs won. Coach MacIntyre and his team know that football games are often decided by big plays on offense, defense and special teams.
The offensive line did a great job of protecting the quarterback last week but rushing yards from the backs were hard to come by. Colorado knows that was because CSU was rolling the dice that Connor Wood and his fleet of receivers could not beat them. Thanks to the great work by Wood, Richardson, Goodson and the rest of the receiving crew, the gamble by CSU was not successful.
Special teams should show significant improvement this week. Actually, that should be narrowed down. The punter and kicker for CU were outstanding in the first game. What needs to come up to par against Central Arkansas is return coverage. The Buffs know that and have been tweaking it all week. Look for someone on the return coverage units to make a play or two that is worthy of the new Sledgehammer Award won by Parker Orms in week one for his hit that cartwheeled a CSU tight end in the end zone.
On defense, the front line fought a very good CSU line to a standstill, but the lack of pressure they put on the CSU quarterback was only not damaging due to the very poor game passing by the Rams QB. The Central Arkansas quarterback is both a running and passing threat and is likely one of the most athletic quarterbacks that CU will face this season. The secondary and the linebackers must continue their fine work from the first game and the D-line needs to step it up and get pressure on the quarterback.
If the Buffs take the next big step and improve off their first game performance, the opening game at Folsom Field should be a win. If they rest on their laurels and take the Bears for granted, it could be an ugly and embarrassing day. If they play hard and fast and take full advantage of the altitude, the home field, the fans, and their strength and athleticism, the Buffs should walk away with another big win and double their win total from last year.
Go Buffs! FUCK 'EM UP, FUCK 'EM UP, GO CU!
The Buffs passed the first test of the season with flying colors when they defeated CSU by a score of 41-27 at the Rocky Mountain Showdown in Denver. The next big question is whether they can improve upon their overall performance this weekend when they open their home schedule at Folsom Field against FCS powerhouse Central Arkansas.
The Bears are ranked #5 in this week's FCS poll, and last week no less than 8 FCS teams stepped up and defeated FBS schools, including a win by Eastern Washington against a ranked Oregon State team. That being the case, there is no reason for CU to be taking the Bears lightly. The Buffs must also remember that they lost at home last year to another FCS team, Sacramento State. They do not want to face the same embarrassment as last year.
The 3-play vs. 2-play debate from the RMS
Although CU came away from the RMS with a seemingly comfortable 14 point win, those at CSU could make a reasonable claim that the game turned on just three plays. Those were the two long touchdown throws from Connor Wood to Paul Richardson that were the result of blown coverages by the CSU secondary, and the stripped ball by Chidera Uzo-Diribe that was picked up by Greg Henderson and returned 53 yards for a touchdown. Take those away and CSU could very well have taken the game, it could be argued.On the other hand, CU could rightly claim that the final winning margin was much smaller than it could have been due to two special teams plays. CSU receiver Joe Hansley returned a punt for 74 yards and a touchdown, and Thomas Coffman returned a kickoff 84 yards to set up CSU's go ahead touchdown. Take those two plays away and maybe Colorado wins by 30.
It doesn't really matter. The RMS is over and the Buffs won. Coach MacIntyre and his team know that football games are often decided by big plays on offense, defense and special teams.
The game against Central Arkansas
The trick for the Buffs this week is to continue to improve upon the things they did well in the first game, and to fix any problems they had.The offensive line did a great job of protecting the quarterback last week but rushing yards from the backs were hard to come by. Colorado knows that was because CSU was rolling the dice that Connor Wood and his fleet of receivers could not beat them. Thanks to the great work by Wood, Richardson, Goodson and the rest of the receiving crew, the gamble by CSU was not successful.
Special teams should show significant improvement this week. Actually, that should be narrowed down. The punter and kicker for CU were outstanding in the first game. What needs to come up to par against Central Arkansas is return coverage. The Buffs know that and have been tweaking it all week. Look for someone on the return coverage units to make a play or two that is worthy of the new Sledgehammer Award won by Parker Orms in week one for his hit that cartwheeled a CSU tight end in the end zone.
On defense, the front line fought a very good CSU line to a standstill, but the lack of pressure they put on the CSU quarterback was only not damaging due to the very poor game passing by the Rams QB. The Central Arkansas quarterback is both a running and passing threat and is likely one of the most athletic quarterbacks that CU will face this season. The secondary and the linebackers must continue their fine work from the first game and the D-line needs to step it up and get pressure on the quarterback.
If the Buffs take the next big step and improve off their first game performance, the opening game at Folsom Field should be a win. If they rest on their laurels and take the Bears for granted, it could be an ugly and embarrassing day. If they play hard and fast and take full advantage of the altitude, the home field, the fans, and their strength and athleticism, the Buffs should walk away with another big win and double their win total from last year.
Go Buffs! FUCK 'EM UP, FUCK 'EM UP, GO CU!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
A Cheese-Free Analysis of the Colorado Buffaloes and the Win over CSU
Colorado Head Coach Mike MacIntyre warned his players after the enormous 41-27 win over CSU not to "eat the cheese" that would be headed their way following the victory. The point of his comment was that his players should expect lots of accolades being thrown their way and not to buy into the nonsense that CU is a great team. I agree with Coach Mac2, and hereby offer a cheese-free look at the team's win.
Right now, the Buffs are NOT a great team. Heck, they might not even be a very good team. But they are a much better team than they have been in years. But this is only due to their hard work and commitment to themselves, their teammates and their coaches. They were given a plan and they followed it. If they continue their dedication and work ethic, the team has the opportunity to become not only good, but perhaps pretty darn good. If they decide to eat the cheese, they will have a rude awakening very soon.
Due to the emotion that goes along with the old rivalry with CSU, many Buff fans (and many so-called CSU supporters like Kelly Lyell) have been quick to claim that CSU is a very bad team. They are very wrong. The CSU team that lost to the Buffs in the Rocky Mountain Showdown on Sunday is a MUCH BETTER team than the one that beat the Buffs last year.
CSU Head Coach Jim McElwain is an outstanding coach. The CSU quarterback had a bad game. But their offensive line did a fine job of neutralizing the Buffs defensive line. The CSU running backs ran hard and with passion. The CSU defense made CU earn every yard running the ball.
It's true that CSU stacked the box to stop the running game, but that was obviously due to the fact that their game plan was predicated on the idea that they were rolling the dice that Connor Wood could not beat them with his arm. It was a reasonable bet, considering how bad the Buffs were last year. Nobody at CSU could have reasonably expected that Connor would put up the gaudy numbers that he did. Or that he would take care of the ball so well and avoid any interceptions.
Take away the two broken coverages that led to Paul Richardson scoring very long touchdowns, and the Rams did a pretty good job of containing the Buffs' passing game. Not everybody would be raving if the Buffs only put up 240 yards passing and 350 yards of total offense.
The Rams have two winnable games ahead of them before they head off to Tuscaloosa, Alabama as the guests of honor at a Ram Roast. That said, the Rams will have had some serious trial by fire before heading into conference play. I look forward to seeing how the Rams do against Boise State this season. The wild Idahoan Broncos were corralled and broken at Washington in the first game of the season. Every team in their conference is looking for some payback. The same goes with Nevada, who was torched by UCLA in their opener. Also, Utah State, who lost to Utah.
The fact that CSU is a much better team than last year is a great sign for the Buffs. It means that CU is also a greatly improved team. But this early in the season, that improvement is precarious at best. They absolutely have to take care of business with a very good Central Arkansas team that is ranked #6 in the FCS. Many of the top FCS teams beat FBS teams in the first week, including a win at #24 Oregon State by Eastern Washington. If CU thinks they have to just show up, they will find themselves beaten like they were last year by Sacramento State.
BUT, Paul needs work on his routes, especially if he is in traffic. He needs to listen to his coach Troy Walters and learn to fight for the ball. He was manhandled by the CSU secondary several times, he needs to work harder to create separation when running routes over the middle. The yards and touchdowns are going to be much harder to come by when teams learn they can disrupt his play by getting physical.
BUT, several time Connor tossed the ball away without getting it out of bounds. Do this too many times and the ball is bound to be picked off. Also, Connor has a very strong arm but needs to make sure he is using his body as well. Arming the ball while back-pedaling is very dangerous. If possible, Connor needs to make sure he steps into his throws whenever possible.
BUT, what the hell, there really is no but here. The young man played a hell of a game and has the talent to become the next great CU linebacker. He knows the cheese is there but he will not take a bite. I look forward to watching this young man for the next several years.
Right now, the Buffs are NOT a great team. Heck, they might not even be a very good team. But they are a much better team than they have been in years. But this is only due to their hard work and commitment to themselves, their teammates and their coaches. They were given a plan and they followed it. If they continue their dedication and work ethic, the team has the opportunity to become not only good, but perhaps pretty darn good. If they decide to eat the cheese, they will have a rude awakening very soon.
Due to the emotion that goes along with the old rivalry with CSU, many Buff fans (and many so-called CSU supporters like Kelly Lyell) have been quick to claim that CSU is a very bad team. They are very wrong. The CSU team that lost to the Buffs in the Rocky Mountain Showdown on Sunday is a MUCH BETTER team than the one that beat the Buffs last year.
CSU Head Coach Jim McElwain is an outstanding coach. The CSU quarterback had a bad game. But their offensive line did a fine job of neutralizing the Buffs defensive line. The CSU running backs ran hard and with passion. The CSU defense made CU earn every yard running the ball.
It's true that CSU stacked the box to stop the running game, but that was obviously due to the fact that their game plan was predicated on the idea that they were rolling the dice that Connor Wood could not beat them with his arm. It was a reasonable bet, considering how bad the Buffs were last year. Nobody at CSU could have reasonably expected that Connor would put up the gaudy numbers that he did. Or that he would take care of the ball so well and avoid any interceptions.
Take away the two broken coverages that led to Paul Richardson scoring very long touchdowns, and the Rams did a pretty good job of containing the Buffs' passing game. Not everybody would be raving if the Buffs only put up 240 yards passing and 350 yards of total offense.
The Rams have two winnable games ahead of them before they head off to Tuscaloosa, Alabama as the guests of honor at a Ram Roast. That said, the Rams will have had some serious trial by fire before heading into conference play. I look forward to seeing how the Rams do against Boise State this season. The wild Idahoan Broncos were corralled and broken at Washington in the first game of the season. Every team in their conference is looking for some payback. The same goes with Nevada, who was torched by UCLA in their opener. Also, Utah State, who lost to Utah.
The fact that CSU is a much better team than last year is a great sign for the Buffs. It means that CU is also a greatly improved team. But this early in the season, that improvement is precarious at best. They absolutely have to take care of business with a very good Central Arkansas team that is ranked #6 in the FCS. Many of the top FCS teams beat FBS teams in the first week, including a win at #24 Oregon State by Eastern Washington. If CU thinks they have to just show up, they will find themselves beaten like they were last year by Sacramento State.
Cheese-free player profiles for the stars of the game
Paul Richardson
Paul is very good. He is very fast. Blow your coverage on him and he can make you look very bad.BUT, Paul needs work on his routes, especially if he is in traffic. He needs to listen to his coach Troy Walters and learn to fight for the ball. He was manhandled by the CSU secondary several times, he needs to work harder to create separation when running routes over the middle. The yards and touchdowns are going to be much harder to come by when teams learn they can disrupt his play by getting physical.
Connor Wood
Connor did a great job as the new starting quarterback in the RMS. He did not throw any interceptions and recovered a bad snap. He threw for 400 yards and completed a high percentage of his passes.BUT, several time Connor tossed the ball away without getting it out of bounds. Do this too many times and the ball is bound to be picked off. Also, Connor has a very strong arm but needs to make sure he is using his body as well. Arming the ball while back-pedaling is very dangerous. If possible, Connor needs to make sure he steps into his throws whenever possible.
Addison Gillam
Addison is a true freshman who started the first game at inside linebacker. He was the first to do so at CU since Jordon Dizon, who went on to become an All-American. He finished the RMS with a game-high 14 tackles. He also had a sack and broke up a pass. He seemed to be everywhere.BUT, what the hell, there really is no but here. The young man played a hell of a game and has the talent to become the next great CU linebacker. He knows the cheese is there but he will not take a bite. I look forward to watching this young man for the next several years.
The Cheese Stands Alone!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Mike MacIntyre Era at Colorado Begins with Monster Win over CSU in the Rocky Mountain Showdown
The Colorado Buffaloes took care of business at the Rocky Mountain Showdown and downed the CSU Rams 41-27 at the Broncos' Sponsor of the year at Mile High Stadium. (Yes, I know who the sponsor is. I am not going to give them a plug because everyone knows where I am talking about and I don't think the game should be played in Denver.)
Coach Mike MacIntyre started what (hopefully) will be a long era at CU with a win. Not a big win. Not a very big win. But a monstrously huge and important win. After seven straight losing seasons and coming off the worst season in Colorado football history last season, this win was absolutely needed for the mental well-being of the Buff players.
Colorado had lost eight straight games since their miracle last win against Washington State last year. Some may balk at the "miracle" designation, but with the worst and most disorganized coaching staff in the country last year, winning that one game on the last play after coming from way back in the last half of the fourth quarter had providence written all over it. Mike Leach must be wondering if he is cursed when it comes to CU, because his teams have lost many games to the Buffs that his teams were "supposed" to win.
When MacIntyre was hired as head coach of the Buffs, his biggest challenge was getting inside the heads of his new team. Their confidence was gone. Their game plans were a shambles. In reality, their coaches were in way over their heads and had no idea how to lead a team.
Thus, Mac and staff had to get in and get everyone started from ground zero. They got every player moving in a coordinated effort to improve every aspect of their CU experience. And the coaches only judged them on what they were doing now, this year. And the coaches gave them the opportunity to earn a good place on the depth chart based on the now, and forgetting the past.
MacIntyre and his band of brothers worked hard to rebuild the commitment that each player must have for one another. It was a tough task, and some of the players chose to leave instead of living up to higher expectations. But many of those who decided to stay have been swung over by the enthusiasm and organization that the new coaching staff brought in.
Any holdouts on the team that were still reluctant to buy in whole-heartedly to the new program have now been born again. Seeing the joy on the faces of the young men as they made their way to the student section to sing the CU fight song was a sight to behold.
Seeing the tears in the eyes of MacIntyre as he talked about his father, and the pride and happiness he felt for his players was breathtaking. Mac obviously loves coaching and teaching his team. His commitment is obvious. And his commitment, and that of his staff is contagious and spreading quickly among the players.
After losing a lead due to two long returns, the Buffs had the chance to fold. Last year, it was almost a weekly occurrence due to the lack of leadership. But this year, when their backs were against the wall, they came out swinging and dominated the fourth quarter. We can thank the new coaching staff for instilling the pride again.
I have watched the rise of enthusiasm of the Buff players during fall practice, but that enthusiasm will now be sky high, looming over the flatirons that tower over their practice fields. Those young men now KNOW that they can believe in what their coaches are trying to teach them. Many of them had started to buy in to the new program, and it showed in the win against CSU. But that belief is now becoming FAITH in themselves and each other and their coaches. They have turned the corner to becoming a team in the finest sense of the word.
This team will make the Buff faithful proud. They may not win every game, but their hearts and souls will be committed every step of the way. They will not give up and they will not back down. And every team they play will KNOW they've been in a fight. And every Buff fan should join them, standing shoulder to shoulder, and never giving in, as the Colorado Buffaloes fight for victory.
***********************************
Look for the upcoming post about the players and the game.
Coach Mike MacIntyre started what (hopefully) will be a long era at CU with a win. Not a big win. Not a very big win. But a monstrously huge and important win. After seven straight losing seasons and coming off the worst season in Colorado football history last season, this win was absolutely needed for the mental well-being of the Buff players.
Colorado had lost eight straight games since their miracle last win against Washington State last year. Some may balk at the "miracle" designation, but with the worst and most disorganized coaching staff in the country last year, winning that one game on the last play after coming from way back in the last half of the fourth quarter had providence written all over it. Mike Leach must be wondering if he is cursed when it comes to CU, because his teams have lost many games to the Buffs that his teams were "supposed" to win.
When MacIntyre was hired as head coach of the Buffs, his biggest challenge was getting inside the heads of his new team. Their confidence was gone. Their game plans were a shambles. In reality, their coaches were in way over their heads and had no idea how to lead a team.
Thus, Mac and staff had to get in and get everyone started from ground zero. They got every player moving in a coordinated effort to improve every aspect of their CU experience. And the coaches only judged them on what they were doing now, this year. And the coaches gave them the opportunity to earn a good place on the depth chart based on the now, and forgetting the past.
MacIntyre and his band of brothers worked hard to rebuild the commitment that each player must have for one another. It was a tough task, and some of the players chose to leave instead of living up to higher expectations. But many of those who decided to stay have been swung over by the enthusiasm and organization that the new coaching staff brought in.
Any holdouts on the team that were still reluctant to buy in whole-heartedly to the new program have now been born again. Seeing the joy on the faces of the young men as they made their way to the student section to sing the CU fight song was a sight to behold.
Seeing the tears in the eyes of MacIntyre as he talked about his father, and the pride and happiness he felt for his players was breathtaking. Mac obviously loves coaching and teaching his team. His commitment is obvious. And his commitment, and that of his staff is contagious and spreading quickly among the players.
After losing a lead due to two long returns, the Buffs had the chance to fold. Last year, it was almost a weekly occurrence due to the lack of leadership. But this year, when their backs were against the wall, they came out swinging and dominated the fourth quarter. We can thank the new coaching staff for instilling the pride again.
I have watched the rise of enthusiasm of the Buff players during fall practice, but that enthusiasm will now be sky high, looming over the flatirons that tower over their practice fields. Those young men now KNOW that they can believe in what their coaches are trying to teach them. Many of them had started to buy in to the new program, and it showed in the win against CSU. But that belief is now becoming FAITH in themselves and each other and their coaches. They have turned the corner to becoming a team in the finest sense of the word.
This team will make the Buff faithful proud. They may not win every game, but their hearts and souls will be committed every step of the way. They will not give up and they will not back down. And every team they play will KNOW they've been in a fight. And every Buff fan should join them, standing shoulder to shoulder, and never giving in, as the Colorado Buffaloes fight for victory.
***********************************
Look for the upcoming post about the players and the game.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
CU vs CSU 2013: Let the Game Begin!
It's game day Buff fans. The long wait to get out from under the cloud of bad coaching for seven years is over. No more Hawkins. No more Embree. The bright light of a team prepared by real, good, and smart coaches is here for CU. Let the sun shine in! The early days of Aquarius are upon us. Put your game face on.
The darkness that is the Denver media seemingly hate the light as much as they hate Boulder and the Buffs. It doesn't matter, because the sunny days are back in Boulder whether they like it or not. The Mike MacIntyre era has begun.
The Denver Post believes that CSU has the advantage in every aspect of the game except punting. They are living in a fantasy land! (Like where they claim to have a weekday circulation of almost half a million. They base this on internet hits instead of actual newspapers. If one counts actual papers, the numbers are closer to 250k daily.)
For the past two years, CU had the worst coaching staff in their history and arguably the very worst in the FBS. Despite that handicap, it still took a meltdown of epic proportions by CU for CSU to scrape out a win. CSU and the Post shouldn't take any comfort in that, since epically proportioned meltdowns were the norm for the coaching staff last year. It is the reason they are no longer here.
It was the 21st win by CSU in the history of the rivalry. CU, on the other hand, has ONLY managed to win a meager 61 times by comparison. With that history in hand, it is easy in fantasy land to believe the Buffs have no chance. WAKE UP! This is reality.
And the reality is that this Colorado team will look nothing like what we have seen the last several seasons. They will no longer be outcoached on a weekly basis. And the days of them standing on the field waiting for their offensive coordinator to make up his mind what play he wants to run are over too.
There will be no more quarterback sneaks on first down because the coaches did not notice the team had made a first down on the previous play. And defensive coaches will no longer have their cornerbacks playing 10 yards off the line of scrimmage when the opponent is in the red zone.
The Buffs had horrible coaching and still barely lost to CSU last year and beat them by 14 the year before even with the same coaching staff. I shudder to think how the game will look when the Buffs are led by good play callers.
I look forward to a lot of shudders going up and down my spine today. The Buffs are angry and they have a flatiron sized chip on their shoulders. They are in MUCH better playing shape than they have been in years. Heck, the top 10 defensive linemen alone have lost almost 200 pounds since spring while gaining strength and stamina.
Christian Powell is down more than 20 lbs since he arrived on campus last year as a true freshman who led the Buffs in rushing. He's is still a monster to contend with when he hits you with 230 lbs of speed and muscle.
And Paul Richardson is back after missing last year. He's faster now than when he was one of the most feared receivers in the Pac-12 in 2011. Anyone remember the 11 receptions for 284 yards against Cal?
Everyone knows that the CSU coach has refused to name a starting quarterback until game time. Does anyone else think that decision was designed to prevent nightmares of Chidera Uzo-Diribe crushing his qb? This guy was damn near unblockable last year, and he's faster and stronger this year.
And lastly, Connor Wood takes over as quarterback. He was one of the best and most sought after QB's in the country coming out of high school. And now he is working with perhaps the best young QB coach in the country in Brian Lindgren. The shudders are starting just thinking about it.
You heard it here first. This game is going to get ugly. The party is going to start in Denver this afternoon and will rock throughout the night in BOULDER. For the Rams, the Rocky Mountain Showdown will end up being the Rocky Mountain Horror Story.
GO BUFFS! Or better yet...
FUCK 'EM UP, FUCK 'EM UP, GO CU!
The darkness that is the Denver media seemingly hate the light as much as they hate Boulder and the Buffs. It doesn't matter, because the sunny days are back in Boulder whether they like it or not. The Mike MacIntyre era has begun.
The Denver Post believes that CSU has the advantage in every aspect of the game except punting. They are living in a fantasy land! (Like where they claim to have a weekday circulation of almost half a million. They base this on internet hits instead of actual newspapers. If one counts actual papers, the numbers are closer to 250k daily.)
For the past two years, CU had the worst coaching staff in their history and arguably the very worst in the FBS. Despite that handicap, it still took a meltdown of epic proportions by CU for CSU to scrape out a win. CSU and the Post shouldn't take any comfort in that, since epically proportioned meltdowns were the norm for the coaching staff last year. It is the reason they are no longer here.
It was the 21st win by CSU in the history of the rivalry. CU, on the other hand, has ONLY managed to win a meager 61 times by comparison. With that history in hand, it is easy in fantasy land to believe the Buffs have no chance. WAKE UP! This is reality.
And the reality is that this Colorado team will look nothing like what we have seen the last several seasons. They will no longer be outcoached on a weekly basis. And the days of them standing on the field waiting for their offensive coordinator to make up his mind what play he wants to run are over too.
There will be no more quarterback sneaks on first down because the coaches did not notice the team had made a first down on the previous play. And defensive coaches will no longer have their cornerbacks playing 10 yards off the line of scrimmage when the opponent is in the red zone.
The Buffs had horrible coaching and still barely lost to CSU last year and beat them by 14 the year before even with the same coaching staff. I shudder to think how the game will look when the Buffs are led by good play callers.
I look forward to a lot of shudders going up and down my spine today. The Buffs are angry and they have a flatiron sized chip on their shoulders. They are in MUCH better playing shape than they have been in years. Heck, the top 10 defensive linemen alone have lost almost 200 pounds since spring while gaining strength and stamina.
Christian Powell is down more than 20 lbs since he arrived on campus last year as a true freshman who led the Buffs in rushing. He's is still a monster to contend with when he hits you with 230 lbs of speed and muscle.
And Paul Richardson is back after missing last year. He's faster now than when he was one of the most feared receivers in the Pac-12 in 2011. Anyone remember the 11 receptions for 284 yards against Cal?
Everyone knows that the CSU coach has refused to name a starting quarterback until game time. Does anyone else think that decision was designed to prevent nightmares of Chidera Uzo-Diribe crushing his qb? This guy was damn near unblockable last year, and he's faster and stronger this year.
And lastly, Connor Wood takes over as quarterback. He was one of the best and most sought after QB's in the country coming out of high school. And now he is working with perhaps the best young QB coach in the country in Brian Lindgren. The shudders are starting just thinking about it.
You heard it here first. This game is going to get ugly. The party is going to start in Denver this afternoon and will rock throughout the night in BOULDER. For the Rams, the Rocky Mountain Showdown will end up being the Rocky Mountain Horror Story.
GO BUFFS! Or better yet...
FUCK 'EM UP, FUCK 'EM UP, GO CU!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)