Sun Devil Stadium is a hard place to win unless you are playing for Arizona State or playing in a bowl game against another team from outside of Tempe.
The only time that Colorado has won there was in the Fiesta Bowl following 1994 season. In Bill McCartney's last game, the Buffs put a serious whipping on Lou Holtz's Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.
Colorado has never beaten Arizona State in Tempe, and hasn't had much luck against them anywhere overall. Last year's victory in Boulder was the first ever for the Buffs against the Sun Devils. Overall, Colorado is 1-7 against ASU.
The past doesn't bode well for Colorado, so the job of Mike MacIntyre and his staff is to get their team to play for the future and forget the past. The Buffaloes have won five games this year, and need a win in the last three weeks to become bowl eligible.
With Pac-12 South leader (and #17) USC coming to Boulder next week, the Buffaloes face a tough road to bowl-ville unless they can pull an upset of 4-4 Arizona State.
The Sun Devils have been up and down all year. They got spanked at home last week by USC, but beat #5 Washington (at home) and went on the road to defeat Utah in the two weeks prior. Early in the season, the Devils also lost to San Diego State and Texas Tech. It's been a tough season to watch for ASU fans.
Likewise, things have been tough in Boulder. After last year's 10 win season, fans of Colorado expected them to once again vie for the Pac-12 South title. Coaches added to the expectations when they proclaimed Colorado would have one of the best offenses in the country.
Then came the season. The Buffs went 3-0 in non-conference games but looked wholly uninspired and far from explosive on offense. After losing their first three Pac-12 games, the Buffs squeaked by Oregon State, a team which had yet to be within 28 points of an FBS team. Then came the 28-0 debacle loss to Washington State to drop the Buffs to 4-4.
The grumblings from the Peanut Gallery at Folsom Field got louder and louder during the season, and became an outright roar during the Washington State loss. The quarterback was benched, and after neither backup QB could do anything either, calls were made for the play-caller (and Co-offensive coordinator) Brian Lindgren to be fired or demoted.
Finally, in week 9, the Buffs finally showed some fire. They were explosive offensively, and cruised to a big win over California. Most fans were willing to recognize the effort and congratulate the team on a well played game. It was good to see the team having fun again.
Throughout this week, however, the facts began to sink in about the Buffs' two conference wins. They were against the two worst teams in the league this year. The Buffs have lost to the middle of the road teams in the Pac-12, and been smoked by the upper level teams.
Most fans were happy with last week's win, but are unconvinced that it will lead to more wins this year and a bowl game. But they are waiting with bated breath to see how this game goes.
If the Buffs win, they will be bowl eligible and they will have a fighting chance to finish the season 8-4 and on a four game winning streak entering bowl season.
If they lose, particularly if they lose badly (which is typical in games in Tempe against ASU), the Buffs could very well finish season 5-7 and on the outside looking in come bowl time. It's an all too familiar place to be with a decade between last year's bowl team and the last time they went bowling.
Buff fans are hoping against hope, but the emotional content from fans seems to be missing. They've had their hearts already broken this year. They are waiting for one more game before they give the Buffs their complete support.
They want their Buffs to win, and hope it comes true. The question remains whether the Buffaloes themselves are going to lay it all on the line and do whatever is necessary to win? Or will they face adversity and a tough road game and cash in their chips? Will the coaches rise to the occasion? Or will they be outcoached once again and lay the fault at the feet of their players?
Let's see who shows up. It's less than two hours until we find out.
Showing posts with label Brian Lindgren. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brian Lindgren. Show all posts
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Monday, October 23, 2017
Colorado Fans Embarrassed by Coaches in 28-0 Loss to Washington State
An already ugly season for Colorado football fans got even uglier Saturday night at Washington State. It was so ugly it was embarrassing.
But don't misinterpret that as criticism of the players. That goes squarely on the coaches. Coaches prepare the players to play. Coaches call the plays. Coaches make the adjustments. Coaches make the big bucks, and players are full time students with full time jobs playing football as well.
A consistent theme this year is the claim that Colorado has no discipline, leading to numerous penalties. Discipline is a taught trait, and anyone watching head coach (and Chief Embarrassment Officer) Mike MacIntyre absolutely LOSE IT on the sidelines knows that he is incapable of passing on the trait of discipline because he has none. I've raised three kids to adulthood and none of them had the kind of temper tantrum Mac did. Sadly for Colorado football, Mac has done this before.
Another embarrassment is co-offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren because he calls the plays. Imagine if you will that the rain is coming down in buckets and the wind is gusting up to 40 miles per hour. Or, watch the tape of the game if you want to re-live the horror.
How does a smart coach get his QB and offense into a rhythm to overcome the elements? From 50 years of watching football, I can tell you that you throw SHORT passes and run the ball against the grain because it's easier for tailbacks to change direction than big defensive linemen.
What do you do to make things easier for the defense? You run straight up the middle and throw long passes either deep or to the outside. You might be able to guess which plays were called over and over by Lindgren.
In the first half, Lindgren called 17 runs up the middle. The first six totaled 10 yards, with a long of 4. That means the other five totaled six yards.
Then, thankfully, a seven yarder up the middle. The next four totaled only 6 1/2 yards. Then a 24 yarder (wow!). But then the next five totaled only 5 yards as WSU stacked the box.
How was first half play calling for passes in the horrible weather you ask? Even worse.
Passes:
1 - 40 yards outside (INCOMPLETE)
2 - 13 yards out of bounds (INCOMPLETE)
3 - 38 yards to the outside (INCOMPLETE)
4 - 15 yards outside hash (INCOMPLETE)
5 - 10 yards outside numbers (INCOMPLETE)
6 - 8 yard pass out of bounds on 4th and 10. (INCOMPLETE)
7 - 10 yard pass to the numbers (INCOMPLETE)
8 - 9 yard pass complete outside numbers
9 - Pass behind LOS after scramble (INCOMPLETE)
10 - Offensive pass interference
11 - Outside bubble screen complete for -1 (loss)
12 - 2 yard pass out of bounds (INCOMPLETE)
13 - 5 yard completed pass to sideline
14 - 7 yard completed pass to sideline to end half
Just a reminder that football fields are 53 1/3 yards WIDE. So "short" passes to the sideline often travel more than 30 yards in the air.
In the horrible weather conditions at Washington State, how many short passes to the middle of the field were called? ZERO!
The only inside pass was off a scramble to the tailback. The rest were deep or outside in high winds and rain.
So, before anyone (you know, like the head coach and QB coach) starts blaming Steven Montez for the lack of production, take a good look at the passes called in horrible conditions. And blame the guys responsible for calling the plays. That would be Lindgren and his boss.
Many fans are embarrassed that these guys get paid with our tax dollars. And we feel terribly for the players.
Several years ago, in similar windy conditions, Lindgren called the same kind of pass plays. This site responded with:
"It's the wind, stupid!"
Now, "It's the WIND and the Rain, stupid!"
Get Brian Lindgren OUT of the BOOTH so he can see what the weather is like. Or better yet, fire him. We're stuck with MacIntyre and his giant contract, but BL can go. It's been five years and he still can't see what's going on around him. It's embarrassing.
But don't misinterpret that as criticism of the players. That goes squarely on the coaches. Coaches prepare the players to play. Coaches call the plays. Coaches make the adjustments. Coaches make the big bucks, and players are full time students with full time jobs playing football as well.
A consistent theme this year is the claim that Colorado has no discipline, leading to numerous penalties. Discipline is a taught trait, and anyone watching head coach (and Chief Embarrassment Officer) Mike MacIntyre absolutely LOSE IT on the sidelines knows that he is incapable of passing on the trait of discipline because he has none. I've raised three kids to adulthood and none of them had the kind of temper tantrum Mac did. Sadly for Colorado football, Mac has done this before.
Another embarrassment is co-offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren because he calls the plays. Imagine if you will that the rain is coming down in buckets and the wind is gusting up to 40 miles per hour. Or, watch the tape of the game if you want to re-live the horror.
How does a smart coach get his QB and offense into a rhythm to overcome the elements? From 50 years of watching football, I can tell you that you throw SHORT passes and run the ball against the grain because it's easier for tailbacks to change direction than big defensive linemen.
What do you do to make things easier for the defense? You run straight up the middle and throw long passes either deep or to the outside. You might be able to guess which plays were called over and over by Lindgren.
In the first half, Lindgren called 17 runs up the middle. The first six totaled 10 yards, with a long of 4. That means the other five totaled six yards.
Then, thankfully, a seven yarder up the middle. The next four totaled only 6 1/2 yards. Then a 24 yarder (wow!). But then the next five totaled only 5 yards as WSU stacked the box.
How was first half play calling for passes in the horrible weather you ask? Even worse.
Passes:
1 - 40 yards outside (INCOMPLETE)
2 - 13 yards out of bounds (INCOMPLETE)
3 - 38 yards to the outside (INCOMPLETE)
4 - 15 yards outside hash (INCOMPLETE)
5 - 10 yards outside numbers (INCOMPLETE)
6 - 8 yard pass out of bounds on 4th and 10. (INCOMPLETE)
7 - 10 yard pass to the numbers (INCOMPLETE)
8 - 9 yard pass complete outside numbers
9 - Pass behind LOS after scramble (INCOMPLETE)
10 - Offensive pass interference
11 - Outside bubble screen complete for -1 (loss)
12 - 2 yard pass out of bounds (INCOMPLETE)
13 - 5 yard completed pass to sideline
14 - 7 yard completed pass to sideline to end half
Just a reminder that football fields are 53 1/3 yards WIDE. So "short" passes to the sideline often travel more than 30 yards in the air.
In the horrible weather conditions at Washington State, how many short passes to the middle of the field were called? ZERO!
The only inside pass was off a scramble to the tailback. The rest were deep or outside in high winds and rain.
So, before anyone (you know, like the head coach and QB coach) starts blaming Steven Montez for the lack of production, take a good look at the passes called in horrible conditions. And blame the guys responsible for calling the plays. That would be Lindgren and his boss.
Many fans are embarrassed that these guys get paid with our tax dollars. And we feel terribly for the players.
Several years ago, in similar windy conditions, Lindgren called the same kind of pass plays. This site responded with:
"It's the wind, stupid!"
Now, "It's the WIND and the Rain, stupid!"
Get Brian Lindgren OUT of the BOOTH so he can see what the weather is like. Or better yet, fire him. We're stuck with MacIntyre and his giant contract, but BL can go. It's been five years and he still can't see what's going on around him. It's embarrassing.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Mike MacIntyre's Proclamations About Colorado Football have been WAY OFF this Year
Although Mike MacIntyre's Colorado Buffaloes have gone 3-1 to start the 2017 season, things are not going nearly so well as last year. The Buffs are averaging just over 26 points a game this year vs. the 42 points a game at this point last season.
That's almost 2 1/2 touchdowns less per game from an offense that Mac claimed would be "one of the best in the country" this year. What makes this even more alarming is that 2016's early season schedule was considered one of the more difficult ones in the country, whereas this season's was considered one of the easiest.
Of course, one of the prices a team pays for success (like winning the Pac-12 South) is that expectations of fans and boosters (and the Administration) goes up. Last year, after a decade of losing, any and every win was celebrated as special. This year, just winning isn't enough. The Buffs are expected to win well. And scoring 16 points a game LESS against weaker competition is not winning well.
Many are also concerned about MacIntyre's proclamations before and during the season. The aforementioned claim about one of the best offenses in the country was one. The claim that the Buffs' offensive line would be one of the best in Colorado's history was another that has not panned out. Mac also claimed that the CU defense would only be a work in progress that would likely have to be "saved" by the exploits of the offense. He was wrong. It has been the defense saving the day for the Buffaloes.
While the offensive output has declined by 16 points per game, the Buffs' D has stepped it and is allowing 4 fewer points than last year's team. Fortunately, the head coach was wrong about his defense.
And the offensive line that the head coach proclaimed would be the best in more than a decade has struggled with both run and pass blocking. The 14 sacks the line has allowed are one of the worst at the FBS level. In fact, only 5 of 130 teams at the FBS level give up more sacks per game.
What's the moral of this story? Or, more accurately, what questions do these numbers raise? Mostly this: Does Mac have an accurate take on his team? Or is he just proclaiming what he hopes?
Pac-12 play is now on for the rest of the year. The first conference game was a repeat of last year's disaster in the Pac-12 Championship game. The Buffs lost just as bad even though they were playing at home and had been pointing at the game for more than nine months as a chance to get revenge or at least redeem themselves. "Same as it ever was" must be ringing in their ears for what turned out to be nearly "an identical twin" to last December's game.
More concerning was that the game against Washington was the 6th straight game that the Buffaloes had struggled to play a full game since winning 10 of 12 in the 2016 regular season. Since that time, the Buffs have lost three of six. They got beaten handily (by roughly 4 touchdowns a game) in their three losses and have looked uninspired in their three wins against markedly weaker competition.
This week, the Buffs travel to Los Angeles to take on UCLA at the Rose Bowl. Watch for the next post to look back on how Jim Mora and the Bruins emotionally exposed Colorado and Mike MacIntyre last season. The Buffs won, but it was ugly, ugly, ugly.
Along with the misreadings of Mac, followers of CU have been bothered by the lack of offensive imagination. Many fans have pointed out (loudly) that Colorado's offensive play caller Brian Lindgren has been out-coached on game day more often than not since he came aboard with MacIntyre for the 2013 season.
He doesn't seem to adjust well to what defensive scheme his team is facing. When going against very bad teams against the run, Lindgren seems to forget that and go pass heavy. When teams stack the box with seven defenders to take away the run, Lindgren calls running plays up the middle. Fans have found it very infuriating.
In the first three years that Lindgren called the plays, opposing coaches knew CU didn't have the players on the field to compete. They could just line up and win. No special schemes needed. Since Colorado has developed their on-field talent to be the equal of the other Pac-12 teams, the opposing coaches have gone after the tendencies of the coaches calling the plays.
On offense, that's Brian Lindgren. He and Mac must have a very special relationship, because Mac fired the defensive coordinator before Jim Leavitt for bad coaching. When will Mac hold Lindgren accountable? Lindgren doesn't have to be fired, but maybe he needs to get back on the field and work during games with his young quarterbacks instead of sitting up in the booth. Face to face coaching and encouragement is much better than phone contact, especially when things are not going well.
Where does the buck finally stop, Mr. MacIntyre?
That's almost 2 1/2 touchdowns less per game from an offense that Mac claimed would be "one of the best in the country" this year. What makes this even more alarming is that 2016's early season schedule was considered one of the more difficult ones in the country, whereas this season's was considered one of the easiest.
Of course, one of the prices a team pays for success (like winning the Pac-12 South) is that expectations of fans and boosters (and the Administration) goes up. Last year, after a decade of losing, any and every win was celebrated as special. This year, just winning isn't enough. The Buffs are expected to win well. And scoring 16 points a game LESS against weaker competition is not winning well.
Many are also concerned about MacIntyre's proclamations before and during the season. The aforementioned claim about one of the best offenses in the country was one. The claim that the Buffs' offensive line would be one of the best in Colorado's history was another that has not panned out. Mac also claimed that the CU defense would only be a work in progress that would likely have to be "saved" by the exploits of the offense. He was wrong. It has been the defense saving the day for the Buffaloes.
While the offensive output has declined by 16 points per game, the Buffs' D has stepped it and is allowing 4 fewer points than last year's team. Fortunately, the head coach was wrong about his defense.
And the offensive line that the head coach proclaimed would be the best in more than a decade has struggled with both run and pass blocking. The 14 sacks the line has allowed are one of the worst at the FBS level. In fact, only 5 of 130 teams at the FBS level give up more sacks per game.
What's the moral of this story? Or, more accurately, what questions do these numbers raise? Mostly this: Does Mac have an accurate take on his team? Or is he just proclaiming what he hopes?
Pac-12 play is now on for the rest of the year. The first conference game was a repeat of last year's disaster in the Pac-12 Championship game. The Buffs lost just as bad even though they were playing at home and had been pointing at the game for more than nine months as a chance to get revenge or at least redeem themselves. "Same as it ever was" must be ringing in their ears for what turned out to be nearly "an identical twin" to last December's game.
More concerning was that the game against Washington was the 6th straight game that the Buffaloes had struggled to play a full game since winning 10 of 12 in the 2016 regular season. Since that time, the Buffs have lost three of six. They got beaten handily (by roughly 4 touchdowns a game) in their three losses and have looked uninspired in their three wins against markedly weaker competition.
This week, the Buffs travel to Los Angeles to take on UCLA at the Rose Bowl. Watch for the next post to look back on how Jim Mora and the Bruins emotionally exposed Colorado and Mike MacIntyre last season. The Buffs won, but it was ugly, ugly, ugly.
Along with the misreadings of Mac, followers of CU have been bothered by the lack of offensive imagination. Many fans have pointed out (loudly) that Colorado's offensive play caller Brian Lindgren has been out-coached on game day more often than not since he came aboard with MacIntyre for the 2013 season.
He doesn't seem to adjust well to what defensive scheme his team is facing. When going against very bad teams against the run, Lindgren seems to forget that and go pass heavy. When teams stack the box with seven defenders to take away the run, Lindgren calls running plays up the middle. Fans have found it very infuriating.
In the first three years that Lindgren called the plays, opposing coaches knew CU didn't have the players on the field to compete. They could just line up and win. No special schemes needed. Since Colorado has developed their on-field talent to be the equal of the other Pac-12 teams, the opposing coaches have gone after the tendencies of the coaches calling the plays.
On offense, that's Brian Lindgren. He and Mac must have a very special relationship, because Mac fired the defensive coordinator before Jim Leavitt for bad coaching. When will Mac hold Lindgren accountable? Lindgren doesn't have to be fired, but maybe he needs to get back on the field and work during games with his young quarterbacks instead of sitting up in the booth. Face to face coaching and encouragement is much better than phone contact, especially when things are not going well.
Where does the buck finally stop, Mr. MacIntyre?
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Buffs Move to 3-0 with Win, Concerns Remain With Pac-12 Play Ahead
Sadly, it could be reasonably stated the University of Colorado Buffaloes survived their game against Northern Colorado, the little teacher's college up in Greeley. The final score was 41-21.
The Buffs stretch of 8 straight quarters without giving up a touchdown ended quickly. The Buffs went "three and out" to start the game and punted. UNC got the ball and marched down the field for a touchdown to go up 7-0. The Bears averaged more than 10 yards a play on the drive and their offensive line seemed to push around the Buffaloes. That can't be good with defending Pac-12 Champion Washington coming to Boulder next week.
Just a reminder, the Buffs were whipped by UW 41-10 in the conference title game last December. That game demonstrated that the rejuvenated Buffs were not really top 10 material even though they had just risen to #9 in the polls. The #4 Huskies dominated the game (as did Oklahoma State in the bowl game later in December).
In 2017, the Buffaloes have yet to be ranked. Washington, however is firmly entrenched near the top of the college football world at #6. If the Buffaloes play next week like they have played so far this season, that 41-10 beat-down will seem like a fond memory.
Numerous and dumb penalties, bad blocking and sketchy tackling (in addition to typically puzzling play calling by Brian Lindgren) make Colorado's chances against Washington appear pretty slim. The line hasn't been set yet, but expect it to be in the 17 point range. And if the Buffs don't improve A LOT this week, it won't be that close.
The Buffaloes need three more wins to be bowl eligible. Fortunately, some of the teams on the schedule seem to be really down this year, so that should be do-able. Right now, though, return trip to the Pac-12 Championship game looks like a pipe dream.
The Buffs stretch of 8 straight quarters without giving up a touchdown ended quickly. The Buffs went "three and out" to start the game and punted. UNC got the ball and marched down the field for a touchdown to go up 7-0. The Bears averaged more than 10 yards a play on the drive and their offensive line seemed to push around the Buffaloes. That can't be good with defending Pac-12 Champion Washington coming to Boulder next week.
Just a reminder, the Buffs were whipped by UW 41-10 in the conference title game last December. That game demonstrated that the rejuvenated Buffs were not really top 10 material even though they had just risen to #9 in the polls. The #4 Huskies dominated the game (as did Oklahoma State in the bowl game later in December).
In 2017, the Buffaloes have yet to be ranked. Washington, however is firmly entrenched near the top of the college football world at #6. If the Buffaloes play next week like they have played so far this season, that 41-10 beat-down will seem like a fond memory.
Numerous and dumb penalties, bad blocking and sketchy tackling (in addition to typically puzzling play calling by Brian Lindgren) make Colorado's chances against Washington appear pretty slim. The line hasn't been set yet, but expect it to be in the 17 point range. And if the Buffs don't improve A LOT this week, it won't be that close.
The Buffaloes need three more wins to be bowl eligible. Fortunately, some of the teams on the schedule seem to be really down this year, so that should be do-able. Right now, though, return trip to the Pac-12 Championship game looks like a pipe dream.
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Colorado vs Texas State: In-Game Updates
First Quarter
It's time for Colorado Buffaloes fans to be worried. With five minutes left in the opening stanza, the Colorado Buffaloes look more like the team from 2012 than last year's Pac-12 South Champions.
Horrible blocking has led to Steven Montez being sacked repeatedly. The blocking has been so bad that it looks like to the QB did something horrible and the line is refusing to block.
If things continue this way, Mike MacIntyre will find himself on the hot seat two games after winning national coach of the year last season. And Co-offensive coordinator and play caller Brian Lindgren has shown that he is still the worst at his job in the Pac-12.
Update:
Special teams saved the quarter for Colorado, but it was bittersweet. Isaiah Oliver fumbled a punt return, but the ball was scooped up by teammate Laviska Shenault Jr., who turned on the speed and took the ball to the house.
Colorado 7 - Texas State 0
Update:
Colorado goes 96 yards for a TD. Long passes to Shay Fields and Bryce Bobo are the big plays. Both passes, however, were close to being sacks by Texas State. And the Bobo catch was highlight reel.
CU 14 - Tex St 0
Halftime update: Colorado 14, Texas State 0
Colorado failed to produce anything during the two minute drill. And they wasted an opportunity to score again after the D shut down the Bobcats and forced a punt. To add insult to injury, Colorado had a very good punt return negated by lining up offsides on the punt.
Mac was interviewed on the way off the field and said the team "was making mistakes on the little things" and that they would work on them. Some of us are wondering if blocking is one of those little things?
Colorado was favored in this game by 36 points. The way they have played has been embarrassing. Even if they put up 40 more points in the 2nd half, this team looks to be seriously at risk of not making a bowl game.
Third Quarter
Lindgren strikes again with his patented call for a one yard pass on third and six. No chance for a first down, so the Buffs wasted an opportunity in the red zone to put six on the board.
Buffs 17 - Bobcats 0
Update
Buffs defense collapsed when they chose to have defensive end/ outside linebacker Derek McCartney cover a running back on a deep route. McCartney was not within 15 yards of the back when he caught the ball. But the Buffs got lucky when the Bobcat tripped after catching the ball. Instead of a TD, they had to settle for a field goal.
Buffs 17 - Bobcats 3
Update
Isaiah Oliver shows why he is one of the best in the country with an amazing one handed interception followed by an excellent return to get the Buff the ball in Bobcat territory.
After averaging a paltry 2 yards per carry, the Buffs managed to run it in from the 7 to take a 24-3 lead.
Update
Buffs finally put together an excellent drive by abandoning the long ball and hitting quick short passes. The drive ends with an 11 yard TD pass to Bryce Bobo.
End of 3rd quarter: Colorado 31 - Tex St. 3
Another drive stalls, but the new kicker nails a 40 yard field goal.
Buffs 34 - Bobcats 3
Update
Another turnover for the the Bobcats. Buffs go nowhere but kick another field goal to up lead to 37-3. Most impressive is that Colorado chooses to let backup QB Sam Noyer get into the game while a smiling Montez watches from the sidelines. It's good to get some reps to the RS freshman Noyer. Also, it's nice to finally have a QB who doesn't have a tizzy-fit on the sidelines if coaches try to take him out.
Buffs 37 - Bobcats 3
Buffs and Bobcats trade possessions to run out the clock. Noyer shows some skills, but also shows some freshman mistakes. Good to get some reps.
Final score: Colorado 37 -- Texas State 3
It's time for Colorado Buffaloes fans to be worried. With five minutes left in the opening stanza, the Colorado Buffaloes look more like the team from 2012 than last year's Pac-12 South Champions.
Horrible blocking has led to Steven Montez being sacked repeatedly. The blocking has been so bad that it looks like to the QB did something horrible and the line is refusing to block.
If things continue this way, Mike MacIntyre will find himself on the hot seat two games after winning national coach of the year last season. And Co-offensive coordinator and play caller Brian Lindgren has shown that he is still the worst at his job in the Pac-12.
Update:
Special teams saved the quarter for Colorado, but it was bittersweet. Isaiah Oliver fumbled a punt return, but the ball was scooped up by teammate Laviska Shenault Jr., who turned on the speed and took the ball to the house.
Colorado 7 - Texas State 0
Update:
Colorado goes 96 yards for a TD. Long passes to Shay Fields and Bryce Bobo are the big plays. Both passes, however, were close to being sacks by Texas State. And the Bobo catch was highlight reel.
CU 14 - Tex St 0
Halftime update: Colorado 14, Texas State 0
Colorado failed to produce anything during the two minute drill. And they wasted an opportunity to score again after the D shut down the Bobcats and forced a punt. To add insult to injury, Colorado had a very good punt return negated by lining up offsides on the punt.
Mac was interviewed on the way off the field and said the team "was making mistakes on the little things" and that they would work on them. Some of us are wondering if blocking is one of those little things?
Colorado was favored in this game by 36 points. The way they have played has been embarrassing. Even if they put up 40 more points in the 2nd half, this team looks to be seriously at risk of not making a bowl game.
Third Quarter
Lindgren strikes again with his patented call for a one yard pass on third and six. No chance for a first down, so the Buffs wasted an opportunity in the red zone to put six on the board.
Buffs 17 - Bobcats 0
Update
Buffs defense collapsed when they chose to have defensive end/ outside linebacker Derek McCartney cover a running back on a deep route. McCartney was not within 15 yards of the back when he caught the ball. But the Buffs got lucky when the Bobcat tripped after catching the ball. Instead of a TD, they had to settle for a field goal.
Buffs 17 - Bobcats 3
Update
Isaiah Oliver shows why he is one of the best in the country with an amazing one handed interception followed by an excellent return to get the Buff the ball in Bobcat territory.
After averaging a paltry 2 yards per carry, the Buffs managed to run it in from the 7 to take a 24-3 lead.
Update
Buffs finally put together an excellent drive by abandoning the long ball and hitting quick short passes. The drive ends with an 11 yard TD pass to Bryce Bobo.
End of 3rd quarter: Colorado 31 - Tex St. 3
Another drive stalls, but the new kicker nails a 40 yard field goal.
Buffs 34 - Bobcats 3
Update
Another turnover for the the Bobcats. Buffs go nowhere but kick another field goal to up lead to 37-3. Most impressive is that Colorado chooses to let backup QB Sam Noyer get into the game while a smiling Montez watches from the sidelines. It's good to get some reps to the RS freshman Noyer. Also, it's nice to finally have a QB who doesn't have a tizzy-fit on the sidelines if coaches try to take him out.
Buffs 37 - Bobcats 3
Buffs and Bobcats trade possessions to run out the clock. Noyer shows some skills, but also shows some freshman mistakes. Good to get some reps.
Final score: Colorado 37 -- Texas State 3
Monday, August 28, 2017
Finally, it's TIME for some 2017 Colorado Buffaloes FOOTBALL!
It's almost September. That means it's time for some Colorado Buffaloes football. Getting ready for Friday's Rocky Mountain Showdown, here are some random and not so random thoughts that have been pondered since the Buffs last played.
Don't get me wrong. Head coach Mike MacIntyre is important as well. But no one on the staff spends as much time with the players as Wilson, and he has done a phenomenal job of turning the CU players into Top 25 caliber players. Under his tutelage, they've come to know what kind of commitment it takes off the field to be a star on the field.
There's too much talent for the team not to excel when they have the ball. Montez is a much better passer than the graduated QB. He's a better runner too, but the offensive coordinators should steer clear of running Montez too much. They have one of the best WR units in the country and a Tasmanian Devil in Phillip Lindsay at running back. Let those other guys do their jobs and let Montez do his and avoid any unnecessary hits the QB has to take.
Everybody from the media on down (maybe that should be up, right?) is of the opinion that the Buffaloes will not be able to recover from losing so many players from their dominant D from last year. Really? Isn't last year's defense the one that all the experts prognosticated would lead the Buffs to finishing 12th in the Pac-12? Yes, it is.
The reason that the Buffs were so much better last season on defense was NOT because of specific players. Strength training and conditioning is what led to the Buffs starting to manhandle folks for the first time in a decade. They had a brilliant defensive coordinator in Jim Leavitt too. His impact here in Boulder will go on for years to come even though he has moved on.
What the Buffs did last year was a big first step. They beat the teams that they were supposed to beat.
Against teams that did not end up in pre-bowl Top 25, Colorado went 9-0 last year. The Buffs outscored those teams 362-154. That's an average of around 40-17.
Against teams that did end up in the pre-bowl Top 25, the Buffaloes won only one of five games. They were outscored by those teams 150-73. That's an average of 30-14.
I can't imagine the Buffs will go back to losing to FCS teams, so the next step is winning half the time against Top 25 teams. The next step after that is to win the majority of games against ranked teams.
It's great that the Buffs have a really talented QB in Steven Montez, but they could have done a much better job of getting him prepared last year to play. Even though he was only a freshman backing up the starter, he rarely got to play unless the starter was injured.
Way too often, even with big leads against out-manned opponents, Brian Lindgren chose to pad Sefo's stats instead of getting playing time for the #2 QB. If the Buffs get a big lead, they should let the backups in to get some reps actually running the Colorado offense. That doesn't mean handing off to the third string running back or taking a knee. The point of getting the backups reps is to be ready to go when the game is on the line.
Bad teams try to pad the stats of their players. Good teams know the only stat that matters is wins and losses. Get a big lead, and let the backups get on the field. It keeps them motivated and prepares them for when they are the starters.
Anyone who has read this blog knows that I do not support playing the RMS in Denver. I watch the game but will not EVER go to it in Denver. It takes away from the college feel and would be much better in Boulder and Fort Collins. Denver doesn't care about either team anyways, so why give them money to host the game? And the Denver media only want it in Denver so they don't have to drive.
The most important guy not wearing a uniform for Colorado might very well be strength and conditioning guru Drew Wilson.
Don't get me wrong. Head coach Mike MacIntyre is important as well. But no one on the staff spends as much time with the players as Wilson, and he has done a phenomenal job of turning the CU players into Top 25 caliber players. Under his tutelage, they've come to know what kind of commitment it takes off the field to be a star on the field.
The Buffaloes will be a much more dangerous offensive team this year.
There's too much talent for the team not to excel when they have the ball. Montez is a much better passer than the graduated QB. He's a better runner too, but the offensive coordinators should steer clear of running Montez too much. They have one of the best WR units in the country and a Tasmanian Devil in Phillip Lindsay at running back. Let those other guys do their jobs and let Montez do his and avoid any unnecessary hits the QB has to take.
The DEFENSE will be much better this year than everyone expects.
Everybody from the media on down (maybe that should be up, right?) is of the opinion that the Buffaloes will not be able to recover from losing so many players from their dominant D from last year. Really? Isn't last year's defense the one that all the experts prognosticated would lead the Buffs to finishing 12th in the Pac-12? Yes, it is.
The reason that the Buffs were so much better last season on defense was NOT because of specific players. Strength training and conditioning is what led to the Buffs starting to manhandle folks for the first time in a decade. They had a brilliant defensive coordinator in Jim Leavitt too. His impact here in Boulder will go on for years to come even though he has moved on.
The Colorado Buffaloes are NOT a top 10 team just yet, but they're on their way even if it will take poll voters a couple years to figure it out.
What the Buffs did last year was a big first step. They beat the teams that they were supposed to beat.
Against teams that did not end up in pre-bowl Top 25, Colorado went 9-0 last year. The Buffs outscored those teams 362-154. That's an average of around 40-17.
Against teams that did end up in the pre-bowl Top 25, the Buffaloes won only one of five games. They were outscored by those teams 150-73. That's an average of 30-14.
I can't imagine the Buffs will go back to losing to FCS teams, so the next step is winning half the time against Top 25 teams. The next step after that is to win the majority of games against ranked teams.
The CU offensive COACHES need to do a better job with their game day decisions.
It's great that the Buffs have a really talented QB in Steven Montez, but they could have done a much better job of getting him prepared last year to play. Even though he was only a freshman backing up the starter, he rarely got to play unless the starter was injured.
Way too often, even with big leads against out-manned opponents, Brian Lindgren chose to pad Sefo's stats instead of getting playing time for the #2 QB. If the Buffs get a big lead, they should let the backups in to get some reps actually running the Colorado offense. That doesn't mean handing off to the third string running back or taking a knee. The point of getting the backups reps is to be ready to go when the game is on the line.
Bad teams try to pad the stats of their players. Good teams know the only stat that matters is wins and losses. Get a big lead, and let the backups get on the field. It keeps them motivated and prepares them for when they are the starters.
The only Colorado team that should be playing in Denver is the Broncos.
Anyone who has read this blog knows that I do not support playing the RMS in Denver. I watch the game but will not EVER go to it in Denver. It takes away from the college feel and would be much better in Boulder and Fort Collins. Denver doesn't care about either team anyways, so why give them money to host the game? And the Denver media only want it in Denver so they don't have to drive.
Let the Games Begin!
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Colorado's Offensive Shortcomings Exposed in 41-10 Loss to Washington in Pac-12 Championship Game
Once again, a top-notch defensive coordinator exposed the weaknesses of Colorado's offensive play caller, Brian Lindgren. The Huskies also exposed that Colorado's head coach Mike MacIntyre and the QB coach (Lindgren) sort of melt down emotionally and intellectually when Sefo Liufau gets injured.
The Colorado Buffaloes are a good football team. That is a good thing for long-suffering CU fans and students. The foundation and culture has been built for the Buffs to remain a Top 25 team for years to come.
The key to this foundation of Top 10 play is that the Buffs have one of the best defensive coordinators in all of college football in Jim Leavitt. They also have an excellent defensive staff in Joe Tumpkin, Charles Clark, and Jim Jeffcoat. Make no mistake about it, the outstanding D is the reason the Buffs won 10 games this year.
The great parts of being a Top 25 program are numerous. Lots of positive press and interest from top tier recruits combine with school and civic pride to make football fun and exciting for fans and players alike. Watch some of the videos from this year of jubilant students celebrating with their football playing classmates. The times have changed in Boulder.
The hard part of being a Top 25 team is that expectations are raised exponentially. Nobody is interested in the Buffs "playing a good game" and still coming up short. The Buffs had a decade of losing which led to fans grasping for any positive signs. After 10 wins this year, that's over.
Fans know that the Buffs will be playing excellent teams and that they probably will not win them all. They play in the Conference of Champions, and year in and year out they can expect that around half the teams in the Pac-12 will be Top 25 teams. And if they make it to the conference championship, they will likely be playing a Top 5 team.
It's tough sledding, but that's how competitive it is in the Power 5 conferences. Colorado needs to get used to that.
Every decent head coach and coordinator in football from high school on knows that you have to have a plan for each game. Every good coach knows that it should be a good plan. What makes a truly great coach is not only excellent planning, but also the ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances during the game.
The head coach needs to be on top it, for sure, but the coordinators are the ones who have to make the plans and then adjust during the game. It's their job.
Leavitt is excellent in all facets. He knew that Heisman candidate Jake Browning (he of the 65% completion percentage, 42 TD passes and only 7 interceptions) could dominate the game like he had against most of their opponents this year. Leavitt gambled that if the Buffs shut down Browning, the would be able to stay in the game. In fact, if someone was unable to watch the game and only read that the Buffs had held Browning to only 9 completions in 24 attempts, they would have likely assumed that the Buffs dominated the game.
Unfortunately for Leavitt and the Buffs, the offense did not seem to have a backup plan after it became clear that what they hoped for was not going to pan out. It's been a pattern against the better defenses all year. Another pattern is that the offensive play-caller tends to freeze up if Sefo Liufau goes down to injury.
What makes that strange is that when Steven Montez was expected to start a game this season, Lindgren seemed comfortable designing a call scheme for him. It worked against Oregon and Oregon State just fine.
But in the games against Michigan and Washington, it seemed as if Liufau's injured ankle has some sort of psychic connection to Lindgren's brain. Sprained ankle for one led to sprained brain for his coach.
Sefo Liufau injured his ankle in the first quarter in the game against Washington. It was a tough defensive battle with Washington holding a tenuous 14-7 lead at halftime. Montez had made some good throws and his team was ready to face adversity and follow him the rest of the game.
After watching Liufau struggle to walk on the sidelines and being led off to the locker room, every Buff fan felt bad for the young man. But they also hoped their team would overcome adversity and play strong in the second half.
Some of us watching the game on TV knew it was a bad omen when the sideline reporter quoted MacIntyre as saying "We need to get Sefo Liufau back in this game" instead of stating that Buffs needed to adjust and rally behind Montez. He was stating that ONLY Liufau could lead the Buffs to victory. He was wrong.
Despite the lopsided loss, apparently Mac and Lindgren got what they needed because they put an injured Sefo Liufau back in and that decision and typically bad play-calling led to three interceptions.
The first interception was a pick-six and the Buffs were down 21-7 with 14 seconds gone in the 3rd quarter. A close defensive game quickly became a rout as Liufau was unable to follow through on his throws which caused them to sail high, often into the arms of Washington defenders..
Although Liufau finished the game with only 3 completions in 13 attempts (and 3 interceptions), neither MacIntyre nor Lindgren could fathom the idea of taking Liufau out of the game to rest his sprained ankle. No, apparently the idea of taking him out would be admitting they screwed up.
What Mac and Lindgren need to realize is that whether they admit it or not, they screwed up and screwed their team.
Some simple stats --
While Montez was in the game, the Buffs and Huskies each scored 7 points.
With Sefo Luifau in the lineup at quarterback, the Huskies outscored the Buffs 34-3.
Draw you own conclusions.
When MacIntyre and Lindgren opted to put an injured QB back in to start the 3rd quarter, they risked an entire season's worth of hard work by 100 guys to protect the legacy of one guy.
It's an old adage that the good of the many outweighs the good of the few, or the one. Unfortunately for the many on the Colorado sidelines (and in the stands and watching on TV) last night, the few who could have made the right choice instead opted for the good of the few (or the one).
--------------------------------
But hey, it was a successful season. Nobody expected 10 wins. Nobody expected the Rose Bowl either, and the Colorado coaches shouldn't expect it now either. If they lost a close defensive game to the #4 team in the country, they could have argued that Colorado deserved the Rose Bowl if Washington was in the Playoffs. But a 41-10 destruction is another matter. Most folks on the east coast didn't even see the game, they just saw the score this morning and figured the Colorado got beaten across the board
But the truth is that only one of the big three of the Buffs (Leavitt) did the job well. Mac and Lindgren faced adversity and found themselves wanting. Again.
I hear it's lovely in San Antonio.
The Colorado Buffaloes are a good football team. That is a good thing for long-suffering CU fans and students. The foundation and culture has been built for the Buffs to remain a Top 25 team for years to come.
The key to this foundation of Top 10 play is that the Buffs have one of the best defensive coordinators in all of college football in Jim Leavitt. They also have an excellent defensive staff in Joe Tumpkin, Charles Clark, and Jim Jeffcoat. Make no mistake about it, the outstanding D is the reason the Buffs won 10 games this year.
The great parts of being a Top 25 program are numerous. Lots of positive press and interest from top tier recruits combine with school and civic pride to make football fun and exciting for fans and players alike. Watch some of the videos from this year of jubilant students celebrating with their football playing classmates. The times have changed in Boulder.
The hard part of being a Top 25 team is that expectations are raised exponentially. Nobody is interested in the Buffs "playing a good game" and still coming up short. The Buffs had a decade of losing which led to fans grasping for any positive signs. After 10 wins this year, that's over.
Fans know that the Buffs will be playing excellent teams and that they probably will not win them all. They play in the Conference of Champions, and year in and year out they can expect that around half the teams in the Pac-12 will be Top 25 teams. And if they make it to the conference championship, they will likely be playing a Top 5 team.
It's tough sledding, but that's how competitive it is in the Power 5 conferences. Colorado needs to get used to that.
Every decent head coach and coordinator in football from high school on knows that you have to have a plan for each game. Every good coach knows that it should be a good plan. What makes a truly great coach is not only excellent planning, but also the ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances during the game.
The head coach needs to be on top it, for sure, but the coordinators are the ones who have to make the plans and then adjust during the game. It's their job.
Leavitt is excellent in all facets. He knew that Heisman candidate Jake Browning (he of the 65% completion percentage, 42 TD passes and only 7 interceptions) could dominate the game like he had against most of their opponents this year. Leavitt gambled that if the Buffs shut down Browning, the would be able to stay in the game. In fact, if someone was unable to watch the game and only read that the Buffs had held Browning to only 9 completions in 24 attempts, they would have likely assumed that the Buffs dominated the game.
Unfortunately for Leavitt and the Buffs, the offense did not seem to have a backup plan after it became clear that what they hoped for was not going to pan out. It's been a pattern against the better defenses all year. Another pattern is that the offensive play-caller tends to freeze up if Sefo Liufau goes down to injury.
What makes that strange is that when Steven Montez was expected to start a game this season, Lindgren seemed comfortable designing a call scheme for him. It worked against Oregon and Oregon State just fine.
But in the games against Michigan and Washington, it seemed as if Liufau's injured ankle has some sort of psychic connection to Lindgren's brain. Sprained ankle for one led to sprained brain for his coach.
Sefo Liufau injured his ankle in the first quarter in the game against Washington. It was a tough defensive battle with Washington holding a tenuous 14-7 lead at halftime. Montez had made some good throws and his team was ready to face adversity and follow him the rest of the game.
After watching Liufau struggle to walk on the sidelines and being led off to the locker room, every Buff fan felt bad for the young man. But they also hoped their team would overcome adversity and play strong in the second half.
Some of us watching the game on TV knew it was a bad omen when the sideline reporter quoted MacIntyre as saying "We need to get Sefo Liufau back in this game" instead of stating that Buffs needed to adjust and rally behind Montez. He was stating that ONLY Liufau could lead the Buffs to victory. He was wrong.
Despite the lopsided loss, apparently Mac and Lindgren got what they needed because they put an injured Sefo Liufau back in and that decision and typically bad play-calling led to three interceptions.
The first interception was a pick-six and the Buffs were down 21-7 with 14 seconds gone in the 3rd quarter. A close defensive game quickly became a rout as Liufau was unable to follow through on his throws which caused them to sail high, often into the arms of Washington defenders..
Although Liufau finished the game with only 3 completions in 13 attempts (and 3 interceptions), neither MacIntyre nor Lindgren could fathom the idea of taking Liufau out of the game to rest his sprained ankle. No, apparently the idea of taking him out would be admitting they screwed up.
What Mac and Lindgren need to realize is that whether they admit it or not, they screwed up and screwed their team.
Some simple stats --
While Montez was in the game, the Buffs and Huskies each scored 7 points.
With Sefo Luifau in the lineup at quarterback, the Huskies outscored the Buffs 34-3.
Draw you own conclusions.
When MacIntyre and Lindgren opted to put an injured QB back in to start the 3rd quarter, they risked an entire season's worth of hard work by 100 guys to protect the legacy of one guy.
It's an old adage that the good of the many outweighs the good of the few, or the one. Unfortunately for the many on the Colorado sidelines (and in the stands and watching on TV) last night, the few who could have made the right choice instead opted for the good of the few (or the one).
--------------------------------
But hey, it was a successful season. Nobody expected 10 wins. Nobody expected the Rose Bowl either, and the Colorado coaches shouldn't expect it now either. If they lost a close defensive game to the #4 team in the country, they could have argued that Colorado deserved the Rose Bowl if Washington was in the Playoffs. But a 41-10 destruction is another matter. Most folks on the east coast didn't even see the game, they just saw the score this morning and figured the Colorado got beaten across the board
But the truth is that only one of the big three of the Buffs (Leavitt) did the job well. Mac and Lindgren faced adversity and found themselves wanting. Again.
I hear it's lovely in San Antonio.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Where Have You Gone, Colorado Offense? Must the D do it all?
In some ways, 2016 has already been a magical season for long-suffering fans of the Colorado Buffaloes. For the first time in almost a decade, the Buffs know they are going bowling. Pre-season hot-seat head coach Mike MacIntyre is now listed as a top 5 candidate for Coach of the Year.
Better than that even is that these Buffs who were picked to finish last in the Pac-112 South are alone in first place in their division with two out of three of their last games at Folsom Field. This season, for the first time in what seems like forever, the Buffs control their own destiny.
Last season, the Buffs defense made a large improvement under the guidance of new coaches Jim Leavitt (Coordinator and Linebackers) and Joe Tumpkin (Safeties). Buff fans expected the D to be even better this year, and the defense has outperformed even the most generous prognosticators.
After nine games, the Buffs have given up only 155 points, slightly over 17 points a game. But that stat is skewed because 45 of those points were scored by #2 Michigan in Ann Arbor. The main reason the Buffs are in first place in the Pac-12 South it that they are giving up only 16 points per game against conference foes. As the season goes along, though, the D is becoming a dominant force. They have given up only 15 points total in the last two games, against Stanford and UCLA.
In a few hours from now, they will take on the Arizona Wildcats in Tucson. Arizona has had a horrible year, but they are a historically solid program with eight bowls in the last nine years. That won't happen this year, but the UA players and their head coach Rich Rodriguez are a proud bunch who would love nothing more than to take down a ranked team to help salvage their season.
Meanwhile, the Buffs offense has struggled mightily the last few games. In three of the last four, the Buffs have averaged less than 16 points per game. That's a far cry from the 42+ points per game the Buffs scored earlier in the season.
It will be important to get the offense going tonight, for sure, because the next two opponents, Utah and Washington State, are both ranked in the Top 25.
After many explosive plays earlier in the season, they seem to have dried up for the Buffs. The have had 38 plays of 20 yards or longer (including 13 of more than 40), but only TWO total in the last two games. Both of those were runs by Phillip Lindsay. The Buffs have not had a pass completion longer than 20 yards since the Arizona State game.
Even though the Buffs stand at 7-2, Buff fans are wondering loudly what happened to the explosiveness of the offense. They point out that early in the season that the Buffs were an unknown since they had a new co-offensive coordinator in Darrin Chiaverini and a new commitment to the hurry-up offense. That speed of play seemed surprising to many of the teams on the schedule, and the pace allowed the Buffs to surprise people with big plays over and over again. They even did it to #2 Michigan, the best defense in the country.
Lately, though, some of the better coaches in the league have seemed to figure out how to slow the Buffs big play offense, particularly in the air. David Shaw, Jim Mora and Clay Helton (with help from defensive mastermind Clancy Pendergrast) have quite effectively taken away the big passing game of the Buffs.
Granted, Stanford and the LA schools have the talent in the defensive backfield. But Michigan has a great secondary as well. What the Buffs seem to have lost is their element of surprise that was in their favor early in the season. It seems like they have fallen back to the bad form of being completely predictable in their play-calling.
Also, the offensive co-coordinators Brian Lindgren and Darrin Chiaverini, have been horrible at making in-game adjustments to their game plans. They also have a very questionable habit of going away from what is working. It's like they want the Buffs to be a dominant passing team even when the opponent gears their defense to stopping the pass. Likewise, they choose to run between the tackles against stacked box defenses.
Fortunately, the Buffs SHOULD be able to put numerous big plays on the board tonight against a reeling Arizona team. But the coaches need to be ready, because better teams are ahead and the Buffs cannot waltz to the Pac-12 championship game. USC is rolling right now, and they are just behind the Buffs and win the tiebreaker due to their victory over CU. Utah is also just behind, but the Buffs play them to end the regular season.
Most importantly, the Buffs must strive to be better. We have seen the strides made by the D this year to become one of the best in the country.
But the offense seems to be collapsing with inconsistency at the most important time of the season. The players can't be faulted though. The Buffs offense is really not good enough to be dominant if the opposing defensive coordinator has a good idea what plays the Buffs will call.
I know I am not alone in being able to pretty accurately anticipate what plays Lindgren will call in certain situations. And that's from watching the games once (sometimes twice). The Buffs need to realize that their opponents are studying their game film to find a way to stop them. In the last two games (and three of the last four), it has worked like a charm.
The saving grace has been the DEFENSE. But the Buffs cannot insist that the D does it all if they want to make it to the Pac-12 Championship.
Better than that even is that these Buffs who were picked to finish last in the Pac-112 South are alone in first place in their division with two out of three of their last games at Folsom Field. This season, for the first time in what seems like forever, the Buffs control their own destiny.
Last season, the Buffs defense made a large improvement under the guidance of new coaches Jim Leavitt (Coordinator and Linebackers) and Joe Tumpkin (Safeties). Buff fans expected the D to be even better this year, and the defense has outperformed even the most generous prognosticators.
After nine games, the Buffs have given up only 155 points, slightly over 17 points a game. But that stat is skewed because 45 of those points were scored by #2 Michigan in Ann Arbor. The main reason the Buffs are in first place in the Pac-12 South it that they are giving up only 16 points per game against conference foes. As the season goes along, though, the D is becoming a dominant force. They have given up only 15 points total in the last two games, against Stanford and UCLA.
In a few hours from now, they will take on the Arizona Wildcats in Tucson. Arizona has had a horrible year, but they are a historically solid program with eight bowls in the last nine years. That won't happen this year, but the UA players and their head coach Rich Rodriguez are a proud bunch who would love nothing more than to take down a ranked team to help salvage their season.
Meanwhile, the Buffs offense has struggled mightily the last few games. In three of the last four, the Buffs have averaged less than 16 points per game. That's a far cry from the 42+ points per game the Buffs scored earlier in the season.
It will be important to get the offense going tonight, for sure, because the next two opponents, Utah and Washington State, are both ranked in the Top 25.
After many explosive plays earlier in the season, they seem to have dried up for the Buffs. The have had 38 plays of 20 yards or longer (including 13 of more than 40), but only TWO total in the last two games. Both of those were runs by Phillip Lindsay. The Buffs have not had a pass completion longer than 20 yards since the Arizona State game.
Even though the Buffs stand at 7-2, Buff fans are wondering loudly what happened to the explosiveness of the offense. They point out that early in the season that the Buffs were an unknown since they had a new co-offensive coordinator in Darrin Chiaverini and a new commitment to the hurry-up offense. That speed of play seemed surprising to many of the teams on the schedule, and the pace allowed the Buffs to surprise people with big plays over and over again. They even did it to #2 Michigan, the best defense in the country.
Lately, though, some of the better coaches in the league have seemed to figure out how to slow the Buffs big play offense, particularly in the air. David Shaw, Jim Mora and Clay Helton (with help from defensive mastermind Clancy Pendergrast) have quite effectively taken away the big passing game of the Buffs.
Granted, Stanford and the LA schools have the talent in the defensive backfield. But Michigan has a great secondary as well. What the Buffs seem to have lost is their element of surprise that was in their favor early in the season. It seems like they have fallen back to the bad form of being completely predictable in their play-calling.
Also, the offensive co-coordinators Brian Lindgren and Darrin Chiaverini, have been horrible at making in-game adjustments to their game plans. They also have a very questionable habit of going away from what is working. It's like they want the Buffs to be a dominant passing team even when the opponent gears their defense to stopping the pass. Likewise, they choose to run between the tackles against stacked box defenses.
Fortunately, the Buffs SHOULD be able to put numerous big plays on the board tonight against a reeling Arizona team. But the coaches need to be ready, because better teams are ahead and the Buffs cannot waltz to the Pac-12 championship game. USC is rolling right now, and they are just behind the Buffs and win the tiebreaker due to their victory over CU. Utah is also just behind, but the Buffs play them to end the regular season.
Most importantly, the Buffs must strive to be better. We have seen the strides made by the D this year to become one of the best in the country.
But the offense seems to be collapsing with inconsistency at the most important time of the season. The players can't be faulted though. The Buffs offense is really not good enough to be dominant if the opposing defensive coordinator has a good idea what plays the Buffs will call.
I know I am not alone in being able to pretty accurately anticipate what plays Lindgren will call in certain situations. And that's from watching the games once (sometimes twice). The Buffs need to realize that their opponents are studying their game film to find a way to stop them. In the last two games (and three of the last four), it has worked like a charm.
The saving grace has been the DEFENSE. But the Buffs cannot insist that the D does it all if they want to make it to the Pac-12 Championship.
Friday, November 4, 2016
Colorado Buffaloes IMPLODE Emotionally, But Dominant Defense Pulls Out Another Win
Mike MacIntyre and the Colorado Buffaloes were served up a triple scoop of psychological warfare by UCLA. The Buffs' angry and emotional response almost allowed the reeling Bruins to pull off an upset big enough to propel them toward a bowl game at the end of the season. Almost.
Bruins head coach Jim Mora is no dummy. And he is a hell of a recruiter. Last signing day the Bruins signed FOURTEEN 4-star recruits, including NINE of the ESPN Top 300. In the last four years, Mora's Bruins signed a total of 46 four-star players. That number is enough to have Buffs fans frothing at the mouth.
UCLA obviously came in with a specific game plan to mess with the heads of the Colorado Buffaloes, and the Buffs took it hook, line, and sinker. And it almost cost them the game on national television. Almost.
Jim Mora knows that UCLA and USC are the big fish when it comes to feeding on the recruiting grounds of California. Teams like Colorado have to settle for the leftovers and the under-the-radar players that Mike MacIntyre is so adept at identifying and signing.
The Buffaloes have nearly 40 players from the state of California on their roster. So it's safe to say that a LOT of the players from these two teams knew and/or played against each other in high school. And the fact of the matter is that the kids playing for UCLA were higher rated recruits. They knew it and the Buffs from California knew it as well.
Most of the Buffs from the Golden State grew up hoping for a scholarship offer to from the Bruins or Southern Cal. It would allow them to stay closer to home and the inherent support system that allows. Home cooking is a sports metaphor with real meat to it.
Then, there is the case of history. In Colorado's first five years in the league, UCLA and the Pac-12 had their way with Colorado. Sometimes it was close, but the Buffs always seemed to end up on the losing side before this season. All the bragging rights going back to high school belonged to the Bruins players. They were better in high school, and now they were better in college. Until this year, that is.
Like it was said before, the UCLA coach is a smart guy. He knew coming into this game that the Buffaloes were a better team on the record books and the stat sheet. The Buffs were 6-2, while the Bruins were 3-5. The Bruins had five close losses that came down to the last drive of the game (that should sound achingly familiar to Colorado fans).
The Bruins have had too much raw talent to be blown out. That's what Mora has banked on this year: Keep it close and find SOMETHING to put the Bruins over the top. The Bruins' coach knew that the only hope of beating the Buffs in Folsom Field was to turn it into a street fight and hope the Buffs would lose their cool. The Buffs did lose their cool, and it almost cost them the game. Almost.
UCLA came out talking smack from the get-go, and taking cheap shots in the piles hoping to draw angry responses from the Buffs. It worked like a charm. It's an old adage in football that it's always the SECOND piece of bad behavior that gets called by the refs. So the Bruins poked, prodded, and yanked on helmets and limbs while mouthing off non-stop. Unfortunately, the Buffs responded just as the Bruins hoped.
And the horribly clueless Pac-12 refs basically lost control of the game. The refs looked like a bunch of suburbanites who had been dropped in the ghetto, and their only protection was a yellow flag. They were too scared to call the Bruins (except on couple very egregious plays), and instead focused on the Buffs trying to protect themselves and their QB. On one play, when the Buffs should have had 2nd and goal from the one yard line, CU was hit with a 15 yard penalty after a UCLA player literally dragged Sefo Liufau from the pile by his head with no response from the refs. No, the refs did not drop a flag until one of the CU receivers tried to get between Liufau and the Bruin.
One could say that the Colorado players lost their cool, but that started from the top. Mike MacIntye was played like a fiddle by Mora, and emotionally drawn into a near melt-down on the sidelines. He was wide-eyed and screaming at the refs as well as his own players.
Mora, on the other hand, was cool as a cucumber. He stayed calm, even while delaying the start of the second half while complaining that the safety of his players was being risked by the dangerous jeopardy of possibly tripping over marshmallows. Yes, marshmallows.
Another meltdown on the Buffs staff happened high above the field, where play caller and co-offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren continued to call passing plays against a very good pass defense and ignoring the running game against a horrible UCLA team against the run. In the Bruins last game, Utah tailback Joe Williams gained 332 yards against them.
What happened? The Buffs insisted on throwing into heavy coverage, and turned the ball over FOUR times. Anybody with access to replay knows that the Buffs really threw 4 interceptions. Calling one a "fumble" doesn't make it any less of a turnover. And, if it leaves the hand of QB with his arm moving forward, and is caught before it hits the ground five yards down the field, it is an interception. More worrisome is that the Buffs threw four pics and also fumbled three times.
If one just looks at the box score, one might come to the conclusion that the Buffs ran the ball 52 times and only threw it 33. But that would be a gross distortion of the truth. Almost HALF of the CU rushes were by the QB (all but one by Liufau). So, if you take away the dozen or so "runs" by the Buffs that were actually scrambles off of called passing plays, it is quite clear the Buffs offensive play-caller Lindgren REALLY wanted to win this game in the air. Gosh darn it, that's what his plan was BEFORE the game, and no way he's gonna change his play calling.
Mac's gotta do something. The UCLA game was the THIRD out of the last FOUR that the Buffs play calling on offense has been the weakest part of their game. It cost them a loss against USC, and the only reason the Buffs won against Stanford and UCLA is because the Colorado defense is so damned good under Jim Leavitt, Joe Tumpkin and the rest of the defensive staff.
The Buffaloes are good enough this year that they don't need to have Sefo try to win it all by himself. But Lindgren seems intent on ignoring whatever defensive strategies are facing the Buffs and winning it the way he wants it to be. Load the box like USC, and we run it up the middle. Lindgren doesn't seem to care. In one of the interceptions last night, the CU receiver was surrounded by no less than FIVE Bruins. FIVE. With that pattern, is it any wonder UCLA took it from our QB four times?
Today is the day that MacIntyre needs to look at the film and realize how easily manipulated he and his team were during the UCLA game. There are three games left between now and their stated goal of playing for the Pac-12 championship.
The Buffs, their head coach and their offensive play caller need to get their heads straight. They have to eliminate the hard-headed refusal to adjust their play-calling. And they have to eliminate their soft-headed response to negative emotional stimulus, from Mac on down. They can't continue to kill themselves with penalties and poor play-calling and hope the defense bails them out.
If the head coach loses his cool over and over, how hard is it for the players to follow suit? The Buffs need to understand the psychological ploys that will be thrown at them, and refuse to be baited into losing their composure. They need to remember that they are in first place in November, ranked, and needing to play big boy football the rest of the season.
Winning out the rest of the way will be the best revenge.
Bruins head coach Jim Mora is no dummy. And he is a hell of a recruiter. Last signing day the Bruins signed FOURTEEN 4-star recruits, including NINE of the ESPN Top 300. In the last four years, Mora's Bruins signed a total of 46 four-star players. That number is enough to have Buffs fans frothing at the mouth.
UCLA obviously came in with a specific game plan to mess with the heads of the Colorado Buffaloes, and the Buffs took it hook, line, and sinker. And it almost cost them the game on national television. Almost.
Jim Mora knows that UCLA and USC are the big fish when it comes to feeding on the recruiting grounds of California. Teams like Colorado have to settle for the leftovers and the under-the-radar players that Mike MacIntyre is so adept at identifying and signing.
The Buffaloes have nearly 40 players from the state of California on their roster. So it's safe to say that a LOT of the players from these two teams knew and/or played against each other in high school. And the fact of the matter is that the kids playing for UCLA were higher rated recruits. They knew it and the Buffs from California knew it as well.
Most of the Buffs from the Golden State grew up hoping for a scholarship offer to from the Bruins or Southern Cal. It would allow them to stay closer to home and the inherent support system that allows. Home cooking is a sports metaphor with real meat to it.
Then, there is the case of history. In Colorado's first five years in the league, UCLA and the Pac-12 had their way with Colorado. Sometimes it was close, but the Buffs always seemed to end up on the losing side before this season. All the bragging rights going back to high school belonged to the Bruins players. They were better in high school, and now they were better in college. Until this year, that is.
Like it was said before, the UCLA coach is a smart guy. He knew coming into this game that the Buffaloes were a better team on the record books and the stat sheet. The Buffs were 6-2, while the Bruins were 3-5. The Bruins had five close losses that came down to the last drive of the game (that should sound achingly familiar to Colorado fans).
The Bruins have had too much raw talent to be blown out. That's what Mora has banked on this year: Keep it close and find SOMETHING to put the Bruins over the top. The Bruins' coach knew that the only hope of beating the Buffs in Folsom Field was to turn it into a street fight and hope the Buffs would lose their cool. The Buffs did lose their cool, and it almost cost them the game. Almost.
UCLA came out talking smack from the get-go, and taking cheap shots in the piles hoping to draw angry responses from the Buffs. It worked like a charm. It's an old adage in football that it's always the SECOND piece of bad behavior that gets called by the refs. So the Bruins poked, prodded, and yanked on helmets and limbs while mouthing off non-stop. Unfortunately, the Buffs responded just as the Bruins hoped.
And the horribly clueless Pac-12 refs basically lost control of the game. The refs looked like a bunch of suburbanites who had been dropped in the ghetto, and their only protection was a yellow flag. They were too scared to call the Bruins (except on couple very egregious plays), and instead focused on the Buffs trying to protect themselves and their QB. On one play, when the Buffs should have had 2nd and goal from the one yard line, CU was hit with a 15 yard penalty after a UCLA player literally dragged Sefo Liufau from the pile by his head with no response from the refs. No, the refs did not drop a flag until one of the CU receivers tried to get between Liufau and the Bruin.
One could say that the Colorado players lost their cool, but that started from the top. Mike MacIntye was played like a fiddle by Mora, and emotionally drawn into a near melt-down on the sidelines. He was wide-eyed and screaming at the refs as well as his own players.
Mora, on the other hand, was cool as a cucumber. He stayed calm, even while delaying the start of the second half while complaining that the safety of his players was being risked by the dangerous jeopardy of possibly tripping over marshmallows. Yes, marshmallows.
Another meltdown on the Buffs staff happened high above the field, where play caller and co-offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren continued to call passing plays against a very good pass defense and ignoring the running game against a horrible UCLA team against the run. In the Bruins last game, Utah tailback Joe Williams gained 332 yards against them.
What happened? The Buffs insisted on throwing into heavy coverage, and turned the ball over FOUR times. Anybody with access to replay knows that the Buffs really threw 4 interceptions. Calling one a "fumble" doesn't make it any less of a turnover. And, if it leaves the hand of QB with his arm moving forward, and is caught before it hits the ground five yards down the field, it is an interception. More worrisome is that the Buffs threw four pics and also fumbled three times.
If one just looks at the box score, one might come to the conclusion that the Buffs ran the ball 52 times and only threw it 33. But that would be a gross distortion of the truth. Almost HALF of the CU rushes were by the QB (all but one by Liufau). So, if you take away the dozen or so "runs" by the Buffs that were actually scrambles off of called passing plays, it is quite clear the Buffs offensive play-caller Lindgren REALLY wanted to win this game in the air. Gosh darn it, that's what his plan was BEFORE the game, and no way he's gonna change his play calling.
Mac's gotta do something. The UCLA game was the THIRD out of the last FOUR that the Buffs play calling on offense has been the weakest part of their game. It cost them a loss against USC, and the only reason the Buffs won against Stanford and UCLA is because the Colorado defense is so damned good under Jim Leavitt, Joe Tumpkin and the rest of the defensive staff.
The Buffaloes are good enough this year that they don't need to have Sefo try to win it all by himself. But Lindgren seems intent on ignoring whatever defensive strategies are facing the Buffs and winning it the way he wants it to be. Load the box like USC, and we run it up the middle. Lindgren doesn't seem to care. In one of the interceptions last night, the CU receiver was surrounded by no less than FIVE Bruins. FIVE. With that pattern, is it any wonder UCLA took it from our QB four times?
Today is the day that MacIntyre needs to look at the film and realize how easily manipulated he and his team were during the UCLA game. There are three games left between now and their stated goal of playing for the Pac-12 championship.
The Buffs, their head coach and their offensive play caller need to get their heads straight. They have to eliminate the hard-headed refusal to adjust their play-calling. And they have to eliminate their soft-headed response to negative emotional stimulus, from Mac on down. They can't continue to kill themselves with penalties and poor play-calling and hope the defense bails them out.
If the head coach loses his cool over and over, how hard is it for the players to follow suit? The Buffs need to understand the psychological ploys that will be thrown at them, and refuse to be baited into losing their composure. They need to remember that they are in first place in November, ranked, and needing to play big boy football the rest of the season.
Winning out the rest of the way will be the best revenge.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Post Halloween Grades for the University of Colorado Football Offensive Coaching Staff
For the first time in more than a decade, the Colorado Buffaloes football program enters November with six wins and bowl eligibility already under their belts. It's a heady place to be, but this team has suffered for years and will not be satisfied to just settle for six wins and any old bowl game.
No, this team wants more. They want it all, really. And the men responsible for that attitude are not just the ones playing in the games, but also the ones doing the coaching and training.
And for the first time in more than a decade, the grades are not as scary as the Halloween season.
Drew Wilson -- A+++
Director of Football Strength and Conditioning
Technically, Wilson is not a coach. But, throughout the year, no one spends more time with the players than Wilson. The players love him, and Wilson's expertise in his field and motivational prowess has turned the Buffs into a team of gym rats.
No longer are the Buffs being pushed around by the rest of the Pac-12. Indeed, they may now be the most physical team in the league. What makes this even more impressive is that Wilson did not even join the staff until January of this year. Rick George and Mike MacIntyre need to do whatever it takes to keep Wilson.
OFFENSE
Klayton Adams -- A+
Offensive Line Coach
Adams has been with MacIntyre for six years (beginning at San Jose State). This is his first year coaching the offensive line at Colorado. The best line coaches make their charges realize that the line must play as an integrated unit to succeed, and not focus on individual achievement. Adams has done that quite well and the Buffs are reaping the rewards.
Gary Bernardi -- C-
Tight Ends and Full Backs
Bernardi was the coach of the offensive line during MacIntyre's first three years at Colorado. The Buffs were 2-25 in Pac-12 play during that time and finished 6th (last) in the Pac-12 South each season.
The tight ends and full backs have been relegated to blockers only this year. They have no carries among the fullbacks and no tight end has more than one catch. Their blocking has been part of the offensive rejuvenation this season, but their production has been non-existent.
Darian Hagan -- A+
Running Backs
This season is Hagan's second stint coaching running backs. He has excelled this time with Phillip Lindsay as well as his first go round with Rodney Stewart and Hugh Charles, who both rushed for more than 1000 yards under Hagan's tutelage. Barring injury, Lindsay should become Hagan's third 1K rusher.
On top of that, Hagan has his RB's blocking as well as running. Even though they are small in stature, Kyle Evans and Lindsay are two of the strongest pound for pound players on the team.
Darrin Chiaverini -- A+++
Wide Receivers and Co-Offensive Coordinator
Like Darian Hagan, Chev is a guy who played at Colorado. Hagan was a force of nature on the field and has become an excellent coach. Chiaverini was an excellent player but has become a force of nature as a coach.
He has risen through the ranks quickly in his coaching career, and as co-offensive coordinator at Colorado, he has been excellent not only in working with the wide receivers but also in recruiting and game planning. His ability to expand Lindgren's play-calling repertoire and explain the details of the plan to the players has been outstanding.
The receivers under Chev have become a dominant force in the conference. They not only catch the ball with outstanding purpose, but their blocking for each other and the runners coming from out of the backfield has been exemplary.
The Buffs have had 13 plays covering more than 40 yards this year so far, and 38 that have gone for more than 20. Many of those big plays can be attributed to downfield blocking by the receivers.
As for Chev, his energy and infectious enthusiasm fires up players and fans alike and his relentless social media presence makes him a remarkable ambassador for the University of Colorado.
Brian Lindgren -- A
Quarterbacks and Co-Offensive Coordinator
Lindgren has done a remarkable job as quarterbacks coach this season. Sefo Liufau has played the best of his career this season, and Steven Montez covered the QB position admirably while Liufau was hurt. Lindgren, Liufau and Montez have combined to be one of the most efficient offensive forces in the Pac-12. If he was only being graded on the play of the quarterbacks, he would have an A+.
Although it has been much better this season due to the overall strength of the offensive coaching, training and players, Lindgren has still had one shortcoming. Most of the game prep done throughout the season has been spot on. The Buffs have been the only team this year to put a hurting on #2's Michigan's defense. And they did it on the road.
But the Buffs did that prior to Liufau's injury in Ann Arbor. Once Montez came in (quite obviously unprepared for the possibility), the play-calling suffered as Lindgren did not adapt to having a redshirt freshman who had barely played this year even though the Buffs had put together several blowout wins.
At USC, their defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergrast put together a brilliant game plan to take away the run game from the Buffs. It worked, and by the time Lindgren got around to adjusting in the 4th quarter, the Trojans' lead was too big to surmount.
The Buffs again sputtered offensively against Stanford on the road. Liufau had by far his worst game of the season. Fortunately, the defense was prepared and able to shut down the Cardinal, holding them to their fewest points in more than a decade. This allowed the Buffs to escape with a 10-5 win.
Colorado Buffaloes Overall Offensive Grade -- A-
The Buffs offensively have been very good, and deserving of a full A for much of the season. But the small failures to adapt in the face of adversity cost the Buffs their two losses, and could have led to a third if not for fine defensive play.
As the going gets rougher in the meat of the schedule, every team we play will want to beat the first place team. The Buffs need to be ready before the game offensively, and need to be ready to adapt when the situations arise.
Some would say that the Buffs deserve a straight up A for how far they've come. But the layers want to be an A team against the best of the Pac-12, not just compared to how bad they used to be.
The next four games, three at home, will determine the overall success of the season. We know they will be playing in a bowl game. But they want to play in the Pac-12 Championship, and they want to play in the Rose Bowl. To do that for sure, they need to win out in the regular season.
-----------------------
Next up:
November 1st Grades of Colorado's Defensive Coaching Staff
and
2016 Grade for Mike MacIntyre After 9 Games
No, this team wants more. They want it all, really. And the men responsible for that attitude are not just the ones playing in the games, but also the ones doing the coaching and training.
And for the first time in more than a decade, the grades are not as scary as the Halloween season.
Drew Wilson -- A+++
Director of Football Strength and Conditioning
Technically, Wilson is not a coach. But, throughout the year, no one spends more time with the players than Wilson. The players love him, and Wilson's expertise in his field and motivational prowess has turned the Buffs into a team of gym rats.
No longer are the Buffs being pushed around by the rest of the Pac-12. Indeed, they may now be the most physical team in the league. What makes this even more impressive is that Wilson did not even join the staff until January of this year. Rick George and Mike MacIntyre need to do whatever it takes to keep Wilson.
OFFENSE
Klayton Adams -- A+
Offensive Line Coach
Adams has been with MacIntyre for six years (beginning at San Jose State). This is his first year coaching the offensive line at Colorado. The best line coaches make their charges realize that the line must play as an integrated unit to succeed, and not focus on individual achievement. Adams has done that quite well and the Buffs are reaping the rewards.
Gary Bernardi -- C-
Tight Ends and Full Backs
Bernardi was the coach of the offensive line during MacIntyre's first three years at Colorado. The Buffs were 2-25 in Pac-12 play during that time and finished 6th (last) in the Pac-12 South each season.
The tight ends and full backs have been relegated to blockers only this year. They have no carries among the fullbacks and no tight end has more than one catch. Their blocking has been part of the offensive rejuvenation this season, but their production has been non-existent.
Darian Hagan -- A+
Running Backs
This season is Hagan's second stint coaching running backs. He has excelled this time with Phillip Lindsay as well as his first go round with Rodney Stewart and Hugh Charles, who both rushed for more than 1000 yards under Hagan's tutelage. Barring injury, Lindsay should become Hagan's third 1K rusher.
On top of that, Hagan has his RB's blocking as well as running. Even though they are small in stature, Kyle Evans and Lindsay are two of the strongest pound for pound players on the team.
Darrin Chiaverini -- A+++
Wide Receivers and Co-Offensive Coordinator
Like Darian Hagan, Chev is a guy who played at Colorado. Hagan was a force of nature on the field and has become an excellent coach. Chiaverini was an excellent player but has become a force of nature as a coach.
He has risen through the ranks quickly in his coaching career, and as co-offensive coordinator at Colorado, he has been excellent not only in working with the wide receivers but also in recruiting and game planning. His ability to expand Lindgren's play-calling repertoire and explain the details of the plan to the players has been outstanding.
The receivers under Chev have become a dominant force in the conference. They not only catch the ball with outstanding purpose, but their blocking for each other and the runners coming from out of the backfield has been exemplary.
The Buffs have had 13 plays covering more than 40 yards this year so far, and 38 that have gone for more than 20. Many of those big plays can be attributed to downfield blocking by the receivers.
As for Chev, his energy and infectious enthusiasm fires up players and fans alike and his relentless social media presence makes him a remarkable ambassador for the University of Colorado.
Brian Lindgren -- A
Quarterbacks and Co-Offensive Coordinator
Lindgren has done a remarkable job as quarterbacks coach this season. Sefo Liufau has played the best of his career this season, and Steven Montez covered the QB position admirably while Liufau was hurt. Lindgren, Liufau and Montez have combined to be one of the most efficient offensive forces in the Pac-12. If he was only being graded on the play of the quarterbacks, he would have an A+.
Although it has been much better this season due to the overall strength of the offensive coaching, training and players, Lindgren has still had one shortcoming. Most of the game prep done throughout the season has been spot on. The Buffs have been the only team this year to put a hurting on #2's Michigan's defense. And they did it on the road.
But the Buffs did that prior to Liufau's injury in Ann Arbor. Once Montez came in (quite obviously unprepared for the possibility), the play-calling suffered as Lindgren did not adapt to having a redshirt freshman who had barely played this year even though the Buffs had put together several blowout wins.
At USC, their defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergrast put together a brilliant game plan to take away the run game from the Buffs. It worked, and by the time Lindgren got around to adjusting in the 4th quarter, the Trojans' lead was too big to surmount.
The Buffs again sputtered offensively against Stanford on the road. Liufau had by far his worst game of the season. Fortunately, the defense was prepared and able to shut down the Cardinal, holding them to their fewest points in more than a decade. This allowed the Buffs to escape with a 10-5 win.
Colorado Buffaloes Overall Offensive Grade -- A-
The Buffs offensively have been very good, and deserving of a full A for much of the season. But the small failures to adapt in the face of adversity cost the Buffs their two losses, and could have led to a third if not for fine defensive play.
As the going gets rougher in the meat of the schedule, every team we play will want to beat the first place team. The Buffs need to be ready before the game offensively, and need to be ready to adapt when the situations arise.
Some would say that the Buffs deserve a straight up A for how far they've come. But the layers want to be an A team against the best of the Pac-12, not just compared to how bad they used to be.
The next four games, three at home, will determine the overall success of the season. We know they will be playing in a bowl game. But they want to play in the Pac-12 Championship, and they want to play in the Rose Bowl. To do that for sure, they need to win out in the regular season.
-----------------------
Next up:
November 1st Grades of Colorado's Defensive Coaching Staff
and
2016 Grade for Mike MacIntyre After 9 Games
Saturday, October 15, 2016
It's Moment of Truth Time for Mike MacIntyre and the Colorado Buffaloes
Today is the day.
The Sun Devils of Arizona State are in town. The Buffaloes and Devils are tied for first place in the Pac-1 South. ASU is 5-1, while Colorado sits at 4-2. The winner tonight holds on to first place and controls their destiny the rest of the way out.
Something has to give.
ASU has never lost to CU. The Buffaloes have been dominant in the state of Colorado, winning their 3 games by a combined score of 147-20.
The Buffs publicly stated goal this season is to play in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Every team in the conference has the same goal, but for the first time since joining the Pac-12, the Buffs are considered as serious contenders. It makes sense. In their first five years in the league, the Buffaloes never won more than a single conference game in any given year. To make a trip to the title game this year, the Buffaloes will have to win more Pac-12 games than they have won in total in their first five years.
Colorado started well, winning their first two against Oregon and Oregon State.
But then came a hard fought close loss to USC at the Coliseum, another team the Buffs have never beaten. If the Buffs win today, their path to the title game is clearly defined. If the Buffs lose, the chances they win the South are much more difficult, but not impossible. The Buffaloes do not have to play the juggernaut Washington Huskies in the regular season, while USC and Arizona State have to play at UW, and Utah hosts the Huskies.
More importantly, a loss to ASU would force the Buffaloes to travel to Stanford next week with a likelihood of being 4-4 and making ANY bowl game much less secure.
It has been stated over and over in this column that ANY Pac-12 team can beat any other on any given weekend. The coaches in the Conference of Champions are among the best in the country at attacking weaknesses, and ASU's Todd Graham is one of the very best in the Pac-12.
Colorado's Mike MacIntyre and offensive coordinators Darrin Chiaverini and Brian Lindgren did not adjust to USC stacking the box to take away the run until late in the game, and that failure to adjust led to the Buffaloes first conference loss this season.
It's moment of truth time for Mike MacIntyre and the Colorado Buffaloes.
A win defends Folsom Field and keeps the Buffs on track to meet their stated goals. A loss may very well lead them to doubting their ability to win the South. If another loss comes next week, they may start to doubt winning six and going to a bowl game, or settling for a lower tier bowl instead the bigger games that everyone knows and loves.
Make no doubt about it, this game is HUGE for the Buffaloes.
The Sun Devils of Arizona State are in town. The Buffaloes and Devils are tied for first place in the Pac-1 South. ASU is 5-1, while Colorado sits at 4-2. The winner tonight holds on to first place and controls their destiny the rest of the way out.
Something has to give.
ASU has never lost to CU. The Buffaloes have been dominant in the state of Colorado, winning their 3 games by a combined score of 147-20.
The Buffs publicly stated goal this season is to play in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Every team in the conference has the same goal, but for the first time since joining the Pac-12, the Buffs are considered as serious contenders. It makes sense. In their first five years in the league, the Buffaloes never won more than a single conference game in any given year. To make a trip to the title game this year, the Buffaloes will have to win more Pac-12 games than they have won in total in their first five years.
Colorado started well, winning their first two against Oregon and Oregon State.
But then came a hard fought close loss to USC at the Coliseum, another team the Buffs have never beaten. If the Buffs win today, their path to the title game is clearly defined. If the Buffs lose, the chances they win the South are much more difficult, but not impossible. The Buffaloes do not have to play the juggernaut Washington Huskies in the regular season, while USC and Arizona State have to play at UW, and Utah hosts the Huskies.
More importantly, a loss to ASU would force the Buffaloes to travel to Stanford next week with a likelihood of being 4-4 and making ANY bowl game much less secure.
It has been stated over and over in this column that ANY Pac-12 team can beat any other on any given weekend. The coaches in the Conference of Champions are among the best in the country at attacking weaknesses, and ASU's Todd Graham is one of the very best in the Pac-12.
Colorado's Mike MacIntyre and offensive coordinators Darrin Chiaverini and Brian Lindgren did not adjust to USC stacking the box to take away the run until late in the game, and that failure to adjust led to the Buffaloes first conference loss this season.
It's moment of truth time for Mike MacIntyre and the Colorado Buffaloes.
A win defends Folsom Field and keeps the Buffs on track to meet their stated goals. A loss may very well lead them to doubting their ability to win the South. If another loss comes next week, they may start to doubt winning six and going to a bowl game, or settling for a lower tier bowl instead the bigger games that everyone knows and loves.
Make no doubt about it, this game is HUGE for the Buffaloes.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
When Yin Meets Yang: Lindgren and Chiaverini Form A Perfect Offensive Union for the Colorado Buffaloes
Brian Lindgren
The offensive coordinator at the University of Colorado since arriving with head coach Mike MacIntyre from San Jose State before the 2013 season. Although his planning and play-calling have led to numerous records for Buffs QB Sefo Liufau, Colorado's Pac-12 won-loss record from his arrival to this year was a paltry 2-25.
Darrin Chiaverini
Played his college football at the University of Colorado from 1995-98 as a wide receiver before playing professionally for 7 years (NFL and AFL). He has been working his way up the ladder as a college coach since he retired as a player. He has been involved in spectacular turnaround projects numerous times with both offensive and special teams. Prior to this year, his last stop was at Texas Tech, where he coached special teams and outside wide receivers. He was hired as Co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Colorado following 2015 season.
Many speculated that the pairing of Lindgren and Chiaverini would not work out. Some opined that Lindgren would not react well to being "demoted" to sharing the coordinator position, and others felt that the personality types were too disparate to effectively lead together. Lindgren is known as a quiet and cerebral type of individual while Chiaverini is known for his fire and passion and toughness, along with his ability to fire up his team. Many wondered about how well they would work together.
It turns out that Lindgren and Chiaverini have formed a perfect example of Yin and Yang, and the combination has led to Colorado's offensive production this year being their highest ever. If this year's Buffs continue to rack up yards at the same pace for the rest of the season, they will break the record set by Bill McCartney's last team in 1994. That team featured Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam and Kordell Stewart and a total of NINE players which were drafted into the NFL the following spring.
Through five games, this team has averaged 531.2 yards per game. That's more than 134 yards per game more than last year, and almost 36 yards per game more than the record setting 1994 squad.
But more importantly than just total yards, the Buffs have been rushing the ball far better in 2016. Their average of 218.6 yards per game is the highest since 2002, when Chris Brown and Bobby Purify helped the Buffs average 251.2 yards per game on the ground.
The improved ground attack has been helped along by a more more dangerous air game for the Buffs. This year Colorado has been averaging 14.6 yards per reception, which is the highest since Koy Detmer led the 1996 Buffs to 15.1 yards per completion.
This year, behind Sefo Liufau and Steven Montez, Colorado has averaged 9.77 yards per attempted pass. Last year, the Buffs averaged only 6.71 YPA. You have to go all the way back to the undefeated 1989 regular season to find a Buffs team that averaged more YPA on their passes. That year, Darian Hagan averaged an unworldly 11.8 YPA and almost 21 yards per completion.
What's the moral of this story? Sometimes Yin and Yang combine to form a perfect union. From two conference wins in three years to 2-0 so far this year and first place in the Pac-12 South.
The offensive coordinator at the University of Colorado since arriving with head coach Mike MacIntyre from San Jose State before the 2013 season. Although his planning and play-calling have led to numerous records for Buffs QB Sefo Liufau, Colorado's Pac-12 won-loss record from his arrival to this year was a paltry 2-25.
Darrin Chiaverini
Played his college football at the University of Colorado from 1995-98 as a wide receiver before playing professionally for 7 years (NFL and AFL). He has been working his way up the ladder as a college coach since he retired as a player. He has been involved in spectacular turnaround projects numerous times with both offensive and special teams. Prior to this year, his last stop was at Texas Tech, where he coached special teams and outside wide receivers. He was hired as Co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Colorado following 2015 season.
Many speculated that the pairing of Lindgren and Chiaverini would not work out. Some opined that Lindgren would not react well to being "demoted" to sharing the coordinator position, and others felt that the personality types were too disparate to effectively lead together. Lindgren is known as a quiet and cerebral type of individual while Chiaverini is known for his fire and passion and toughness, along with his ability to fire up his team. Many wondered about how well they would work together.
It turns out that Lindgren and Chiaverini have formed a perfect example of Yin and Yang, and the combination has led to Colorado's offensive production this year being their highest ever. If this year's Buffs continue to rack up yards at the same pace for the rest of the season, they will break the record set by Bill McCartney's last team in 1994. That team featured Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam and Kordell Stewart and a total of NINE players which were drafted into the NFL the following spring.
Through five games, this team has averaged 531.2 yards per game. That's more than 134 yards per game more than last year, and almost 36 yards per game more than the record setting 1994 squad.
But more importantly than just total yards, the Buffs have been rushing the ball far better in 2016. Their average of 218.6 yards per game is the highest since 2002, when Chris Brown and Bobby Purify helped the Buffs average 251.2 yards per game on the ground.
The improved ground attack has been helped along by a more more dangerous air game for the Buffs. This year Colorado has been averaging 14.6 yards per reception, which is the highest since Koy Detmer led the 1996 Buffs to 15.1 yards per completion.
This year, behind Sefo Liufau and Steven Montez, Colorado has averaged 9.77 yards per attempted pass. Last year, the Buffs averaged only 6.71 YPA. You have to go all the way back to the undefeated 1989 regular season to find a Buffs team that averaged more YPA on their passes. That year, Darian Hagan averaged an unworldly 11.8 YPA and almost 21 yards per completion.
What's the moral of this story? Sometimes Yin and Yang combine to form a perfect union. From two conference wins in three years to 2-0 so far this year and first place in the Pac-12 South.
Monday, September 26, 2016
Buffs in Good Hands at Quarterback with either Liufau or Montez
There was a lot of hand wringing among the Buff faithful last week when most assumed that MacIntyre's "game time" decision about Liufau and his injured ankle was in reality an admission that Sefo would be out for the game. At Oregon.
Flash back to two years ago, when an injured Sefo Liufau was unable to start. Jordan Gehrke was thrown to the wolves against a #3 Oregon team that would go on to play in the national championship game. Oregon, led by Heisman winner Marcus Mariota and Royce Freeman, put almost 600 yards of offense on the Buffs, while holding CU to 240. The final score was 44-10, but the game was not really that close. Oregon took their foot off the pedal, emptied the bench, and did not score in the 4th.
With the Buffs heading off to Autzen Stadium with Sefo injured again, CU fans were feeling deja vu all over again. An ill-prepared Montez had finished the game at Michigan after Liufau's injury with a big zero under the number of completed passes as the Wolverines took over the game in the second half. The young man from El Paso truly got a baptism by fire in Ann Arbor.
Many commenters on sites such as this were ready to concede the game to Oregon and hope for better health from Sefo down the road. But a funny thing happened for Montez with the Big House experience and a week to work with the #1 offense in practice.
Montez stepped up and became "The Man" for Colorado.
In his first college start, against a team that was only 16 games removed from the national championship game, Montez became the first QB in Colorado history to throw for 300 yards while also running for more than 100. Darian Hagan never did it. Neither did Kordell Stewart or Sefo Liufau. Montez is now in the Colorado record books after one start.
Not all the credit goes to Montez however. He got a lot of help. Sefo was there before and after each drive to calm the redshirt freshman and give advice and words of encouragement. Also on the sidelines to help was co-OC Darrin Chiaverini.
But the biggest kudos need to go to the much maligned Brian Lindgen.
Co-OC Lindgren is also the quarterbacks coach. He got Montez ready for the game during practice and was in his ear all during the game. Every time Montez came back to the bench, he was soon on the headset talking to Lindgren up in the booth.
Moving forward in Pac-12 play, the Buffs face 4 teams in the next five weeks that they have never beaten (0-14) since joining the conference. They've been outscored in those games 623-279. Of course, if the win at Oregon proved anything it's that past history does not necessarily predict future performance. Thank goodness.
One can't imagine this Colorado team getting complacent now after finally getting a breakthrough win. If anything, these Buffs will probably work even harder now that they've gotten a taste of a big win over a good team.
Whatever happens over the remainder of the season, Colorado fans can be sure that the Buffs will be in good hands at quarterback. Both Sefo Liufau and Steven Montez are tough as nails and can quarterback the Buffs to lots of yards and enough points to win against anyone in the country.
With the best CU defensive team in a decade, this Colorado team has the chance to not only make a bowl game, but to also contend for a conference title. It bodes well that even right after the big win in Eugene, the players were ready to put the game behind them and get ready to go 1-0 next week too. And the next week, and the next week...
Go Buffs!
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Buffs Need to Rage Against the Machine of Self Destruction
The Colorado Buffaloes led the Michigan Wolverines 21-7 at the end of the first quarter. Michigan scored on a blocked punt but had been manhandled by Colorado on offense and defense. The quick paced offense and the attacking defense were doing their jobs, keeping the #4 Michigan team off balance and on their heels.
Then, for some reason, the Buffs decided to slow things down. They continued to line up quickly but started pausing at the line to change plays from the sideline. Instead of forcing Michigan to have 5 seconds or so to get ready for the next play, the Buffs started taking almost the full play clock to get their plays off. Michigan got their wind back, and the Buffs started faltering on offense. Add the faltering offense to a disastrous punt team and the recipe for destruction was complete.
The Buffs watched their 21-7 lead disappear as they fell behind 24-21 at the end of the first half when Mac and Lindgren decided to run out the clock instead of going for more points. The gambit failed. Michigan got the ball back and scored with 10 seconds left before half to take the lead.
In the 2nd half, the Buffs again turned on the offense and scored on a 70 yard pass shortly after beginning the 3rd quarter. They retook the lead 28-24. The Wolverines' Jabril Peppers returned the kickoff 55 yards and Michigan scored 2 plays later to take the lead for good.
QB Sefo Liufau was hurt on the play before he heaved the 70 yard TD. One more series showed that he was done for the day. Buff fans now wait to see if he will be ready for Oregon this week or will be out longer.
Backup QB Steven Montez' first two passes were dropped (one of which would have been a touchdown), and the deflation of the Buff offense was visible to all at Michigan Stadium. Lindgren's play calling packed it in as well, and the Buffs did their best to run out the clock and keep the loss under the betting line.
By then, as well, the defense realized the futility of their task. The offense was no threat to score and the punting team threatened to give up a score every time they came on the field. They watched their 21-7 lead evaporate into a 45-28 loss. Twenty-eight of Michigan's points came off of miscues by the special teams.
The defense under Jim Leavitt is one of the best in the Pac-12. But that fact is being shrouded by conservative play calling on offense and remarkably bad play by the special teams.
What Gives?
The Colorado Buffaloes offense under Mike MacIntyre and Brian Lindgren do not handle unexpected prosperity well. And it is not just this year. It has been going on since they arrived.
2015
In the game against USC, the Buffs built and squandered a 17-3 lead. They did not score again until they were behind 27-17. They lost the game 27-24.
They much prefer to roar back after being down. Against UCLA last year, the Buffs trailed 21-6 and 28-13 before retaking a 31-28 lead before finally losing 35-31.
Against Arizona, the Buffs trailed 17-7 before coming back to take a 24-17 lead. Then they gave up three 4th quarter touchdowns to fall behind by 14. They lost the game 38-31.
2014
In the game against Cal, the Buffs took had leads of 21-7 and 28-14. Cal came back to tie the game at 28. They eventually lost 59-56 in triple overtime.
Against Washington, the Buffs led 10-0 and 20-10 before giving up three touchdowns in the last 21 minutes and losing 38-23
In the Oregon State game, the Buffs came back from a 17-7 deficit to lead 21-20. They lost the game 36-31.
Against UCLA, the Buffs trailed 17-0 and 31-17 before storming back to tie the game at 31 and force overtime. The Buffs lost in triple overtime again, by the score of 40-37.
2013
The Buffs trail Utah 21-0 before finally losing 24-17.
What do the nine games have in common?
The Buffs either squandered big leads or came back from big deficits. And most importantly, the Buffs lost all nine games.
Lest anyone think I am only picking on the games the Buffs lost, remember that the conference record of the Buffs under MacIntyre is 2-25, so there are not a lot of conference wins to point at.
Despite the trials and tribulations, the Buffs need to address that they have shown they can play in the Pac-12, but they need to take the next step and actually win some of the games that are close. If they do not, changes need to be made.
The Buffs fan base called for Lindgren's head last year, and MacIntyre relented to bringing in a co-offensive coordinator in Darrin Chiaverini. It seems to be working out against the lesser opposition, but Mac needs it to work against conference foes if he expects to keep his job.
Some people point out (like this writer has many, many times) that the Buffs are so much closer than they used to be... but the time to win is now. If you win less than 10% of your conference games year after year, does the final score really matter?
Then, for some reason, the Buffs decided to slow things down. They continued to line up quickly but started pausing at the line to change plays from the sideline. Instead of forcing Michigan to have 5 seconds or so to get ready for the next play, the Buffs started taking almost the full play clock to get their plays off. Michigan got their wind back, and the Buffs started faltering on offense. Add the faltering offense to a disastrous punt team and the recipe for destruction was complete.
The Buffs watched their 21-7 lead disappear as they fell behind 24-21 at the end of the first half when Mac and Lindgren decided to run out the clock instead of going for more points. The gambit failed. Michigan got the ball back and scored with 10 seconds left before half to take the lead.
In the 2nd half, the Buffs again turned on the offense and scored on a 70 yard pass shortly after beginning the 3rd quarter. They retook the lead 28-24. The Wolverines' Jabril Peppers returned the kickoff 55 yards and Michigan scored 2 plays later to take the lead for good.
QB Sefo Liufau was hurt on the play before he heaved the 70 yard TD. One more series showed that he was done for the day. Buff fans now wait to see if he will be ready for Oregon this week or will be out longer.
Backup QB Steven Montez' first two passes were dropped (one of which would have been a touchdown), and the deflation of the Buff offense was visible to all at Michigan Stadium. Lindgren's play calling packed it in as well, and the Buffs did their best to run out the clock and keep the loss under the betting line.
By then, as well, the defense realized the futility of their task. The offense was no threat to score and the punting team threatened to give up a score every time they came on the field. They watched their 21-7 lead evaporate into a 45-28 loss. Twenty-eight of Michigan's points came off of miscues by the special teams.
The defense under Jim Leavitt is one of the best in the Pac-12. But that fact is being shrouded by conservative play calling on offense and remarkably bad play by the special teams.
What Gives?
The Colorado Buffaloes offense under Mike MacIntyre and Brian Lindgren do not handle unexpected prosperity well. And it is not just this year. It has been going on since they arrived.
2015
In the game against USC, the Buffs built and squandered a 17-3 lead. They did not score again until they were behind 27-17. They lost the game 27-24.
They much prefer to roar back after being down. Against UCLA last year, the Buffs trailed 21-6 and 28-13 before retaking a 31-28 lead before finally losing 35-31.
Against Arizona, the Buffs trailed 17-7 before coming back to take a 24-17 lead. Then they gave up three 4th quarter touchdowns to fall behind by 14. They lost the game 38-31.
2014
In the game against Cal, the Buffs took had leads of 21-7 and 28-14. Cal came back to tie the game at 28. They eventually lost 59-56 in triple overtime.
Against Washington, the Buffs led 10-0 and 20-10 before giving up three touchdowns in the last 21 minutes and losing 38-23
In the Oregon State game, the Buffs came back from a 17-7 deficit to lead 21-20. They lost the game 36-31.
Against UCLA, the Buffs trailed 17-0 and 31-17 before storming back to tie the game at 31 and force overtime. The Buffs lost in triple overtime again, by the score of 40-37.
2013
The Buffs trail Utah 21-0 before finally losing 24-17.
What do the nine games have in common?
The Buffs either squandered big leads or came back from big deficits. And most importantly, the Buffs lost all nine games.
Lest anyone think I am only picking on the games the Buffs lost, remember that the conference record of the Buffs under MacIntyre is 2-25, so there are not a lot of conference wins to point at.
Despite the trials and tribulations, the Buffs need to address that they have shown they can play in the Pac-12, but they need to take the next step and actually win some of the games that are close. If they do not, changes need to be made.
The Buffs fan base called for Lindgren's head last year, and MacIntyre relented to bringing in a co-offensive coordinator in Darrin Chiaverini. It seems to be working out against the lesser opposition, but Mac needs it to work against conference foes if he expects to keep his job.
Some people point out (like this writer has many, many times) that the Buffs are so much closer than they used to be... but the time to win is now. If you win less than 10% of your conference games year after year, does the final score really matter?
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Open Letter to Colorado AD Rick George: Both Mike MacIntyre and Sefo Liufau Should Sit Out the First Half Against Idaho State
Dear Rick George, Colorado Athletic Director:
First, I want to congratulate you for the stellar performance you have put in since coming home to Boulder to take the reins as Athletic Director. Colorado Athletics have not been in such good hands since Bill Marolt. The facilities improvements are nothing short of phenomenal and are truly world class.
While most every CU fan has been reveling in the big blowout of Colorado State in the Rocky Mountain Showdown, I want to point out that there are serious issues simmering below the euphoria.
Head Coach Mike MacIntyre has done a good job of rebuilding a moribund program. Although the number of wins, especially in conference play, have not met expectations, the Buffs have been getting better since Mac took over.
The problem I see, is that Mac is supposed to be looking out for the long term health and growth of the program. That means that every position on the team needs to have competent and well trained backups. It also means that the coaches need to protect the health of their players.
For the most part, the Buffs have done that. The glaring exception is the most important player on the team -- the quarterback. Since senior captain Sefo Liufau became the starter his freshman year, the Buffs and Liufau have steadfastly REFUSED to give any meaningful reps to the backup quarterbacks.
What has been the result? When Sefo has gone down to injury, whoever was thrown into the games was in reality being thrown to the wolves.
In 2014, Jordan Gehrke got to start at #3 Oregon in the penultimate game of the season. As Sefo's primary backup in 2014, he attempted a grand total of 44 passes on the season. In 2015, he attempted 24 passes.
The 2015 main backup, Cade Apsay, attempted 92 passes for the season. All but 9 of those passes were attempted AFTER Liufau went down with a Lisfranc injury against USC. That means the primary backup was thrown to the wolves (Trojans, Cougars and Utes) with only 9 passes under his belt as quarterback. Needless to say, the Buffs lost all three games to end the season.
Early in the season, Liufau went the ENTIRE game against Massachusetts even though the Buffs won handily 48-14. The game was a PERFECT opportunity to play the backup (coming off a redshirt year) to get him some reps so that he would be more comfortable with the speed of the college game.
Mac and Liufau preferred to pad Liufau's stats instead of preparing the Buffs for playing with another quarterback. Against Nicholls State, Apsay got to throw 6 passes in the Buffs 48-0 victory.
Is it any wonder that neither the Gehrke nor Apsay were prepared when their numbers were called?
This year, the Buffs had their biggest winning margin over CSU in 60 years, 44-7. How many passes did backup Steven Montez get? ZERO. Even though Liufau got knocked goofy at the end of the third quarter running and diving (instead of the protected QB slide), Montez only came in with a couple minutes left, where he proceeded to hand-off to true freshman Beau Bisharat four times before time expired.
EVERYBODY knew that Sefo Liufau should have been out of the game (the announcers, the sportswriters, every fan commenting on web sites) but Mac kowtowed once again when Sefo had a tizzy fit on the sideline and threw his helmet when the medical staff wanted to keep him out of the game whose victory had long been determined.
After the game against Idaho State, the Buffs head into a brutal schedule that includes games on the road against Michigan, Oregon, USC and Stanford. These are not the teams you want to play against with a backup QB with NO MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE.
If the Buffs and MacIntyre (and Liufau) hold form against Idaho State, Montez will get a handful of plays in a big win, playing only with the 2nd and 3rd string. They will head into the meat of their schedule with Sefo and no experience behind him.
Does Mac even realize that Sefo graduates this year? Does Sefo care about the Buffs nearly as much as his own stats and insistence on playing every down? If the Buffs make it to a bowl game this year, chances are that a backup QB will be called upon to save their butts if and when Sefo gets dinged up.
If the Buffs don't make it to a bowl game, chances are that MacIntyre will be looking for new employment, and Liufau will go down as the most losing quarterback in Colorado and Pac-12 history. Yes, football is a team sport and the quarterback is just a small part... but it is the most important part.
BUT... with the glory comes the blame when you fail to win when you are a QB or a head coach. Rewriting the record books doesn't mean anything if you can't win enough games.
It seems kind of fitting that many of the records that Liufau (under MacIntyre) has broken were set by Cody Hawkins, the son of former CU coach Dan Hawkins. Cody and Sefo are all over the record books, but no one with any knowledge of CU football history would have either of them anywhere near the top half dozen quarterback since the first Coach Mac (Bill McCartney) roamed the sidelines. And it hasn't been that long (34 years).
Mr. George, it is time that you let MacIntyre know that the best thing for Colorado is to prepare a backup QB so that he is ready when called upon. Even if Sefo stays healthy this year, he is gone after this season.
The Colorado Buffaloes need to prepare for a team without Sefo, and possibly, without Mike MacIntyre. The Buffs will go on without them, but next year (and maybe this year) will look a whole lot more promising with a well-prepared backup.
That is why I would suggest that both MacIntyre and Sefo Liufau sit out the first half against Idaho State. The Pac-12 has a history of eating up QB's who are thrown to the wolves.
As head coach, MacIntyre gets paid a lot of money to watch out for the entire team. As QB and a multi-year captain, Sefo Liufau needs to think about the entire team first instead of his own stats. A good message to both of them would be to have them sit out the first half against Idaho State.
The Buffs are in NO DANGER of losing no matter who plays QB. Therefore, let Montez play with the first string, and get a chance to work on his timing with the fast guys. He'll also be playing against the first string (An FCS first string, for sure, but better than FCS 3rd stringers). And no matter how well Montez plays against Idaho State, the speed at which the Trojans, Duck, Wolverines, and the Palo Alto Trees play will be eye opening if he is forced to play. Sort of like being fed to the wolves
Not much chance Mac and Sefo sitting out will happen, I realize, but I am waiting with bated breath for the other shoe to drop when the Buffs actually need a backup QB to win a game. I am quite sure there are coaches on the CU staff (other than Mac and Lindgren) who think the backup QB's should be prepared.
As always, GO BUFFS!
Mark Rubi
Boulderdevil
First, I want to congratulate you for the stellar performance you have put in since coming home to Boulder to take the reins as Athletic Director. Colorado Athletics have not been in such good hands since Bill Marolt. The facilities improvements are nothing short of phenomenal and are truly world class.
While most every CU fan has been reveling in the big blowout of Colorado State in the Rocky Mountain Showdown, I want to point out that there are serious issues simmering below the euphoria.
Head Coach Mike MacIntyre has done a good job of rebuilding a moribund program. Although the number of wins, especially in conference play, have not met expectations, the Buffs have been getting better since Mac took over.
The problem I see, is that Mac is supposed to be looking out for the long term health and growth of the program. That means that every position on the team needs to have competent and well trained backups. It also means that the coaches need to protect the health of their players.
For the most part, the Buffs have done that. The glaring exception is the most important player on the team -- the quarterback. Since senior captain Sefo Liufau became the starter his freshman year, the Buffs and Liufau have steadfastly REFUSED to give any meaningful reps to the backup quarterbacks.
What has been the result? When Sefo has gone down to injury, whoever was thrown into the games was in reality being thrown to the wolves.
In 2014, Jordan Gehrke got to start at #3 Oregon in the penultimate game of the season. As Sefo's primary backup in 2014, he attempted a grand total of 44 passes on the season. In 2015, he attempted 24 passes.
The 2015 main backup, Cade Apsay, attempted 92 passes for the season. All but 9 of those passes were attempted AFTER Liufau went down with a Lisfranc injury against USC. That means the primary backup was thrown to the wolves (Trojans, Cougars and Utes) with only 9 passes under his belt as quarterback. Needless to say, the Buffs lost all three games to end the season.
Early in the season, Liufau went the ENTIRE game against Massachusetts even though the Buffs won handily 48-14. The game was a PERFECT opportunity to play the backup (coming off a redshirt year) to get him some reps so that he would be more comfortable with the speed of the college game.
Mac and Liufau preferred to pad Liufau's stats instead of preparing the Buffs for playing with another quarterback. Against Nicholls State, Apsay got to throw 6 passes in the Buffs 48-0 victory.
Is it any wonder that neither the Gehrke nor Apsay were prepared when their numbers were called?
This year, the Buffs had their biggest winning margin over CSU in 60 years, 44-7. How many passes did backup Steven Montez get? ZERO. Even though Liufau got knocked goofy at the end of the third quarter running and diving (instead of the protected QB slide), Montez only came in with a couple minutes left, where he proceeded to hand-off to true freshman Beau Bisharat four times before time expired.
EVERYBODY knew that Sefo Liufau should have been out of the game (the announcers, the sportswriters, every fan commenting on web sites) but Mac kowtowed once again when Sefo had a tizzy fit on the sideline and threw his helmet when the medical staff wanted to keep him out of the game whose victory had long been determined.
After the game against Idaho State, the Buffs head into a brutal schedule that includes games on the road against Michigan, Oregon, USC and Stanford. These are not the teams you want to play against with a backup QB with NO MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE.
If the Buffs and MacIntyre (and Liufau) hold form against Idaho State, Montez will get a handful of plays in a big win, playing only with the 2nd and 3rd string. They will head into the meat of their schedule with Sefo and no experience behind him.
Does Mac even realize that Sefo graduates this year? Does Sefo care about the Buffs nearly as much as his own stats and insistence on playing every down? If the Buffs make it to a bowl game this year, chances are that a backup QB will be called upon to save their butts if and when Sefo gets dinged up.
If the Buffs don't make it to a bowl game, chances are that MacIntyre will be looking for new employment, and Liufau will go down as the most losing quarterback in Colorado and Pac-12 history. Yes, football is a team sport and the quarterback is just a small part... but it is the most important part.
BUT... with the glory comes the blame when you fail to win when you are a QB or a head coach. Rewriting the record books doesn't mean anything if you can't win enough games.
It seems kind of fitting that many of the records that Liufau (under MacIntyre) has broken were set by Cody Hawkins, the son of former CU coach Dan Hawkins. Cody and Sefo are all over the record books, but no one with any knowledge of CU football history would have either of them anywhere near the top half dozen quarterback since the first Coach Mac (Bill McCartney) roamed the sidelines. And it hasn't been that long (34 years).
Mr. George, it is time that you let MacIntyre know that the best thing for Colorado is to prepare a backup QB so that he is ready when called upon. Even if Sefo stays healthy this year, he is gone after this season.
The Colorado Buffaloes need to prepare for a team without Sefo, and possibly, without Mike MacIntyre. The Buffs will go on without them, but next year (and maybe this year) will look a whole lot more promising with a well-prepared backup.
That is why I would suggest that both MacIntyre and Sefo Liufau sit out the first half against Idaho State. The Pac-12 has a history of eating up QB's who are thrown to the wolves.
As head coach, MacIntyre gets paid a lot of money to watch out for the entire team. As QB and a multi-year captain, Sefo Liufau needs to think about the entire team first instead of his own stats. A good message to both of them would be to have them sit out the first half against Idaho State.
The Buffs are in NO DANGER of losing no matter who plays QB. Therefore, let Montez play with the first string, and get a chance to work on his timing with the fast guys. He'll also be playing against the first string (An FCS first string, for sure, but better than FCS 3rd stringers). And no matter how well Montez plays against Idaho State, the speed at which the Trojans, Duck, Wolverines, and the Palo Alto Trees play will be eye opening if he is forced to play. Sort of like being fed to the wolves
Not much chance Mac and Sefo sitting out will happen, I realize, but I am waiting with bated breath for the other shoe to drop when the Buffs actually need a backup QB to win a game. I am quite sure there are coaches on the CU staff (other than Mac and Lindgren) who think the backup QB's should be prepared.
As always, GO BUFFS!
Mark Rubi
Boulderdevil
Thursday, September 1, 2016
CU Buffs: Reasons for Optimism... and an Epic Beatdown of the CSU Rams
The defense was vastly improved last year even though defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt and Joe Tumpkin did not join the Buffs until right before spring training. With a full year to evaluate talent and gear their defense to take best advantage of the Buffs' skill-set, L+T have put together the Buffs best defensive unit in a decade.
Making the job easier for the defensive gurus is the return of three key components. Man-mountain nose tackle Josh Tupou (6-3, 32 lbs) returns from suspension and will be a force to be reckoned with anchoring the defensive front. At linebacker, the return of Addison Gillam should be a huge factor. Coaches and fans are hoping that Gillam has recovered enough to return to his Freshman All-American form. And in the defensive backfield, tackling machine Ryan Moeller is starting at free safety after missing most of last season due to injuries received in a scary moped accident. Their collective impacts should be immense.
Returning offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren has rightfully taken a lot of heat over the last three years for the Buffs' inability to find an offensive identity other than being wholly predictable in their play calling. But head coach Mike MacIntyre came to the rescue and hired fireball Darrin Chiaverini as co-offensive coordinator. Lindgren's quiet and cerebral yin and Chiaverini's innovative and emotionally fire-charged yang have come together to give the Buffs something that has been missing for many years.
On the strength and conditioning front, Mac made a home-run hire in Drew Wilson following last season. Wilson combines the intellectual knowledge of the old S&C coach, with leadership and motivation that had long been missing from the program. The players rave about Lewis and what he has brought to the Buffs.
And, finally, after months and months of rehab following his devastating Lisfranc foot fracture, QB Sefo Liufau is back in the saddle and ready to go for the season. One of the good things to come out of the rehab was that Liufau's ongoing shoulder injury that had hampered him for more than a year is now also completely healed. He's also lost weight while gaining strength and coaches and players alike rave about how much more zip the QB seems to have on the ball. Playing without pain for the first time in several years, Liufau is looking to lead the Buffs to their first bowl game since 2007.
Yes, there are reasons to be very optimistic about the University of Colorado football team this year. If all goes accordingly, the Buffs should put a beating on Colorado State to open the season in a manner that hasn't been seen since 2001, when the Buffs handed the Rams a 41-14 loss.
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