All Buff fans know that the Colorado football team has been having a tough time for a good long while now. 2007 was the last time that CU managed to win half their games and qualify for a bowl game.
That Independence Bowl game following the 2007 season was a pivotal point for two programs with great histories. The Colorado Buffs and the Alabama Crimson Tide entered the game with identical 6-6 records. The Tide prevailed 30-24 in a close game that was supposed to be the start of good things for both programs.
It was the turning point for Alabama under Nick Saban, as they went on to win 3 of the next 5 National Championships, and are now considered to be the most dominant program in the country.
What about Colorado? Following a rare road win in 2007 against Texas Tech, the Buffs went on to lose 23 straight games played on the road, not counting neutral site games. They haven's been to a bowl game since the clash with Alabama.
They finally broke that string at the end of the 2011 season when they managed to take down Utah on the road in the season finale. Their next road game took the Buffs to Fresno State, where they gave up 35 points in the first quarter on their way to losing 69-14.
They were on their way to being blown out again the next week at Washington State when the Cougars pulled one of the biggest meltdowns in conference history by giving up a 20 point lead in the final 7 minutes of the game and losing to CU. If nothing else, that gave the Buffs 2 wins out of their previous three road trips. That winning percentage would not hold up, however, as the Buffs had lost every road game since then until...
Colorado 41, UMass 38
Forget the fact that Colorado was a 17 point favorite going into the game.
Forget that since the Minutemen had joined the FBS, they had a combined record of 2-23.
Forget everything about UMass, and remember that road victories for the Buffs don't happen very often. That being the case, Buff fans should savor this victory because it might be a good long time before they see another one.
In fact, it might be a good long time before the Buffs see a victory of any kind. Arizona State's potent offense, led by chief gunslinger Taylor Kelly, is champing at the bit to get on the field with the Buffs. Even Hawaii, who comes to Boulder the week after the Sun Devils, is greatly improved. Their one point loss to a top 25 Pac-12 team in the first game of the season has them thinking that the Buffs might be ripe for the taking. And after that, it's nothing but Pac-12 level offenses and defenses for the Buffs to contend with.
For one week, at least, Buff fans and players should enjoy the knowledge that the team won one on the road. Enjoy the feeling. You never know when you'll be able to feel it again.
Showing posts with label Fresno State. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fresno State. Show all posts
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Colorado Should Look to the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors to Make Up Lost Fresno State Game
Colorado athletic director Rick George has his hands full trying to get someone, ANYONE, to come to Boulder on October 19th to fill in for the Fresno State game, which was lost to unprecedented flooding in Boulder and much of Eastern Colorado. Perhaps he should do what mankind has done for millennia by looking for the Rainbows following the rain. The Honolulu Star Advertiser reports that CU and Hawaii are still in negotiations for this possibility.
The Hawaii Rainbows are one of 29 teams which are available to play on the Buffs' last remaining bye week in October. What makes UH such an intriguing option is that CU is already scheduled to play the Rainbows next year here in Boulder. CU should offer to switch the locations for the games. Let the Rainbow Warriors come to Boulder this year, and switch the game next year to Aloha Stadium.
The Hawaii Rainbows are one of 29 teams which are available to play on the Buffs' last remaining bye week in October. What makes UH such an intriguing option is that CU is already scheduled to play the Rainbows next year here in Boulder. CU should offer to switch the locations for the games. Let the Rainbow Warriors come to Boulder this year, and switch the game next year to Aloha Stadium.
Making this move does several wonderful things.
- It allows the Buffaloes a chance to play a 6th home game this year.
- It brings needed revenue to the program and the city of Boulder following the 100-year flood.
- It will serve as a reward for most of the team and Mike MacIntyre's staff for their hard work in getting through the disaster and starting the rebuilding process for a team that went 1-11 the year before. To put that in perspective, no matter what the Buffs do the rest of the year, it will be an improvement on last year. Better yet, these Buffs are aiming high and looking to make a bowl game THIS year. A trip to Hawaii next season would be a great reward.
- Adding a road game to Hawaii next season would allow the Buffs to add another home game, since the NCAA generally allows teams that play at Hawaii to schedule a 13th game.
- Adding a 13th game next year gives the Buffs yet another chance to have enough wins to play in a bowl game.
- Adding a 13th game will also allow Fresno State the chance to come back next year and finish their series with CU instead of stretching the process out several more years.
Git-R-Done!
Monday, September 16, 2013
29 Teams Colorado COULD Play October 19th to Make Up For Lost Fresno State Game
Massive floodwaters are still raging high in Colorado. Those 100-year floodwaters forced the postponement of the CU game vs. Fresno State this past weekend. Today, new athletic director Rick George looks to find a way to re-schedule Fresno State or find another opponent to come to Boulder on the Buffs' bye week of October 19th.
Colorado faced a very large financial shortfall last year and desperately needs the revenue which would have been brought in had the Fresno State game not been postponed by the natural disaster.
Colorado faced a very large financial shortfall last year and desperately needs the revenue which would have been brought in had the Fresno State game not been postponed by the natural disaster.
Schools which are scheduled for a bye week on October 19th.
Air Force
Alabama-Birmingham
Arkansas State
Boston College
Bowling Green
Florida Atlantic
Florida International
Hawaii
Idaho
Kansas State
Kentucky
Louisiana-Monroe
Marshall
Middle Tennessee
Mississippi State
Nebraska
North Carolina State
Penn State
Rutgers
San Diego State
San Jose State
South Carolina
Texas
Texas-El Paso (UTEP)
Texas-San Antonio
Troy
Tulane
Tulsa
Virginia Tech
Since the NCAA generally limits the number of games played to 12 (not counting conference championship games), any team willing to come in would have to get the extra game approved by them.
Historically, however, the NCAA has allowed teams which have played an away game at Hawaii to add an additional game. Both San Jose State and San Diego State play away games at Hawaii this year. That being the case, they would certainly seem to face the least amount of red tape from the NCAA if they would be willing to travel to Boulder.
Both teams already play a Pac-12 team this year. SJS played Stanford in week 2, and SDS plays Oregon State this week. Oregon State is Colorado's next scheduled opponent. Another connection for San Jose State is that Colorado head coach Mike MacIntyre is the former head coach for SJS, and the man who rebuilt the program into a top 25 team in 2012.
Historically speaking, the teams from Texas, Nebraska and Kansas State offer the chance to play someone with a conference history with Colorado. The Buffs are scheduled to play Nebraska four times from 2018-24. Each team will have two home games.
Closest at hand would be a game with Air Force. No costly air travel would be required, and it would give the federal government a chance to help out the University of Colorado without writing a check.
Rick George faces an arduous task in getting something done to help Colorado secure another game this year. Here's to hoping the NCAA does its part to smooth the process.
Friday, September 13, 2013
PAC-12 UPDATE: Colorado Football Game Against Fresno State Postponed
University of Colorado officials finally came to their senses today by postponing Saturday's scheduled football game against the Fresno State Bulldogs. Even though Boulder and 150 miles of Colorado's front range were fighting through a storm categorized as somewhere between a 100-500 year storm, campus officials had steadfastly maintained that the game would go on because Folsom Field was in "great shape."
Fortunately, the rain stopped for a bit and sun came out. This allowed helicopters that had been grounded throughout the storm to get up and finally reveal the horrible devastation wrought by the disaster which dropped as much moisture in a few short days as Boulder and surrounding areas typically see over an entire year. Faced with the grim reality of the Colorado catastrophe, Chancellor Philip DiStefano opted to postpone the game and not put added stress on a city and area literally struggling to keep their heads above water.
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper announced that President Barack Obama had signed the designation of the Colorado flooding as a national disaster.
Colorado Athletic Director Rick George and Head Coach Mike MacIntyre fully supported the decision by DiStefano. According to MacIntyre, although the team expressed a strong desire to compete, they were "all 100 percent in agreement” with the decision.
Colorado and Fresno State officials will meet soon to discuss when the game could be made up. Colorado has two bye weeks scheduled this year, while Fresno State has one. Unfortunately, none of the bye weeks coincide.
The teams could possibly play a game on December 7th, but that is the date the Pac-12 and the Mountain West Conference each play their championship game. It would be considered shocking for the Buffaloes to make the Pac-12 championship game as the South representative, the Bulldogs are favorites to represent their division of the Mountain West. If that date does not work out, the schools may have to put off the game for a year or two.
Fortunately, the rain stopped for a bit and sun came out. This allowed helicopters that had been grounded throughout the storm to get up and finally reveal the horrible devastation wrought by the disaster which dropped as much moisture in a few short days as Boulder and surrounding areas typically see over an entire year. Faced with the grim reality of the Colorado catastrophe, Chancellor Philip DiStefano opted to postpone the game and not put added stress on a city and area literally struggling to keep their heads above water.
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper announced that President Barack Obama had signed the designation of the Colorado flooding as a national disaster.
Colorado Athletic Director Rick George and Head Coach Mike MacIntyre fully supported the decision by DiStefano. According to MacIntyre, although the team expressed a strong desire to compete, they were "all 100 percent in agreement” with the decision.
Colorado and Fresno State officials will meet soon to discuss when the game could be made up. Colorado has two bye weeks scheduled this year, while Fresno State has one. Unfortunately, none of the bye weeks coincide.
The teams could possibly play a game on December 7th, but that is the date the Pac-12 and the Mountain West Conference each play their championship game. It would be considered shocking for the Buffaloes to make the Pac-12 championship game as the South representative, the Bulldogs are favorites to represent their division of the Mountain West. If that date does not work out, the schools may have to put off the game for a year or two.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Flooding in Boulder Threatens Football Game Against Fresno State
It's just a game. That is quickly becoming the mantra regarding the University of Colorado Buffaloes football game scheduled for Saturday against the Fresno State Bulldogs. CU is closed today while officials evaluate damage to the campus that has affected nearly every building. There has been flooding in dorms and some 500 people living in family housing on campus have been evacuated. The City and County of Boulder are on Emergency Alert.
Sometimes it takes the wrath of Mother Nature to remind us that the things we do for entertainment pale in comparison to real world issues, especially when they slap us in the face. More than 10 inches of rain have fallen on Boulder and the University of Colorado over the last several days, including an estimated 6-8 inches overnight. On top of that, the rain continues and is expected to drop several more inches today and tomorrow.
The damage inflicted by the massive storm has not been limited to Boulder. Much of Eastern Colorado has felt its wrath. Lyons to the North of Boulder is effectively an island, with every road in and out closed by floodwaters, debris and washed out roads. In the mountain towns just west of Boulder, waters have washed away buildings and homes. So far, at least two deaths have been attributed to the 100 year-storm. With the light of day, the true extent of the damage is becoming evident.
The CU Buffs football team is 2-0 for the first time in 5 years, and after the nightmare 2012 season in which they went 1-11, the players have been fired up to play a Bulldog team which completely destroyed them last season by a score of 69-14. This CU team has improved greatly since last year, and the team has been anxious to show that improvement against a FSU team which is ranked #27 in the country.
All the desires and plans for the game by the players and head coach Mike MacIntyre and his staff might have to redirected toward helping CU and Boulder recover from the worst rains Boulder has ever experienced. The amount of precipitation Boulder and CU have received in the last 72 hours is roughly the same as they would normally get in an entire year (around 16 inches). Forecasts call for several more inches in the next 48 hours. It could be less than that, but it could also be much more.
There have been no official statements from CU about the status of the game that is scheduled for kickoff shortly after noon on Saturday. This does not mean that the officials do not think it is important, it just means they have more important things to worry about right now. Not just the condition of the buildings on campus, but more importantly, the safety of the students and staff at the state's flagship university.
More and more, even the question about whether to play is met with incredulous stares. This is just as it should be. After all, it IS just a game.
Sometimes it takes the wrath of Mother Nature to remind us that the things we do for entertainment pale in comparison to real world issues, especially when they slap us in the face. More than 10 inches of rain have fallen on Boulder and the University of Colorado over the last several days, including an estimated 6-8 inches overnight. On top of that, the rain continues and is expected to drop several more inches today and tomorrow.
The damage inflicted by the massive storm has not been limited to Boulder. Much of Eastern Colorado has felt its wrath. Lyons to the North of Boulder is effectively an island, with every road in and out closed by floodwaters, debris and washed out roads. In the mountain towns just west of Boulder, waters have washed away buildings and homes. So far, at least two deaths have been attributed to the 100 year-storm. With the light of day, the true extent of the damage is becoming evident.
The CU Buffs football team is 2-0 for the first time in 5 years, and after the nightmare 2012 season in which they went 1-11, the players have been fired up to play a Bulldog team which completely destroyed them last season by a score of 69-14. This CU team has improved greatly since last year, and the team has been anxious to show that improvement against a FSU team which is ranked #27 in the country.
All the desires and plans for the game by the players and head coach Mike MacIntyre and his staff might have to redirected toward helping CU and Boulder recover from the worst rains Boulder has ever experienced. The amount of precipitation Boulder and CU have received in the last 72 hours is roughly the same as they would normally get in an entire year (around 16 inches). Forecasts call for several more inches in the next 48 hours. It could be less than that, but it could also be much more.
There have been no official statements from CU about the status of the game that is scheduled for kickoff shortly after noon on Saturday. This does not mean that the officials do not think it is important, it just means they have more important things to worry about right now. Not just the condition of the buildings on campus, but more importantly, the safety of the students and staff at the state's flagship university.
More and more, even the question about whether to play is met with incredulous stares. This is just as it should be. After all, it IS just a game.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Pac-12 Football: Colorado's Road to Respectability a Combination of Autobahn Speeds and Road Contruction Woes
After suffering through the worst year ever for Colorado Buffaloes football in 2012, perhaps it is still a bit too early to hope for an easy win. Easy or not, though, Mike MacIntyre's Buffs improved their season record to 2-0 after scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter to come back from a 7 point deficit to Central Arkansas. The final score at Folsom Field was 38-24.
Just about everyone conceded that the road to rebuilding Colorado Football by Mac and staff would have a fair share of bumps and detours. Two games in, that is certainly the case. The difference this year from prior years is that the Buffaloes do not fold when the going gets tough. On the contrary, to borrow a boxing term, when these Buffs get knocked to the canvas they get right back up and start swinging.
In both games, late heroics were enough to pull out victories. Colorado scored 18 points in the fourth quarter in game one against CSU, and bettered that with the 21 points in the final stanza against Central Arkansas. The 39 points scored by CU in the last quarter this year is near the top of the NCAA rankings. Last year, the Buffs scored an average of 17.8 points per GAME. This year, the Buffs are beating that by nearly two points in just the fourth QUARTER!
Overall, the Buffs are averaging 39 points per game. That puts CU at 33rd in the country in scoring. Last year, they were 120th! Paul Richardson is the #1 receiver in the country with 417 yards, 4 touchdown and 21 catches. Connor Wood is 7th in the country in passing, while last year the Buffs finished 99th in that category. While the Buffaloes are still looking for a breakout game on the ground, the passing game has more than made up for it so far this season.
On the defensive side of the ball, the difference has been just as dramatic. Last year, the Buffs had just three interceptions the entire year. That was bad enough to have them ranked 122nd in the country. This year, they equaled that total in one game against Central Arkansas. Moreover, they returned two of the interceptions for touchdowns. After two games, the Buffs are tied for #2 in the country. Add the fumble recovery for a touchdown by Greg Henderson in game one, and the Buffs Defense is averaging 1.5 TD's per game.
Does that mean everything is going smoothly for the Buffs in 2013? Not by a long shot. The kickoff return coverage is so bad that Buffs are by far the worst in the country. Right now it is so bad that kicking the ball out of bounds on purpose to let the opponent start their series on the 35 yard line would be a significant improvement. As for punting, only the mad skills of All-American candidate Darragh O'Neill has kept the punt return stats from being as bad as the kickoff returns.
Strangely enough, other than on kick and punt returns, the overall tackling of these Buffs has been light years better than last year. Coach Mac and special teams coach Toby Neinas are working feverishly to rectify the situation. Neinas is no newbie in the profession, with more than 15 years on his resume. Chances are that some fine tuning on proper lane coverage will eventually lead CU back to respectability. If not that, Buff fans can hope that the team at least gets to the point the every kick does not lead to serious hand wringing.
Through two games in 2013, the Buffs road to respectability has been a combination of Autobahn speeds and road construction woes. So far, the improvements in offense and defense have allowed CU to win despite the setbacks on special teams and rushing. They are working hard, but they knew it wouldn't be clear sailing the entire way, not this early in the process.
This week the Buffs face a Fresno State team which decimated them last year by a score of a score of 69-14. It is obviously a major step up in competition. These Buffs are a drastic improvement over last year, most notably in their hearts and dedication. They may not beat this FS team which is close to joining the Top 25, but their hearts will be in it to the very end. They may take some damaging shots, and even find themselves on the canvas, but they will land some haymakers of their own. Indeed, count on them to start earning back the respect that disappeared last year in Fresno.
Just about everyone conceded that the road to rebuilding Colorado Football by Mac and staff would have a fair share of bumps and detours. Two games in, that is certainly the case. The difference this year from prior years is that the Buffaloes do not fold when the going gets tough. On the contrary, to borrow a boxing term, when these Buffs get knocked to the canvas they get right back up and start swinging.
In both games, late heroics were enough to pull out victories. Colorado scored 18 points in the fourth quarter in game one against CSU, and bettered that with the 21 points in the final stanza against Central Arkansas. The 39 points scored by CU in the last quarter this year is near the top of the NCAA rankings. Last year, the Buffs scored an average of 17.8 points per GAME. This year, the Buffs are beating that by nearly two points in just the fourth QUARTER!
Overall, the Buffs are averaging 39 points per game. That puts CU at 33rd in the country in scoring. Last year, they were 120th! Paul Richardson is the #1 receiver in the country with 417 yards, 4 touchdown and 21 catches. Connor Wood is 7th in the country in passing, while last year the Buffs finished 99th in that category. While the Buffaloes are still looking for a breakout game on the ground, the passing game has more than made up for it so far this season.
On the defensive side of the ball, the difference has been just as dramatic. Last year, the Buffs had just three interceptions the entire year. That was bad enough to have them ranked 122nd in the country. This year, they equaled that total in one game against Central Arkansas. Moreover, they returned two of the interceptions for touchdowns. After two games, the Buffs are tied for #2 in the country. Add the fumble recovery for a touchdown by Greg Henderson in game one, and the Buffs Defense is averaging 1.5 TD's per game.
Does that mean everything is going smoothly for the Buffs in 2013? Not by a long shot. The kickoff return coverage is so bad that Buffs are by far the worst in the country. Right now it is so bad that kicking the ball out of bounds on purpose to let the opponent start their series on the 35 yard line would be a significant improvement. As for punting, only the mad skills of All-American candidate Darragh O'Neill has kept the punt return stats from being as bad as the kickoff returns.
Strangely enough, other than on kick and punt returns, the overall tackling of these Buffs has been light years better than last year. Coach Mac and special teams coach Toby Neinas are working feverishly to rectify the situation. Neinas is no newbie in the profession, with more than 15 years on his resume. Chances are that some fine tuning on proper lane coverage will eventually lead CU back to respectability. If not that, Buff fans can hope that the team at least gets to the point the every kick does not lead to serious hand wringing.
Through two games in 2013, the Buffs road to respectability has been a combination of Autobahn speeds and road construction woes. So far, the improvements in offense and defense have allowed CU to win despite the setbacks on special teams and rushing. They are working hard, but they knew it wouldn't be clear sailing the entire way, not this early in the process.
This week the Buffs face a Fresno State team which decimated them last year by a score of a score of 69-14. It is obviously a major step up in competition. These Buffs are a drastic improvement over last year, most notably in their hearts and dedication. They may not beat this FS team which is close to joining the Top 25, but their hearts will be in it to the very end. They may take some damaging shots, and even find themselves on the canvas, but they will land some haymakers of their own. Indeed, count on them to start earning back the respect that disappeared last year in Fresno.
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