In around two hours, Ralphie the Buffalo will lead the CU Buffs onto Folsom Field as they take the field against the UMass Minutemen. Last year the Minutemen held an 11 point lead in the second half before the Buffs rallied to a three point victory at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
It was one of only two victories for the Buffs in 2014. The other was against Hawaii, who got their revenge last week as the Buffs fell 28-20 against the Rainbow Warriors.
The Buffs came into the season brimming with confidence and spoke openly about a bowl game at the end of the season. A month's worth of miscues (or, as head coach Mike MacIntyre put it, "shooting themselves in the foot, the leg, the head") doomed the Buffs to their 9th straight loss despite a strong effort from the revitalized defense under Jim Leavitt.
The Buffs enter this game knowing that any loss before the beginning of Pac-12 play pretty much dooms this team to yet another losing year. No bowl, no nothing. That means the Buffs have to hold serve against the Minutemen, CSU next week, and then a school called Nicholls before taking on the Pac-12. To paraphrase Stuart Whitehair over at "CU at the Game" -- Who the hell is Nicholls?
The Buffs are steadfastly claiming that they have not lost their confidence. That is good. Unfortunately, the head coach and offensive coordinator (and the Special Teams guy) all seem to think there was nothing wrong last week. They seem to be in some serious denial.
MacIntyre claims that Hawaii was able to put "a little bit of pressure" on quarterback Sefo Liufau. The reality? Four sacks, numerous knockdowns, little time to throw, and unplanned scrambles because the blocking schemes were a mess. If that only qualifies as "a little bit" most fans shudder to think what it will be like when the Buffs play a top defensive team.
OC Brian Lindgren sees no problem with the Buffs play calling last week, despite the fact that the team averaged only 4 yards a play both running and passing the ball. That's pretty scary when you throw the ball 40 times and only get 159 yards for the effort. Lindgren also completely abandoned the running game after starting to dominate on the ground. The offense also wasted two of three timeouts for no apparent reason, and as the game was winding down, seemed completely oblivious to the fact the clock was running. Sure, the refs botched the last play, but that was to be expected because they were pretty awful all day.
Fans all hope that special teams doesn't do all it can to lose the game. To take a quote from the movie "The Big Chill" (they were watching the Michigan game and making many mistakes) -- "Come on, Bo (Schembechler) , teach 'em the basics!" Just insert Toby (Neinas) for Bo.
Expect the defense to take it to Mass. They know that they might be ones needing to score points if Lindgren and Neinas put the Buffs in a hole again. Mike MacIntyre does not usually panic, but if the Buffs come up short today he will need to start working on his resume.
Showing posts with label UMass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UMass. Show all posts
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Big Dogs Beware: Colorado Poised to Turn Corner Against Pac-12 Foes
In every conference, they have what are commonly referred to as the "Big Dogs" which dominate conference play. When you play in the Pac-12, those big dogs are a pack of six schools which do fairly well on an almost annual basis during the football season.
The Big Dogs of Pac-12 football these days are (alphabetically):
In fact, in only one of those 17 games did one of those Big Dogs fail to score at least 42 points. Washington won in 2012 by 38-3. The three points scored by the Buffs in that game were not the worst they had done. The Oregon Ducks beat CU 45-2 in 2011, and Stanford shut out the Buffs 48-0 in 2012.
What's the point? In all 17 of those games, Colorado was completely manhandled in every phase of the game. In most cases, the Buffs were going up against 2nd and 3rd stringers after halftime. The stat sheets after those games showed Colorado giving up massive amounts of yards as well as points.
That all changed this past Saturday night against the Arizona State Sun Devils. Colorado was not only "in" the game until the very end, but had completely dominated the stat sheets following the first quarter. The Buffs put an astounding 523 yards on the Sun Devils in the final three quarters, while holding ASU to 204 yards in that time. The ASU starters (not counting injuries) were on the field the entire game.
Unfortunately, the Buffs committed three turnovers which led directly to 14 points for the Sun Devils. Take those away, and you have a tie game. More importantly, one of the interceptions should have gone for a touchdown for Colorado. Nelson Spruce was WIDE open deep down the field, but the moonball toss to him was so high that the ASU safety was able to come from all the way across the defensive backfield to intercept the ball. What should have been a Colorado touchdown instead led to an Arizona State touchdown.
Later, right after Colorado had cut a 17-0 deficit into a 17-14 nail-biter, the Buffs fumbled the ball deep in their own end and gave the Sun Devils a 7-point gift to put them down by 10 again at the half. The Sun Devils took the opening kickoff and scored another touchdown and were once again up by 17. Although Colorado dominated both sides of the ball for the rest of the game, the 17 points were too many to overcome. Colorado lost 38-24.
While some fair-weather fans bemoaned yet another loss, the more astute Colorado fans noted that the Buffs had played one of the conference "Big Dogs" tough for the very first time since joining the Pac-12. They noted that Colorado was equal or superior in most of the statistical categories against the Sun Devils. The two parts that ASU won, however, determined the outcome. The Sun Devils won the turnover battle and the final score.
The Buffs almost doubled their average score against the "Big Dogs" and also held the Sun Devils to a tie for the least amount of points scored against them by the big six. The 14 point loss was far and away the closest game against any of those teams. Remember, the Buffs average loss to the Big Dogs was by 37 points.
Head Coach Mike MacIntyre and his players have said time and again that they are not looking for moral victories. That is good. They are pursuing real wins against conference opponents. In three years in the Pac-12, the Buffs have defeated 4 conference teams one time apiece. They have beaten Arizona, California, Utah and Washington State.
The way the Buffs played indicates that they are ready to be competitive on a regular basis against conference foes. After a 4-24 record in three years against Pac-12 teams since they joined the conference, being competitive is a MAJOR step up.
The Buffs may not win six games this year to become bowl eligible. Buff fans have to remember that two of last year's four wins came against lower division FCS teams. There are none of those teams on this year's schedule.
Remember that UMass played Boston College tough for 30 minutes and only trailed 7-6 at the half. That is the same Boston College team that whipped USC last weekend. Colorado had to come back to beat UMass, but they did come back and win.
Hawaii only has a record of 1-2 coming into the game this weekend, but their two losses were very close games against Pac-12 opponents. Norm Chow is a great coach and the Rainbow Warriors are a much better team than people think. The Buffs will have to play hardnose and smart football to beat them.
This writer has been watching the Buffs for 30 years now, many of them as a season ticket holder. I have travelled to see them play. I have been to bowl games. I was there for some of the best times and teams in Colorado history. I have also seen some of the worst times.
For the first time in a long time, I am hopeful and proud of the way the Buffs have started to improve. I see good things ahead for these young men. College football is not as simple as it used to be. Learning from one coaching staff is difficult enough. Some of these young men are on their 3rd, but their hard work and the teaching ability of the coaching staff is finally start to pay dividends.
Look for that investment to begin paying off very soon. These Buffs CAN play in the Pac-12, and if last week was any indication, they can also put up a fight against the Big Dogs!
The Big Dogs of Pac-12 football these days are (alphabetically):
- Arizona State
- Oregon
- Stanford
- UCLA
- USC
- Washington
In fact, in only one of those 17 games did one of those Big Dogs fail to score at least 42 points. Washington won in 2012 by 38-3. The three points scored by the Buffs in that game were not the worst they had done. The Oregon Ducks beat CU 45-2 in 2011, and Stanford shut out the Buffs 48-0 in 2012.
What's the point? In all 17 of those games, Colorado was completely manhandled in every phase of the game. In most cases, the Buffs were going up against 2nd and 3rd stringers after halftime. The stat sheets after those games showed Colorado giving up massive amounts of yards as well as points.
That all changed this past Saturday night against the Arizona State Sun Devils. Colorado was not only "in" the game until the very end, but had completely dominated the stat sheets following the first quarter. The Buffs put an astounding 523 yards on the Sun Devils in the final three quarters, while holding ASU to 204 yards in that time. The ASU starters (not counting injuries) were on the field the entire game.
Unfortunately, the Buffs committed three turnovers which led directly to 14 points for the Sun Devils. Take those away, and you have a tie game. More importantly, one of the interceptions should have gone for a touchdown for Colorado. Nelson Spruce was WIDE open deep down the field, but the moonball toss to him was so high that the ASU safety was able to come from all the way across the defensive backfield to intercept the ball. What should have been a Colorado touchdown instead led to an Arizona State touchdown.
Later, right after Colorado had cut a 17-0 deficit into a 17-14 nail-biter, the Buffs fumbled the ball deep in their own end and gave the Sun Devils a 7-point gift to put them down by 10 again at the half. The Sun Devils took the opening kickoff and scored another touchdown and were once again up by 17. Although Colorado dominated both sides of the ball for the rest of the game, the 17 points were too many to overcome. Colorado lost 38-24.
While some fair-weather fans bemoaned yet another loss, the more astute Colorado fans noted that the Buffs had played one of the conference "Big Dogs" tough for the very first time since joining the Pac-12. They noted that Colorado was equal or superior in most of the statistical categories against the Sun Devils. The two parts that ASU won, however, determined the outcome. The Sun Devils won the turnover battle and the final score.
The Buffs almost doubled their average score against the "Big Dogs" and also held the Sun Devils to a tie for the least amount of points scored against them by the big six. The 14 point loss was far and away the closest game against any of those teams. Remember, the Buffs average loss to the Big Dogs was by 37 points.
Head Coach Mike MacIntyre and his players have said time and again that they are not looking for moral victories. That is good. They are pursuing real wins against conference opponents. In three years in the Pac-12, the Buffs have defeated 4 conference teams one time apiece. They have beaten Arizona, California, Utah and Washington State.
The way the Buffs played indicates that they are ready to be competitive on a regular basis against conference foes. After a 4-24 record in three years against Pac-12 teams since they joined the conference, being competitive is a MAJOR step up.
The Buffs may not win six games this year to become bowl eligible. Buff fans have to remember that two of last year's four wins came against lower division FCS teams. There are none of those teams on this year's schedule.
Remember that UMass played Boston College tough for 30 minutes and only trailed 7-6 at the half. That is the same Boston College team that whipped USC last weekend. Colorado had to come back to beat UMass, but they did come back and win.
Hawaii only has a record of 1-2 coming into the game this weekend, but their two losses were very close games against Pac-12 opponents. Norm Chow is a great coach and the Rainbow Warriors are a much better team than people think. The Buffs will have to play hardnose and smart football to beat them.
This writer has been watching the Buffs for 30 years now, many of them as a season ticket holder. I have travelled to see them play. I have been to bowl games. I was there for some of the best times and teams in Colorado history. I have also seen some of the worst times.
For the first time in a long time, I am hopeful and proud of the way the Buffs have started to improve. I see good things ahead for these young men. College football is not as simple as it used to be. Learning from one coaching staff is difficult enough. Some of these young men are on their 3rd, but their hard work and the teaching ability of the coaching staff is finally start to pay dividends.
Look for that investment to begin paying off very soon. These Buffs CAN play in the Pac-12, and if last week was any indication, they can also put up a fight against the Big Dogs!
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Colorado Buffs Win a Rare One on the Road
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.
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.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Buffs Go East Looking for a Win -- Will it Be Bad Medicine?
Colorado is coming off a bad loss to in-state rival Colorado State. It was the 2nd time in three years that the Buffs came back to Boulder from Denver with their tails between their legs. This week, the Buffs make their longest trip ever in the continental US to Boston / Foxborough to play UMass at the home of the New England Patriots.
All the pundits and writers this week point out that this game against the Minutemen will be the easiest of the season. That might be the kiss of death, however, as most of those same pundits prognosticated a dominating win for CU over CSU last week.
History does not look kindly on the Buffs. In 2012, after falling to CSU 22-17 in a much closer game than the one this past weekend, the Buffs and coach Jon Embree hosted Sacramento State (a FCS team) in Boulder. That year, the Buffs used the opportunity to beat on a team from a lower division by...
Losing 30-28 in one of the most embarrassing losses in Colorado history to that time.
Not many folks talk about that loss to Sacramento State now, because it was just the beginning of a run of ineptitude that haunts the program to this day. Over the next 10 games, the Buffs gave up 500 points! It could have been much worse, but many of the conference foes showed some mercy and called off the dogs.
The worry right now is how the Buffs will respond to their shellacking by CSU, in which the score did not really demonstrate how badly the Buffs were dominated. Earlier this week, head coach Mike MacIntyre opined that the Buffs "dominated for 65% of the time, and that CSU dominated for 45%" of the game. His numbers don't add up, nor does his analysis. The Buffs were dominated from 3 minutes into the 2nd quarter, and outscored 31-7 in that time. CSU achieved that by running the ball down the throats of the Colorado defense.
Some Buff faithful point at that CSU lost to Colorado last year, and then turned their season around and went on to win 8 out of 14 games, including a bowl victory over a Pac-12 team. They use that tidbit as motivation that Colorado can also turn their season around and still get to a bowl game.
Is is possible? Of course, anything is possible.
Is it likely? Not likely at all. Current odds show the Buffs listed at 225-1 against them winning the Pac-12. We share that distinction with Cal and Washington State at the bottom end of the scale.
Those wishing for the Buffs to make an appearance in a poll had their wish granted this week when Colorado was ranked #21 in one poll. Unfortunately, the poll was for the Bottom 25. Fortunately, CU gets to play a fellow traveller in the Bottom 25. UMass comes in at #14. Since it a rank of ineptitude, the higher ranking Minutemen will be 17 point underdogs to the Buffaloes.
No matter how this game goes, however, it will not serve as a true defining moment for the Colorado Buffs. That will come next week against Arizona State, when the Sun Devils come to Boulder.
Buff players and coaches are hoping they have one win under their belts before ASU shows up. If not, 2014 looks to be every bit as disgraceful as the 2012 squad that it led to Embree's firing and the hiring of MacIntyre.
Let the games begin!
All the pundits and writers this week point out that this game against the Minutemen will be the easiest of the season. That might be the kiss of death, however, as most of those same pundits prognosticated a dominating win for CU over CSU last week.
History does not look kindly on the Buffs. In 2012, after falling to CSU 22-17 in a much closer game than the one this past weekend, the Buffs and coach Jon Embree hosted Sacramento State (a FCS team) in Boulder. That year, the Buffs used the opportunity to beat on a team from a lower division by...
Losing 30-28 in one of the most embarrassing losses in Colorado history to that time.
Not many folks talk about that loss to Sacramento State now, because it was just the beginning of a run of ineptitude that haunts the program to this day. Over the next 10 games, the Buffs gave up 500 points! It could have been much worse, but many of the conference foes showed some mercy and called off the dogs.
The worry right now is how the Buffs will respond to their shellacking by CSU, in which the score did not really demonstrate how badly the Buffs were dominated. Earlier this week, head coach Mike MacIntyre opined that the Buffs "dominated for 65% of the time, and that CSU dominated for 45%" of the game. His numbers don't add up, nor does his analysis. The Buffs were dominated from 3 minutes into the 2nd quarter, and outscored 31-7 in that time. CSU achieved that by running the ball down the throats of the Colorado defense.
Some Buff faithful point at that CSU lost to Colorado last year, and then turned their season around and went on to win 8 out of 14 games, including a bowl victory over a Pac-12 team. They use that tidbit as motivation that Colorado can also turn their season around and still get to a bowl game.
Is is possible? Of course, anything is possible.
Is it likely? Not likely at all. Current odds show the Buffs listed at 225-1 against them winning the Pac-12. We share that distinction with Cal and Washington State at the bottom end of the scale.
Those wishing for the Buffs to make an appearance in a poll had their wish granted this week when Colorado was ranked #21 in one poll. Unfortunately, the poll was for the Bottom 25. Fortunately, CU gets to play a fellow traveller in the Bottom 25. UMass comes in at #14. Since it a rank of ineptitude, the higher ranking Minutemen will be 17 point underdogs to the Buffaloes.
No matter how this game goes, however, it will not serve as a true defining moment for the Colorado Buffs. That will come next week against Arizona State, when the Sun Devils come to Boulder.
Buff players and coaches are hoping they have one win under their belts before ASU shows up. If not, 2014 looks to be every bit as disgraceful as the 2012 squad that it led to Embree's firing and the hiring of MacIntyre.
Let the games begin!
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