WSU Primer

§  It’s the start of a new season, a very important game, another brick opportunity as the first Pac-12 game, and it’s one of the few winnable-looking games left on the schedule (maybe Arizona at home and at UCLA?).  Of course, WSU is thinking the exact same thing, that this is a road game they can and need to win in order to have a shot at a bowl game.  However, we actually opened as a 4-point favorite and it is staying right around 3, the general “home field” cushion.  It should be another beautiful Saturday in Boulder for another great football game.  We need to welcome in the Pac-12 era with a raucous crowd and help will the Buffs to a rare win.

§  The injury report for CU has grown and probably doesn’t even include a few names that could be there as well.  C Daniel Munyer is probable now and should play some; DE Goldberg and S Jaffee are both questionable. The CBs are a mess, with Sanderfseld, Vigo and Ewing out for a few games still, and Bell gone for the season; if TFr. Sherrard Harrington’s hip gets healthy, they may have to ask him to burn his redshirt and play in the coming weeks.

§  …So, Sr. RB Brian Lockridge went to coaches Tuesday and asked what he could do for the team his last nine weeks, if he could help at DB.  He has switched and with only one class this semester, he thinks he can learn most of the defensive playbook by the game-everything I have ever heard about him says he can and will accomplish what he sets his mind to.  That’s steppin’ up and being a leader for your team!

§  Bad stats: The Buffs are the most penalized team in the country at 88 yards per game (and remember that a ton have been declined because we still didn’t do well on the play).  They are also still dead last in kickoff returns at 13.85 yards per return.  Not much better on punt returns or, our supposed bread and butter, rushing (105^th at only 86.5 yards/game).  There are likely numerous other pathetic categories we could point out (3^rd down % for instance) but it might be too depressing to research and note.

§  It is somewhat difficult to judge WSU as they have played some pretty weak teams.  Although they have put up a lot of yards and points, they have given up a ton as well and didn’t look good after the opening TD in the loss to San Diego St.  With our DB injuries, it should be a high-scoring affair and fun to watch, as long as we have the slightly better end of it.

§  Washington St. will enter this game with a bye week off to heal their minor injuries (not QB Jeff Tuel yet though) and to prepare, study film of our first four games now and gameplan specifically for the Buffs.  For some teams this is a boost but there have been many teams that suffer from the extended layoff.  This is not a problem CU will encounter this season.

§  Wazzu and their coach Paul Wulff have never shied away from playing freshman (they have played at least 9 freshmen, 10 redshirt freshmen so far this year) and there are reports that TFr. LB/DE Logan Mayes might burn his redshirt to help get a pass rush on Tyler Hansen.

§  Special Teams has become a complete disaster outside of Wil Oliver and an occasional O’Neill booming punt; unfortunately, many of the rugby style punts have been a complete adventure.  The kickoffs have been poor, out of bounds, or short with shoddy coverage, giving up some huge returns.  As such, more starters will be playing the units this week and the foreseeable future, while fewer of the younger players will be getting time for now.  These have all compounded with many of the penalties to leave both the offense and defense with terrible field position; against OSU CU often started inside their own 15, while the Buckeyes often started in Buff territory.  This made it extremely difficult for both the defense and offense to do their jobs.  This is another area where I could probably dig up a bunch of depressing stats.

§  The offense actually did okay against OSU despite that terrible starting field position, but they had to start very deep and could not dig their way out.  They will (still) need to eliminate mistakes and get the running game going right from the start.  WSU has not been very good against the run and I certainly don’t expect to see 3 passes to open the first series.  As always, it will start with the O-line, who will be starting their 5^th different group of the season, with Bakhtiari LT, Handler at C and likely Dannewitz at RT, with Miller and Adkins at G.  This group has to limit holdings with no false starts, give some more consistent holes for Speedy and crew, as well as give some time to Tyler.  Then, he has to not overthrow his receivers and they have to catch the ball when it’s near them.  If P-Rich is doubled, take advantage and get others the ball-the Cougar DBs are not going to be as good or fast as the Buckeyes were.  This is a perfect game at home for the offense to finally breakout, without a plethora of mistakes, gaining and scoring both on the ground and through the air. 

§  The defense also did relatively well, holding the Buckeyes in check, but was on the field way too often with very short playing fields, including from the 5 once, and they just got worn out by the end of the game.  The front seven will need to have a strong game to take some pressure off the DBs, as the Cougs Sr. QB Marshall Lobbestael will be passing a lot, usually to four or five wideouts, starting with Marcus Wilson.  Deji will start across from Henderson, and we will see a lot of Terrel Smith, Josh Moten and even Jason Espinoza or Lockridge.  They can get some pressure on Lobbestael and some sacks, but everyone needs to stay in their lanes and not let him get free for big running plays.  We will give up some yardage and points to this team, but the key is to contain them and give the offense the ball.

§  At some point soon, maybe not this week, I would like to see some more of the younger players getting some PT, even burning more redshirts if need be.  We lose 28 seniors after this year, seniors who are not even playing that great and are not setting the example as leaders this year.  If there are going to be a ton of stupid mistakes, I guess I would rather have the young kids making them, learning from them, instead of seniors who have fossilized bad habits and are not going to change.  It is looking extremely doubtful that this team earns 15 bowl practices so let’s get them ready while we can!  If not now, then soon!  Here’s some possibilities:

1.       I am really ready to see an infusion of TEs into this offense!  When can we just give Thorton and Slavin a chance?  Give them a shot in a two-tight-end formation to see what they can do!  If they screw up, so what?  Then maybe they won’t do it next year when we will need to count on them. [Interestingly enough, tackle Alex Kelley got some reps as a blocking TE on Columbus; was that because Matt Bahr coughed it up and/or Thorton/Slavin are just terrible blockers?]

2.      Likewise, if Speedy is banged up then let Tony Jones get more work as he looked almost as good running and I don’t think he blew any big blocks.  How about giving Josh Ford a few carries;  these two guys will be carrying the load next year and there are no big time RBs waiting anywhere in the wings. 

3.      Is WR Nelson Spruce going to burn his redshirt?  If so, let’s do it now.

4.      I would even love to get Nick Hirschman a series or two a game at QB.

5.      Special Teams is a disaster!  If DD Goodson is going to play at all then let’s go!

6.      Kyle Washington and Wil Harlos are contributing on special teams as TFr. but I would like to see them get some time on defense as well.  Right now Terrell Smith is only other safety getting on field with whichever bunch of CBs is healthy at the moment.

7.      It was good to see Juda Parker and Brady Daigh out there on defense!  I want to see more of those guys and anyone else who will be counted on next year!  I don’t really want Tony Poremba on the D-line-I don’t see that he is doing more than anyone else but is getting lots of reps.

Maybe I am being a little hasty, but I am tired of seeing the same mistakes by the same “experienced” players who also made them the last few years.  The current recruiting class looks decent, but not spectacular by any means, and with so many seniors leaving, the guys on the sidelines now are the leaders of this team for the next couple of years.

§  No matter who Embree and the coaches decide to send out on Folsom Field (even if it’s only “30 guys” as he threatened earlier in the week), they have to be more disciplined and find a way to win a home game against a team they are favored against and should beat.  The alternative is undesirable, to say the least.

If you are one of those who still needs more before you head to Folsom…

§  This is the WSU homepage on the same network as Ralphie Report and they have a ton of material leading up to this game since they had a bye week before. http://www.cougcenter.com/

§  TIPS: http://www.cuatthegame.com/2011/preview-washington-state/

§  David G’s Key Matchups http://www.ralphiereport.com/2011/9/29/2457380/colorado-buffaloes-washington-state-cougars-key-match-ups

Overmatched

§  I guess the team and coaching staff didn’t read my blog or anything else published about coming out fast and strong.  Outside of an opening defensive 3 & out, CU did everything we said they could not afford to do:  gave up a big kickoff return to open the game (one of many nice returns to come); Tyler came out for three incompletions on the first drive (those were our scripted plays?  to come out and pass?) and they blew a chance to grab a touched punt again, leading to an all-run TD drive for OSU;  next Tyler fumbled and lost the exchange with Rodney;  they topped it off with a holding penalty (though only penalty of half) on the third possession.  Four 3 & outs offensively to start the game before …

§  …they finally put together a nice drive, with Rodney very involved, and scored on another Tyler zip to the endzone on 4^th & 1, this time to Clemons, to make it 17-7 with 2+ minutes to go.  But they couldn’t just leave it at 17-7 now could they?

§  On the following kickoff Justin Castor kicked it out of bounds AGAIN!?!?  What is his problem?  How hard is it to kick a squib that doesn’t leave a FIFTY-FIVE-yard strip of grass?!  If they want him to angle it, maybe they need to do some basic geometry so he understands its not a 90 degree angle they are looking for! The defense then made another nice stop (and Embree brilliantly called a timeout with less than 30 seconds)…only to have Rodney call for a fair catch at the 13, and actually try to catch it, when he should have been coached to just letting it go, with almost no time left in the half.  To compound the poor decision, Terrell Smith bumped into Stewart who coughed it up (still should have caught it!) and OSU recovered.  Very lucky to only give up field goal here.

§  In fact, they were very lucky, with all the mistakes, giving up so much rushing yardage, letting freshman QB Miller off way too easy, to only give up 20 for the half, down by less than 2 TDs and set to get the ball back to open the 2^nd half.

§  Embree said this game was a measuring stick, to see where they stand and how they match-up against a big-time program.  And I guess we all got the answer:  The Buffs are still too small, too slow and just not quite good enough to keep up with the big boys yet.  They have a very long, steep road to climb and I hope the younger players are ready to keep working for awhile.  Remember, this was a team that beat us handily, who is no longer ranked or in that top echelon of the NCAA, and was still missing numerous suspended starters, and we are a couple of steps down from them.

§  Special Teams resembles a Special Ed Pop Warner scrimmage with no coaches.  Outside of Wil Oliver’s perfection (6-for-6 on FGs and perfect PATs) there is not much to like in this phase:

1.      1 out of every 3 of Darragh O’Neil’s punts are boomers…but the other 2 are usually downright scary!  We are running scared with O’Neil and he can’t be at his best trying to learn from scratch three different ways of kicking the ball.  He said on his two rugby styles kicks he was trying to “tag” the OSU guys.  Is that what he is being coached to do?  If so, the rest of the team needs to know that, as he did get another “tag” but no CU player was aware or anywhere near to recover. 

2.    I hope if we ever need to do an onside kick that they will tell everybody to be ready and try to get the ball.  Oh yeah they did and OSU recovered easily.

3.    The coverage is awful, especially the 90-yard kickoff return that set up easy TD.

4.    We can’t buy a return yard of our own.  Kickoffs rarely are getting back to the 20, even when we are receiving it at the 5 or 6 (12.6 yd avg on 8 returns). 

5.     Punt returns are scary and have never netted more than 10 yards and are usually accompanied by a penalty if not dumb decision or blunder. 

6.    That play at the end of the half with Rodney and Terrell Smith says it all.

7.     Special teams blunders contributed directly to at least 17 points.

8.    Our field position is unbelievably bad!  OSU started 7 of 12 drives inside CU territory, plus 3 more beyond their 40.  I believe they ran more than half of their plays from our side of the field.

9.    We are becoming a total joke in this phase and Pac-12 teams will be licking their chops and game-planning to take advantage of us here every week.  

10. JD Brookhart may be an old friend of Embree’s with a lot of coaching experience but this is completely unacceptable at this level.  35 minutes per practice is obviously just not enough.

11.  And we cannot just blame this ineffectiveness on lack of speed alone.

§  Turns out Speedy has been bothered by a sore shoulder and is already just playing through the pain (not good and why was he returning punts then?!).  I realized we saw and heard very little from Parker Orms and turns out he left with more leg problems and didn’t play much; Deji Olatoye played decent in his place, although he was beaten for one of the TDs.  At least three others played through injury.  Embree hinted that they might sit some of those banged up guys but, “We don’t have that luxury.”  And it’s only the 4th game of 13 in a row.

§  Bakhtiari started at LT, Handler at C, Tau at RT; Ryan Dannewitz came in for Tau(injury or ineffectiveness?) in the 2^nd half and was not very good, getting beat easily around the end.

§  The Buff defensive line was manhandled by the OSU big uglies; Jordan Hall and company ran pretty much unabated and Braxton Miller was put under pressure only a few times and was able to make some pretty easy 3^rd down and TD throws.  While Doug Rippy again made some plays here and there, but nobody else really did much.  They just don’t have nearly enough talent on D to keep up with a team of this caliber.  It looked like Tony Poremba got the start at DE or Jack and that is scary that no one else is beating him out; Juda Parker did get a lot of PT also. 

§  Running QBs can take advantage and even less mobile Pac-12 QBs are watching for their opportunities to take off and run.  Miller only need to try a pass 15 times.  Darren Thomas and Oregon are salivating.

§  OSU LT Stugarts did get his mandatory false start.  OSU had more penalties in the first half but we more than made up the difference in the 2^nd half.

§  There was probably enough talent on CU’s offense to compete but they just screwed themselves over and over again.  For example, Keenan Canty got in the game, made a 1^st down catch, but, oh wait, he was lined up wrong-penalty! He didn’t play for awhile after getting chewed out by Embree, but he did get back in and even got a chance to return a punt late.   They also did not get many people outside of the big names (Stewart, P-Rich, Clemons, Deehan) involved in the game plan until very late; Buckeye DBs blanketed our receivers and Tyler didn’t have much to throw to.  Tony Jones, Logan Gray and Tyler McCulloch were silent until that last drive when OSU was in a soft zone.  Once again they were terrible on 3^rd down.

§  Hansen was pretty good, scrambling to buy time, making some good throws.  However, he did not have the type of game the Buffs needed, fumbling the exchange with Rodney was all on Hansen, more overthrows and a couple of just bad passes, and just he did not lead the offense.

§   Some of the offensive struggles are obviously also on EB and the coaches, as their game plan was just not that good to go against this defense.  We didn’t use the screen that much, especially early, and they were ready for it when we tried it late.  The receivers never really got separation.  The O-line never gave great protection, even without heavy blitzing, as Tyler had to scramble a lot, nor did they give Speedy much to work with.  Most of all, the defense never seemed surprised by anything and played most of the game in its base.

§  Another really weak start all around. In four 1^st quarters, the Buffs have been outscored 60-27 so far.  That is just too much British Open rough and sand trap to dig out of after every drive.

§  Nine more penalties, 37 on the year.  Too many yards to count, plus a ton have also been declined.

§  This game might just be our best recruiting tool for some blue chippers who can come in here and earn playing time immediately. We are graduating 28 seniors, have very few juniors and a ton of jobs are going to up for grabs next year.  I hope to see a name or two commit in the coming weeks, citing early playing time as a reason.

§  The Dark Years instilled so many bad habits that this team is not able to unlearn them.  Many of these mistakes are being made by upperclassmen that were only coached by that staff for 4 or 5 years.  They continue to make the same formation errors, holding calls, horrible special teams blunders and shoddy blocking and the uncanny knack to make the bad play at the most inopportune moment.  I think we need to start getting backups some more playing time, some experience before all those seniors filling the two-deep are gone, although I don’t know how many others are truly available to play. 

§  I don’t think I will be able to force myself to re-watch this one even though I have it recorded.  We’ll just take the check, sign it over to Hawkins and we’ll move on to focus on Pac-12 play and Washington State.

Game Day Grazing-OSU

§  We’ll say it one more time:  The Buffs need to come out of the gates playing well, without the mistakes that have plagued them early in all three games; they need to play smart, in control and focused.  The line cannot commit penalties (or anyone else for that matter), Tyler cannot overthrow wide open receivers who have to catch the damn ball, and the D cannot afford to give up any big plays early to the TFr. dual-threat QB.  OSU has also started slowly and gotten into an early hole the last two games.  All of their many fan and media sites are saying the exact same thing about them.  Whoever does get off to the fast start and can make the big play early will definitely have the upper hand.  This would be even better from the Buffs’ perspective as they have had better 2^nd halves in each game.

§  One inspiration to the team presented itself Thursday after practice when the newly restored “Bricks” were unveiled, with excellent timing as the team got to see them before leaving for Columbus, where they hope to earn another.  Most of the bricks are gold with black lettering, and include wins going back even before the McCartney era.  The only exception is the newest CSU brick, which is black with gold lettering, standing out in the middle of the wall, symbolizing the beginning of the new era, the restoration of the bricks, and a reference point for this team and its futures, as one more brick stands out in the middle reading: “Who’s Next?”  Here’s BG Brooks’ article on the bricks, including a cool video: http://www.cubuffs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3843&SPID=255&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=205276307&DB_OEM_ID=600

§  OSU coach Luke Fickell said there is no set plan for his QBs, only that TFr. Braxton Miller will start, and senior Joe Bauserman could play.  This feels a little nonchalant, as if they are not too worried about CU, its defense or the game.  “It’s a ‘give him a shot,’” Fickell said of Miller. Against Miami they seemed very reluctant to let Miller throw, between his and his receivers’ inexperience, and especially after his interception.  Everyone on D needs to wrap up on their tackles, but also go for the ball, especially with Miller, who carries the ball a little loosely.  Greg Brown should have a few key blitzes up his sleeve to create some pressure early.

§  I also like the trend of CU improving each game, while the Buckeyes best game was their first and their last game vs. Miami was definitely their weakest performance.  For the Buffs and their fans, this is an important game for the program, a big game for the team, another stepping stone towards their season goals.  For Buckeyes, this game is more like the last tune-up before their tough opening Big 10 schedule.  I hope the Buckeyes are feeling a little cocky, looking past a little, and that we can give them a rude awakening. 

§  Rodney Stewart has been awesome gaining solid yards rushing and adding a ton more receiving, mostly on screens and swing passes.  OSU’s defense has had problems tackling this year and has been susceptible to the screen pass, which bodes well for Stewart, as well as P-Rich.  Speedy is also an excellent blocker now as a senior and, along with the whole team, has no fumbles!   The strangest thing is that he has not yet scored a TD?!  That needs to end today if the Buffs have a chance to win.

§  Ohio State’s strength has always been their lines, running game and rush defense and this year is no different.  They have to establish the run with Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall, and will want to keep it going all game to protect their young QB.  On D they will also start with focusing on Rodney, both rushing and catching those shorts passes and taking off.  I think our advantage is that we have P-Rich and an established passing game where we need to make some plays to tip the scales.

§  While CU is one of the most penalized teams in the country, Ohio St. is one of the least.  However, one Buckeye blogger said on a podcast that #76 Sr. RT JB Shugarts is good for a guaranteed false start each game.

§  Arthur Jaffee, senior DB and Special Teams stalwart, is doubtful with a lingering knee injury from the Cal game.  DE/LB David Goldberg is questionable, but I have read that he will play; C Daniel Munyer was also listed as questionable but is listed this morning in the Camera as the starter at center, with Bakhtiari at LT and Tau at RT.

§  Some Buffalo Statistics:
- Tyler Hansen is 3rd in the Pac-12, and 17th in the nation, in total offense, at 309.67 per game.               
     -Paul Richardson is 3rd in the league, and 11th in the nation, in receiving yards, with 120.0 yds/game.      
      - Frosh punter Darragh O’Neill is 2nd in the Pac-12, 11th in the nation with a 45.87 yds/kick.  
      - Rodney Stewart is 2nd in the league, and 17th in the nation, in all-purpose yards, at 169.67 yards per game. He is also 4th on the CU all-time rushing list, with 2,967 yards, less than 100 yards behind Bobby Purify (3,016 yards, 2000-04) and Rashaan Salaam (3,057 yards, 1992-94), then sights set on his OC and position coach. 

§  One OSU blogger’s bold prediction:  “Colorado not bringing Ralphie on the trip will make me angrier than anything else that happens on the field.”  Let’s hope our Buffies give him a lot more to be pissed off about.

§  Surprisingly, as of Friday, there were tickets still available for the game.

§  The Columbus Dipspatch’s online sports page (on almost any page you go to) has a count-up box of “Days since Michigan’s last victory over Ohio State in football” and today it reads: 2863.  Ouch for Michigan fans!

§  RR’s Keys to the game: http://www.ralphiereport.com/2011/9/24/2445762/game-colorado-buffaloes-vs-ohio-state-buckeyes-st-osu-vs-cu-buffs

§  RR’s Reference Tool Box (all their material leading up to this game, including links at the bottom for 4 OSU sites with lots more articles and material to pass your morning away):

http://www.ralphiereport.com/2011/9/23/2444973/colorado-buffaloes-ohio-state-buckeyes-reference-tool-box

§  AllBuffs uncensored OSU preview: http://www.allbuffs.com/content.php/1046-A-really-******-preview-of-the-Colorado-at-Ohio-State-game

§  Nice article on P-Rich from the Pac-12 site http://www.pac-12.org/Colorado/Tabid/958/Article/137095/Richardson-Turning-Into-A-Star.aspx

§  FYI- Scottie McKnight was signed to the NY Jets practice squad!

OSU Primer

I wish I was attending this game at the Horseshoe-it is one of those stadiums on the bucket list for me, ideally against Michigan if not CU.  Months ago this was expected to be a sure loss by most of the world, a game taken for the cash and dubbed “The Dan Hawkins’ Buyout Bowl” by Stuart at CUattheGame.com, is now one we are actually thinking we just might be able to go in and steal.  Although the Buckeyes still have their standard stout D and a huge offensive line, they lost their coach and are now being led by someone even greener and Embree, they are still without 3 key offensive starters (not to mention the Raiders’ Terrelle Pryor), and are super thin at WR and cannot decide between a mediocre senior or a raw freshman at QB. 

§  First and foremost I will state as every fan, writer and podcast or talk show host has repeated all week, since the end of the CSU game walking out of Mile High, the Buffs canNOT start out this game slow, lethargically and with any sort of blunders early.  No false starts, holding or any other penalty. No dropped passes or overthrows. No missed tackles. Otherwise, Ohio St. will capitalize on their home turf and bury us.  I don’t understand why this staff has not been able to get the team really fired up and focused to start a game?!  Maybe after a win, in this atmosphere, they will actually get it going early, because they absolutely have to!

§  With their loss to Miami OSU dropped out of the top 25 for the first time since 2004.  I am not sure if it is good to catch them right here while they’re a little down and haven’t gotten all their suspended players back, or if it is bad to face them right now when they are pissed from being embarrassed on national TV.  The pressure is all on them, they are at home on national TV again, and they opened as 161/2 point favorites.  This should be Embree’s best Mac pre-game imitation yet.

§  CU might have some possible minor calendar advantages.  The first is that Buckeye players didn’t actually start Fall quarter classes until this week so their schedules have been hectic and busier.  Secondly, all of the program drama cannot have helped this team and now everyone is talking about getting the suspended players back for Big 10 play.  Lastly, Ohio St opens conference play with 4 (likely) ranked teams and could be looking ahead a bit.  Hopefully, a few players are mildly distracted, tired or not quite prepared.

§  This will be a huge game for two of our most important players, cousins Doug Rippy and Rodney Stewart, who grew up in the shadow of the Horseshoe.  While Rippy was quite heavily recruited and ultimately chose Colorado over many other schools, his diminutive cousin was overlooked.  Occasionally Hawkins’ staff did make a recruiting score and this was one of them (along with securing P-Rich as soon as his felony charge in Purse-gate was dropped), when Rippy told the staff they should check out Stweart.  Rodney then came here, still overlooked in the shadow of five-star bust Darrell Scott and since-turned safety Ray Polk.  Needless to say Speedy surprised everyone and won the starting job and has never looked back, now eyeing his coach’s all-time rushing record.  “I just have to keep my head straight, I might cut my phone off this week but it’s going to be a big game. I’m going to be playing in front of my family; it will kind of be like a home game for me.”  Deji Olatoye is also from that region and all three will have a ton of family there.

§   The same goes for Pittsburgh native Tony Clemons, who will be making a return visit to the stadium in which he once suited up, but never got to play in while at Michigan.  He will be playing against his cousin, RB Jordan Hall (Terrelle Pryor is also a cousin) and will also have a lot of family in attendance.

§  Ohio St. looked a little vulnerable against an aggressive and very fast Miami defense.  While we might not be able to match the speed, we can match the pressure they put on the duo of Buckeye QBs, senior Joe Bauserman and dual-threat frosh Braxton Miller, who combined for 4 of 17 passing for only 33 yards.  Almost every time the freshman was in, he ran, fumbling once and throwing a key interception one of the few times he didn’t run. Neither has been much to write home about.  It looks like Braxton will get the start (did the Hawaii film influence that decision?) but I would think we also see the senior some, especially if we can get to the freshman early.

§  We will likely utilize something similar to what we used after adjusting against the Rams: 8 in the box to take away the run, daring the QB to throw at our physical DBs.  Buckeye receivers had zero receptions last week, but RB Jordan Hall should be full strength after missing two games to suspension and cramping up vs. Miami and they have 2 good TEs.  The D-line will need to not get pushed backwards by a huge Ohio St O-line, while the LBs and safeties will need to stuff the run behind them, still keeping their eyes on the TEs and RBs catching short balls in space; and of course, they cannot let either QB pick up yards with his legs, especially the quick freshman.  It will be important not to give up any big plays as points will be hard to come by in this likely low-scoring affair.  If the defense can hold OSU to less than 17, the offense has a chance.

§   Offensively, the Buffs must take advantage of any opportunities it gets.  We can’t afford any false starts, holdings or drops that stall drives.  They will be working with a fourth different starting five on the O-line, but LT David Bahktiari said he was “100%” and has been officially cleared to play.  Sione Tau will likely start at RT and Ryan Dannewitz, who practiced mostly at RT thru camp, but has only played on the left in a game, will be used as the utility tackle, spelling each for a series or two.  Handler will be the center with Munyer out at least this game; Miller and Adkins continue holding down the guard spots (neither has missed many snaps this year-the only two consistent starters playing most of every game). That combination should allow fresh lineman to give Tyler some time and to open holes for Speedy, eager to show the 102,000+ the mistake they made, and get into the endzone for the first time this season.  The Buckeye linebackers will be doing everything they can to limit him and force Tyler to throw.

§  Tyler will need to have his best game and not let opportunities slip by against this defense in the Horseshoe-too many passes have been overthrown.  Deehan has gotten wide open down the seam in every game, but only scored once.   I will continue to call for more Thorton and Slavin-I would like to see a defense try to cover them both!  Richardson has to be more ready mentally and physically to play in this big game and make plays when he is given the chance, especially with the coverages he is going to face now.  Other receivers have started to get involved so that should help him as they can’t only focus on him.  No drops from anyone!   

§  The Buffs have tried very little trickery so far.  This would be a good game to unleash some surprises.  Let’s just not execute them the way the Lambies did most of theirs in their big game against us.

§  Special Teams has to be improved all around-there are still just too many mistakes-and OSU likely has the advantage in all phases, except maybe kicker, where their new leg has not fared as well as Oliver.  Wil Oliver is the only ST strength and he may get some pressure-filled chances this weekend.  The punting has got to get the ball off clean (Embree said that should be cleared up this week; punt returns have to well…return.  Clemons and TFr. Kyle Washington will continue returning kickoffs and the unit needs to give them some better blocking as CU is dead last of 120 teams, averaging only 14+ per return.  Lastly, kickoffs need to go deep AND stay in bounds; Embree said Tuesday, “We might have a solution to kicking the ball out of bounds, we’ll see this week.”    It would be nice to not have to worry so every time and ST unit was on the field. 

 

§  Embree somewhat clarified his statements about “taking off the leash” against CSU.  He said he told the team before the game that there were no rules -not to play dirty, but to be more aggressive from the start.  Conrad Obi took it to heart with a very nice borderline late hit on Thomas on the first drive that I’m sure Embree was fine with.  After both teams were warned (if you remember the little huddle Tyler had with CSU safety and captain Ivory Herd with the referee near the end of the half).  Embree told them at halftime to reign it in and anyone who got a personal foul in the 2^nd half wouldn’t make the trip to Ohio.

§  Since Washington got in the game, the Buffs have now played 12 true freshmen and 7 more redshirt freshmen, so far.  Barring injuries I don’t know of any more frosh besides DD Goodson that might play.

Here’s some further reading for you diehards out there:

§  David G’s TIPS: http://www.cuatthegame.com/2011/ohio-state-preview/

§  The Ohio St. Football page: http://www.cubuffs.com/fls/600/gameday/osu11/osunotes.pdf?SPSID=3843&SPID=255&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=600

§  A little film study from Bob Bell at RR  http://www.ralphiereport.com/2011/9/22/2441732/cu-buffs-osu-ohio-st-ohio-state-buckeyes-colorado-buffaloes-film-study

CSU Recap

I can still not get over that drive; I really enjoyed watching it again.  Up until the culmination of that drive, this game really was a roller coaster though; for as many nice plays the team made, there was always another bonehead penalty, drop, overthrow or other mistake to taint it.  However, down the stretch, when it counted, they flat out dominated an opponent they should beat, building a foundation for the rest of the season.  I haven’t seen it mentioned anywhere in the post game yet, I think that as a rivalry game and the first win of the era, this should count for a “Brick”.  I can’t wait to see that wall restored!  Here's a general review of the sweetest game of the year.

§  The first few offensive drives made some progress but were always halted by a penalty and/or mistake; they even had to burn a timeout early.  They couldn’t seem to get in a rhythm and couldn’t convert a key third down. Although Rodney was superman again, he again had some nice runs called back for O-line penalties.  Richardson got a couple of early touches, but a few balls were badly thrown or dropped by others. 

§  After that first, very scary drive (CSU gained 1/3 of their yardage on that drive-that first screen was killer), the Buffs adjusted well to some new looks by dropping a safety down low, leaving their corners to cover the wideouts on their own and took away the run.  CSU used a ton of different formations to start the game, but that was only confusing for so long.  By the ^3rd screen, they had it figured out and pretty much stuffed them after that.  Thomas rarely even tried to go very long.  The only other TD after the opener was a trick play with someone else throwing; but that was the only one of many trick plays that succeeded.

§  I had mentioned in the last post that Chad Brown said CSU would ride the momentum for a quarter and a half but then things settle down in a rivalry game like this.  This was very prophetic.  At almost exactly half way through the 2^nd quarter when Colorado took over and Ryan Dannewitz entered the game at LT for TFr. Alex Kelley after 2 holding calls (Not sure why Dannewitz didn’t just start) .  It was about this time I remember Mark Johnson saying on KOA that CU had only 13 plays and 37 yards (he restated it after the game as well.)  Then Clemons and Stewart combined for five consecutive first downs and found that rhythm for the first time.  FB Evan Harrington had some nice blocks along the way.  The excellent drive ended with a Hansen 2 yard keeper and the Buffs were in business!

§  The Lambs next drive started ominously as we gave up a cheap interference, then Rippy got into it with a CSU lineman-luckily it was offsetting penalties.  On 2^nd and 10, one of the few times Thomas threw it deep, Ray Polk leveled the WR with a textbook hit that we could hear on the 5^th level.  I think that energized the team even more and the next play was a completely busted screen that Thomas threw into the dirt.

§  Unfortunately, the offense couldn’t do much with the ball, but then Darragh O’Neill’s punt was blocked (2^nd in 3 games?!), and then incredibly touched by a CSU freshman, and eventually pounced on and recovered by Ryan Deehan.  This was a huge play as it completed the shift of momentum in the Buffs favor, and ultimately led to a 10-14 point swing.  They almost ran out of time after a bad sack.  Tyler made up for it on the next play with a great scramble for a 1^st (plus 5 for CSU’s ridiculous 2^nd “sideline

      interference” call).  With only 16 seconds in the half, Tyler whipped a ball into the endzone to a well-covered Kyle Cefalo, who hauled in his 1^st ever TD catch. Sometimes you just have to make the play.    Additionally, they knew they would get the ball back to start the 2^nd half.  I was feeling quite confident getting my burger and fries at halftime.

§  Unfortunately, again they could not come out and pound it down CSU’s throat.  The 3^rd quarter was generally uneventful, both teams gaining some yards, stalling out and punting, until late.  That’s when Tony Clemons made his best and worst play of the game, scoring a nice TD when the safety bit on the play fake, but then doing a little dance to draw the celebration flag.  That allowed CSU great field position after the kickoff which they promptly returned the score with their 5^th or 6^th trick play, a double pass that finally worked for them.  But that was pretty much it.

§  The Buffs took over with 11:18 on the clock and everyone just wanted them to eat some time and maybe get FG. When I watched the recorded game I just let this drive run without fast-forwarding at all.  Even when they held twice, they kept coming back, Rodney, Tony (yes!) and Tyler pounding down the field behind a dominant and confident line.  When they got hit for the 2^nd hold, they responded with a swing pass that Speedy took for 20+ and the first down at the 14, with 3:40 on the clock.  After a few great runs, Tyler finally pushed it in from the 2.  The O-line dominated the middle of the field on that last 85 (or 105) yard drive. 

§  It was nice to see Cefalo and Clemons get involved, especially when CSU all but took P-(not so)Rich out of the game.  Likewise, they finally got Tony Jones some carries and time.  We will need him to spell Rodney to keep him fresh in games and as the season wears on (plus EB wants to preserve his record by a few yards), especially if Speedy will be returning punts also (28 total touches vs CSU).  I would love to see them get the other two young TEs involved (still haven’t seen Slavin on the field) as they are the TEs next year with both Deehan and Bahr seniors.  Overall, the offense was very solid for the latter half of the game.  If they can get to a point where they can play the same 5 healthy lineman each week this offense has the potential to be very good.  Sione Tau went the whole game at RT, playing okay, but he also allowed some LBs and DEs to blow right by him, as did Dannewitz, but now they both have a lot of experience and…LT David Bahktiari is now listed as probable for OSU!

§  The defense also played well, only getting beaten in the 2^nd half by the double pass. Later in the game the D played a lot of nickel and dime and I would think they would have to continue to do so against some pass-heavy Pac-12 competition (although they probably won’t need to as much next week).  When they are in the dime package, Deji is opposite Henderson at the corners with Orms and Terrel Smith in the middle as nickels or almost extra safeties and I really like this look against Pac-12 teams as we move through the schedule.  Polk seemed more in tune with what was going on and of course delivered the huge hit.  Perkins also laid some heavy hits all around the field.  Rippy and Major were also solid but neither made the big plays they made vs. Cal.  Webb even made some plays at the 4^th LB spot;

      Mahnke didn’t play on D and TFr. Brady Daigh wasn’t even in pads.  The D-line all rotated a lot (didn’t notice Juda Parker); they didn’t give up a whole lot of rushing yards, helped sniff out the screens, and put some other pressure on Pete Thomas (a few sacks and many hurries and knockdowns), especially on that last failed drive.  Josh Hartigan made a few plays like blasting a screen pass back in Thomas’ face.

§  I guess we’ll just have to expect special teams to be a roller coaster.  The punts and coverage the most so; Ryan Iverson’s long snaps are taking too long to get to O’Neill, and he needs to quicken up his release as well.  The three blockers in front of him in that formation must make sure they block their man to the sides and not let them get up in the air.  This all needs to be tightened up.  However, with teams seeing this on film, they should get aggressive and I would expect to see a fake punt sometime in the next few weeks, especially with O’Neill’s athleticism.  CSU was able to manage some decent kickoff returns and Castor kicked the last one, supposed to be a low bouncer, out of bounds?!  Wil Oliver only needed to kick 4 PATs, but very well may be kicking off again in Columbus.  There was a little improvement on kickoff returns as TFr. S Kyle Washington burned his redshirt (at first I thought the #4 was Keenan Canty) and was out there with Tony Clemons (who also had a nice return to open the 2^nd half).   Washington looked pretty good for his first action, and, most importantly, didn’t make a stupid mistake or mishandle the ball.  He is very fast and will be better with more reps and the experience under his belt.

§  Still the biggest problem: 10 Penalties, terrible and inexcusable.  However, after the game Embree said he takes blame for some of the personal fouls, as he “took the leash off”; I would assume he put it back on, at least loosely, at halftime as both teams were warned about the “chippiness”. [I never heard anything else about this though.] Two of the holdings were on Kelley, who started at LT, but was replaced by the dinged up Ryan Dannewitz shortly after that 2^nd penalty and never returned (and he never played a snap at RT as was reported elsewhere). 

§  One great stat though: just 1 turnover in 3 games (238 snaps).

§  Injury update:  LT David Bahktiari –probable, C Daniel Munyer and DE/JLB David Goldberg are day-to-day.  Sandersfeld is out for a few weeks.

§  Lastly, there is always a lot of talk about where this game should be played, and after very poor attendance (57,000+ announced-tickets sold- but way less actually there) the call for moving it back to campuses is stronger than ever.  Eight more years in Denver seems like a long time.  Mike Bohn even said he would not have signed the deal if he had known we were leaving for the Pac-10/12 and would have 9 conference games each season.  How about every other year, on campuses, mixing in some Air Force, Wyoming, New Mexico and NMSU, regional draws, winnable games…