Arizona State Post-mortem

Looooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnngggggggg Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh

Another very difficult game to watch right from the outset.  Another opponents’ opening drive for a TD in less than two minutes.  Another game the Buffs were never really in as they were down 7-I mean 14-no that’s 21-0 before they could blink.  Another game where they were completely overmatched.  Another game where their lack of speed was achingly apparent. Another game playing with a patchwork lineup and still suffering even more injuries to key players.  The fourth consecutive game that a team scored more than 40 points, racked up more than 500 yards of offense and covered a huge spread easily. What can we take from a fourth straight crushing at the hands of a Pac-12 opponent?

§  This defense is a shell of itself without Doug Rippy (and it really wasn’t that good with him).  The middle of the field was wide open for rushers and pass catchers alike.   Their blitzes were picked up regularly, ASU receivers were given a lot of space and they were constantly chasing guys from behind.  The front seven seemed lost and made almost no impact on the game.  We rarely heard any defensive lineman’s name called as they made very few plays;  Josh Hartigan went down with yet another injury; the LBs were being beat left and right-often they would go exactly opposite of where the play was going; it looked like ASU knew exactly which defense we were going to run on almost every play. 

§  S Ray Polk is definitely not at 100% yet, ASU knew it and picked on him quite a bit-scoring two TDs and picking up numerous first downs on him.

§  I don’t think Jon Major is healthy at all either.  I have heard rumors of a shoulder injury, but he looks slow also.  He tried to blitz wide a few times and never got anywhere near the play.

§  Bright spots were some nice plays from LB Derrick Webb and DE Chidera Uzo-Diribe.  They both probably have the speed potential to compete in the Pac-12 and will need to do some serious work with Malcolm Bracken in the offseason (along with the whole team) to develop their speed completely.

§  TFr S Kyle Washington got the start for Anthony Perkins (was actually sorely missed) and has some of the speed that we crave, but he has a tendency to overrun plays and misjudge angles.  This is something Greg Brown should be able to work on with him.

§  RFr Josh Moten got the start opposite Greg Henderson and played solid.  He of course got beat a few times but he had the play of the game, picking up ASU’s botched screen pass fumble and scored a much-needed defensive TD for the Buffs.

§  Travis Sandersfeld was back in the lineup, starting and spending most of his time at nickel; seemed to play decently-he made batted the pass back that Moten scored on and was never beaten badly that I saw. 

§  Vince Ewing was back also and played a little at LB I think or maybe DB?

§  It was again nice to see our young backups play late-I seem to be most looking forward to the fourth quarter for this reason these days.  TFr LB Brady Daigh had a few nice tackles, as did Juda Parker.

§  On offense, Nick Hirschman was very ineffective early and they brought in Tyler Hansen on the third series.  I guess they wanted to see what Hirschman could do since he got all the prep during the week, but they had to bring in Tyler fairly quickly.  Hirschman didn’t seem pleased postgame, but Conor Wood and Shane Dillon probably were.   Tyler was definitely rusty, surprise, surprise, overthrowing numerous receivers and throwing two picks, although Embree said neither were his fault.

§  Although they combined for 337 total yards passing, 53 of that was on the ill-fated hail mary’s little lamb all the way to the 6 yard line as time expired in the first half.

§  The offensive line was pushed around a lot by the ASU front seven.  Neither Tyler or Nick had much time to throw nor were there many holes for the RBs.  They had quite a few false start and formation penalties but only one holding I think.  Gus Handler started at center but Kawai Crabb joined the rest of the starters for the last few series.

§  Tony Jones had his moments-a few nice runs and short passes, as well as a few questionable runs where he didn’t hit the hole.  They actually started the game with TFr Malcolm Creer but he was injured early and never returned-it looks like he is gone for the season with a MCL and/or ACL tear.  Josh Ford got in some and showed the flashes we saw in practices and scrimmages, but also showed why he hasn’t been getting snaps as he fumble twice, once inside the 5.

§  Overall, they had three drives deep into ASU territory that came away with an interception, a fumble and a fourth down stop inside the 1.  EB needs to work on his redzone prep and play-calling for the future.

§  Logan Gray and Toney Clemons both had some nice catches, but they were later in the game, not in the first quarter when they really needed them. This team needs P-Rich and the threat of his speed back desperately. 

§  Why did we burn Tyler McCulloch’s redshirt?!  He has been all but invisible!  Freshmen will play at WR next year!

§  TE DeVaughn Thorton finally got some targets, but he was also the receiver Tyler yelled at/blamed for his first pick.

§  Darragh O’Neill was again solid; Wil Oliver is perfect for the year on PATs and got mention by the announcers as a Freshman All-American candidate.  Justin Castor’s kickoffs were even okay.  Josh Ford also had some nice kickoff returns, but his fumblitis has me worried there.  Keenan Canty showed exactly how you are NOT supposed to field a punt with a technically awful fumble of his own, dropping the ball on a fair catch, surrounded by Sun Devils. 

§  Mrs. Daniels was happy to see Shawn on the field for some special teams plays.

Game Day Grazing…Arizona St. Sun Devils

§  MAJOR CORRECTION:  Oops!  The game WILL BE TELEVISED today at 4:30 P.M. mountain time, on Root Sports.  I really thought I had read that it was not?! I thought I had even seen it in an Arizona article.  Sorry for any confusion.  I guess Root Sports-Arizona decided top pick it up and then regionally we got it also.  I am not really sure at this point if that is a good a bad thing-maybe I just didn’t want to watch it?!  But we might get to see ASU’s marown uniforms after all!

§   Injury Update:   ANTHONY PERKINS upgraded to probable!

§  It appears Tyler has not been cleared and so we will continue to get a look at Nick Hirschman will get his first college start.  He is trying to get a leg up on Conor Wood and Shane Dillon and, besides the added reps in practice, is spending a lot of time in the film room. 

The secondary gets a few other bodies back as Ray Polk, Travis Sandersfeld (maybe?), Jason Espinoza and DD Goodson all appear to be good to go for ASU. Brian Lockridge is still listed at 1-2 weeks, and it looks like between his hamstring and concussion problems, TFr. speedster DB Wil Harlos is shut down for the season-he had played a decent amount on special teams and likely would have been in there last week instead of KT Tu’umalo if he had been healthy.

§  Josh Hartigan is “probable” and should play if his neck doesn’t act up.

§  No official word on P-Rich as I post so I am assuming he does not play.

§  I wonder if EB will open up the play book a little this week.  The biggest thing Hirschman offers is better accuracy, especially on the longer balls, so I would like to see a little more aerial-oriented attack with some deep shots.  Hopefully, with all the reps in practice he has developed some better chemistry and timing with his receivers and can hit someone for a big play or two.  I think we can avoid the shutout predicted by Kyle Ringo in the Camera.

§  If Tyler is indeed out, then TFr. walk-on John Schrock, who surprised everyone with his arm and how quickly he picked up the offense in Fall camp, will be the backup.  I am guessing they also traveled JC transfer Brent Burnette, who, although his arm is worse than Tim Tebow’s, he does have some D1 game experience from his time at Middle Tennessee St.  They need to be prepared for an aggressive defense led by ASU LB Vontaze Burfict.

§  Embree on Burfict’s play: “He plays to the echo of the whistle.”  Indeed, Burfict incurs quite a few late hit flags, as does his whole team, but he makes them worthwhile.

§  I hate to mention it but since everyone else has…The Buffs have been one of the stingiest teams in the country having only committed 7 turnovers all year.  This needs to continue against ASU, who is one of the top turnover producing defenses, for a bevy of reasons.

§  One aspect in CU’s favor is that the game could feature many punts, as both teams are terrible at converting third downs, and Darragh O’Neill may end up being team MVP this year, with his booming kicks and improving knack for hitting the coffin corner. That brings me to the Plati stat of the week: Against Oregon, O’Neill set school records for the most punts inside-the-20 with six, and inside-the-10 with four (old marks were five and three, respectively). He is fourth in the Pac-12 and 22nd in the NCAA with a 43.5 average (on 50 punts), which is tops in the nation among true freshman and second to LSU’s Brad Wing (44.4) for all freshmen. He now has 14 punts inside-the-20 on the year with just one touchback; that 14-to-1 ratio is third best nationally for those players with 10 or more placed inside-the-20.

§  The team used the practice bubble for the first time this season after the snow earlier this week-an interesting preparation for Tempe, where the last time we visited it was over 100 degrees for an evening kickoff.

§  The disappearing act that is Terrel Smith has been given a shot at every position in the secondary (both CB spots, both safeties and the nickel and dime spots) and can’t seem to stick anywhere-whenever he comes in he then gets yanked for something soon thereafter.  He has been surpassed and replaced by a long line of freshman and offensive players switching to defense.  I believe he has been healthy throughout all of this.  He can hit but I guess he just doesn’t get his assignments, so with so many guys coming back from injury I wonder if he will see the field at all on defense.

§  It seems that another underachieving player, DE Nick Kasa, is exploring a change to TE.  He was wearing a black offensive 90 instead of his usual white 44 at practice this week and catching passes from Conor Wood.

If you need some reading to pass the time until kickoff:

§  Buffnik of AllBuffs had not yet posted his “uncensored” preview but does have this nice Part 1 historical perspective look into CU football.  He has promised a Part 2 but no word yet.  http://www.allbuffs.com/content.php/1083-CU-Football-in-the-Modern-Era-(Pt.-1-History)

Go Buffs!

Arizona State Primer

§  I was really hoping that ASU would wear their new home all-“marown” uniforms but it doesn’t matter as this will be the first Buff game not on TV anywhere.  Starting next year with the new Pac-12 deal and network, all football games will be televised in some capacity.  Mark and Larry will call the game for us on 850 KOA if you have a “listen” party.

§  Injury Report (let’s just get it over with): There are a whole bunch of guys out, mostly DBs. Tyler is listed as“day-to-day” as is CB DD Goodson (both will likely check for concussion symptoms Thursday), Perkins is questionable at best, Espinoza is probable, hoping that Sandersfeld is as well. It is official that post-concussion problems have ended DE Tony Poremba’s career a few games early.  Shawn Daniels is again listed as almost ready, but does anyone but his mom care?

§  P-Rich actually said there is a tiny chance he could play at ASU, but probably not. 

   In the first real good news in a while, Ray Polk has been cleared from his concussion and will be healthy “enough” from his other injuries to play in his home state of Arizona.

§  This is the first game against a Pac-12 South opponent as we finish the season with 5 straight against our divisional foes.  That certainly makes for interesting division races if most schedules are set up that way in the future, ending the last weekend with all the intra-division rivalries.

§  ASU is yet another team (but thankfully the last) who has had a week off to heal (get star DE Junior Onyeali back), study film (so much to choose from) and practice to prepare to take on the hapless Buffs.  Our biggest advantage?   They have no idea who is actually going to play, especially in our secondary.  It may not really matter though.

§  ASU’s QB Brock Osweiler is huge at 6’8”, can obviously see the field well and has played great so far, exceeding fans’ expectations in Tempe. He has completed 66% of his passes for 1.191 yards and 10 TDs, mostly to a trio of senior wideouts, with just 2 INTs (both vs. Oregon). Unfotunately, he can also run the hurry up similar to Oregon.

§  The ASU weak link has been an offensive line that has not given its RBs many holes to run through, although they have still been decent; nor have they provided great protection to Osweiler.  The front seven has to step it up and get some pressure on him.  We may get some people back in the secondary, but the game can’t be played entirely by them.  This is a game Greg Brown needs to get creative for and call some new blitzes.

§  One pathetic goal for this week might be: Do NOT give up 500 yards of offense, or 45+ points, for the fourth consecutive week.

§  The CU offense needs to just keep working at this point with whoever can go out there.  Nick Hirshman did fine in his first real action.  With the film of himself, reps in practice and a little added confidence, he will be much better this week against a lesser defense.  I am surprised EB and Embree have not called a few trick plays but that might open it up for Hirschman some.

§  The Sun Devils have been solid but not spectacular on defense.  They are stout on third down and in the red zone. The heart of the Sun Devil’s defense is one of the most feared players in the league (if not one of the best names with Chidera Uzo-Diribe) LB Vontaze Burfict.  Although he might have been a little overhyped in the presseasonand offenses have probably stayed away from him, some of their fans have been somewhat disappointed in him.  However, EB will be acutely aware of where he is as Burfict has been described as: "deliciously violent" and "what you get after you kick Ray Lewis' dog."  Listen for his name on Saturday.

§  Burfict’s biggest weakness is his penchant for committing personal fouls at the worst moments.  In fact, ASU has been guilty of many stupid penalties and mistakes, especially when they were down vs. Oregon.  If CU can get some breaks early and play physical, they might get into Burfict’s or someone else’s head and get a big play.

§  Since only 1 of their five remaining opponents have a winning record and they are prohibitive favorites in this game, facing a terrible road team with more than half their positions on manned by backups, ASU fans are already talking about the Pac-12 championship.  So, once again our best hope might be if ASU is looking well ahead, figuring (who could blame them) that CU is just too beat up to challenge.  So, we get a couple of lucky breaks early, some ASU defensive player blows up, some Buff freshman makes a big play and maybe, just maybe, the Buffs might be able to accidently win one. 

§  However, even with a slip up (or even two), ASU should still represent the South in the playoff for the Rose Bowl…although P-Rich (you have to love his attitude) pointed out the scenario that CU could win out, and with a little help (from ASU losing some more) end up winning the South, and then with a win in the Pac-12 championship, would be 7-7 and bowl eligible and in the Granddaddy themselves.

§  CU did get some national press this week, although of the not so prestigious sort as they entered as #9  in this week’s “Bottom 10”, after having been on the waiting list for a few weeks.  If they don’t make some magic happen they will be “ranked” for awhile.

And, for the insomniacs among you…

§  Stuart’s TIPS: http://www.cuatthegame.com/2011/preview-arizona-state/

§  David G’s Key Matchups: http://www.ralphiereport.com/2011/10/26/2517090/colorado-buffaloes-arizona-state-sun-devils-key-match-ups

§  Plati’s CU Gamenotes: http://www.cubuffs.com/fls/600/gameday/asu11/cunotes.pdf

§  Arizona State’s Gamenotes: http://www.cubuffs.com/fls/600/gameday/asu11/asunotes.pdf?SPSID=3843&SPID=255&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=600

§  One of the ASU blogs “House of Sparky” (yes. that’s its name!)  just put out a two-part midseason review of their team if you would like a more in depth look at this week’s Goliath:  http://www.houseofsparky.com/2011/10/20/2502763/midseason-review-the-sun-devil-offense http://www.houseofsparky.com/2011/10/24/2509787/midseason-review-sun-devils-defense-vontaze-burfict  

§  Note on last week’s opponent and the NCAA’s stupidest player, Oregon cornerback and punt returner Cliff Harris.  First of all, it was Harris who was flagged for taunting before kickoff last Saturday that allowed CU to kickoff from the 45 (not that it mattered).  Remember then that it was Harris who fielded a punt at the 5 and turned to run only to be tackled for a safety and the Buffs only points, enabling them to keep a home  non-shutout streak alive.  To top it all off Harris was cited yet again Monday night for multiple driving infractions and has been suspended indefinitely.  The only player who could compete for this honor is Stephen Garcia, formerly of South Carolina, who had been suspended five times already in his career when he tested positive for alcohol and marijuana.  Garcia was “shocked and flabbergasted” when he was kicked off the team.  However, he no longer qualifies since he is no longer in the NCAA, a distinction not too long for Harris, a likely future Raider or Bengal.

Oregon Post-game (-mortem)

§   The CU program and fan base got to see up close how far we have to go to be able to play with the big boys.  The Oregon Ducks were faster than the Buffs at most every position it seemed, with two of their best players out, and this is a team that got beat pretty badly by LSU-so how good are the Tigers and ‘Bama?  Even when we looked like we were going to make a play, they would blow by our defenders or theirs closed the gap on our ball carriers.  The first half was hard to watch as it was, and as if we didn’t have enough injuries to worry about we were hit with two more at key positions.

§  The secondary started the game with three true freshmen on the field with Greg Henderson at his usual corner, Kyle Washington in for Ray Polk (who finally succumb to his injuries) and DD Goodson burned his redshirt and switched to defense and started at nickel.  Seldom-used Sr Jonathon Hawkins started at the other corner but was quickly replaced RFr Josh Moten (fresh off suspension).  Shortly thereafter Sr captain Anthony Perkins sprained an ankle.  He was first replaced by Soph Terrel Smith but then by TFr KT Tu’umalo (switched recently from LB).  Yes, that would be an all freshman nickel secondary!  All things considered they actually didn’t play terribly, giving up a few plays, but also making some against Oregon’s backup QB Bryan Bennett.  Interestingly enough the Ducks seemed to target Greg Henderson more than the complete newcomers, and he held up well, giving up a highly contested ball at the 1 that led to a TD.

§  Tyler Hansen didn’t look that good even before his concussion late in the second quarter.  As usual he overthrew receivers, locked in on his first option, waited too long in the pocket, and passed up opportunities to run.  His interception was awful.  Ironically, the play that knocked him out Tyler slid and was hit by two Oregon players, one who appeared to lead with his helmet.  Of course with the Pac-12 officials no flag was thrown and Embree went ballistic (they had a few more amusing caucuses in this game, along with some long-winded explanation/justifications).  At that point I guess I would have liked to see Tyler just going for the first down with everything he’s got.  He has learned the “don’t run, don’t take chances, slide” thing way too well.

§  In his place Nick Hirshman did pretty well.  He definitely has a better arm than Tyler but is raw and made a few bad decisions of his own-which I am glad he is getting to do at this point no matter the circumstances.  He also showed some mobility and escaped some pressure.  His play will hopefully challenge and push Conor Wood and Shane Dillon next year.  Dillon was in attendance and has to be thinking he could play.  If Hirshman needs to go next week I would think he would be much better with some preparation with the first team offense, especially his timing with the wideouts.

§  No matter who is QB they really miss P-Rich as no one else can create separation.  He was actually jogging out with the team-please come back soon!  Logan Gray can make a few catches but big whoop for a possession rent-a-senior!  Keenan Canty has some potential but Tyler McCulloch should have redshirted.  Don’t even get me started on Tony Clemons who dropped a gorgeous ball from Hirshman that could have given some life to the Folsom crowd instead of heralding the few left to the exits. The Buffs have a few WR recruits committed but this is a position of need and opportunity.  What happened to Nelson Spruce who had looked to play after Fall camp?

§  Tony Jones looked decent in place of Speedy, as did Malcolm Creer who became the 15 th true frosh to burn their redshirt this year (after Goodson).  Jones is quick and can hit the hole or go outside.  Creer has those legs that Bienemy will like because they keep churning for yards after contact-look for him to continue to get carries.

§  The front seven was just not that good when it needed to overachieve in light of the state of the secondary, many of whom weren’t even supposed to play at all this year, but who had to make way too many tackles.  They obviously missed Rippy greatly.  The LBs ended up being mostly the older guys early with Derrick Webb moving inside with Parick Mahnke, and Jon Major moving outside.  The defensive line was very quiet, rotated guys when they could but this is another position of need for some ready-to-play recruits.

§  The biggest question of the day (a few people asked me) was: Where the hell has Nick Kasa been?  There’s been no report of injury but he only plays a handful of snaps per game; it looks like at little inside and a little at end.  Hopefully he turns it on as one of the few seniors next year.

§  Darragh O’Neil continues to be one of the brightest spots on the team as he again hit some great booming punts, including a 55+ and a classic coffin corner at the 2.  Otherwise special teams continue to be ordinary at best.  The two newest members of the squad were the kickoff returners for most of the game (there were a lot), DD Goodson and Malcolm Creer were decent but hesitant, and not used to playing back there with each other. 

§  The unit’s best play, of course, was the safety, the team’s only points-but that was caused by one of the most talented, but also absolutely stupidest players in college football.  Cliff Harris caught the punt inside the 5 and turned to run around through the end zone.  Needless to say he was not out there for the next punts, because you know there were more punts from the Buffs!

§  The second half was a little easier to watch only because we got to see even more of the young guys.  Even more importantly, many guys got some playing time and got to see how fast the college game is at the elite level.  After Oregon took a 42-0 lead the defense gave way and at times had 8 frosh on the field with DE Juda Parker joining LBs Brady Daigh and Woodson Greer III with the five DBs.  They held their own as even with the game out of hand, stand-up guy that he is, Oregon head coach Chip Kelly called both a play-action deep pass on first down, and then later went for it on fourth down.  Incidentally, the young crew stopped both plays (although Henderson was called for a bogus interference on the former, especially in light of what they had let go against the Duck DBs earlier).  The two LBs, Henderson and Washington can all hit big-time and it will be fun watching them make up the heart of the D for the next few years.

§  On offense the line gave way and turned over to: Alex Lewis (also had played TE as 98 and had to switch to his 71) at LT, TFr Paulay Asiata at LG, RFr. Kawai Crabb at center and RFr Daniel Munyer at RG (I double-checked those last two), with the lone senior being Ryan Miller shifting over to RT (either to showcase him a little for the scouts there to watch Oregon and/or because Sione Tau was so awful when he came for a few snaps).   This group is obviously a work in progress, but with Bakhtiari, Handler and Harris sophomores, TFr Brad Mustoe and monster Stephane Nembot waiting in the wings at tackle, the O-line might be in decent shape for the next few years.

§  Embree asked the seniors to come back Monday and let him and the team know what they want out of the last five games of the season and their careers.  I say let the seniors start the games then systematically shuffle them out as the game goes on, letting the younger players get as much experience as possible.

§  Unfortunately, ASU will not be any kind of a reprieve next week but, maybe thankfully, will not be televised for us to actually watch.

Game Day Grazing...Oregon Ducks

§   There were still 2500+ tickets available and its going to be another gorgeous afternoon in Boulder so come on out and cheer on our Buffaloes!

§  The biggest question of the morning: Which of the 120+ (I am NOT exaggerating!) uniform combinations will the Ducks roll out for their first Pac-12 visit to Folsom Field (and first since 1987)?

§  Injury update: There are 20 total players listed on the injury report including: CB Jason Espinoza who is questionable with a concussion, S Will Harlos still out with a hammie,  Arthur Jaffee questionable with sprained knee.   However, that does not include S Ray Polk, who is playing through a fractured sternum (really?!), a concussion and a wrist that will need surgery, but is not listed.  Nor does it include a few other defensive players who are sucking it up and playing through their injuries.

• It looks like CB Travis Sandersfeld could actually play.  They could use any boost in the secondary.

§  Ethan Adkins tweaked his knee pretty hard at Stanford-we thought they were just giving TFr Paulay Asiata a few snaps.  Adkins didn’t practice all week (although he was never listed) and still played relatively well at Washington.

§  For Oregon it looks like QB Darron Thomas will start but give way to backup Bryan Bennett.  It is highly unlikely that stud RB LaMichael James will play, but his backups Jr. Kenjon Barner and TFr De’Anthony Thomas are also very talented.

§  Starting WR Lavasier Tuinei illustrated Quack Nation’s cockiness when he insinuated that their fourth-string, redshirt freshman could start at quarterback and Oregon could still beat Colorado on Saturday, "It doesn't matter who we start. We'll still win."  I dare them to try!

§  Can we at least take a little solace in the fact that CU played UW even in the second half (even though there were a lot of backups playing all over)?  Our young players should get a lot of playing time this week, possibly even early before game is out of hand, and certainly in the second half when it is.

§  They have announced nothing on who and how they are compensating for the loss of Rippy-is it just TFr Brady Daigh (pronounced “Day”) stepping in, do they shift a couple of guys over and play more experienced guys, or do they rotate as much as they can based on matchup and opportunity to sub?

§  One blogger suggested that Greg Brown could rotate in a lot of different young, unknown players and bring weird blitzes with them from different spots.  We will need to do something because Oregon lines up-snaps the ball-do it again-and score on “long” drives that are regularly less than two-minutes.  In order to simulate how quickly the Oregon offense lines up for the next play, the scout team ran two huddles this week so that the next one could line up as soon as the previous play was done.

§  Oregon’s defense is not very well publicized because of their offensive counterparts.  They do not have great stats necessarily, but do not need to be spectacular because of the above again; plus, they are actually on the field quite a bit since the offense scores so quickly.  As usual we will need to play an almost perfect game offensively to keep us in the game and the Duck offense off the field as much as possible.

§  Tony Jones will take the spotlight with Rodney Stewart out.  The Ducks will likely stack the box and send many after him and Tyler.  CU may take some shots deep to see if Cliff Harris has sampled the local wares yet.  They should also be able to find out if Jones executes the screen and swings passes as well as Speedy.  We will see how much faith they have in Josh Ford and if they indeed burn the redshirt of Malcolm Creer.  If they do the latter I will be very excited to see what he does over the next 6 weeks, but bummed if he does well that they didn’t do it earlier.

§  Another call for some multiple TE sets and chances with Kyle Slavin and DeVaughn Thorton to be on the field together, maybe even with Deehan in a 3TE.  At this point they need to mix it up and take some chances.  Let’s see how creative EB gets.

§  Plati’s CU notes: http://www.cubuffs.com/fls/600/gameday/uo11/cunotes.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=600

§  Oregon game notes: http://www.cubuffs.com/fls/600/gameday/uo11/uonotes.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=600

§  Scary film study look into Oregon’s option and how it spreads the defense by Bob Bell: http://www.ralphiereport.com/2011/10/20/2499784/colorado-buffaloes-oregon-ducks-film-review

§  Interesting quote and choice of words by Tyler Hansen while talking about the state and direction of the program: "Coach Embree is trying to lay that foundation and build for the future. He's got to do what he's got to do. Every decision made is for the betterment of the program.  Kicking players off the team is sending a message." (Italicized words are my emphasis.)  Notice that Tyler didn’t say “suspending players”.

§  Go Buffs!

Oregon Primer

§  I am dreading this game not just because we are going to get blown out, but because those damn quacker kazoos the Duck fans blow on incessantly are way worse than vuvuzuelas.

§  I am surprised and disappointed that there were still a couple thousand tickets available as of Wednesday.

§  Maybe we won’t be the only team missing some key players to injury this week, although Chip Kelly is like Bill Snyder when it comes to injuries.  Heisman candidate RB LaMichael James’ disclocated elbow is healing and he will make the trip but it is unclear if he will play.  He said he could play “if they need me,” or if they decide they want to take advantage of our weakened defense to pad his stats for Heisman consideration.

§   Versatile and dynamic QB Darron Thomas is questionable with his knees, but he expects to play.  I think he will play at least some, although backup frosh Bryan Bennett played great in his place vs. ASU.

§  We’ll see who is available this week for the Buffs from injury. We know that they are in double digits for guys who are “out” for the Oregon game: Speedy (2-4 weeks), P-Rich (Embree said “probably not” but hopefully back for 10/29 @ ASU or USC 11/4)), Lockridge (always quick to injure, slow to recover), Cefalo (knee this time 1-2 weeks), Rippy (ACL-season), Poremba (concussion-season), OG Blake Behrens (shoulder/season-I think he can redshirt and give some depth next year), Bell (knee/pre-season), S. Harrington (preseason hip), Shawn Daniels (not quite ready), Jack Harris (could possibly play in November), Daniel Munyer (close but still not quite ready either), Sandersfeld (running and could actually play as soon as this week) .   Not sure about frosh S Wil Harlos?

§  There are numerous other members of the defense who are playing through injuries.  It is no coincidence that Tyler Ahles moved back to the D and the next week they burned Woodson Greer’s redshirt, and that they are rotating a lot at LB.

§  Josh Hartigan should be back in the lineup this week.  Who will the mystery man be who misses the Oregon game? 

§  The LBs are up in the air without Rippy and with some unreported injuries.  One option would be to go with TFr Brady Daigh in Rippy’s place, leaving everyone else in their regular positions.  Another is having Jon Major or Derrick Webb slide over inside, which would mean Patrick Mahnke likely starting, with the true frosh Daigh and Woodson Greer III backing up.  This will likely be a game time announcement so as not to give anything away to Oregon.

§  The Buffs defense is going to have to protect the edges and cover all 53 yards of the width of the field; all while also protecting against the big play down the middle.  This is a game where our lack of speed, especially with the injuries on defense, could really be exposed.  The ends and “Jack”-Uz0-Diribe, Haritgan, Juda Parker, Tyler Ahles, David Goldberg- have a big job ahead of them Saturday.

§The offense is just going to have to do everything it can to keep up.  This means (am I sounding redundant again?) no friggin' mistakes!  Convert on third down and in the red zone.  Try some trick plays and let it loose!

• Malcolm Creer could be the latest to burn his redshirt if the coaches just decide they want a different, bigger option, or if Tony Jones or Josh Ford gets injured.  They would still prefer to redshirt him, but everyone involved is prepared for him to burn it if they deem it necessary.  If Jones and Ford do well and stay healthy, he will remain a spectator.  If one starts to struggle running or blocking, or one gets injured, we’ll probably see him.  They don’t want his first action to be when both have gotten injured and he is forced into emergency action.

§  Why is it that we are about the only team in the Pac-12 that doesn’t use some form of no-huddle/hurry-up/don’t let D substitute in their offense?  CU is the team that could benefit the most by wearing teams down at home with the altitude, but should then be better conditioned than opponents on the road.  At this point we are probably too injured and short on depth.  Maybe next year with Conor Wood?

• Embree did say recently that the remaining four suspended players could actually return this season but that he wouldn’t talk to them for a few weeks still. The infractions were all different for each of them, but that they all had a similar theme, and were due to an accumulation of incidents. “They were doing things that are selfish that aren’t putting the team first, showing that you’re doing things that show you’re not committed to football, that you’re not committed to doing everything you can for the program.” Josh Moten’s were obviously the least serious or first time offense maybe. My main read is most were still likely to do with drugs and Embree had just had enough and decided to make an example of them: it doesn’t matter, team comes first and he won’t take any crap from anyone, even right before a big game. Embree’s going to do it the right way, the Coach Mac way, not the turn your head or slap the wrist Hawk-love way. And an interesting contrast to how Chip Kelly and Oregon handled Cliff Harris’ well publicized indiscretions.

And for just a little more leading up to the game…

• Here’s Stuart’s TIPS: http://www.cuatthegame.com/2011/preview-oregon/ 
• David G’s Key matchups: http://www.ralphiereport.com/2011/10/19/2499755/colorado-buffaloes-oregon-ducks-key-match-ups