§ 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.
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