§ And so began the Pac-12 era for Jon Embree and the Colorado Buffaloes, ending with a loss so bad, only memories of Kansas can surpass it. What can we say, just too many freaking mistakes, again at the worst times, often by upperclassmen and “stars”. Any positives are hidden beneath the myriad of negatives. Their best start to date but their worst game for turnovers. They got the interception on the first drive and get nothing out of it. Probably their best special teams day overall was marred by the momentum-killing 1st drive blocked field goal, another Speedy fair catch on the 6 that had Embree screaming at him and a key penalty to start on the 20 instead of the 45. Only 2 penalties in the first half to losing control throughout the 2nd, finishing with another horrible day, killing way too many opportunities yet again. [CU is dead last of 120 teams averaging 9+ a game for almost 90 yards.] Their best rushing day yet was overcome by not being able to get a real 1st down on what should have been the last drive. Everything they did to set themselves up to win destroyed by a weak, passive defense, with a senior giving up a ridiculous winning TD. Even if Henderson is completely wrong on the play (they both bit on the fake like a dumb dog who chases nothing), it’s still up to captain Perkins to make sure that never happens, especially in that situation. Richardson’s fumble was heart-breaking but it should have never gotten to that point or situation.
§ When will they shake this losing mentality, instead of instilling confidence on lesser opponents? I am certainly tired of it as well Embree!
§ So, let’s follow that up with suspensions right before going on the road to play a highly ranked opponent. I had noticed that Deji was nowhere to be seen on the sidelines vs. WSU and now it has been announced that he, along with Parker Orms, Paul Vigo, Josh Moten (along with LB Liloa Nobriga) have been suspended indefinitely for team violations (“no police involvement” was reported, but my sources tell me it was some very-Boulder-like extra-curricular activities, and that it was not a surprise to many teammates); they likely will not play again this season. Vigo was seen carrying a few bags out of the Dal Ward (read: all his belongings), however, I don’t believe he was darted or expelled (yet) like the mountain lion found on campus the same day. None can engage in any football related activity but must still fulfill academic requirements. However, I can’t imagine that all five, if any of them (or the mountain lion) will make it back to CU next year (see bullet below referring to intelligence).
§ ESPN’s Ted Miller on the suspensions: "While it's purely speculative to try to figure out what these five may have done to fall out of favor, if the police or NCAA isn't involved, then it's likely that they fell afoul of Embree's specific demands that perhaps didn't exist during the Dan Hawkins era. And Embree wants his players to know he takes those demands seriously." Did Hawk look the other way when boys were being boys? Embree comes from the NFL and looks at those personal choice indiscretions at taking away from and letting down the team.
§ If you are a glutton for punishment, you can read David G’s blow-by-blow recap of his viewing up the tape of the WSU game. There are actually again many positives, but the negatives are so hard to keep re-living. http://www.ralphiereport.com/2011/10/3/2465573/colorado-buffaloes-washington-state-cougars-recap-second-viewing
§ Before the season, most prognosticators predicted CU to be bad based on a lack of talent. While their win total predictions now appear to be right on (will we win aPac-12 game?), it is not for the reasons predicted. The Buffs actually have shown they have some talent that can compete physically on the field, but what they are lacking in is intelligence; they keep making the same (or similar) stupid, frustrating mistakes. We need to recruit some speed, but some general smarts as well.
§ LAST in the entire country in kickoff returns, kickoff return coverage and penalties committed. They are absolutely awful defending 3rd and long as well.
§ It looks like they have all but abandoned the true FB actually (see next bullet), using TEs there and a lot more 2 and 3 TE formations. Even Harrington is basically a TE/H-back and Alex Lewis was coming in as a blocking TE again in the triple TE set. Kyle Slavin did get on the field (actually started in 2 TE set), but did not get even a target. (I love that fantasy football term!)
§ Tyler Ahles was playing LB (I guess he just wanted to contribute like B-Lock), not FB, in place of Webb and Manhke (all 3 were on field some)?! He will do so for the rest of the year. This surprised me a little. That is not where they have been having problems and Liloa Nobriga has yet to see a snap (but definitely won’t now). Now Embree has said TFr. Woodson Greer will travel, dress and likely play and burn his redshirt this week.
§ TFr. Juda Parker got start at DE or Jack (it’s hard to tell the difference) but they still played a ton of guys in the D-line rotation. Most made some plays, but each also had their share of missed tackles. This group has got to tighten it up or they could get manhandled by Stanford’s O-line.
§ The DBs are a bigger mess than ever now with the injuries and suspensions. Sandersfeld is still out, probably Ewing also, Jaffee might play. Brian Lockridge has up the depth chart but surprise, surprise, he’s doubtful with an ankle sprain; he says he will play vs. Stanford but Embree says likely not. TFr. S Wil Harlos is reportedly still out also. Safeties Anthony Perkins and Ray Polk (RB) have to step it up even more now by leading this patchwork secondary, making tackles and not letting those TEs get in behind them. Jason Espinoza gets his 2nd start in his 2nd ever game at corner opposite Greg Henderson (2nd best player on defense?).
Terrel Smith will see a lot of action now (another big play-bad play guy) with Sr. Jonathon Hawkins, who is also back with team after a family issue (he was dressed for WSU but didn’t play). It looks like Makiri Pugh has moved back to DB from WR as well, and has a good shot at playing now. Sherrard Harrington will almost for sure be asked to burn his redshirt if he can get healthy soon.
§ The LBs appear to be our strength, except at that 4th spot, that is being manned in different situations by Webb, Mahnke or now Ahles. They will be challenged this week by Stanford’s trio of NFL-rated TEs. A lot of people have wondered about why we hadn’t seen RFr. Liloa Nobriga, but we don’t have to debate that one anymore. Doug Rippy is the best player on the D, rarely comes off the field, except for a quick breather, especially since he is pulling some special teams duty. [I would expect him to be voted a captain next year.] Jon Major still seems to disappear for stretches and actually comes off the field for quite a few packages (do they switch around too much?!).
§ I have no idea what to expect from the offense play to play at this point. They have shown great potential and spurts of greatness, but they have an unbelievable penchant for the big penalty or blown play at the most inopportune moment. We must be able to run the ball some. P-Rich cannot drop the ball this week. Tyler cannot overthrow open receivers when he gets a shot. They just can’t afford mistakes against a defense of this caliber. The O-line will have by far its biggest challenge yet as Stanford is going to come after Tyler and Rodney.
§ There are more injuries that are not reported in college though, including a defender who is playing with a torn labrum. Those players playing through their injuries are going to win points from this staff.
§ I wonder if all this switching up of personnel has been affecting some of the performance and consistency. Embree spoke of limiting amount of players who see field, even if it was just going “with 40 guys”; they still used 53 vs. WSU, after having used 57 or 58 in each of the first 4 games. It’s becoming more and more apparent how inexperienced this coaching staff really is. Let’s just hope they can figure some of this stuff out and get the team on track toward the end of the season where we close with Arizona and then at UCLA and Utah.
§ Before Saturday, even knowing it would be a likely loss, I was really looking forward to this week’s matchup, as we are attending the game in Palo Alto. For basically the entire life of the Big 12 I was a CU season ticket holder, but the only road game I attended was at Washington! I definitely contemplated a few road games to Lincoln, Columbia, Lawrence, but it just wasn’t that appealing was it? So, I am really excited for the Pac-12 and plan on attending many road games, hopefully at least once a year. However, after Saturday, I was still numb, early Monday morning, looking for the first time at anything regarding the WSU game. Amy and I didn’t really even talk about it much all weekend. I couldn't bear to think about playing Stanford. Now, I am approaching Saturday as a college football fan, going to see one of the greatest QBs to ever play at this level. However, I have decided to go bold and wear gold for the game!
§ Around 3000 CU tickets have been sold for this game. The Athletic Department said 2700 last week, plus I believe there are quite a few people like us who purchased tickets elsewhere since the ticket office is never that helpful and visitor sections are usually crappy parts of the stadium. They have also sold 1200 for the game at UW, and surprisingly still have 5000 tickets left for Oregon’s visit to Folsom.
§ Before you watch this game, take into account all of the mistakes, bad plays stats, and now realize we are going to play a real team at their house. They open as 29.5 favorites and it’s hard to argue. The Buffs best chance to do anything is early since Stanford has been a little sluggish, however, that isn’t really our specialty. Rodney and the O-line need to have a big game to even give us a chance. Their defense knows that so they will force Tyler to make the plays. Just saying: let’s not expect too much.
§ I don’t think there is whole lot more to say about this game. Unfortunately, at this point, with all the injuries, suspensions and problems, we’d just like to come out of this with nothing else added to the list of crap this team has been swimming through.
§ I predict Stanford and Oregon combine for 100 points in their games against us; can’t imagine what the total of the next five games against all ranked teams (or at least receiving votes).
§ NOTE: No “Game Day Grazing” post this week as I will be having a nice breakfast somewhere in Palo, Alto, followed by some tailgating amongst the Eucalyptus trees surrounding Stanford Stadium.
§ If you really need to read more…
§ Bob breaks down how Stanford can break down defenses: http://www.ralphiereport.com/2011/10/5/2470198/colorado-buffaloes-stanford-cardinal-film-review
§ Check out Allbuffs.com on Friday night or Saturday morning if you like the “uncensored” preview (not yet posted this week).
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