Buffs Stuff Utah and end the Streak!

Boy does it feel good to be wrong!  The Colorado Buffaloes went to Salt Lake City and played their best game of the season, winning all three phases of the game. There is a lot to celebrate, with the end of “the streak” and not having to carry it over until next season.  Embree called it a springboard for the program moving forward to next season and I agree.  I was able to listen to the second half of the game on shoddily connected internet radio from Mexico while it was raining and have since watched the tape.  Here are a few thoughts on the last game and the end of the season.

§  OC Eric Bienemy really started coming into his own with some strong playcalling toward the end of the season, including some great opening drives.  This game’s opener was great (although helped along by a Utah personal foul on third down) and put the team up 7-0, the first time they had led a game on the road all season.  I can’t wait to see him develop more in this aspect in his second season in the booth.

§   From the outset Tyler was spreading the ball all over the field, hitting 10 or 11 receivers througout the game, including getting P-Rich involved early and often.  DeVaughn Thorton had a big 52-yard catch (and a bad hold) and FB Evan Harrington got his first career TD!

§  Tony Clemons had another big day although he did have the sloppy fumble on the second drive that could have really put the Buffs in the driver’s seat if they had gotten in the endzone.  He was one of the few bright spots down the stretch, however it’s unfortunate he wasted so much of his time here and waited for the last four games of his career to finally decide to play.  He even said so in a post game interview.

§  Speedy (wish he a 4 more years of eligibility) was solid and had some good moves at times but re-injured his ankle.  Tony Jones came in to spell him early and then replace him and overall looked really good.  He gives some hope for next year as he can make all the short RB catches (he did drop one open screen with space) and had some nice runs, but could still use some work on his pass protection.

§  Overall the line gave Tyler some time and opened some decent holes for the RBs.  However, they were confused by Utah’s D-line shifts and had 5 or 6 false starts (including two by LG Ethan Adkins)?!

§  The Defense also had a fabulous start with two straight three-and-outs.  They had four in the first half and limiting Utah less than 100 yards and zero points.  They didn’t get their first first down until less than three minutes remained in the first half.

§  Although Utah ran it down their throat after two injuries to ignite them to start the second half, the D then had two stellar deep stands to twice force missed FGs late.  On the last one the Jon Major contributed two losses to set them back for a much longer attempt (of course Josh Hartigan was offsides on that series as well).

§  Everyone was flying around the field and making plays-the TV commentators mentioned it a few times early in the game. Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week LB Jon Major (9), DB Travis Sandersfeld(10) and S Anthony Perkins(10)(who was able to play the whole game) combined for 29 tackles.

§  Utah QB Jon Hays rarely tried to throw at CB Greg Henderson and when they did the true freshman made the play, including a great knock down late in the game.  Again, he had some nice one-on-one tackles to go with his tight coverage.

§  The Utah kicker and Kyle Winninham’s gambles gave the special teams to CU!  The three missed field goals were obviously key to the final outcome.  Derrick Webb made a nice recovery on the ballsy onsides kick, but TFr. WR Tyler McCulloch made the key play when he tagged the kicker who was supposed to make the recovery.  Wil Oliver and Darragh O’Neill did their jobs for the Buffs and will be even better next year.  The return game was average and can certainly improve next season, likely manned by some freshmen.

§  The worst part of the Pac-12 is the officiating.  They are absolutely awful, blowing plays left and right, flagging many phantom fouls and ignoring blatant penalties, as well as taking forever to sort out their confusing calls.  I have to totally agree with Joel Klatt on the travesty of personal foul call on Parker Orms’ actually beautiful TEXTBOOK hit late in the game (thankfully that didn’t change the outcome).  It was perfectly clean-he led with shoulder, to the body, nowhere near the receivers’ head and his head turned away-he just nailed him really f%*&!ng hard!  It’s just scared, reactionary refereeing and they were likely also affected by the play a few snaps previous when LB Patrick Mahnke (great four years of his body and heart given to the program!) destroyed another receiver, again perfectly legally but super hard, and the crowd wanted an (unwarranted) call.  I know that Embree and Brownie and the boys will continue to encourage that type of football!

§  Other notes:  DB Deji Olatoye and LB Liloa Lobriga will not return to the program next season-they were the last two from the suspended five and just couldn’t fulfill the requirements to make it back onto the team.  WR Austin Vincent will likely join them as he was charged with indecent exposure for going into the dorm’s women’s restroom naked-can’t imagine Embree will stick with him; he was not aware of anyone wanting to transfer.

§  The win is huge for the program to show recruits it has turned the corner and with 28 seniors, has a lot of spots to fill for those that want to come here and contribute immediately.  This will be a very important class, as it is Embree’s first full recruiting cycle and he has a lot of scholarships to fill that will be the bulk of his roster for the next few years.

§  As grateful as I was on senior day, I am ready to close this chapter and bid adieu this ugh 3-10 season.  Time for someone new to run the O (Thanks Tyler and Hello Connor Wood!), time for some young talent to man the TE spot, time for young faces to take over the offensive (see ya Ryan Miller) and defensive lines (time for Juda Parker), time for the real Embree era to commence.  He’s already said that a bowl game is the goal for next season and I can’t wait to go with him! 

   

    Spring Practices begin March 10 with the Spring Game on April 14.

Go Buffs!

UCLA Post Mortem...Utah Ute mini-primer

Note: I am heading to Mexico so I won’t be fully in touch with the Buff World during the week (not even sure if I will be able to watch the game) and therefore will not make the regular posts.  This post will combine some UCLA postgame items and an intro to the Utes.  I will provide a full recap of the Utah game upon my return, as well as subsequent posts on the state of the CU program, recruiting and future outlook.

§  I was happy when CU won the toss and chose to take the kickoff for the first time this season.  That was about it.  UCLA was obviously pumped up and came out ready to play.  Our D got beat on the 2^nd play of the game-no push by the defensive line and Prince was able to dial it up to his receiver who ran right by Jason Espinoza while Terrell Smith started chasing way too late.  Ridiculous amount of 30+ yard plays given up this year.

§  When senior TE Ryan Deehan let the ball bounce right through his hands for the easy pick (the second time he’s done that this year), he compounds the situation by ripping the LBs helmet off for 15 extra yards.  Few more plays and its 14-0.  The Buffs were awful in the first quarter and that’s all it took as they were behind 21-0 way too early and basically out of the game.

§  There’s very little positive to say-Clemons had some nice catches including the TD and Speedy ground out a few yards here and there; Patrick Mahnke had some nice tackles and the defense tightened up for while in the second and third-and Derrick Webb’s strip and Henderson’s recovery were nice but too little too late.  Overall it is just not nearly enough.  Numerous people on UCLA made plays on both sides of the ball.

§  Players with connections: P-Rich had only 2-3  short catches again; Joseph Fauria had a few catches and a TD, Taylor Embree got the W for bragging rights but couldn’t haul in a TD twice and had a few punt returns where he didn’t fair catch but ran it straight up the middle for a few extra yards; Josh Smith just had a few kick returns;  Kai Maiva didn’t make any mistakes as UCLA’s center.

§  Another game giving up over 500 yards and 40+ points.

§  Very worried about defensive line as they were stood up all night long by the Bruin offensive linemen.  Prince had lots of time and very little pressure, lots of space for the RBs.  There is not much there and nothing else really in the stable.

§  Too many missed tackles by the front seven in general.  Buffs DBs make way too many tackles-no wonder they are hurt so much. 

§  Offensive line wasn’t much better as Rodney was bottled up and Tyler was running all over the backfield.  He got injured when a defender came screaming in untouched. Kawai Crabb had to replace the ineffective Gus Handler at center for awhile. Loved it when senior captain Ryan Miller jumped offside on third-and-1 when the game was still at least hypothetically in reach; the follow-up 4-yard pass route by Deehan on third-and-6 was almost as stupid (was that really the play call?)

§  Anything positive I had to say last week is basically attributed to how bad Arizona is and senior adrenaline. 

§  At least I am not aware of any significant injuries.  Kyle Washington, Logan Gray and Brian Lockridge all were able to play. I really hope Anthony Perkins can somehow play in his last game as a Buff at Utah.

§  I am sadly just ready for the end of the season and moving forward toward 2012.  I have very little hope of actually going into Utah and getting a win. 

§  Utah doesn’t really feel like a rivalry does it?  The powers that be would love it to become one for the symmetrical quality it would help the Pac-12 maintain on the last weekend of the season before the championship game.  There will be all kinds of references throughout the week trying to justify it as a rivalry, but it is really just a game between two programs that have limped into the Pacific conference and could really use a win to end the season.  At least they are red.  The two teams do share a deep history, it’s just that its really deep, not just 100+ years old, but going back 50+ years since they actually last played, even though they have played 50+ times.

§  I thought that for the third straight week both teams would be thinking they can and should beat the other, but not sure the Buffs have any right to think they can win now.  The two Pac-12 newbies would like to make their statement against each other while the most of the rest of the conference plays their obvious geographical and historical rival.  Utah will show they definitely belong by finishing with a big win and a winning record in the conference but not so much if they give up our streak.  Colorado can redeem themselves somewhat with a win that would feel way bigger than any win outside a championship should, or just limp into the bowl season with remote control in hand.

§  For the second straight week the Buffs will be facing a team on their Senior Day.  It certainly worked for the Buffs and then UCLA so I don’t expect anything different from Utah.  They too will come out fired up and with lots of energy. CU has had a lot of problems matching intensity at the start of games, especially on the road. I fear this too could be decided early.

§  Utah QB Jordan Wynn is still out and they are not the same team without him.  I wonder what we could have been with him under center…remember, he was a CU commit until he realized it was going to be two seasons before he had any shot at playing with Cody here so he went to Utah and has shown he is very capable when healthy.

§  Without Wynn in the lineup, RB John White has been the savior of the Utah offense.  When he rushes for 100 yards they win, when he doesn’t they lose.  Seems like a simple game plan for Greg Brown then, no? However, once teams watch film of this defense, they will want to pass.

§  Utah is coming off a late win against Washington State in Pullman and riding with some confidence as they beat UCLA 31-6.  Their offense has begun clicking with Jon Hays at QB and they too will be salivating at the film of the Buffs defense.

§  CU will have to do everything right, which is so doubtful at this point, to have any chance on the road at Utah.  Embree and the staff and the returning players will likely have to suffer through a very long offseason, stewing on an embarrassing 2-11 record and the added pressure of a twenty-don’t-know-how-many-now road game losing streak.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Go Buffs!

§  Please check out these websites if you are jonesing for some Buff news:

CU home page: http://www.cubuffs.com/SportSelect.dbml?SPID=255&SPSID=3843&DB_OEM_ID=600

Stuart’s CU at the Game: http://www.cuatthegame.com/

The Ralphie Report: http://www.ralphiereport.com/

ESPN’s CU page: http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/38/colorado-buffaloes

Denver Post: http://www.denverpost.com/cu

Daily Camera’s Buffzone: http://www.buffzone.com/

Utah’s ESPN page: http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/254/utah-utes

Utah’s fan site “Block U”: http://www.blocku.com/

Game Day Grazing...UCLA Bruins

I don’t have a ton more to tell this morning.  I hate waiting around for these later games.  We absolutely have a chance…to win this game big behind an offensive explosion and greatly improved defense… but also to lose big if they revert to some of the mistakes from earlier in the season.

Note: This is the last Game Day Grazing as I will be on the Mexican Riviera.

§  Congratulations to Jr. DE Wil Pericak and Sr. DB Travis Sandersfeld for being named Pac-12 All-Conference All-Academic First Team.  So. DT Nate Bonsu, DB Justin Gorman and Sr. Tony Poremba made the second team while Sr. OL David Clark and RFr. C/G Daniel Munyer received honorable mention.

§  Injury Update:  Although Embree sounded optimistic earlier in the week that “everyone” would be able to play, it looks like the secondary will be without would-be starters S Anthony Perkins and CB Parker Orms.  S Kyle Washington has still not been officially cleared either and if he does not play, that means Travis Sandersfeld will be at safety again, with Jason Espinoza, Terrel Smith, DD Goodson and maybe Paul Vigo splitting the time at corner and nickel.  P-Rich’s status is also unknown-hopefully that’s just a smokescreen for UCLA.  Speedy is listed as “probable” but I am going to say he plays; same for Chidera Uzo-Diribe.  Also still “day-to-day,” whatever that means anymore, WR Logan Gray & CB Brian Lockridge (week-to-week or month-to-month more fitting?).

§  As for UCLA, Richard Brehaut is still listed as “probable” but will be only used in an emergency and Neuweasel said TFr. Brent Hundley (who many fans feel should have burned his redshirt by now anyway) would be the backup if something did happen to Prince.  Safety Alex Mascarenas had returned to practice after a concussion 6 weeks ago, but experienced dizziness and is out.

§  UCLA special teams are also terrible.  Josh Smith has put up decent number on kickoff returns (let’s see if he’s still prone to fumbles!) but Taylor Embree has not done much on punt returns, doing a lot of fair catching.  Their coverage teams are not great.  Yet another game where a mistake or big play in this phase could play a big part in the outcome.

§  Both Buff DE David Goldberg and UCLA C (and former Buff) Kai Maiava have both talked about their friendship and how they are looking forward to going up against each other some in the game.  It will be a good battle to look for, although they probably won’t actually go head-to-head much.

§  While Jon Embree has said all along his wife Natalyn would represent the family and he would stay with this team, Rick Neuheisel has said he will go to the locker room if need be to get dad to walk out with son Taylor in the Senior Day celebration.  Taylor said he doesn’t want his dad to be able to use it as an excuse that he couldn’t be in the locker room pregame if they lose.

§  It appears CU coaches and coordinators on both sides of the ball are settling in with their players and play calling.  OC Eric Bienemy called his best game against Arizona and plans much of the same for UCLA: a well-executed but simple game plan of running the ball and mixing in some passes.  There are absolutely more tricks, besides Speedy’s throwback to Hansen and some reverses, in the playbook-I personally would love to see a flea-flicker.  On defense, one person close to the program said that coaches are letting kids play a little more, not forcing them into a specific scheme, but tweaking the scheme more to the strengths of the players.

§  Buffs are out of the “Bottom Ten”!  And now our only two wins are in it along with next year’s opponent Fresno State.  Obviously a win today would be a huge step in the right direction for the CU program on so many levels-road streak, momentum, recruiting; however, a loss to a downtrodden program on the verge of implosion would be a ticket right back down the pipe to the Bottom Ten again and leaving only one more game on the road to lay the foundation for next season.

Go Buffs!

If you need a little something else to kill the time until the late kickoff…

§  Here is a 2-part post from “Bruin Nation” giving an outside perspective on the game and the Buffs.  They definitely use the depth chart at CUBuffs.com as a main point of reference based on how they discuss the players and who backs up whom-this is obviously very true in the secondary where no one knows who will play where each week and guys move around a lot.

Part 1: http://www.bruinsnation.com/2011/11/16/2566588/previewing-the-colorado-buffaloes-part-i-coaching-and-offense

Part 2: http://www.bruinsnation.com/2011/11/17/2568931/previewing-the-colorado-buffaloes-part-ii-defense-and-special-teams

UCLA Bruin Primer

This game provides a lot of background connections between the two teams.  It obviously starts with their head coach Rick Neuheisel, who had many nicknames and is still widely disliked in these parts-I have heard two different groups talk about the T-shirts they were planning on wearing to the game.  Plus, both Embree and Bienemy coached there as well under Karl Dorrell.  There are two former Buffs who transferred in Josh Smith, who supposedly wanted to pursue his music and rap career and CU couldn’t provide that, and G/C Kai Maiva who played and earned honors as a freshman, but was then incomprehensibly asked by Hawkins to move to fullback. (Who could blame him?)  Lastly, not only is Taylor Embree a Bruin on his senior day, but so is Christian Fauria’s son (nephew?) Joseph, another big, effective junior tight end.  (Incidentally, neither was given even a sniff from the Hawkins staff.)  On the other hand, Hawk did snatch up the player who might be our most talented, from UCLA, in Paul Richardson (whose dad was a Bruin), when he got in caught up in “pursegate”.  As with Washington and the Arizona teams, this is a program Embree will battle directly with for many recruits in the future and this would be a good time for a strong showing in Los Angles-this is a big reason CU moved to the Pac-12.

§  Injury Update: P-Rich suffered a concussion last week and will be a late-week decision for UCLA; as will Kyle Washington, recovering from a concussion vs. USC.  Parker Orms returned from suspension and was injured yet again, pulling up limp with a hamstring, and did not return.  Orms has had a rash of leg injuries this year and I would be surprised if he’s ready for UCLA.  Maybe he can get it figured out in the offseason and have the leg healthy for next season.  Chidera Uzo-Diribe had his shoulder tweaked on his fumble recovery, but returned and is probable for the Bruins.  Brady Daigh and his wrist will be listed “probable” for both remaining games.  Anthony Perkins is currently listed as “questionable” for Saturday.  Although Embree said Monday, "I count on everyone being available," I am not so sure about Perkins, Orms or even P-Rich the way it has gone so far this year.

§  This is another winnable game, for both teams.  Each squad is eyeing this game as a chance to notch another win and forge forward, CU building momentum for the future as UCLA tries to salvage Coach Rick Neuheisel’s job after being crushed by Utah in the snow.  The Bruins can still become bowl-eligible with one more win, and even the Pac-12 championship if they win out.  However, their last game is against USC.  Even a 6-6 record likely won’t save Slick Rick’s skin if they are crushed by SC.  So, the Buffs can really rain on the parade by coming into the Rose Bowl and snatching a win.  In fact, they are confident and Tyler said: “And we're not going to lose on the road, I guarantee. We're going to the Rose Bowl and we're going to get it done.”

§  Even though they still control their own destiny to get to the Pac-12 championship game, if UCLA actually pulled it off, it could end up being a lot like Gary Barnett’s last ill-fated Big 12 North championship.  Bruin nation is quite restless, calling not only for Slick Rick’s head but also AD Dan Guerrero as the storied basketball program sucks too.  There is already a post looking at how next year’s roster is stacking up for the new coach.

§  CU’s offense was 7-for-7 in redzone opportunities against Arizona, scoring touchdowns all seven times, after coming into the game 18-26, with 13 TDs.  All of their scoring drives, except one after a deep turnover, were actually drives, with the Buffs marching down the field with a nice combination runs and passes, moving inside the 20 and finishing the job.  This is a trend that would nice to repeat.

§  UCLA gave up 167 yards rushing to John White of Utah-this when Utah has had no passing game without Jordan Wynn and it was snowing so everyone knew they would be running and the Bruins still could not stop him.  Rodney has a chance for another huge day. 

§  Bienemy probably called his best game of the year.  The first two drives were sustained with some great play calls and the Speedy pass back to Tyler was perfectly set up and executed. It seem he might really be coming into his own there.  I am interested to see what else he calls to mix it up against the Bruins and if he can get more people involved like P-Rich and some other TEs.

§  It will be interesting for everyone watching to see how P-Rich comes out and plays (assuming he is cleared).  He is not 100% yet from his knee, is coming off a concussion and has the pressure of going back to LA and playing in front of family, friends, against many almost teammates and some friends, as well as in front of UCLA fans that have strong feelings about him.   How good could this offense be if Richardson and Clemons were both physically healthy and mentally in the game?

§  UCLA’s offense is a mess of inconsistency, but they have been much better at home.  Kevin Prince is not among the royalty of Pac-12 QBs, and has shared time with Jr. Richard Brehaut, who is once again healthy.  Prince will start, but if he struggles, we’ll probably see Brehaut as well, who is a better passer and not as strong of a runner.  The QB is key for their “pistol” formation that can cause fits for defenses with its version of the zone-read option. They are generally stronger in the run game with two decent tailbacks, Jonathan Franklin (126 rushes-695 yards-4 TDs) and Derrick Coleman (113-585-11), and especially with Prince, but Utah’s defensive line won the battle of the trenches and shut them down, forcing them to pass. 

§  Like CU, UCLA has not been consistent with O-line play, have committed lot of penalties and Prince especially has been prone to mistakes.  When the Utes got a little pressure on Prince they were able to pick off two.   Our D-line needs to have its best game yet to slow down the run game and force them to throw.  If they can get some pressure on the QB like they did against Foles, they should keep us in the game and the offense should be able to score enough points.

§  We will likely have to wait until kickoff to see who starts for us in the secondary.  It will be Henderson on one side with Polk at one safety for sure, Sandersfeld will be in there but not sure where until they see who is cleared between Perkins, Orms and Washington.  We could see any combination of Terrell Smith, Jason Espinoza “Island”, Paul Vigo or TFr. DD Goodson out there also.

§  The Bruin defense will get senior safety Tony Dye back from a neck injury.  He was definitely a team leader before sitting out and his replacements have done okay, but they will welcome his experience in the secondary.  He actually contemplated taking a medical redshirt but decided to come back and play with this senior class.

§  The Bruins were also guilty of many penalties against Utah (and all season long)- especially 5 or 6 of those annoying false starts that NeuTeams are famous for-and other inopportune mistakes like special teams gaffes and (don’t laugh too hard now) clock management issues.  As we were able to do against Arizona, the Buffs need to be the one taking advantage of its’ opponents’ mistakes, and not the other way around.

§  Have our freshmen kickers hit a little wall?  Wil Oliver came back to Earth and even missed a PAT in the wind.  Darragh O’Neill has another mishap with the “rugby-style” kick and they will (as they should) look at that in the offseason.  Since he has such a big and accurate leg, just let him boot it away.  If they do decide to continue using it, the other 10 needs to be more aware of when, how and why it is being utilized.  On coverage, we have to worry about Josh Smith, who could graduate as the all-time leading kickoff returner at both schools (he is first here and second at UCLA) and Taylor Embree, who is sure handed and not as dangerous on punts.  I have no idea who runs out there to fair catch punts for us this week.

§  Sounds like with all the connections between players and coaches at both schools there has been a lot of trash talk.  Taylor and his dad’s phone conversations would be very entertaining and I don’t follow social media but I guess there is a lot going on there, especially between Josh Smith and Kai Maiva and the guys they still know here.

§  Wearing #90 for the Buffs now, former blue-chip DE Nick Kasa got in the game for a few plays as TE.  On one snap he actually ran a deep route on the right and drew some coverage as Tyler dropped a short pass to the left.  We might see even more of him in the last two games since DeVaughn Thorton has officially moved to WR (can’t block but also dropped an easy catch with some space last week and continues to be disappointing), while Kyle Slavin can’t seem to crack the lineup.  What was once considered (by me at least) a position of strength, has become one of need.

§  Even though every single game will have been televised at least regionally for the first time since 1995, Buff nation has had a great presence at away games this year.  There have been at least 3000 tickets sold for UCLA-and remember that the ticket office and the tickets offered are not that great so many people will also purchase tickets through other avenues, leading to even more black dispersed throughout the crowd in the Rose Bowl.

§  One big question for the game: How does Embree’s wife Natalyn dress on Saturday in LA? According to Embree, probably in blue.  Embree’s mom will also be in attendance-I am hoping she’s at least dressed in black and gold, maybe with a small pin for Taylor.  Here’s a nice article on the family: http://www.denverpost.com/cu/ci_19336774 ).

§ 

§  CU Game notes: http://www.cubuffs.com/fls/600/gameday/ucla11/cunotes.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=600

§  UCLA Game notes: http://www.cubuffs.com/fls/600/gameday/ucla11/uclanotes.pdf

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

State of the Program Part 1: “Hawkruiting”

[This is the first post in series that will look at where the CU program is after almost one year under Jon Embree.  Look for an overview of the returning Buffs position by position after the Utah game, and some follow up posts about next year’s outlook while we wait on the recruiting class and try to get over this season.]

I stole the term “Hawkruiting” from someone else, who stole the term also, but it is so fitting, it had to be in the title.  It covers all of the stupid, naïve, ridiculous tactics he employed to actually leave the program “burned to the ground.”  His Boise St. approach just didn’t work in the big time (Chris Peterson is smart and staying put).

Earlier in the year Dave from AllBuffs.com wrote: “Someone coined the term ‘hawkruiting’…and the issues start there. [Former Colorado head coach Dan Hawkins] recruited 2 types of people: great students who were decent athletes and character risks that were monster athletes. Unfortunately most of the latter never made grades and got kicked out of school for discipline issues. Of the 4 and 5 star recruits Dan pulled in we have a tiny handful left. Failure to keep those guys and to develop other talent is at the root of our issues”.

§  First, the long list of guys who were expected to contribute but instead transferred, were kicked off the team or just disappeared: OT Bryce Givens was supposed to man a tackle position for four years but couldn’t stay out of trouble and on the field; LB Lynn Katoa got in a fight and never even got on the field; we all know about Darrel Scott; his uncle Josh Smith actually left the program first for UCLA followed shortly by stud G/C Kai Maiva after he was asked to move to FB?!  Meanwhile, two of Hawk’s touted TE recruits, Harold Mobley and Henley Griffon were both asked to leave the program after Embree’s first spring; likewise DE Forrest West couldn’t cut it and left for NC State. Projected starter this year at center Mike Iltis quit the team to focus on getting his degree.

§  Many of the 4 and 5 stars never panned out and some never even played a down.  Of those who did stay and play, outside of P-Rich, most would be considered underachievers.  A class by class look at those recruits from Hawk’s years:

2007: 4-star JC RB Patrick Gates never even qualified and made it to campus; 4-star JC DE Drew Hudgins, hardly played; 4-star WR Marques Simas was given numerous chances but never could keep it together, left program (twice); 5-star OT Ryan Miller, as has been stated previously, although a major contributor over 5 years, was really an underachiever for what he was projected to do, but looks like a Rhodes Scholar/All-American next to the rest.

2008: This was the top-15 ranked class after signing day in February with: 5-star RB Darrel Scott, basically a bust, now at South Florida; 5-star OT Bryce Givens, major problem child, finally dismissed by Embree; 5-star LB Lynn Katoa, got in a fight and never even got to practice; 4-star JC LB Shawn Mohler, played a little; 4-star LB Jon Major, a Colorado kid who wanted to stay home (read: Hawk probably couldn’t have chased him away if he tried) obviously still contributes as a Jr. captain.

2009: Only 5-star DE Nick Kasa, originally committed to Florida made big news switiching to CU, but we all know he would have never gotten off the bench down south as he has now switched positions to TE.

2010: 4-star WR Paul Richardson was a serendipitous, late score when Neuweasel jettisoned him from UCLA for “pursegate” and Hawk had no qualms scooping him up, but I am sooooo glad he did.  Everyone gets lucky once in awhile.

§  Overall the 2007 class included nine offensive linemen that were supposed to give depth to a weakened position and lay the foundation for the future.  Of the nine, two are no longer in the program (Maiva and Iltis), three have not played much due to injuries and other issues (Blake Behrens, Shawn Daniels, Sione Tau), a walk-on who didn’t really play much (David Clark), one moved to TE and plays sparingly (Matt Bahr), while Ethan Adkins and Ryan Miller have been mainstays at the guard spots, although Miller was supposed to be an All-American left tackle. Not exactly what they had in mind for that group that year.  The offensive line situation has been exacerbated by further losses in Givens, Eric Richter never panning out as a O-lineman and moving to D where he doesn’t contribute either, as well as chronic knee problems keeping Max Tuioti-Mariner from continuing to play.

§  Another thing Hawk didn’t understand about the academics at CU was how JUCO players have difficulty succeeding here (very different from Boise St. academics) and he stubbornly brought in numerous JC transfers, hoping for a quick (K-state) fix and most never did a thing for CU. Besides Hudgins, Mohler, Gates, we also had stellar bench warmers (or non-players) from JCs like OL Eric Fataagi, RB Thomas Perez (like Gates never even qualified), DE Chris Perri (kicked out for fighting with model citizen Michael Sipili), scout team QB Nick Nelson, WR Andre Simmons, OL/DL Eric Richter (one more year of scout team duty for him); LB/FB Evan Harrington contributed a little on offense as senior at least.

§  Hawk also didn’t bother to recruit kids that hard early in the process, a practice that worked at Boise St. and with the athletes they could compete with there, but not here.  He never learned and lost out on a lot of great prospects, from in state and all around.  He also lost out on a lot of former Buffs’ kids because he so estranged himself from the former members of the program (Taylor Embree and Joseph Fauria at UCLA among others).

§  There were also a ton of 2-3-star guys who committed, signed, but never qualified, or if they did, didn’t last very long.  When I looked at the recruiting lists from years past I was amazed at how many names I had never really heard of and how many had left. They are too many and too unimportant to list. 

§  Hawk’s kids who had great overall GPAs were just not good (usually not fast) enough to compete at his level (see many members of this year’s senior class like Mahnke and Sandersfeld). 

§  However, all of the academic and off the field issues left some APR problems as well, limiting a few scholarships at one point.  All of these issues added up to a team that not only lacked team speed but was also short on any decent depth, with some really bad holes at some positions. 

§  This was exacerbated by bad or limited coaching that showed up and still shows up on the field.  This was especially true for the seniors that dominated this year’s lineup.  I was never a big fan of Hawk’s “Never too high, never too low” attitude that never lets young guys show any emotion never seemed to work.  The roster was not prepared for the new approach and new conference. 

With only a handful of juniors who were fully tainted by the previous staff, next year’s team should be able to make a big step forward.

Another Brick in the Wall-1st Pac-12 Conference Win CU 48 UA 29

Everything always feels better after a win!  Especially when it is the first Pac-12 conference win on Senior Day to break a seven-game losing streak and prevent the first ever season at Folsom without a win!  Especially when it is a BRICK game, as this was for all of the above reasons.  A huge sigh of relief was let out across the region as Travis Sandersfeld, one of many seniors to make a big play today, snatched the third interception of the day for the Buff defense vs. NFL-bound Nick Foles.  This 48-29 pounding of Arizona sets the tone for the rest of the season and the goal of breaking the twenty-whatever-it-is-now road losing streak next week at UCLA and ending the year with a three-game winning streak at Utah!

§  The “Buffalo Heart Award”  very deservedly went to RB Rodney “Speedy” Stewart, who exemplified everything the honor is about by going out of the game with an injury, only to return in the second half to dominate and put the game away.  He rushed for 181 yards and 3 TDs, caught a few balls as usual, and threw a 14-yard, perfectly executed pass back to Tyler Hansen for a score!  It was so nice to see this team just run the ball and grind out the end of the game as it should, especially at Folsom.

§  Tyler also had a great day, throwing for over 200 and 2 TDs (although he also threw a pick six), over 50 rushing and his catch!  Tony Clemons had a great day with a couple of really nice catches 115 yards.  Ryan Deehan had a big catch to keep the chains moving late.  Kyle Cefalo was sent back to fair catch or run away from punts in the wind.

§  On defense many seniors had big days: Sandersfeld had double digit tackles to go with his pick; Jason Espinosa “Island” had another pick; Patrick Mahnke a sack and a bunch of tackles; Josh Hartigan also had a sack and some tackles; Curtis Cunningham was his usual mainstay-nothing fancy, nothing bad-on the D-line and linemate Conrab Obi had a couple of pressures. Tyler Ahles also had a few tackles (and a stupid late hit on Foles that gave the Wildcats one last gasp).

§  The offense had 500 total yards and scored on its first two drives while the defense caused a ton of interceptions, fumbles and fourth down turnover (although one was their idiot punter touching his knee down as he tried to field a crappy snap).  Those are stats we need to repeat in the future! 

§  RBs Tony Jones (receiving) and Josh Ford (rushing) both had TDs.  They looked decent, held onto the ball and are poised to take over the backfield next year.

§  LB Jon Major had a sweet stand up tackle of the RB behind the line of scrimmage.  Wil Pericak also had a huge hit and recovered a fumble. Chidera Uzo-Diribe recovered a fumble by Foles (stripped by Mahnke) and was crushed beneath the pile with his arm trapped under and behind him, but still came back in the game!  Greg Henderson had his first career interception.  These guys are the heart of the defense next year.

§  Nice touches by Embree: The Buffs actually called a timeout before the last PAT to get senior Blake Behrens in the game.  The last defensive series was all seniors except for So. S Terrel Smith and Jr. LB Jon Major.  Even DBs Arthur Jaffee and Jonathan Hawkins got on the field for some defensive plays.  Then, after Sandersfeld’s Int, the lineup for the “victory formation” snap was all seniors except Kawai Crabb at center with the rest of the line rarely-used seniors David Clark, Shawn Daniels, Blake Behrens and Sione Tau-I believe this was the first offensive snap that Ryan Miller has not been in.

§   Anthony Perkins and other seniors were fully dressed before the game but he was not able to play in his last game at Folsom Field.  I hope he makes it back at least for the Utah game.

§  Unfortunately, Paul Richardson had only one catch and was injured in the second half and did not return.

§  The wind was interesting to say the least.  It wreaked havoc on the kicking game as punts and kickoffs were all over the place.  Will Oliver even pushed a PAT wide.  It wasn’t as bad on the passing game on either side, although Henderson’s pick was probably aided by the wind.

§  The 10+ NFL scouts at the game to see QB Nick Foles might have walked away a little unimpressed.  Although he was generally very accurate and threw some perfect bullets at times, he did miss a few passes badly that were not wind-related, and threw 3 picks against a defense that had been shredded by everyone else before it.  He also holds the ball very loosely when he is pressured and we knocked it out a few times.  For CU they saw that Speedy is small but has some great moves and will  be an intriguing guy to some teams.  Ryan Miller had a bad penalty for the scouts, but both he and Adkins had some nice blocks, especially on the last drive to free up Speedy for some nice gains.  Clemons made some nice catches when he was blanketed by DBs that might get him a look.  Not sure if anyone else did anything to really impress any scouts.