csu Game Preview

The first game of the 2012 campaign is just around the corner and I can almost hear the crowd as Ralphie starts her charge across the field at “Mile High”.  The rivalry (I won’t try and play nebraska and ignore it) against the lambs is always interesting since it is their biggest game of the year and usually the first game of the year.  As it has been most of the last decade plus and will be (according to contract) most of the next decade or so, the game will be played at the big stadium with a long name in Denver before a fairly rowdy, if somewhat small crowd.  CU has sold most of its ticket allotment and csu has only been able to sell a small portion of theirs, including only about 3000 student ducats.  Here is the first preview of the year. 

§  Colorado will always be favored against their little sister from the North, but csu also spends all summer studying film and trying to figure out ways to surprise the Buffs.  Additionally, many of their players are guys that CU did not bother recruiting so they are always up for playing against them.  This year will be no different as the lambs bring a new coach, new schemes and a thin roster minus two of its best players who were dismissed.  New coach jim mcelwain comes from ‘Bama and must already be looking for a way out of fort Collins. However, he at least professes to have seen great progress in his team during camp and they are just now starting to implement the game plan for CU (yeah right!). The Buffs start out as 6-7 point favorites and should easily cover.

§  Interestingly, the two teams share a lot in common including an overall young team, new QB, defense led by LBs, a very young secondary, young receivers, a desire to pound the ball in the run game behind experienced lines.  

§  NOTE: Colorado has eight players that will be wearing duplicate uniform numbers : No. 4 (QB Jordan Webb; LB Kyle Washington); No. 5 (QB Connor Wood; CB Yuri Wright); No. 8 (QB Nick Hirschman; P Darragh O’Neill); No. 15 (TE Vincent Hobbs; P Zach Grossnickle); No. 21 (RB D.D. Goodson; DB Jered Bell); No. 42 (RB Josh Ford; LB K.T. Tu’umalo); No. 55 (C Gus Handler; LB Josh Tupou); and No. 83 (WR Dustin Ebner; DL Will Pericak).  Nos. 21 and 42 could be the most problematic in identifying players on specials teams as those players could all be involved on those units. (Brian Lockridge and Greg Henderson, both 20, were often misidentified by analysts last year.)

§  The only injury reported, besides P-Rich of course, is LG Alex Lewis is listed as “probable”, nursing a sprained ankle, wearing a boot most of the day, but he has practiced without it and he will play.

§  When the Buffs have the ball: The Buffs are being led by new QB Jordan Webb, who is neither tall, nor Cody, but throws an accurate ball and uses his experience to make good decisions.  His first and main job is to hand the ball off early and often to Tony Jones and the stable of RBs.  The offensive line is the strongest group on offense and should be able to open up a lot of space for the rushers and give some time to Webb to throw.  When he does throw, it will be to an inexperienced group of receivers, so there will be a lot of safe, short passes, especially early.  However, this team will also take its shots deep and look for true frosh Gerald Thomas to become the deep threat for this offense.

§  The offensive line is considered one of the team’s strengths with four guys returning with starting experience, a versatile utility backup in Sr. Ryan Dannewitz, lots of young depth and are led by nationally respected (nominated for everything and on every list, most recently the ESPN’s preseason All Pac-12 team) Jr. LT David Bahktiari.  They are excited to run the ball a lot, know each other well and even if something happens to someone, they shouldn’t miss a beat with Dannewitz, who can give basically anyone a spell if needed.  C Gus Handler, LG Alex Lewis and RT Jack Harris all have All-Pac 12 potential (not to mention some of their younger backups in the future).

§  The general offensive strategy sets up great for the lambs defense as their d-line is their weakest area, having lost some players to injury and dismissal from an already shaky group.  Similar to the Buffs, the csu linebackers, even with the loss of the two idiots, are considered the strength unit of the defense, led by Shaquil Barret and James Skelton.  With their this glut of depth at linebacker the coaches have been vague and deceptive (the depth chart was different than what was reported in interviews) and nobody is exactly sure if the csu defense is a 3-4 or a 4-3. It is more likely a (increasingly more common) hybrid where one or two guys can stand up or put a hand down on the line. No matter how they line up, the LBs will have to make a lot of plays, especially if Bahktiari and the o-line get in a groove. 

§  Don't worry, Jordan Webb will still throw the ball and he has been given the “power” to call audibles at the line.  This will be very interesting to watch, especially to see if he checks out of an early down running play for a deep ball-if it works, he has free reign, if not EB will be fuming on the sideline.

§  No decision yet (Wed. AM) on who will be the backup QB, Nick Hirshman or Connor Wood.

§  Although mcelwain has praised his secondary, it is a relatively slow group and will also play a few freshmen and sophomores. However, So. Momo Thomas started as a frosh and brings attitude to the group.

§  Webb should be able to take his shots against them, as well as pick up the shorter yards when needed.  Sr. Dustin Ebner and R-Fr. Nelson Spruce should not have too much difficulty getting open on the short to medium routes.  Receivers like Thomas and fellow true frosh, TE Vincent Hobbs could pick up some serious yards after catch if they get the ball on the run.  I am also excited to see how So. WR Tyler McCulloch responds in his second season after being thrown into the fire last year, as well as So. TE Kyle Slavin, who should be ready to show off some of his skills as he supposedly has finally figured “it” out.

§  However, none of this should really matter; if the 0-line does their job, it will be relatively easy for the rest of the offense to do theirs. 

§  Bienemy should not have to show much of his playbook for the Buffs to pick up some yards, burn some clock and score some points.  Some of the younger backup players should get some game experience late in this one.

§  When the lambs have the ball: CU cannot really be sure of  what type of offense the lambs will run, how they will line up and what trickery they could employ to make up for the talent deficiency.  The offensive coaches and mcelwain come from a variety of backgrounds and have worked with all styles of offense, so they will probably have a lot of different “looks” to show CU, who must play solid individually and as a team, making adjustments as they go.

§  csu will also definitely try to rely on the run as their best player is RB Chris Nwoke, who will carry the load even more than he did last year.  Their most experienced unit is also their offensive line. I think they will double team DT Wil Pericak a lot early on all downs, with the lack of experience across the rest of the line.

§  This will be a big test for the at least five frosh who will play in the defensive line rotation.  Word is that T-Fr. DT Josh Tupou is a beast and everyone is excited to see his debut, as well as that of Solis, Tyler Henington, John Stuart and Samson Kofavalu.  Chidera Uzo-Diribe and Juda Parker should be able to wreak a little havoc on the outside and get some pressure on the QB, maybe a couple of sacks.  If the Buffs can control this line of scrimmage they will easily win.

§  Garret Grayson is a fairly mobile QB who will likely need to use that skill a lot as their receivers are thin.  Their best pass catcher is their TE, Crocket Gilmore and WR Thomas Coffman is likely out for this game.

§  However, this first game will also be a big test for the three or four that could see time in the CU secondary.  While the lambs will likely try to pound it early to draw the safeties in, use a lot of formation shifts and misdirection plays as well as use a little play action to confuse them, they will also try to test the young CBs and take some deep shots.  Granted, the lamb offense might be licking their chops looking at our secondary, however, they might be in for a little surprise if they think they can pick on T-Fr. CB Kenneth Crawley amidst a quietly strong and experienced secondary with Sr. Ray Polk and Jr. Terrel Smith at safety and super-soph Greg Henderson at the other corner.  They are very young and untested at the backups, but those guys also should get some good garbage time reps late in the game.

§  This may be one of the few games that CU starts in its base defense, meaning Parker Orms will likely start the game on the sidelines, although he will play early and often.  If the Buffs stop the run or get a nice lead and force them to throw, or if csu happens to have any early success in the air, Orms will be on the field. (As there are seven pass-happy offenses, many of them “spread” formations, Orms will start many games as the nickel and LB Derrick Webb might not start those.)

§  Special Teams: The Rams announced that they won’t even know their kicker until game day (are they going to flip a coin?  Have a “kick-off”: whoever makes a FG gets to play?).  The Buffs meanwhile return starters at all kicking positions and definitely hold the advantage here. Although our returners are basically all freshmen, they are very fast and I expect a big play or two out of the return game for the first time in years.

§  Overall, the Buffs have the edge in almost every category and should easily win, on paper.  However, the opening game, a “rivalry” game, and a completely new coaching staff leaves a lot of unknowns and CU cannot rest on the talent advantage alone.  They must play smart, not giving up any big plays or turnovers early.  I could see CU struggling a little early, but they should have too much size, speed and talent not to run away with it in the second half, if they let it stay close that long.

§  Bulletin Board: The Fort Collins Coloradan actually printed that there weren’t “any reasons why the rams should lose the game.”  Wow, even I can come up with a couple of reasons why they might actually win, even though I believe it to be highly unlikely.  I kinda hope the csu players read that and drive to the big city thinking it is true.

§  More Links on the game:

Stuart from CUattheGame.com gives us his TIPS: http://www.cuatthegame.com/2012/colorado-state-preview/

Dave Plati’s Game Notes: http://www.cubuffs.com/fls/600/gameday/csu12/cunotes.pdf?SPSID=3843&SPID=255&DB_OEM_ID=600

csu game notes: http://www.cubuffs.com/fls/600/gameday/csu12/csunotes.pdf?SPSID=3843&SPID=255&DB_OEM_ID=600

David Gerhardt from RalphieReport gives his key matchups: http://www.ralphiereport.com/2012/8/29/3276219/colorado-buffaloes-colorado-state-rams-key-matchups

And of course, no game preview would be complete without Buffnik’s uncensored version: http://www.allbuffs.com/content.php/1500-A-really-******-preview-of-the-2012-CU-vs-CSU-football-game

Go Buffs!csu

Depth Chart Update

I was just about to post a “Where are the Buffs at?” when the depth chart came out http://www.cubuffs.com/fls/600/gameday/2012/depth_chart.pdf .  So, after about three weeks of practice and a scrimmage, a week to go until the opener, we know who will be lining up first and who will likely be getting on the field.  Embree may not like depth charts, but Plati finally pressured him enough to get us one.  It is heavy on true frosh across the two-deep, with three earning at least co-starter’s listings. Here’s a snapshot of each position, who is slated to start, who is second and likely to play, as well as a look at which freshman redshirt and which get on the field.

Offense

§  QB battle: We know that Jordan Webb and the experience he brings will be starting and appears to have won the battle quite easily.   The big question that remains is who will come in if Webb gets injured, or struggles?  Neither Connor Wood, who had all spring to work with the first team and make his move, nor Nick Hirschman, who has the most time in the program, has been able to separate themselves from the other.  They begin the season listed as “co-backups” and my guess is they stay that way with the coaches staging a week-to-week practice battle for who is #2.   The reasoning is mainly twofold: neither QB is that great and they want to keep them both around, just in case, although I would venture to predict that next year Shane Dillon passes both and is #2 (assuming Webb earns the right to keep the starting job all year and into next).  John Schrock is officially fourth.

§  As expected RB Tony Jones is the starter with big numbers to chase (“1600” yards mentioned by EB).  Bienemy has four or five guys behind him who all have different strengths and who could see action in an offense ready to run more.  So. DD Goodson is listed second, although EB said "I'm not sure who our No. 2 guy is…” and that the order is still “fluid”; Malcolm Creer is indeed recovered, looked very good in his limited time last year, and is ready to show what he can do;  it looks like two of the freshmen will play, Donta Abron is third while Terrence Crowder is fourth with Josh Ford, who many thought would be the #2.  Chances are all five get some time, and EB’s mantra is: “I coach the starter to be the starter, but I coach the next guy to take his job.”     Crowder the only one who might still redshirt as they have a lot of capable bodies.  As anticipated, Davien Payne will redshirt.

§  T-Fr. Christian Powell is one of the three frosh to move to the top of the depth chart, listed as a co-starter at FB with Alex Wood.  Interestingly, the other true frosh, Clay Norgard is not listed, even as a #3, so does that mean, even with an extra spring under his belt, that he will redshirt?

§   Webb has said that T-Fr. TE Vincent Hobbs is quickly becoming one of his favorite targets, although he is actually listed fourth behind the starter Sr. Nick Kasa, who has received praise, but more has been said about what he still need to develop.  Jr. Kyle Slavin is second which I hope to mean that hi is really catching on. Jr. Scott Fernandez who will be mostly a blocker is third followed by Hobbs, then the underachieving DaVaughn Thorton.  T-Fr. Austin Ray was expected to find his way onto the field as well but is not listed and could be slated to redshirt with Sean Irwin (who could even move onto the main offensive line).

§  WR has been the most talked about offensive group after QB and should be manned by a committee of five guys (frosh Jeffery Thomas will greyshirt to get his shit together).  R-Fr. Nelson Spruce and So. Tyler McCulloch are indeed with Dustin Ebner and T-Fr. Gerald Thomas listed #2, So. Keenan Canty and the versatile Justin Gorman (moved from RB now) providing a little depth.  The departure of Jeff Thomas re-opened the door for underachieving Jr. Jarrod Darden but it appears that he did not take advantage (if he is able, I would think coaches push him for a heavy class load in the spring and summer so he can graduate early).  Paul Richardson is “officially” out the first two games (I guess he will be re-evaluated the week of Sept. 15 for the Fresno St. game), but likely longer and still might not return at all (I just don’t want to count on him at all).  This is also a young group but will be boosted and pushed by new recruits next year, including greyshirts Peyton Williams and Jeffrey Thomas, not to mention a healthy P-Rich.

§  The offensive line starters have been set for a while and most players can play more than one spot.  They are also versatile and deep behind the big six as well.  Jr. LT David Bahktiari  is backed up by Sr. Ryan Dannewitz AND R-Fr. Marc Mustoe; So. LG Alex Lewis is followed by true frosh Jeromy Irwin (looks like they will not redshirt him) who jumped over So. Kawai Crabb; R-Fr. Brad Cotner is actually listed #2 after Jr. Gus Handler at center then So. Daniel Munyer, who is #1 RG, backed up by Sr. Eric Richter (yea he made the two-deep finally!) and T-Fr. Alex Kelley;  Jr. Jack Harris is the RT with Dannewitz AND R-Fr. beast Stephane Nembot.    No matter what the chart says, if one goes down, Dannewitz comes in and they will shift to give them best combo of the four remaining starters and “Danno”.  They group is primed and ready to lead what should be a surprising run game to the Pac-12.  It also bodes very well for the future as they will only lose one senior next year, (Dannewitz), and so should bring back five starters and a very experienced second line behind them full of young talent.  They also already have five commits for 2013 o-linemen.

Defense

§  From all reports it sounds like the interior of the line should be fairly solid with the emergence of freshmen DT Josh Topou, now listed as co-starter with the finally healthy Jr. Nate Bonsu and next to returning captain Will Pericak with T-Fr. Justin Solis and Tyler Henington making a very nice rotation, keeping Pericak and whoever else stands out the best fresh for late in the game.  This position looks to be fairly solid heading to the future with these three to lead the way for four years, although they could use some depth and will get more help next year.  Some of the outside guys below could end up putting on weight and boosting this position down the road.

§  Outside at DE and the hybrid “Jack LB” the situation is not as stable, although the starters, So. Juda Parker (coming around and recently getting some hype) and Chidera Uzo-Diribe (most talked about player outside of QB) respectively, are all but definite, the play of freshmen has not been as consistent. T-Fr. John Stuart (second behind Parker at DE) and Samson Kofavalu (third after Chidera at Jack) made the depth chart, along with So. Kirk Poston, who held on to the backup slot behind CUD.  This five-man rotation is adequate, but not quite as strong as the five at DT. However, all of the youth here who are gaining experience this year, even if they do redshirt, will leave the position solid next year as well.  T-Fr. DeJon Wilson and Kyle Rasmussen will probably redshirt and they will also be joined in the spring by the greyshirting Derek McCartney and Kisima Jagne.

§  What was thought of as one of the deepest positions, LB may now be considered definitely the deepest after the stellar scrimmage play of Sophs. Brady Daigh and Kyle Washington subbing for Srs. Doug Rippy and Jon Major, alongside Jr. Derrick Webb.  Fellow So. Woodson Greer III has not been as consistent but is second behind Webb and they have high hopes for him to continue developing.  They also have numerous others to provide depth including So. KT Tu’umalo, former DB Paul Vigo (recently described by Kyle Ringo as “hard-hitting”), as well as So. Lowell Williams and R-Fr. (walk-on?) Clay Jones. They are also are hoping to bring in two recruits here.

§  The secondary has been juggled and painted with true freshmen.  Jr. Terrell Smith has earned the official starter’s slot at SS opposite FS Ray Polk. Parker Orms (hesitant to even mention that he has stayed healthy) is #2 and the #1 nickel back, while T-Fr. Marques Moseley is listed as the backup to both Polk and Orms at the nickel.  All four will play a lot this year and will help keep the group fresh for late in games.  Jered Bell has moved over to safety from CB and will provide depth.

§  The true freshmen have taken over the CB list as well. Kenneth Crawley has come out on top with the right to start opposite CB Greg Henderson, with fellow frosh Jeffrey Hall listed as his backup.  The other stud frosh, Yuri Wright is #2 behind Henderson, with So. Josh Moten third.  Maybe the biggest question coming into camp, CB is suddenly a relatively deep, if still inexperienced group.  I don’t think we’ll need DD Goodson to switch over this year at least.  R-Fr. Sherrard Harrington was the biggest surprise being left off the three-deep listing.  All five of those CBs should play on defense at some point this year as well as contribute on special teams.  (The fourth true frosh CB John Walker will redshirt with finger injury.)

§  It is more probable than not that all eleven of the DBs listed above will play at some point and hopefully they don’t need more than that, but there are even a few more bodies that could fill in before they raid the offense.  This group also sets up well for the future.

Special Teams Units

§  The Buffs remain solid in the kicking game, returning experience at all positions, except returner. That alone should make them better on at least those aspects of special teams.  K Will Oliver (PAT/FG), Justin Castor (kickoff), Ryan Iverson (Long snapper) and Justin Gorman (holder) all appear to have held firmly to their starting jobs. P Darragh O’Neill, long ago presumed by most to retain the starter’s title barely held off  Zack Gossnickle.  Both have focused on their hangtime.

§  Of the eight slots listed at the return spots (four-deep at each punt and kickoff return), six are filled by four of the true freshmen, including the two listed number ones.  CB Kenneth Crawley won the opening punt return slot (4^th for kickoffs), followed by Sophs. RB DD Goodson and WR Keenan Canty, and T-Fr. WR Gerald Thomas (also 3^rd for kickoffs).  The kickoff return job was won by S Marques Moseley (had a 100-yard kickoff return in the scrimmage) backed up by fellow T-Fr. RB Donta Abron. Not sure if they will line up with just Moseley deep or with Abron.

§  Other frosh like CBs Yuri Wright and Jeff Hall, FBs Christian Powell and Clay Norgard (if he doesn’t redshirt now), along with above returners, will improve speed of coverage teams.

§  I am still curious as to how they will approach kickoffs with the new rules.  They haven’t truly decided anything and are still experimenting with how Castor and other kickers can control their kicks.  It may very well depend on the opponent and conditions (home altitude, weather). They had at least one right to the goal line in the scrimmage (Moseley’s return) but not sure if that was kick practice or more return focus.

Other Team Notes:

§  True Freshmen who will play for sure (I count 14): The three DTs (Tupou, Solis, Henington), 2 DEs (Stuart and Kofavalu), 1 S (Moseley), 3 CBs (Wright, Crawley and Hall), 1 FB (Powell), 1 RB (Abron) 1 WR (G. Thomas), 1 TE (Hobbs), 1 OL (J. Irwin is expected to get some game reps).

§  True frosh that are looking to redshirt (I see six definite redshirts with some maybes): QB Shane Dillon (shoulder), DB John Walker (finger), RB Davien Payne, TE (Sean Irwin), 2 DE (Rasmussen and Wilson)

§  Not sure? These three guys could still go either way: RB Terrence Crowder (I am not convinced that he will actually play listed as “co-fourth”) and FB Norgard (surprisingly not listed as third FB), TE Austin Ray (was supposedly all-around ready but not even fifth on depth chart).  If anyone else were to play from this group it would be one of the TEs or DEs.

§  Greyshirts we’ll see in January (five; I think three will count toward 2012 and two to 2013 classes): DE Derek McCartney, OL Gerald Kough, DE Kisima Jagne, WRs Peyton Williams and Jeffrey Thomas. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of these guys never makes it back here.

§  CSU notes: The lambs feel so good after their second scrimmage that they are holding open tryouts, specifically looking for bigger bodies to help on either side of the ball.  McElwain has also said that the placekicking starter(s) will be decided on gameday at…whatever that stupid field/stadium is called now in Denver.  A preview to come later in the week

§  Other opponents: Arizona suspended DT Justin Washington, who was expected to play quite a bit, for the cliché unspecified “violation of team rules”

Buff bashing? No way!  Buffnik’s got the season’s best prognostication yet: http://www.allbuffs.com/content.php/1480-A-really-******-preview-of-the-2012-CU-Buffs-football-season

Srimmage Notes

The Buffs conducted their first scrimmage Saturday at Folsom Field to cap the first two weeks of camp with 96 plays, including some live special teams work.  Embree calls the team “about halfway there” but also way ahead of last year. “They want it,” was repeated throughout the Press Notes.  Most of the scrimmage was in “ones vs. ones and twos vs. twos”.  No statistics were released; there were a few mistakes but mostly by backups who were filling in.  At least LBs Jon Major and Doug Rippy as well as S Ray Polk were held out for precautionary reasons and no new injuries were reported.

Here are a few more quotes and items from around the scrimmage:

Offensive Notes

§  QB battle: Jordan Webb has started “asserting himself as a leader of the offense.”  There was nothing spectacular (although he did have at least one TD to Canty) reported about the scrimmage except that he worked exclusively with the first team, seems that he did relatively well, “moved the ball”, felt good leading the team, etc.  Webb thought the team would be ready to go next week if they had to play.

§  People need to stop analyzing Webb’s size so much-he isn’t big by any means, but don’t worry folks, neither is he Cody Hawkins!  He will be fine, similar likely to Tyler Hansen, maybe a little more productive overall as the team knows more of what’s expected and the schedule is not nearly as difficult.

§  Wood and Hirschman have settled into their duel for the backup position. Neither separated themselves in the scrimmage, although each had at least one TD.

§  There were two picks but one was blamed on freshmen route running and neither were attributed to a particular QB.

§  Embree seems pleased with the run game, “night and day” from last year.  Tony Jones appears ready to carry the rock for the Buffs and the offensive line is ready to grab back the program’s identity as a run-first, bruising attack, which can pass when it needs to do so.

§  The offensive line was “pretty much set” coming into the scrimmage, and they are working a lot on versatility so that if someone goes down, they shift and still keep best five on the field (i.e. Alex Lewis is getting reps at LT, Ryan Dannewitz of course is getting reps everywhere but center).

§  So. WR Keenan Canty made a few nice catches, including a TD in the back of the end zone from Webb, and is making his case for the rotation.  He says the competition of the young guys has really helped him.

§  Not much else was written about wide receivers…

§  Surprisingly, I could find nothing mentioned about the TE battle anywhere?!  I need my Vincent Hobbs update!

§  According to RalphieReport, CU lost 15 lettermen from the offensive side of the ball alone (not sure if that is even counting P-Rich).

Defensive Notes

§  Embree named numerous young defensive players for their play in the scrimmage (see more below).

§  On the D-Line many of the young players stood out including three of the true freshmen, “the usual suspects,” who have been continually praised and look to be staking their spots in the rotation: Josh Tupou, Justin Solis and Tyler Henington. 

§  So. Juda Parker, penciled in as the outside DE, has been relatively quiet in camp but is starting to do more, “making plays instead of just being comfortable doing his job.”

§  DE/Jack LB Chidera Uzo-Diribe is one of the players with the most hype and upside on the entire roster and was one of the highlights of the scrimmage again.  He has worked hard in the offseason to improve strength while maintain his incredible speed and quickness for a 250 pounder.  He routinely runs drills with the skill position players and has top times in some of the most difficult agility drills.  He also studied a lot of film and realizes his potential now.  Although he made some plays last year, he also disappeared for stretches. He is slated to start at the Jack LB/DE, will move around a lot and they need him to be a consistent menace for opposing linemen and QBs.  He has been held out of some drills because he disrupted too much.  Of course, that was also true of Conrab Obi and he went on to have a very mediocre season, but I don’t think that is the case for “CUD”.

§  Sr. DT Wil Pericak is a player that Embree said has come a long way since day 1 last year in his technique and now has a chance to be “an all-conference player.”  He deflected a ball that was picked off.

§  Soph. LBs Brady Daigh (deflected interception) and Kyle Washington were both praised for their work filling in on the first unit for Rippy and Major.

§  Jr. LB Paul Vigo, who recently switched over from the new found depth in the secondary, has been doing well and now will provide depth with the LBs, specifically behind Kyle Washington behind weakside starter Derrick Webb. I didn’t see anything from the scrimmage though.

§  CB Greg Henderson is a super sophomore who continues to improve and receive kudos.  He will likely be matched up against the #1 receiver each week (again) and has some big names to make his name against.

§  T-Fr. S Marques Moseley was doubled out for both his defensive (both spots but mostly free safety for Polk) and special teams play (see below) in the scrimmage.  Another lock to play as a true frosh.

Special Teams Notes

§   T-Fr. S Marques Moseley returned a kickoff 100 yards for a TD.  Even with Embree “holding his breath because of his tweaked hammy…he didn’t have to hit fourth gear, he was able to score in third gear.”  Obviously this bodes well for the return game, but what about the kickoff coverage unit?

§  Embree said there were four guys returning kickoffs, but did not mention who the other three were (Keenan Canty? Gerald Thomas?  Donta Abron or Terrence Crowder maybe?)

§  I wonder if this tells us that Embree and Brookhart have decided to try and land kickoff near the goal line, or even just short to tempt or even force  teams to run it out, instead of a taking a touchback where they get the ball at the 25-yard line this year.  It could also be in anticipation of what they think csu will do.

§  Punting was only planned to be fair catch and cover practice and would been so no matter what as the hang time was supposedly so good there would not have been any returns.

Other Team Notes:

§  Both Bill and Derek McCartney (recruit and grandson) watched the scrimmage.

§  I actually emailed Dave Plati, the Sports Information Director inquiring about an official depth chart.  He said the coaches hadn’t really done and “official” one yet, that they had just given a basic one with attrition and a few moves at the beginning of camp.  A couple days later Embree came out in the paper and said he wasn’t a big fan of depth charts, and that he usually waited until Plati hounds him for one.  The wheels should be in motion after this scrimmage.  Some guys are going to move down and receive fewer reps, regardless of how it is reported.

§  Monday and Wednesday this week will be the last of the two-a-day sessions.  Next Saturday the team will stage a “mock game”, which I believe is a situational scrimmage that will model how the team should expect to act and what to do in common and important gameday situations.

§  Yahoo Sports! ranked Folsom Field as the seventh hardest place to play, calling it “one of the most underrated venues in college sports. The fans here always cheer hard and loud, and they are quite respectful and friendly to visiting fans.”

§  Frosh DE Kisima Jagne has straightened out his records and is set to go…for January.  He will officially greyshirt as he has missed so much camp and there are no spots with Jordan Webb and 24 new freshmen out there already.

§  One CU fan took offense to EB’s comparing T-Fr. Cristian Powell to Buff great Lawrence Vickers: http://rumblinbuff.blogspot.com/2012/08/quick-post-christian-powell-is-no.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheRumblingsOfADerangedBuffalo+%28The+Rumblings+of+a+Deranged+Buffalo%29

§  The Pac-12 Network aired the CU preview Saturday night and will be re-airing all 12 previews throughout the rest of the month.

§  CSU notes: The lambs played their second and final scrimmage Saturday, hoping not to lose any more players to injury.  Coach mcelwain was pleased with his team’s performance.

§  Other opponents: USC starts the season atop the AP poll (among others) with Oregon #5, Stanford #21, and Washington and Utah both receiving a decent amount of votes.

§  Arizona is excited for the Rich-Rod era and a wide open spread offense.  I actually like all the new wide open offenses and I think the Buffs will surprise some people against them, Arizona’s bigger problem was the defense who ranked almost as poorly as the Buffs and worse in some areas.  Their games will be very high-scoring and anyone who can slow QB Matt Scott down a little will have a good chance at beating the Mildcats.

§  ASU is in a very similar situation as their rivals (as is Washington St. for that matter), excited about new coach, spread offense, probably overlooking defense.  Another winnable game for the Buffs, especially at home on a Thursday night blackout.

§  Buff bashing? USA Today’s outspoken oddsmaker/columnist Danny Sheridan ranked CU as the “worst BCS team in College Football” on his top 10 list.  I guess he wrote numerous disparaging things but I didn’t bother to read them all.  I wonder if Embree might post some of them…

§  Of course, the Fresno Bee thinks Fresno St. can beat the Jordan Webb-led Buffs.

Scrimmage Saturday!

The Buffs will conduct their first scrimmage tomorrow at Folsom Field to cap the first two weeks of camp.  One major positional competition is over but coaches have a lot to look for and many guys need to step up now as the depth chart will be tightened up (even though Embree says he doesn’t really believe in them) and some guys are going to get a lot more reps than most “behind” them.  The defensive line and wide receivers are probably the two groups with the most uncertainty as of now.  Most of the scrimmage will be conducted “ones vs. ones and twos vs. twos”.

Here are a few more quotes and items from the last few days:

Offensive Notes

§  QB battle: The battle now is for second place with Jordan Webb being announced as the starter.  We should really see what Connor Wood and Nick Hirshman have in them at the scrimmage now that they are only competing for the backup spot.  Embree said they both seemed to take it well and did decently on the practice field the first day after the announcement.

§  Wood said he was disappointed but will still compete and try to push Webb and be ready if the team needs him.  He still feels he has the skills and experience enough in Texas coming in to play.  Teams do almost always need two QBs each season.

§  Hirschman appeared even more disappointed and didn’t speak to anyone at first.  He, too, will continue competing but just doesn’t sound quite as committed as Wood.  When asked about possibly transferring, Hirschman replied, “I’m not really thinking about it,” (my emphasis) then followed up with, “The thought hasn’t even crossed my mind.”  Coaches say he is dedicated but we’ll see.

§  Jordan Webb comes with decent resume, but really hasn’t had much success in his 19 games of experience, with only one win over a FBS team.  He feels he has a lot of big time experience, even if it hasn’t all been successful, as well as leadership ability and competitiveness.  He has played in front of 100,000 in Austin so nothing will “faze” him.  It sounds like it wasn’t really a hard choice for coaches.

§  FB Christian Powell received some serious praise from EB, who compared him to bruising Buffs greats Lawrence Vickers and Brandon Drumm (two of my favorites!), and said he was “unique”, that he has never had a fullback so physically ready to go as a freshman, “a complete football player” who can block, catch the ball and carry the rock in a straight handoff.  He lost some weight during the summer and has increased his strength and will make us “remember what fullbacks are supposed to look like.” Powell will almost certainly play a decent amount this season.

However, no one has one the job yet and EB was quick to praise Alex Wood and Clay Norgard as well.

§  RB Tony Jones thinks 1200 yards is a realistic goal, but Bienemy said he was surprised he didn’t say “1600”.

§  RT Jack Harris is finally healthy and hoping to stay that way.  Although the Buffs do have some depth, having him on the right side is their best option.

§  P-Rich has a plan-he has begun and intensive 5-week rehab schedule and will re-check everything around Sept. 16, which would be five months from the surgery.  Recovery generally takes 6-9 months and while 5 months is not unheard of, it is rare. Embree said if he is indeed cleared around then or shortly there after, the ultimate decision will come down to the family.  He also, “Nope, it won’t at all,” addressing whether CU’s record and bowl hopes will be factors in the decision.

§  Coaches keep talking about how Sr. TE Nick Kasa is improving, but what that means to me is he is not there yet at his new position, one at which they are counting on him to start..

§  T-Fr. Gerald Thomas (hamstring) will likely sit out the scrimmage; So. RB DD Goodson has a concussion.

Defensive Notes

§  So. LB Brady Daigh (concussion) and possibly Sr. S Ray Polk (groin) could also sit out the scrimmage.

§  I am really bummed out for (former) S Wil Harlos.  I watched him a lot at practice last fall and he was fast, had a great attitude and seemed to love hitting and special teams (probably a factor in his multiple concussions).  I hope he decides to remain a Buff and run track, and not try to find a program that will clear him to play.

Special Teams Notes

§  Embree said there will be some live special teams plays during the scrimmage.

§  AllBuffs “uncensored Special Teams Preview”: http://www.allbuffs.com/content.php/1476-A-really-******-preview-of-the-2012-CU-buffs-football-season-Part-III-Special-Team

Other Team Notes:

§  The team was rewarded for their hard work with a canceled walk-through and a movie night instead.  Friday morning’s practice was also pushed back 45 minutes so everyone could sleep in a little.

§  Three true freshmen from the same high school (Upland, CA) could end up playing for the Buffs this year: FB Powell, RB Donta Abron and S Marques Moseley.

§  The Pac-12 Network has launched!   CUattheGame gave an overview of upcoming programming: http://www.cuatthegame.com/2012/pac-12-notes-3/

*Jeremy Bloom has also joined the network for both studio and broadcast analyst duties.  He will help call the Sacramento St. game.

§  CSU notes: The Lambs have lost two offensive skill position players to injury who will not play in the opener: speedy WR and returner Thomas Coffman has had an undisclosed surgery (?) and is out a few weeks.  RB Davon Riddick also broke his wrist during their last scrimmage.

§  Other opponents: Utah has yet to name a starter at QB.  Most have expected former CU commit Jordan Wynn to get the job, but two freshmen have been performing well.

§  USC has also lost another player to injury on their already limited roster.  Losing DE DeVante Wilson to a ACL along with DE Devon Kennard who tore a pectoral muscle, leaves the Trojans with only 70 healthy, eligible players on the roster.  Attrition is SC’s biggest obstacle for the next couple of reduced roster years.

§  Washington has suffered two injuries to projected starters-Sr. WR James Johnson with a dislocated wrist and So. LB Jamaal Kearse with a lower leg stress fracture- and has dismissed two players this week (R-Fr. receiver Joshua Perkins and So. walk-on RB Willis Wilson).

§  Buff bashing? Have the media run out of bad things to say and dismal predictions to make about CU?  Jon Wilner, Pac-12 savant from the San Jose Mercury News, just said that Colorado still has the fifth toughest schedule in the conference, but not how badly they would do because of it.

Listen to your gut - it's Webb!

 When Jon Embree gets a gut feeling about something he usually goes with it (probably a good poker player too).  Last year his gut told him to go with Will Oliver over Justin Castor at kicker after a particular pressure situation he put them in.  Next, it was a similar action with punter Darragh O'Neill.  It wasn't a difficult decision to tab Tyler Hansen as the starting QB over Nick Hirschman.
  Even before Saturday's scrimmage, which was thought to be very important in numerous position battles, Embree announced to the team that transfer Jordan Webb will be the starter in the 2013 opener vs. csu in Denver (and the foreseeable future of course). "If I feel its right, I'm going with it."  
   Embree and QB coach Rip Scherer both highlighted that he has picked up the offensive scheme and terminology quite easily.  He has accurate, makes good decisions, few turnovers, and has showed some poise in situational drills. Although he is only 6'1" (generous), he just seems to have a knack to make things happen and has been compared to Tyler Hansen in that regard.  Scherer said: "He’s made the most plays of anybody by far in training camp . . . you don’t have to be brain surgeon to figure it out.”  One particular two-minute situation impressed Embree. Webb in a 2nd-and-18 and he threw two incompletions before coming back to the same third down play and hitting R-Fr. wideout Nelson Spruce for 22-yards, setting up a Wil Oliver field goal.
   I've got to admit that they didn't make Webb back it up in the scrimmage but I am glad they know who they are going with and can prepare him properly.  It sounds like the team is accepting his leadership and ready to follow an experienced QB into Mile High on Sept. 2. It's especially disappointing that Wood didn't really live up to his billing.  Now, this Saturday's scrimmage now becomes more important for Wood and Hirschman in the battle for backup. I have previously written that I am curious in this day and age if the third place "loser" in this battle will stick around, especially if it is Hirschman.
  Go Buffs!

Practice Notes 8/15

The Buffs completed their ninth straight (of 29 total practices) yesterday; Monday was be the second of two-a-day sessions with some focused split squad work, Wednesday will be the third of such practices.  Embree has seemed overall generally pleased with the way things have gone so far.  He wishes for better tackling, but always will no matter what.  He said that things are starting to shuffle themselves out. Saturday will be the first scrimmage and we should get a depth chart update after that and maybe know a little more at a few positions.

Here are a few quotes and items from the last few days:

Offensive Notes

§  QB battle:

*Stuart from CUattheGame.com wrote a nice overview of what is known so far about the QB race: http://www.cuatthegame.com/2012/reading-the-tea-leaves/

*Embree said: "By Saturday I would hope things start clearing themselves up," speaking of the QBs and the first scrimmage camp.

§  JD Brookhart is very pleased with his depth at TE, his numbers up to seven now with the addition of the three freshmen and the return of DaVaughn Thorton from the WR (too slow for WR, just not strong and mean enough for TE).  Even with four “veterans” (Nick Kasa, Scott Fernandez, Kyle Slavin are the others), all three of the frosh could still end up playing this year.  Kasa and Fernandez (great blocker) are the only two that are for sure going to play.  Slavin and Thorton (especially with his recent trouble and suspension for the first two games) both need to step it up or be forever buried beneath the frosh on the depth chart.

§  While “Ideally, You’d redshirt every freshman,” all three of Colorado’s have their strengths and saw a great opportunity to play in Boulder under a former TE as head coach:

-Vincent Hobbs is flat out fast and can catch the ball, he is confident and a very hard worker with a chip on his shoulder from being passed over by Texas.

-Austin Ray was originally slated for the SEC and Mississippi but was persuaded to come west instead.  He is an all-around gut and will also be hard to keep off the field.

-Sean Irwin is a great blocker but needs to work on his pass-catching. He has been thought the most likely of the frosh to redshirt (along with his brother OT Jeromy) but he feels that he “was holding my own” so far in camp.  He and Fernandez both could play the role that (now LG) Alex Lewis filled last year of the third TE in “Jumbo” short yardage formation.

§  Jeromy Irwin is currently running second at LG behind Alex Lewis (and therefore ahead of Kawai Crabb among others).

§  C Gus Handler is back from pink eye, but his absence allowed Daniel Munyer and Brad Cotner to get some reps at center, which is good from the standpoint that Embree always wants three centers he can trust. It also allowed a few others to get extra reps at the RG spot.

§  Alex Lewis and David Bahktiari are developing good chemistry on the left side of the line.

§  WR McCulloch, much like he did last August has been turning heads and keeping QBs focused on him with some great catches in traffic, the former basketball player is using his height, long arms, leaping ability and great hands to grab balls even when covered.  Hopefully his route running can be better in games this year and he can showcase some of this talent for everyone to see.

§  One of the biggest questions of camp is who will backup Tony Jones at tailback?  Returnees Josh Ford, Malcolm Creer, (also holder and former QB) Justin Gorman and one-time DB DD Goodson battle the three frosh Donta Abron, Terrence Crowder and Davien Payne (who sounds like he is the most likely to redshirt).  You figure the Bienemy will have three to four guys who get action.  I think that this is the year that we see Josh Ford on the field.  If Malcolm Creer is indeed recovered, he looked too good in his limited time last year not to get more time this season.  Do Gorman or Goodson have what it takes to contribute past special teams?  I think one of the other freshmen plays while the last redshirts with Payne.  So far Abron has gotten the most press and praise.  The scrimmage will be very important for this group.

§  Recent scholarshipped Alex Wood may very well hold onto the FB job, which would mean that one of the freshmen, Clay Norgard or Christian Powell would likely redshirt also.

§  T-Fr. Gerald Thomas has a minor leg injury; So. WR Tyler McCulloch had a hip pointer but doesn’t expect to sit out more than a day.

Defensive Notes

§  Embree said one goal is to have better tackling.  Even things are going well so far, Embree conceded that every coach always wants better tackling.

§  T-Fr. DT Josh Topou is pushing 330, but Bracken says it’s not baby fat like some others, “he is pretty good where he is.”

§  Sr. DT Will Pericak continues to receive praise for his hard work, leadership, continued progress and the fact that he needs to set the tone up front for the young defense.

§  Embree really likes his linebacker corps with three experienced, upperclassmen starters, but also like his depth and plans on getting at least the three top Soph. backups some playing time-Brady Daigh (seemingly mentioned daily by someone), Woodson Greer III (tough day Saturday but rebounded well Sunday), Kyle Washington (switched from safety to upgrade speed at the position)-partially to prepare for the future, but also because they are too good to keep off the field.  Their development will allow the starting trio of Srs. Doug Rippy and Jon Major (finally healthy after a variety of nagging injuries throughout last season) and Jr. Derrick Webb to get some breathers and be fresh at the end of games.

§  R-Fr. CB Sherrard Harrington is back and practicing (at ~80% from ankle sprain), but this time at safety, instead of cornerback.  It appears he is a little rusty and the lost time may have hurt him, especially with the influx of freshmen, specifically his former teammate HD Woodson HS, Kenneth Crawley.

§  So. Jered Bell is also practicing but he is struggling with transitions in coverage.

§  Coaches continue to rave about the 4-stars Crawley and Yuri Wright who are battling it out for the second starting CB slot, with the loser most certainly to be the almost starter at nickel back.  The real battle will be who surfaces as the 6^th and 7^th DBs who will play often in the pass-happy Pac-12.

§  It sounds like So. Kirk Poston is falling behind all the frosh on the depth chart.  I can’t see him ever contributing much and his scholarship could be used elsewhere.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see him transfer to a smaller school quietly after the season.

§  So. LB Brady Daigh had a minor concussion; T-Fr. S Marques Moseley has a slight hamstring pull.

§  In sad news, S Wil Harlos, who has suffered from multiple concussions (at least 4) and hid at least one and his symptoms from coaches the first few weeks last year.  Embree said it was difficult for everyone involved but that a person’s safety is first; he has said he would do this and there are a few others on the roster who have had multiple concussions in their career.  Harlos now has the option of medically retiring and keeping his scholarship running track and likely somehow staying on scholarship, or trying to find a program that will clear him to play with his history of concussions.

 Special Teams Notes

§  The Buffs do return all key members of the kicking teams with P Darragh O’Neill, K Will Oliver (PAT/FG), Justin Castor (kickoff), Ryan Iverson (Long snapper) and Justin Gorman (holder).  That alone should make them better on at least those aspects of special teams.  Hopefully, speedy and shifty freshman receiver Gerald Thomas can energize the return units.

§  O’Neill has been focusing on increasing his hang time with strength and flexibility work, as well as his directional punting. He admitted that he felt fatigued in the latter part of last season and hopes to have worked up enough to avoid that this November.

§  Oliver said he has been working on getting his kicks up higher quicker.  He said he doesn’t feel pressure anymore and earlier had stated that he is confident from as far out as 57 yards this year.

§  Jr. S Terrell Smith and So. RB DD Goodson have also been mentioned with So. WR Keenan Canty and T-Fr. CB Kenneth Crawley (has been mentioned the most) and RB Donta Abron as punt and kick returner candidates getting some chances.

§  Brookhart and Embree are still keeping quiet about how they will address the new kickoff rules, going for touchbacks or trying to pin teams deep with high kicks inside the five, and settling for the 25-yard line or trying to run it out from just inside the endzone. [Not that I have read or heard anything about how anyone else is addressing it.]

Other Team Notes:

§  CSU notes: The Lambs have a solid starting RB in Chris Nwoke, but that is the extent of talent on offense. The backup RBs are a senior who has hardly played (on numerous bad teams) and three redshirt freshmen with no experience.  Hopefully are young defensive linemen get some great tackling practice as they crush Nwoke or QB Grayson Garrett, who will likely be scrambling a lot.

§  Speedy lamb Sr. Dominique Vincent moved from the secondary, one of the few places csu had some depth, to WR where he is adapting well and could be Grayson’s main target, especially since there is not much talent in their receiving corps.

§  Other opponents: ASU is also leaving open the possibility of playing two quarterbacks.  They also have three guys in the running: Sophs Taylor Kelly and Mike Bercovici as well as R-Fr. Michael Eubank.

§  Buff bashing? The Seattle Times published a fairly objective article on the Buffs as it looks at each of Washington’s opponents: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskyfootball/2018911997_pac14.html?syndication=rss