Hallelujah! Football officially begins today as the Buffs practiced for the first time this morning. Although I won't make it up this morning, I will try to make up to and post about (shhh) one or two of the other open practices this week (the mornings of the 6th and 7th and the evening of the 8th) and hopefully the scheduled scrimmage on the morning of Saturday the 15th (also Friday 21st but I will be at school). As with any college football team heading into August practices, the Colorado Buffaloes have a lot of unanswered questions, but there are a few specific ones that will go a long way in deciding just how far this group can go. If they can find sufficient answers for these three,big questions, that elusive bowl game is attainable, but if not, another dismal season could be in store. It all starts today, and here are the three most intriguing burning questions facing the Buffs as they start fall practices.
1a & b) Who will fill the main rotation on the defensive line and will they be able to slow down opposing offenses rushing attacks?
As has been outlined in many preseason prognostications (including this blog), even without Josh Tupou, coach Jim Jeffcoat has a deep and talented group of lineman with which to work (16 bodies for 10 or so spots that get on the field consistently). The main question is can he find the right combination to slow down opposing teams' run game, and then also get some pressure on the passer? It's no secret that the Buffs have struggled on defense for years, and although they were able to make some more big stops last season, they still gave up ridiculous amounts of yards and points. Last year the Buffs gave up over 200 yards a game rushing-I could list a whole bunch of other depressing defensive stats, but that one says it all. In order for there to be marked improvement, it has to start with the boys up front doing their jobs, especially on first and second run downs, so that linebackers Addison Gillam and Kenneth Olugbode and the deep secondary can do theirs. Everything else will improve when that rushing statistic does: there will be less overall yardage, less easy first downs, more obvious passing downs where the team can put better pressure on the passing game, they should produce more turnovers, they should get off the field more so they are not as tired late in close games and they will certainly give up less points.
2) Can QB Sefo Liufau limit the mistakes, especially at crucial spots late in the game?
We all know that he and the offense set all kinds of records last year, most of them good (however, Dave Plati admits CU keeps more records than anyone else) and with Nelson Spruce and a talented supporting cast, most expect them to continue putting up big numbers in 2015. However, we all know about Sefo's turnovers as well-15 interceptions and 3 fumbles and that is where the change has to occur. Sefo doesn't even need to match last year's yardage or TD numbers if he can limit those mistakes. Coaches believe this will be the case for a few reasons: first, Sefo is intelligent, studies film and has grown a lot; second, he has worked specifically on moving and throwing to his left, where many of those mistakes occurred; lastly, the coaching staff doesn't anticipate being as deficient defensively or giving up nearly as many points, so they won't have to push the envelope as much, putting him difficult situations where the team is playing catch up or trying to match the other offense. If the defense get a few more turnovers (see above) and Sefo limits his, that differential could lead directly to a win or two.
3) Can Toby Neinas get the special teams up to par?
His coverage teams have struggled in the past, so they will always cause me concern, but they had them shored up and the return units were also beginning to produce by season's end. However, the most troublesome problem is that they will be breaking in a new punter and placekicker (not to mention holder), counting on a freshman for at least one of the jobs. Field position is huge, especially in close games, not to mention extra points and field goals, so this group can greatly help or hinder the bowl game cause. I don't know that there is any aspect of this group that is solid (Wyatt Smith at long snapper?), and although it does not have to be spectacular (although Phillip Lindsay, Shay Fields or a fast freshman returning a kick or two for TDs wouldn't hurt), they definitely need not to suck. It is vital that the third phase does not become the obvious weak link while the offense and defense are actually competing. The coaches don't seem to be too worried, but frankly, I am.
We won't really know how things are actually shaping up until we get to games, and probably not truly until the conference slate, but these are the stories and practice groups I am most interested in following. I will also be keeping my eye on the defensive backs and how that intriguing group shakes out, plus they are generally one of my favorite groups to watch on the field.
Go Buffs!
