How many times will we have to endure the "worst game in the history of the program"? It is two so far, and we still have USC, Oregon, Stanford, UCLA, both Arizona teams and next up: a slowly improving Washington St. team that is trying to get used to its high octane offensive style. It's not going to get a whole lot better, and we can only hope it can't get too much worse. But could 100 points given up in a game be on the table for one of those teams, if Fresno St. can put 35 in a quarter and 55 in a half? I want to try and support the players and therefore will try not to focus on the negatives, just the positives of their play (plus I would be here all week typing if I concentrated on the mistakes).
We'll start with the defense where they played everyone by the time it was all said and done. Marques Moseley got his first career interception and the first of the year for the Buffs. Also...oh there isn't an also for the defense, which was offensive.
Greg Brown (didn't say I wouldn't rip coaches) is way overmatched trying to coach a position group (one with four, five or more spots while 3 other defensive coaches coach the other seven or more and more often only four or three LBs and DL on the field at any one time) while coordinating the entire defense. He should be asked to focus on his position and Cabral should take over-he was going to be the DC choice until he stepped aside to bring in he and Embree's buddy Brown.
Now we will move to the offense, which wasn't much better, couldn't be worse. Same statement for Bienemy as Brown-he can't handle coordinating and a position; his playcalling is ridiculously easy to decipher. I had said he could have never handled the head coaching duties and that much is obvious now. Connor Wood and Nick Hirschman actually do suck about equally to Jordan Webb (I guess that is really positive but had to be said). Christian Powell still looked good at times but he didn't really get a chance as they rotated backs so much. They did get two TDs but I am not excited at all. Everyone played on this side of the ball also, including T-Fr. G Jeromy Irwin and R-Fr.T Stephane Nembot both played a lot on the line. Hell, even Eric Richter got in the game. [Interesting note (not at all positive): Fresno St. safety Phillip Thomas equaled the Buffs' scoring bu taking two of his three interceptions to the house.]
Darragh O'Neill is the team's MVP with his long punts and he had the best play of the first quarter when he hustled down the field, hit the returner and basically caused the fumble. Wil Oliver was perfect on his kicks. Returns are better and they didn't give up a return TD. And they block a PAT to keep the game from getting out of hand and keeping it at 41-0 instead of 42-0 early in the second quarter. Special Teams is their strength now. Sigh.
This coaching staff is operating so far out of its league, that it is impossible to accurately evaluate the talent. I have no idea what the university should do. I do not know who could turn this sinking boat around and where they would try to take it. I do know I don't want Mike Bohn choosing another head coach, but he has done well with the rest of the Athletic Department, and probably isn't going anywhere. Word has it he is pissed off and with reason though. Making a move this early in the season would be difficult but he might not have a choice as this continues.
Here's a couple of other perspectives (they aren't pretty):
http://www.cuatthegame.com/2012/five-stages-of-grief/
http://www.ralphiereport.com/2012/9/15/3340086/colorado-buffaloes-fresno-state-bulldogs-quick-recap
Welcome!
Teacher by day, Buff fanatic by night, and, actually throughout the school day also. I was raised in Boulder during the dark Chuck Fairbanks years by two University of Michigan alums. I knew "Go Blue!" long before "Go Buffs!", but when a relatively unknown defensive coordinator was hired to lead the Buffs, my interest was slightly piqued. By the time I reached high school Bill McCartney was building a solid foundation with homegrown talent like Jon Embree and I remember the day in 1986 when Boulder celebrated the win over Nebraska. In college I sold beer, watched Coach Mac win a championship, Rashaan Salaam win a Heisman and I was hooked forever. When Jon Embree was hired, I renewed my season tickets and hit the practice rail. I wrote up a few things for some relatives, forwarded them to a few friends, and then made it a blog. Now I find writing about my Buffies is fun, more informative and therapy! I'll post a few times a week during the season, less in the offseason, with news, musings and links. Go Buffs!
Good thing ST blocked that PAT or this could've been ugly. Too late to ask coach Mac to come in and help this sorry coaching staff?
ReplyDeleteI heard DIII schools are lining up to schedule the buffs for easy wins next season.
ReplyDeleteIt can and probably will get worse. The question is "Can it get better?"
ReplyDeleteWe don't need more Mac, he is a big reason why we are stuck with his ex players.
ReplyDeleteWe need a proven HC, a proven OC, a proven DC.
Let us begin there.