§ The
depth chart was released Tuesday so we’ll squeeze in an extra post before the
preview. There were no shocking
surprises, except maybe that the offense lists 12 starters with a TE and a
third/slot WR (that might give us a nice advantage). Otherwise the starters are
generally those projected (although a few mild but notable surprises as backups
to be discussed below): QB Wood (Liufau), RB Powell (Jones, Abron, Adkins), WRs
Richardson (Canty, Wes Christensen), Spruce (McCulloch, Thomas) , Goodson (Ross),
TE Fernandez (Slavin, Wood, Irwin)), O-line Harris-Crabb-Handler-Munyer-Nembot
(Mustoe next tackle, Kelley next guard and Crabb would go to center); on d-line
Uzo-Diribe/Tupou/Bonsu/Parker (with lots of rotation including McCartney,
Gilbert), LBs Webb (Olugbode, Severson)-Gilliam (Daigh)-Vigo (Greer), Bell/Orms/Henderson/Crawley
(Adobe nickel, Mosley dime). Oh yeah, there was a new commitment also.
§ Roster Moves: One roster casualty was TE
Austin Ray, who did not make the four-deep roster and was unlikely to play, has
transferred, opening up another scholarship for the next recruiting class…
§ 2014 Recruiting: In the run-up to the
opening game, the Buffs picked up commitment number 13 with another Utah defensive
lineman in Christian Shaver.
§ Notable depth chart items: Liufau is the
definitive number two QB and would go in without hesitation, even if Wood
missed just one play for an equipment problem.
So, whether we see a “Sefo” package or not might be the biggest
question. He has shown “phenomenal
maturity”, supposedly a strong grasp of the offense and physically is the
strongest and fastest, if not most accurate passer yet. MacIntyre did say something along the lines
of ‘if Wood played every snap all season…’ and “he gets lots of reps and
preparation in practice” and that they won’t rush to get Liufau onto the field.
I think they will get him some action at some point, if not against csu, then maybe
Central Arkansas, as the coach also cited concussions and that QBs rarely play
every game these days.
§ It
looks like the QB will have a variety of receivers to throw to including true
frosh wideouts Devin Ross (who could eventually end up returning punts and
kicks) and Jeffrey Thomas plus walk-on Wes Christensen (who just catches
balls); Fernandez is listed ahead of Slavin at TE, which is an indictment on
the position as a whole.
§ Frosh
RB Michael Adkins was listed 4th and we should see him lineup in the
backfield at some point as well as on special teams.
§ Daniel Munyer
will start at RG, despite not having practiced much, so we will probably see a
little of Kelley also. They basically go
eight deep and would do well to avoid injury on the o-line.
§ The
biggest surprise on defense is not
having true frosh LB Addison Gilliam hold off Brady Daigh (who will still play
a lot), but that true frosh Olugbode and Severson are listed as Derrick Webb’s
backups at the other inside backer slot (even though they might not play at all
if he stays healthy). Poston, McCartney,
Gilbert and Wilson are listed as the backup DEs and all will probably play at
some point play at some point, with Solis, Henington and Kafovalu (from
starting DE to 3rd DT?) and walk-on Tuso for depth at DT. That’s twelve guys total who will all
eventually play (except maybe Tuso?) so it will be interesting to see how
effective the first eight are and who else gets to play.
§ Chidobe
Awuzie will be the first DB in with multiple wideout sets which will be often
and he will also start many games because of that as well. Number 4 is the not so secret player to watch
and I still thinks he overtakes Crawley at some point. Tedric Thompson is
listed #3 at safety behind Orms so he could get on the field as well.
§ Other Buff Notes: Ray Polk was cut by
the Seahawks and Ryan Miller was cut by the Browns (ouch).
Yo David,
ReplyDeleteTraditionally, during football season, my own personal TGIF comes with the knowledge that with the dawn comes CU game day. I have been well known to have my “game face” on. This year, my excitement is so high that I will have my game face on for two days (since the game is on a Sunday).
It’s ok, though, because this is a really BIG game. In fact, it is huge. Probably the biggest hurdle that coach MacIntyre has had to face has been the mental aspect the team has built up over the last seven years, and most particularly, the last two.
CU players have known for the last two years that their coaching staff was ill-prepared to play, and it was the main reason the Buffs entered most games with the foresight that a loss was on the way.
This year is different. You can see it in the players faces and attitudes. And you can see it on the scales. Our Buffs are going to shock the nation. They are in shape and ready to play. Their coaches finally have a plan that will lead to wins and the Buffs have enormous chips on their shoulders.
They are dying to show what they can do with the proper leadership and game plans. They are ready to put their hearts, souls and bodies on the line, and I can’t wait to see them.
I will NOT go to Denver, however, as I believe that would perpetuate the ridiculous idea that this game should be played in Denver instead of Boulder and Fort Collins.
Once the game moves back to campus, however, I think CU should demand equal payment, and if the Rams cannot find enough fan support to host a game on those terms then they should bow out of the series.
My latest blog post points out in great detail why I will not attend the game in person. My heart and devotion will still be with the BUFFS, but not in Denver. I will not support the idiocy that reigns with those in charge of the Rocky Mountain Showdown.
Go Buffs! Make us proud!