Buff Nation –
Clearly, this is not the season we were looking for. Coming on the heels of a not-soon–to-be-forgotten breakout (Cinderella?) season, this season has fallen far short of expectations. Unlike last year in which every game was a display of top-shelf football and a fan just kind of had the feeling CU would win, every game this season has seemed to be a grind, a struggle, a chore (duty?) to watch.
That said, to use the old cliché’, “It is what it is.” Regardless of how we got here, what the CU football team does next is the most important thing. At noon tomorrow, CU (4-4) takes on the California Bears (4-4). A win will put the Buffs one victory away from being bowl eligible with three games remaining (a team needs six wins to qualify for a postseason bowl berth). At this point in the season, earning a bowl berth is the goal. A bowl will allow CU to keep practicing after the regular season ends. This provides valuable reps for the underclassman. A second straight bowl berth will begin to instill in the player’s psyche that playing in bowls is what CU does. A bowl berth also affords CU invaluable natural exposure for potential recruits. There is still a lot on the line for this year’s Buff team. To not go to a bowl game this season will clearly be a step back for the CU program.
Regardless which QB will starts (Coach MacIntyre has not yet made his decision), the CU offense has to step up. They have six starting seniors. One of them is going to have to make a play when it is needed most tomorrow. The CU defense has yet to find it’s identity. They are getting better, but time is running out. One of the underclassmen will have to take on the leadership role. Playing at home in front of a friendly crowd and a beautiful Fall afternoon in the greatest place in the world has the recipe for victory. At the end of the day, CU will be with be one win away from starting a streak of consecutive bowl seasons for the first time in twelve years. As a famous warrior once said. “Do. Or Do Not. There is No Try.“
Go Buffs!
Doug