Buff Nation –
Week Two Review
CU 34, Nebraska 31 (OT) (Buff 2-0)
In a game right out of a Charlie Dickens novel, it was the best of times and it was the worst of times for Buff nation. In a game of two halves, the Buffs fortunately saved the best for last. With the “Go Big Red” Cornhuskers leading 0-17 at half, there was a quiet sense of despair. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. Would we ever be relevant again? Fortunately for Buff Nation, while sorrows were drowned in the field house, tailgates and living rooms of Buff faithful, Coach Tucker and staff once again crafted a second half game plan which would save the day.
In a game which became an instant classic in this storied rivalry, CU went scoreless in its first seven drives and then finished the game scoring on its last six (excluding the intentional kneel to end regulation). Even though we never led until OT, once CU scored it’s first points deep into the third quarter, there was a budding sense that we were going to win. Witnessing the longest play from scrimmage in CU history (94-yard flea-flicker to KD Nixon) certainly helped the cause. Suddenly, NE couldn’t stop CU. In the second half NE got out-coached, out-muscled and out-hustled (I’m not sure all those need to be hyphenated, but hopefully you get the point). CU wanted it more. In a blink of an eye (literally), the game was over. A missed field goal in OT ushered in the halcyon days once again for Buff Nation as fans rushed the field with reckless abandon (beat NE = rush field). A 7-hour drive back to Lincoln for the sea of red suddenly got a lot longer. O Big Red, where art thy stink now?
Week Three Preview
CU vs Air Force (Folsom 11 AM)
While Coach Tucker denies it (which of course every coach would), Air Force represents a trap game. Coming off two emotional rivalry wins, one week away from Pac-12 play, and a offensive scheme that none of these players have faced, a talented and loose Air Force squad comes to town with zero to lose. Don’t be surprised if the Buffs are down early against the Air Force Falcons. The triple-option is rarely seen (only Army, Air Force, Navy and GA Tech run it), is difficult to play against (it calls for extreme patience and discipline on the defense), and it’s even more difficult to practice against (pretty tough to get Scout team to give a good look for the starting defense).
If CU wins this game, they should be ranked in the top 25. More on that next week if it that comes about. It’s great to see CU playing Air Force once again after a 45-year hiatus. I would love to see CU rotate out CSU, Wyoming and Air Force every third year. This game will be close in the first half. CU will begin to pull away in the second half and win by double digits to go 3-0 on the season and set their sites Pac-12 play. Tomorrow calls for perfect weather, in the perfect venue in the best city in the world. These are indeed the best of times. Dickens would be proud.
Go Buffs!
Doug