by Doug Rutherford | Dec 7, 2018 | 2018
Buff Nation –
Events over the last three days calls for a Saturday night special Buff Nation Football update. Below are three top 5 lists which may be of interest.
I. Five reasons why hiring Mel Tucker as CU’s next head coach is the right move
1. Defense – For the past three years Mel has served as the Defensive Coordinator for the Georgia Bulldogs. In an age of high-powered offenses and spread attacks, Mel is a throwback to hard-nose defense. CU already has an excellent defense coming back. Under Coach Tucker, they will be even better
2. Championships – while bowl eligibility (oh please, oh please) may be the name of the game next season, starting in 2020 that mentality will be a thing of the past. CU will measure its success based not on bowl or no bowl, but on which bowl and how high in did we finish in the rankings. Coach Tucker has coached in two national championship games and multiple conference championships. A new bar has been set.
3. Recruiting – Coach Tucker is known as one of the best recruiters in the country. Players make plays. Players win games. Under Coach Tuck, CU’s recruiting (which improved significantly under Coach Mac) will continue to reach new heights.
4. CU Tradition – One of CU’s biggest victories at Folsom field took place on Sept 17, 1994 when #7 CU (ah those were the days) destroyed #10 Wisconsin 55-17. A young Coach Tucker was the starting DB for the Badgers. Mel knows first-hand how good CU used to be. He is familiar with the pride and tradition of CU football. Upon arrival in Boulder, Coach Tuck declared CU a “no-excuse program.”
5. Nick Saban – Nick Saban is tied with Bear Bryant for most championships by a head coach. Nick has won six, including last year and will probably win his seventh come this January. Nick has known Mel for over 20 years. During that span, Nick has hired Mel three times (MSU ’97, LSU’00, AL’15). THREE TIMES. THREE. Anyone reading this who has hired someone in the past and then hired them again down the road knows that takes a high level of trust and confidence. I’m going with Saban on this one.
II. Five coaches Mel Tucker should keep on his staff
1. Kwahn Drake – D-line – a young Coach Tuck. High energy. Relatable. Did wonders in his first-year coaching with the Buffs in 2018
2. Darrin Chiaverini – Recruiting / OC – Coach Tuck should keep Chiaverini primarily for the TX and CA ties he holds. Play calling wasn’t that great second half of the season, but there should be growth season over season.
3. DJ Eliot – DC – outside of second half OSU and entire AZ game, Eliot in his second year as Buffs DC had a strong year. DJ is an excellent recruiter and also had some on-point half-time adjustments in victories against NE, UCLA and ASU. Fans may believe it was the Lobe in Lincoln which won the game, but in truth it was the second half defensive performance.
4. Darrian Hagan – RB – I’m not exactly sure what Darrian does, but he is the face of Colorado past and well liked among the fan base.
5. Kurt Roper – QB Coach – while it doesn’t feel like it, QB1 Montez had an excellent season, due in large part to Roper. CU is deep in QB talent, and Roper is the right guy to coach them up.
III. Five (Sneak Peak) Observations on 2019 Schedule
1. CU will finish 8-4 (yup, bowling)
2. The home schedule is one of the most attractive in all of college football with Nebraska, Stanford, USC, and Washington all coming to Folsom.
3. Swing game of the decade (not saying much I know) is Friday, October 25th vs. USC. This will be CU’s program changing / new Coach Tucker signature win.
4. The Buff defense will be scary. One of the best in the Pac-12.
5. QB1 Steven Montez will graduate as the all-time passing leader in Colorado history, and will then go pro.
Whose got it better than us? Nobody! Go Buffs!
Doug
by Doug Rutherford | Nov 26, 2018 | 2018
Buff Nation –
2018 Season Review
Buff Nation – for better or for worse, the 2018 Buff Season is officially over. After a fantastic 5-0 start which saw the Buffs destroy their in-state rival CSU Rams and an amazing come from behind victory at Lincoln (NEVER an easy place to win), CU started Pac-12 play 2-0 with wins against UCLA and ASU. All seemed to be going according to plan. Yet, somewhere along the line CU stumbled and was never able to regain their balance. A pick-six against USC, a meltdown for the ages against OSU, injuries, poor play calling, suspect zebra calls and global warming all contributed to the Buffs losing their last seven games of the season and coming up short on going to a bowl game.
For their efforts, the Buffs fired their head coach, in all probability will lose the rest of their coaches (except perhaps for one or two) which will be the call of the incoming head coach and will take a hit on their recruiting class. It’s too early to speculate on who the next head coach will be, but Buff Nation is indeed embarking on yet another chapter in its return to dominance.
2019 Season (Sneak) Preview
A quick look at 2019 season in intriguing for sure. CU will win at least two of its first three game (CSU, Air Force) and will battle it out against NE at Folsom Field (do not miss this game). Pac-12 play will be tougher than 2018. Most of the teams in the Pac-12 improved through the 2018 season, and CU’s schedule includes Oregon and Stanford (replacing OSU and CA). There are zero give me games in the Pac-12 CU now knows that and will never forget it.
For CU’s part, they come back loaded. Digesting a new coaching scheme aside, CU will be a better team on the field in 2019 than in 2018. CU returns eight starters on Offense (they need a tailback and right tackler) and ten starters/key contributors on defense (they need a safety, depth at cornerback). CU will two brilliant captains in Lavisaka Shenault and Nate Landman (two of the best players in NCAA next year) and have at least three future pros on the field. If QB Montez comes back for his final season (he is contemplating going pro) he will need to battle red-shirt freshman Tyler Little for the QB1. Either way, CU will be good at QB and their offensive line will be better (four returning starters). Several players got extra playing time this year due to injuries. While there will be no easy games, with the right coach and mentality, I like CU’s chances. I can’t wait.
So, with that, thank you all for your comments through the season both via email and over a brew during tailgates in Lot 380. It’s a joy to travel this road back to dominance (it will happen) with you.
Go Buffs!
Doug
by Doug Rutherford | Nov 23, 2018 | 2018
Buff Nation –
Week Twelve Review –
This past Saturday, CU laid an egg as it’s final tribute to Coach MacIntyre. With the coach’s job hanging in the balance, CU came out energized against the #19 Utah Utes, but were in effective in generating any offense (being held to 7 points for the second week in a row). The defense stood tall for as long as they could (halftime score was 7-7), but without the aid of their offensive brothers, they too soon began to lie down. On a grey (literally and figuratively), frigid and listless day, with so much to play for, CU failed to compete. Less than 24 hours later Coach MacIntyre was fired. A brave new world now faces CU Football. Time will tell if this program is moving forward or sliding. I have faith in Athletic Director Rick George. Big time football programs need to be run like big-time corporations, and Rick has proven to have that experience and insight. Coach MacIntyre is a good man. I’ve talked with him on several occasions. He did a lot of great things for this program but was unable to sustain the success of the 2016 season (The Rise), nor win games which needed to be won. I wish him the best. On to the next. Business is business.
Week Thirteen Preview –
In 1939, Agatha Christie wrote her famous book And Then There Were None. A fictional story about a group of secluded people who were slowly and methodically killed, eliminating any and all suspects until there was there was one and then none, uncertainty, angst and fear settled into the psyche of the cast of characters). Over the past seven weeks, CU has slowly and methodically eliminated their bowl eligibility chances. Uncertainty, angst and fear(?) has permeated into the psyche of CU Football. We are now down to one opportunity – tomorrow, on the road against the California Bears, to secure bowl eligibility. A win against the suddenly hot bears (they have won 3 of their last 4) give breathes new life into the CU football season and goes a long way to solving the mystery of what happened to the 2018 football season. A put the Buffaloes and Buff Nation out of its misery, in what would go down as one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory.
Rumor has it there is a new energy in the CU football program now that a coaching change has been made. Is it enough to secure a win tomorrow and “save” the season? I bet is it is. However improbable a win feels after six straight losses, CU still is a good football. For reasons which have been discussed in prior posts, CU hasn’t been able to put it all together. With nothing left to lose, CU should be able to play loose away from their home town crowd and get it right. If not, we will all be left with the age-old question – “Who done it? Who killed the CU Football program? How about we don’t go there and just win this game already?
Go Buffs!
Doug
by Doug Rutherford | Nov 16, 2018 | 2018
Buff Nation –
Week Eleven Review
The sudden demise of the 2018 CU Football season seems to have happened in a blink of an eye. Against the Washington State Cougars this past Saturday, the Buffs showed heart on defense holding the national most prolific quarterback to a modest day, but the offense didn’t follow suit. Unfortunate penalties kept CU on the ropes and they simply didn’t have the talent to rebound. A suspect call by Coach Mac (punting from the Cougars 36-yard line) was head scratching and stole the heart and fire from Buff Nation and the Buff football team. Final score CU 7, WSU 31. If this season does crash, it is this call pundits will point to regarding why Coach Mac wasn’t the right guy to lead the Buffs to the next level.
Sadly, it wasn’t too long ago that everything was going CU’s way. Just a few weeks ago CU was #19 in the country, the only remaining Pac-12 undefeated team sitting at 5-0 and making a powerful statement against the USC trojans on the road. CU had the USC freshman QB rattled and led 7-0. The stars were aligned. Puzzle pieces were in place. Buff Nation stood at the ready. This was the team we had been waiting on for nearly a decade. We were ready to take the next step. Yet, we all know how the story ended. Less than two quarters later, a pick-six by Montez put the Buffs behind 28-7, and the Buffs have never been the same since. Injuries yes. Tough opponents yes. Suspect coaching yes. Still, all these factors happened to all big-time football teams and the great ones find a way to respond. The CU Buffs are still trying to make that happen.
Week Twelve Preview
Lost among the rumors of coach firings and general chaos coming from CU Football operations, the pride and tradition of CU football has been temporarily lost. CU has (yet) another shot at redemption when they take on the #19 (ah, remember when we were #19) Utah Utes. Amid the chaos (or perhaps in spite of it) this game has the potential to be the game of the season for the Buffs. With more story lines than the upcoming season of Game of Thrones, both teams have a lot to play for.
For starters, tomorrow marks the 500th game at Folsom Field (see link below Folsom Field highlights). A win by Utah gives the Utes their first Pac-12 South championship (the only Pac-12 school not to win the title). A win by CU makes them bowl eligible and saves Coach Mac’s job and washes all the fowl from this season. A win by CU stops a 0-28 nine-year skid against ranked team (when CU is not ranked), an 0-8 record in games where bowl eligibility is on the line, and the recent 0-5 losing streak. A win on Saturday would go a long way to curing CU’s woes and ugly streaks.
Saturday is also the last home game for 20 CU seniors including long-time household name – Jay McIntyre, Rick Gambo (it seems like this this guy has been leading the CU defense forever) and Drew Lewis. This senior class deserves to go out with a win. It is expected to snow, and in the 500 games played at Folsom, this has only happened 7 times. CU is 6-1 in those games (fun fact).
All in all, the cards are staked against CU. CU two best defensive backs are already declared out for this game due to injury. CU is confidence is shattered. QB Montez played with no heart last week, almost as if the season was already over. Yet, all of that said, these are our CU Buffaloes and I’m excited to watch CU put it all together and get it right. There is so much parity in the Pac-12, and CU has been on the outside looking in. This Saturday, in the snow, for the Seniors, for the honor and tradition of playing in the 500th game at Folsom, and for their coach, CU will play its best game of the season and beat Utah in a close, hard fought and highly emotional game.
Go Buffs!
Doug
FOLSOM FIELD HISTORY
by Doug Rutherford | Nov 9, 2018 | 2018
Buff Nation –
Week Ten Review
I liked the way CU played last week. While a victory would have been nice and would have effectively put to rest all the heartburn that is running through Buff Nation, CU played with a lot of heart. I liked the aggressive play calling by CU and the willingness of Coach Mac to play to win, rather than playing not to lose (the two are not the same). CU went toe to toe with a very good AZ team, and for most of the game, CU was playing without several of its top play-makers. Including injuries coming into the game, CU at one point had 11 starters out of the lineup. CU also had the misfortune of playing AZ right when their beast of a QB – Khalil Tate was healthy. Injury prone all season long, Tate had a break out game (just like last year) against the Buffs. Once Tate got going, the CU secondary seemed helpless in stopping him. College football is all about the W’s, and while playing with heart is nice, it only goes so far.
Week Eleven Preview
On what is projected to be a perfect Fall afternoon in Boulder, the #8 Washington State Cougars will kick off against the CU Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Few are giving CU a chance to win this game and for good reason. CU is 2-29 against ranked teams over the last nine years. Those two sole wins came in 2016 against WSU and Utah. After each game Buff Nation rushed the field in celebration and Athletic Director Rick George had to cut a check for $150,000 for the Pac-12 violation. I bet Rick would love to cut another check for the same reason come this Saturday. The Cougars are riding a high, and CU is in the dumps. The bitterness of the OSU loss still lingers, and the whispers of coaches being on the hot seat are starting to become shouts.
Glass half-full guy says the Cougars are overrated at #8 and may be overlooking CU with its sites on securing the Pac-12 Title. CU on the other hand has been decimated by injuries (where have you gone Laviska Shenault, we hardly knew you), had some brain freeze coaching moments (ah-hmm OSU) and some general back luck. At 5-4, CU could easily be 6-3 (ah-hmm OSU) if not 7-2, so the Buffs are not as bad as they appear, and they are still mathematically alive to win the Pac-12 South title (go figure). If CU can get healthy (e.g. Shenault, Worthington, Nixon), find a couple players who know how to defend the pass, and catch the Cougars napping, this could be a game where CU shocks the Pac-12 (this time in a good way), and perhaps shocks themselves a bit as well. CU has been either sleep walking (ah-hmm OSU), playing timid (USC WA), or playing on fumes (AZ) for the last month. A return to Folsom, against a ranked opponent on national TV, in front of Buff Nation, could create the right cocktail mix for CU to play to its potential. Maybe, just maybe, Buff Nation will have the opportunity to force Rick George to cut another check to the Pac-12. CU on the field after the game.
Go Buffs!
Doug
by Doug Rutherford | Oct 26, 2018 | 2018
Buff Nation –
Week Eight Review –
For the second week in a row, the Buffs were on the doorstep of beating one of the elite teams in the Pac-12, only to come up short once again. One could argue that with a couple healthy CU players, CU would of beat the Washington Huskies, but it’s hard to tell. Nearly two-thirds of the way through the season, all we really know about 2018 CU Football team is that they are a good middle of the Pac-12 caliber team, and have demonstrated potential to compete with the upper echelon teams. Thus far in the season, CU has beaten the teams it should of beat, and has lost to the teams they were projected to lose to (Nebraska withstanding). With five games left in the season, CU still has everything to play for and ample opportunity to prove they are more than a middle of the pack team, but indeed a top tier team, now and for seasons to come.
Week Nine Preview –
The arrival of the Oregon State (OSU) Beavers into Boulder for tomorrow’s 1PM kickoff at Folsom Field is the perfect remedy for what has been ailing the Buffs. CU has struggled over the past two weeks to reach that elusive sixth win for bowl eligibility (NCAA requirement). CU’s offense has struggled to maintain its once high-octane cadence and point production. CU has lost a bit of its swagger (good opponents will do that to a team). Forecast calls for epic fall football (and tailgating) weather. If CU takes care of business in the friendly confines of Folsom Field and their Buff faithful, with a win on Saturday (and CU will definitely win), the Buffs will become bowl eligible for the second time in three years (’16, ’18), coming on the heels of eight season bowl drought (’08-’15). OSU is the cure we have been waiting on for the past two weeks.
One note of caution. Even though CU will be heavily favored in this game, it’s still a Pac-12 match-up and the OSU players are also on scholarship and looking to make a name for themselves. If the bowl eligibility win proves elusive on Saturday, CU will either need to beat a Pac-12 team (AZ, CAL) on the road (something they haven’t done since 11/12/16) or beat a ranked team (Utah, WSU) at Folsom. A win tomorrow sets CU up to play with house money (i.e. the pressure is off) for the rest of the season. A lose puts CU in near desperation mode. Let’s trust that the Buffs will take care of business on Saturday and play with house money the rest of the season.
Go Buffs!
Doug
by Doug Rutherford | Oct 5, 2018 | 2018
Buff Nation – One-Third Season Summary
Numbers. One-third of the way through this 2018 football season, all is well with ours Colorado Buffaloes. College football is all about the numbers. 4-0, #21, and 19.7 are a few numbers related to the Buffs thus far this season. The Buffs are 4-0, ranked 21st in the country and beating their opponents by an average of 19.7 points. The Buffs have done everything they have been asked to do this season, and have exceeded nearly everyone’s expectations. They are well on their way to a bowl season, are the only undefeated team remaining in the Pac-12 and are a legitimate contenders to win the Pac-12 South and potentially the Pac-12 outright. The only knock against our Buffs (which is ironically beyond their control) is another number, 1-16 The combined record of the opponents CU has played is one win and 16 losses (of course for of those losses came at the hands of the Buffs). Over the course of the next three weeks CU will play its toughest part of the schedule. Three weeks from now, hopefully the numbers will still be kind to the Buffs.
Week Five Review –
Last Friday night under the lights of Folsom in front of a near sell-out “black out” crowd, CU opened up Pac-12 play against the UCLA Bruins. After a tight first half, once again the CU coaching staff proved its worth and made key half-time adjustments. In the second half, CU outscored UCLA 24 to 3 to win their fourth game going away 38-16. With the victory, the Buffs exercised the first of (hopefully) several Pac-12 demons from last season.
Week Six Preview –
Demon #2 from the 2017 season is on the docket for this Saturday. At 2PM, CU takes on the Arizona State Sundevils, in what will prove to be a true Pac-12 South showdown. Both teams have a high-flying offense and solid wins under their belt. The difference in this game will be CU’s run defense which will prove stout and the speed of CU’s outside backers (#32 and #20) to contain the edge. One other interesting battle to watch will be CU’s O-line. CU will be starting a red-shirt freshman at left tackle. If Will Sherman can hold serve against a battery of tough opponents over the coming weeks, CU biggest question going into the season will be answered for years to come. All season CU has beaten the teams which they have been on their schedule. On Saturday, CU will beat its first team of the season with a winning record, a formidable opponent and in doing so will keep climbing in the rankings cracking into the top 15. This game will be close through three quarters, but the ASU defense will eventually yield to Montez and one of the best receiving corps in America.
Go Buffs (and Rockies)!
Doug
by Doug Rutherford | Sep 13, 2018 | 2018
Buff Nation –
Week Two Review –
CU 33, NE 28. Yup, that’s a correct score. Victory in Lincoln. It doesn’t happen very often (the last time was 2004). Amidst a sea of 90,000 Nebraska fans dressed in Red, a prodigal son type atmosphere for the debut of Coach Scott Frost, and a Nebraska team that is big, talented and ready to set the record straight, the CU Buffs and it’s 5,000 wayward fans pulled out an unlikely and quite amazing victory.
After starting fast with 14 points off two turnovers, the Buffs survived multiple body blows to stay close entering the fourth quarter. Half-time adjustments by CU’s coaching staff and a team first attitude by the Buffs kept the game tight. As the game wore on, Husker Nation (in my opinion the best fans in College football), began to sense there was a game to be played, and CU fans began to sense we had weathered the storm and there was a game to be won. Out of section 20 in the upper end zone of Memorial Stadium (a bucket list visit) where the Buff Nation was relegated, cheers of “Buffaloes, Buffaloes, Go CU!” carried to neighboring sections and caused heads to turn. It was surreal.
In the fourth quarter alone, there were three missed field goals, an interception, three fourth down attempts and a 40-yard TD for the ages (see video attached). No one, on either side of the field, wanted to punt the ball. In the end, CU finished strong when it counted most.
At its best, this win is the signature win CU needs to blow the roof off of this season (similar to the win at OR in ’16) and for years to come. At its worst (if there is such a thing), this win brings us one step closer to bowl eligibility. My guess is we are closer to the former. This season is shaping up to be special. Buckle your seat belts, we are in for an awesome ride.
Week Three Preview – Every once in a while, an FBS (college football’s top level) team loses to an FCS (college football’s second level) team. Every six years (2006, 2012) CU finds a way to take on this dubious honor. This Saturday the FCS University of New Hampshire come to Folsom. CU is paying the school $400,000 to come to Boulder to get beat up (that’s how FCS schools make their money and how FBS schools rack up non-conference W’s, so they can become bowl eligible). There is no way UNH wins this game. It will be 21-0 before the first quarter is over. UNH’s only legit player is their QB Trevor Knight (cool name) and he probably won’t be cleared in time to play this Saturday. CU wins this game by 50 and all CU’s reserve players will be playing in the fourth quarter. Unlike 2006 and 2012, CU is way too good to let an FCS team hang with them. Without Knight, UNH has surprisingly lost their first two games. Beating CU would absolutely make UNH’s season. It would be the single greatest victory in their school history. CU, while riding a high after beating it’s in-state rival CSU and their best (former) divisional rival Nebraska, in back to back weeks, better be ready to start fast in this game (which they will), and not let the Wildcats of New Hampshire believe they have a chance to make history.
At the end of the day this Saturday, CU will be 3-0 and 50% of its way to Bowl Bound or Bust.
Go Buffs!
Doug
by Doug Rutherford | Aug 31, 2018 | 2018
Buff Nation,
Welcome back to another season of Colorado Buffaloes football. When CU kicks off its 2018 season tonight against CSU, last year’s miserable 5-7, underachieving season will be behind us. Nobody is high on CU being any good this year. A decade long bowl drought leading up to the ’16 season and then and a poor showing last year has folks taking a wait and see approach to see whether CU is a pretender or a contender.
A lot rides on this season. Fail to win six games (i.e. bowl eligible), and odds are we will have a new head coach on the sidelines next season. Six wins is the minimum. Seven wins and we are respectable. Eight or more and the Buffs are back, this time for good. The key to CU’s season will be getting out of the gates early (game by game predictions below). Three of CU’s coveted six wins are within the first four game.
The good news is CU has the talent, the schedule (favorable home games, no Oregon or Stanford), and a Pac-12 South conference which is not as strong as it was last season (three QB now in NFL, three new head coaches) to be competitive in all its games.
It all starts tonight. This season is going to be epic. The whole off-season CU has held the mantra, “nothing to say, a lot to prove.” They have played their cards close to the chest. Tonight, we get to see what kind of cards we have been dealt and how well we play those cards.
Go Buffs!
Doug
2018 CU Football Season Preview
August 31, CSU (Mile High Stadium)
It’s true that CU cannot overlook CSU. While CSU got beat at home by Hawaii last week, the Rams offense is something to be taken seriously and this is a rivalry game. Okay, with that out of the way, the beat down we were expecting CU to place on CSU last year will occur this year. There isn’t a single player on the Rams who could start on the Buffs. Although CSU has the advantage with a game under their belt, and CU will be playing a lot of new faces, CU will score on more possessions than not. CU wins by 21. CU 1-0
September 8, @ Nebraska
This game is going to be a slugfest and while CU may wind up on the losing end, Michael Porter’s theory of competition tells us that CU needs to be able compete in tough games like these if they are to compete in the Pac-12. Since I am driving the 7 hours to Lincoln to witness the clash, I am predicting a win by the Buffs. NE will be too high on their first-year cure for the common cold coach, and CU has too much to prove to be intimidate by a sea of 90,000 fans wearing red who literally have nothing else to cheer for between Saturday games. CU somehow finds a way to win this game, if for no other reason than it is such a long and boring drive to get there and even longer if one gets embarrassed. CU-2-0
September 15, New Hampshire
Life is beautiful. CU returns to Boulder (literally the best place in the world) to make its home game debut against the Division IAA New Hampshire Wildcats on a beautiful Fall afternoon. While the UNH is an excellent team (ranked nationally in IAA polls and return 18 starters), they are not Pac-12 caliber, and CU is no longer one of those programs which is constantly at risk of laying an egg. This game should be nearly over by half-time. The talent and speed of the buffs is simply too much for the UNH Wildcats. Buff Nation is satisfied. Most of the student body didn’t show up until the second quarter anyway (drinking) and don’t return after halftime (drinking). CU 3-0
September 28, UCLA
Ah, the swing game of the season. Under the Friday night lights of Folsom Field, CU wipes that smug look off the Bruins’ face. Josh Rosen isn’t around anymore and CU extracts revenge for last season’s loss. Montez and his top-shelf receiving corp lites up the UCLA secondary and the CU Defense their stride under second year coach DJ Eliot. CU wins handsomely. CU is 4-0 for the first time since 1995. Boulder goes nuts. CU students (most who weren’t even at the game) would happily light some couches on fire, but they are too young to remember that used to be a thing. CU 4-0
October 6, Arizona State
While they have experienced tremendous success thus far, and surpassed everyone’s expectation, it is ASU which bugs them. It was the ASU game last year on the road that was probably the most heartbreaking loss of the season (okay, maybe it was AZ). CU had the game. They literally dropped the ball. CU doesn’t let that happen again, and CU turns in yet another victory at home. It has become clear that this year’s receiving corp is hungrier and more talented than last years (which graduated three players into the NFL). CU 5-0
October 13, @ USC
CU still gets a little weak in the knees when it comes to playing USC. The USC proves a bit too much for CU to handle and gets to QB Montez early. A costly turnover disheartens CU. CU plays tough for three quarters to no avail and then sort of bails on the effort. They are secretly please to be 5-1 and perhaps even a little satisfied. Time for Coach Mac and Coach Eliot to coach them up on the flight home. CU 5-1
October 20, @ Washington
Washington is the best team CU is going to play all year. Playing WA on the road is a butt kicking waiting to happen. Under CU can find five monster offensive lineman to start at the same time, CU will struggle to win in the trenches against teams like WA. CU tries hard, but WA has its sights on a National Championship and doesn’t have time for CU to hang around. CU 5-2
October 27, Oregon State
One more win and CU is bowl eligible (and everyone gets to keep their jobs). Oregon State is the perfect opponent at the perfect time. CU thrashes OSU, playing its finest game of the season to date. Buff Nation takes a collective sign of relief. Buff Nation can now turn its sights to something other than the lowest common denominator. For the rest of the season, the Buffs are playing for the seniors as well as all those 4 and 5-star recruits that would really love to commit to Boulder, but just need a little more evidence that what is happening in Boulder is the real deal. CU 6-2
November 2, @ Arizona
CU’s season effectively ended last year when they awoke the sleeping giant by the name of Khalil Tate, Arizona’s (then) back-up QB. This year, Khalil is a Heisman trophy leading candidate. While teams now have tape of him, this is still a tough match-up for CU. Tate has another big day against the Buffs and CU loses for the third time in a month. This is game CU could have won. The emotional scars and embarrassment from last year’s game are still not fully healed. CU 6-3
November 10, Washington St.
The weather is beginning to turn in Boulder and folks are starting to turn their sights to the slopes. For Buff Nation, there are only two home games remaining. How sad. For all practical purposes the season has been a success. Outside of one half against USC and potentially a game which slipped away against AZ, the Buffs have performed well. Still, we need one or two more wins to put the stamp of approval on this season. Washington St offers up just that opportunity. A worthy opponent for sure, a victory here would legitimize CU’s 2018 season. Thankfully, CU agrees and complies. Skiing can wait. This season is still going on. CU 7-3
November 17, Utah
In a brawl on Folsom Field in near Winter is coming temps, Utah comes out on top for CU’s first loss at home all season. While heartbreaking, CU played hard and never laid down. No moral victories, but CU knows they have a lot left in the tank to finish the season strong and go bowling. Both teams also realize they will be seeing each other in the Pac-12 South championship game next season. Both teams are on the rise and staked with young talent. CU 7-4
November 24, @ California
California continues to be on the mend and CU takes advantage. Behind their two-headed running attack of Kyle Evans and Travon McMillian, CU grinds out a win to secure an ever elusive Pac-12 road victory. CU finishes off a hard-fought regular season and now eagerly awaits their bowl announcement. Happy days are here again. CU 8-4
Bowl Prediction: Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX. December 31, 2018.
Past Weekly Recaps
9/3/18 – CU Football 2018: Week One Review / Week Two Preview – Seeing Red
Week One Review
Well, that was the smackdown we were looking for. The CU team that took the field this past Friday against the CSU Rams was as big, fast and competitive as I have seen since the Buff glory years of 1990s. Hope is percolating. It was amazing to see so many new names (Abrams, Lang, Landman, Israel, McMillian, Mustafa and Shenault) seamlessly playing along household names (Montez, Gamboa, Lewis, Worthington, ,Fischer and MacIntyre). CU also came ready to play (not always the case). How good CU is vs how bad CSU was will be revealed in week two.
Week Two Preview
CU travels to Lincoln this week to take on the (once) hated Nebraska Cornhuskers. This is the perfect game for CU. CU is rolling while NE literally has not gotten started. After all the pomp and circumstance of opening day and a two-hour weather delay, NE’s week one game was canceled. Unfortunately, CU now doesn’t have any tape of Nebraska’s offense or defense, but Nebraska also doesn’t have the opportunity for improve from game one to game two (where the most improvement takes place), before taking on the Buffs. This will be a hard fought game that comes down to the last possession. CU is full of confidence (and talent), and while NE remains an enigma, CU will come into Lincoln, steal a victory and will have the Boulder Flatirons in their sites while all the NE fans will be seeing is red.
