Buff Nation –
Last week, in CU’s hour of need, no one was home. CU was up 10 on ASU in the fourth quarter. One could argue CU should have been up 17 if not 24. Still, up by two scores with the ball in the final quarter of the game with bowl eligibility on the line, somehow it all slipped away. When pressed, CU couldn’t sustain a drive. When pressed, CU’s defense couldn’t get off the field. When pressed, CU’s special teams wasn’t so special. When pressed, CU’s coaching chose poorly. Last week, no one was home to fight for CU. It was heartbreaking to see Philip Lindsey with head in hands kneeling on the sidelines in the final seconds as ASU continued to pile up the yards. He knew this loss was going to leave a mark.
Fast forward one week. Tomorrow, twenty-one CU football players will take the field for the final time. This Senior class is special. This class is the first of the MacIntyre era. It was this class that took a chance on Colorado when no one else was. As Freshman this was the class that had to endure a 2-10 season. As Sophomores, they were part of a vastly improved competitive team but still unable to secure wins. As Juniors, these players witness first hand “The Rise” and became Pac-12 South Champs and helped CU football return to the competitive ranks. As Seniors, they are fighting for their lives to become bowl eligible (they need one more win). Yet, win or lose, tomorrow is going to be the last time these seniors will play in front of the crowd at Folsom or run behind Ralphie. Fans will no longer hear the names of Lindsay, Fields, Bobo, Ross, McCartney, and Moeller called over the PA system.
CU will have to play a perfect game (and get a little bit lucky) to beat #11 USC. The Trojans offense will give CU’s defense fits all day. I can’t wait to see how this Senior class fights. I can’t wait to see how the underclassman fight for their seniors. USC is clearly the better team. They are one of the best in the country. CU, on the other hand, can be dangerous. This could be a trap game for USC (USC plays their cross-town rival UCLA next week so perhaps they are looking past CU). Win or lose these seniors deserve a standing ovation at the end of the game. It’s been a heck of a road back for the CU program, and while the final outcome of this year still weighs in the balance, the leadership and character these players have displayed have left the CU program a much stronger and more respected program than when they arrived. Plan to arrive early. Plan to stay until the end. These players deserve that much.
Go Buffs!
Doug