“If you can’t see what’s coming with (Colorado) Football, you’ve lost your mind.” – Coach Prime
Buff Nation
On a perfect fall weather day at Folsom Field, no one was leaving because everyone was believing. With multiple chances to lay down (down 21-0 in first quarter, 34-14 at half and 41-14 deep into the third quarter), the CU Buffs stood their ground as did the 54,000 white-clad, sold-out Buff Nation crowd. When the clock struck double zeros and the Buffs were on the short end of a 48-41 shoot out against #8 USC, the sense of what was to come was stronger than what could have been. The time for watching the game sitting down, let alone leaving early is over (except for my brother who never really followed anyone’s rules). These Buffs are now standing room only, staying till the end entertainment.
For all the joy, celebration, and attention the Buffs have received this year, they are still a team without an identity. Akin to my college roommate’s band aptly named “Identity Crisis” purely because they couldn’t think of a better name, entering week six of this season the Buffs face their own identify crisis. The defense has yet to jell, and the rushing game has proved inconsistent, and in spite of the exceeding expectations, we don’t know how good this team is.
In college football, the identity of the team represents who they are, and how they proceed with taking care of their business. Respective fan bases embrace and take on that identity. One thing leads to another, and sold-out games become the norm, and “free tickets” become a thing of the past. Get it right, and it’s material for Hollywood movies and dominant football programs. Get it wrong and wallow in mediocrity like so many schools do year in and year out, CU being the biggest violator of the bunch.
This coming Saturday afternoon, CU travels to Tempe to play the Arizona State Sun Devils. The ASU game represents a defining moment in the season. Win, and we are almost assured of a bowl eligible season (win two of out three with Standford, UCLA, and AZ). Yet, it’s never easy to win on the road, especially with a team that was 1-11 last year. Tempe seems particularly elusive given the 1-6 record CU holds in Tempe.
Who do you say I am? These were the monumental words Jesus asked his disciple Peter, to determine whether he believed. On Saturday, CU will be able to answer for themselves who they are. A team that doesn’t lay down, a team that takes care of business on the road, a team that is changing the two-decade old dialogue about Colorado Football.
Who do YOU say I am? Buff Nation says you will beat ASU by double digits, earn bowl eligibility in 2023, and…in 2024…win the Big 12 championship and contend for the national championship. That’s who we say you are. We are CU!
Go Buffs!
Doug
Good game last night against ASU. ASU blew it at the end otherwise it should have gone to overtime. Coach Prime has a large following. I think half our friends at the game last night went to see Coach Prime in action!
Monica – yeah, crazy finish. Coach Prime has now generated interest across the country. It’s good for college football. Didn’t realize ASU’s Coach was only 33.
Yes, indeed. Time to establish our identity and continue to change the narrative.
Oh yeah!