Posted by flabuff227 on October 8, 2008 at 1:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cody has a great attitude. And its true that its not a one man game. I would like to see ballenger a little bit. Judging from trash time against ut. He has better scrambling ability and a much stronger arm. Lets see what he can do. I dont think it would hurt with our depleted line.

Posted by rnorthro14 on October 8, 2008 at 5:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good news that the coaches are considering playing Matt B. more. This is not an aspersion on Cody Hawkins who still should be the starter and is a valuable Buff.... But with the toughness of this schedule, Matt's promising play, and Cody's struggles it may be time to take a look at what Matt can do in pressure situations.

My biggest hope is we get to a place where we are confident of winning, Cody gets protection from the OL so he can play more to his capabilities and Matt can come in and contribute as well.

Posted by MDBuff on October 8, 2008 at 5:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice to see that for the first time that I'm hearing that they're even considering Ballenger. It's a smart move to give him more meaningful game experience.

Posted by vkberlinn on October 8, 2008 at 5:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Its all hype. We will see him in mop up stuff if we get any of that time. Hope they do more than that.

H needs to improve the game plan or get out of the way.

Posted by CaliBuff on October 8, 2008 at 5:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. It will only help for other Defenses to have to worry about another QB. They have a ton of film on what Cody is able to do, Matt is a whole other story. Go Buffs.

Posted by nepabuff on October 8, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Talk is cheap.

Posted by extrapoint on October 8, 2008 at 7:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I see
and when Ballenger doesnt become Sam Bradford overnight the Hawkins hate will continue
right?

Posted by nepabuff on October 8, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If Ballenger truly gets to play maybe the playbook can open up. (and by "truly" something more than mop up and 3rd and 20)

Posted by rodrigo on October 8, 2008 at 7:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Talk is cheap."

Couldn't have said it better, kenny. What made you see the light?

Posted by montanabuff on October 8, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Though frustrating at times to watch, it seems as if the Buffs have been scripting certain plays and series for different running backs (witness the use of Moyd early against FSU, for example).

I can see bringing in Ballenger for a series early in the game, and having certain plays prepared for that series. It would get Ballenger experience, the Buffs could otherwise stay in rhythm, and it would give opposing teams that much more to prepare for each week.

Go Buffs!

Posted by buff4life on October 8, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

....it's always easy to blame the qb for the offense not looking good and cody sure has struggled but there is enough to work on in all areas and every young team has 'growing pains', except the bugeaters, year in and year out they continue to dominate college football, at least the san jose states and new mexicos, and they do it with an abundance of high school all-americans and 20 star blue chip players, right kenny???---good luck v texas tech this saturday and watch last years game of CU v texas tech if you need help on 'gameplan', we did it with a frosh qb so you might not understand. should i watch last years game between nebraska v kansas for tips on beating the jhawks kenny?, lol....

Posted by oldbuffer on October 8, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Speculation isn't my forte, but I will indulge for a moment. It's November, Ballenger has significant playing time, is running for his life, has thrown a couple of interceptions, and the running game hasn't been effective. The red shirt and true freshmen on the O line continue to struggle against 5th year seniors. The negativists are blaming Hawkins for poor coaching because they no longer have the nepotism crutch and bellowing about the stupid mistake Bohn made by giving Hawk a contract extension. Yawn.

Posted by buff4life on October 8, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"talk is cheap" but i would gladly pay kenny money to be quiet....

Posted by nepabuff on October 8, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm just saying what you're already thinking.

Posted by WhosYourDaddy on October 8, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What happened to all you guys that went to practice everyday and assured us that Coach Dad knew what was best and that Matt wasn't even close to Cody in ability?

My guess is that Coach Dad is really pissed at the OC for putting Matt in the game and allowing everyone to see for themselves.

Of course, we've seen this scenario before: any player who presents a challenge to Cody: a) suddenly leaves the program; or b) makes a surprising annoucement that he really loves to play tight end and will be switching positions immediately.

Posted by buff4ever on October 8, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It talk is cheap we should be able to pay him very little since all he compares CU to is a loser. Why doesn't he compare us to OU, UT or OSU? He would rather compare us to the most overrated team in the conference and one who has not beat a team from a BCS conference yet... while playing all their games at home.

Looking forward to reading the final score of this weeks TT vs. NU game!!!

Posted by nepabuff on October 8, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I look for Barnett to be interviewing for several open jobs at the end of this season.

May see him at Texas A & M or maybe Iowa or Washington.

Posted by vkberlinn on October 8, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

daddyo,

C. finds out he really is a back up.

....My guess...

It is apparent you think little and therefore you guess.

"My guess is that your Dad is really pissed at at your mom for putting your uncle( yur dads brother) in the picture and allowing all the relatives to see the "who you look like" for themselves.

Regardless, The hawk knows. I trust the hawk. Not so sure about Mr. H though. He needs to be stupid to be smart eh?

rough em up buffs

Posted by vkberlinn on October 8, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

...May see him at Texas A & M or maybe Iowa or Washington....

or at the scarlet and cream. bo and his other brother bo got nothing. Gonzo in a quick breath.

Posted by nepabuff on October 8, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Dang, you sure bring up NU a lot.

On the "McCartney scale" Pelini is way ahead of Hawkins in his first season.

Posted by SnowBuff on October 8, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sure throw him in for a prepped series or two. Script 10 or so plays for him. I don't mind. Cody is the starter and should remain there unless hes beat out for the job by superior play, which Ballenger has NOT done in practice. His single "drive" against a soft zone defense against UT backups is definitely not a valid reference point. I do hope hes badass tho :)

Posted by vkberlinn on October 8, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nepa

I was just thinking of your quotes in june and july where you predicted you creamers would go like 8 and 4 or 9 and 3 or 10 and 2

looks like 5 and 7 with a 2 and 6 big 12 record again.

The cream boards are pounding him as the nowledge becomes more real........ that he coached down a great LSU defense to #7 in the SEC. And that he is the defensive coordinator even though you pay his brother to have the title

nepotism at its worst. TO of the famous "go for two" got the two this time. Unfortunately both events were/are losers.

rough em up buffs.

Go big cream go big cream

Posted by vkberlinn on October 8, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nepa nodaddy and soup.....

From the red blogg
Polineee is not long for this gig.

Note all started by the Buffs in the blow
out.....

......NU has not been relevant since 2001. And the way we backed
into the 2002 Rose Bowl and got our butts kicked started the
slide to irrelevancy pdq....

...yur absolutely right. interesting read in the OWH.
NU is get this 0-19 since 2001 against top 20 teams! 0-19!!
of 65 bcs schools all have beaten a ranked opponent at least
once except for us and Duke yes Duke are the only 2 bcs
teams to not beat a ranked opponent. thats disturbing,
discouraging and disheartening at the same time!
nobody has a grudge against for past success, hell nobody
even respects us or our home field advantage which was taken
away from the students to appease the season ticket holders.

It's a side note but a dang creamy one.

It's a rilvary brother

Go Buffs.

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 8, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

vk - you sure are mean. did the golf go poorly yesterday? get outside. it's a beautiful day today.

i hope daddy hawk gets his "O" together, hope one of those assistant contracts he gets locked up is for brian cabral with pay comparable to the highest paid assistants, hope the buffs can go 8-4 this year and whoop up on the corn.

as far as cody goes, i do think he is a quality character guy, but it's time to be realistic. whoever posted yesterday about throwing ballenger in against KU for some change up is making sense. QB play really cannot get any worse.

as predictable as sean watson was with barnett, at least he tried to stick to a game plan and it was clear what he was trying to do.

the "D" seems to have an attitude when they plan and have a good sense of what they are supposed to be doing - even taking responsibility when they blow coverages and make mistakes. the D has kept us in games and won games to this point. that and some great running from stewart.

it's the O game planning that most concerns me. this is the area where coach was supposed to bring his genius. regardless of personnel, it would be nice to see what he's trying to accomplish. as i have said in the past, rich rodriguez may not have "his" personnel at michigan, but it is clear what he is trying to accomplish - even in just a few games. this is hawk's third year.

Posted by extrapoint on October 8, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

at least we have taken the comparison notch down a little. Now it is Michigan instead of OU. We all know nobody goes to Michigan to play football.

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 8, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

look - stoops turned OU around in a couple seasons, and it was clear what he was trying to accomplish. OU fans expect a perennial winner, and they have gotten one.

michigan is a football school, and fans there have high expectations as well. i'm sure if rodriguez cannot get things turned around in short order, his shelf life in ann arbor won't be too long.

Posted by RashaanSalaam on October 8, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm a Cody supporter and still think that he, of all the QBs on the roster, probably has the best grasp on the offense. He’s not the most physically gifted and I've never said that he is. That said, I wouldn't mind seeing the coaches give Ballenger some meaningful time in a few games, starting this weekend with Kansas. A 3-2 record is nothing to be ashamed of right now given our youth and injuries, but I feel like this team is in some need of a spark. Not sure that I love the idea of a 2 QB system, but at this point I don't think it could hurt, at least for a few games and then see where we stand. Perhaps the team, as a whole, will respond positively. Maybe we find that a 2 QB system is what we need right now. Making opposing defenses worry about Cody's offensive knowledge and Matt's physical skills might benefit us. Maybe Cody has a chance to catch his breath & recover from the recent rough games (mentally & physically) and returns to a more competitive form, maybe Ballenger steals the job. I'm not sure, but I don't think it can hurt to try. However, in order to implement this, we need to put Ballenger in before 4th quarter mop-up time. As the article alluded to, he needs to perform under real game time pressure to see if he TRULY has what it takes.

Big game this weekend; an upset would be HUGE for this team. GO BUFFS!!!!

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 8, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

4-2 sounds much better than 3-3. That's for dang sure.

Posted by BEL on October 8, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nepabuff, Barnett is history. He will never, never, never be a head coach at the college level again. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can move on with your life and sever the man-crush that you have for Barnett.

Posted by rodrigo on October 8, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Dang, fish, didn't your momma teach you that just because you want something it doesn't mean you get it (and holding your breath or screaming won't help)? It takes hard work, man. In some cases a little, in other cases a lot. At CU it's gonna take a lot because the friggin' cupboard was bare, nothing left, when Barnett was shown the door. Not to mention that CU does not have the history or tradition that some other programs do.

Surprise, surprise, but that ain't Hawks' fault.

And comparing the dynamics at CU to those at Michigan, Texas, OU or Nebraska - as our corn brethern, now reduced to relishing their historical relevance constantly remind us - is a little ridiculous, no?

Hard work. For the rest of this season, next spring and next summer. Expectations will then be that CU should compete for the Big 12 North title.

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 8, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

rodrigo - i have been hearing the same story for twenty plus years. i have shown much patience. i agree it takes hard work, but i think part of the problem is that we do not raise are expectations.

are you saying CU is NOT historically relevant? i should just accept the fact that we are a mediocre program and that's that?

Posted by nepabuff on October 8, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There were lots of good football players on the roster when Hawkins showed up.

This "cupboards bare" bull in nonsense.

Posted by roamingbuff on October 8, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There are many, many things CU needs to do to get back to the top and saty there. But one thing that needs to happen is for each and every Buff to step up to the plate with cash. Some are already giving. But others are not. Look up the financials and you will see CU athletics below the average in the Big 12. We try to compete at the top - but with below the middle money. Let Hawk and Bohn do their thing - and in the meantime - put yo' money where yo' mouth is and help! Complaining on message boards ain't gonna cut in. EVERYBODY pitch in! I did.

Posted by MDBuff on October 8, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well put, Rashaan! (Is that really you, though?)

Posted by GoBuffs07 on October 8, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Helfrich sucks. He needs to go. This WAC style of play doesn't work in Big 12

Posted by rodrigo on October 8, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not at all. Read what I said. At CU you don't go from 0-60 overnight. Hawk is two seasons and five games into a complete overhaul project. How many freshmen and sophomores are on the two deep? What program in the country plays that many 18, 19 year olds and contends for a league title much less overcomes, as you say, "twenty plus years" of mostly mediocrity?

From what I've heard most of the fans here DO have high expectations. For 2009 and beyond. Until then we have realistic expectations.

Posted by Bufffan62 on October 8, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

While at the game, I focused on what kind of separtion our receivers and the Longhorn receivers were getting. It looked like it is much easier being the Longhorn qb right now. I think Hawk is moving us in the right direction, but the O Line needs to get healthy and open some running lanes. Without a running game, it is so hard to move the ball against an athletic defense. Still looks like we need to recruit some receivers.

Posted by rodrigo on October 8, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, boy, nepa. Brian White. Bernard Jackson. Hugh Charles. Damn. Those guys were right up there, tickets ready to fly to New York for the Heisman award ceremony. That's why so many on the two-deep are now freshman and sophs - from wide receiver to the offensive backfield and especially on the o line.

Posted by bouldabuff on October 8, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Buffs Ballenger NEEDS to play more.

The offense is out of synch right now - primarily due to the attrition on the offensive line. With so much continous pressure on the quarterback would it not make sense to get someone in there that can scramble?

As some of you remember, I made commments last year saying that Ballenger had the inside track on the QB position this year. I was wrong. No one can argue though that we need a spark on offense right now, if Ballenger can provide that spark (which I think he can)then get him some more touches when it matters. I hope the comments from Hawkins and crew are more than just lip service.

KU debuted their "quarterback of the future" against us two years ago in Lawrence and Reesing led them to a 2nd half comeback victory. Maybe CU returns the favor this weekend?

Posted by rodrigo on October 8, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For those who think turning a program around overnight is a walk in the park... Or at least a good laugh for all of us who hate Nebraska (see #5)

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/st...

Posted by BEL on October 8, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, thefishheadsoup, I think you are just another outside rabble-rouser pretending to be a Buffs fan. You claim to have attended every CU home football game for the past 26 years. If true (which I doubt), this would seem to indicate that you are a very loyal Buffs football fan. So, why have I never seen you posting here until this past week when the Buffs just happened to get crushed by Texas? Evidently, whenever the Buffs lose a game, the trolls, like yourself, start to emerge from the shadows.

If you really did attend every Buffs home game for the past 26 years, then you obviously must have been attending games during the early MacCartney years. Surely, a loyal fan like yourself who is presently so concerned about the lack of identity in the Buffs offense should know a thing or two about offensive schemes. To prove what you say, please tell me something: when McCartney took the Buffs to a bowl game for the first time, what type of offensive scheme did the Buffs employ? Surely, a faithful, long-time Buff fan like yourself should know this answer. And, if you do know the answer to this relatively easy question, please tell me about the evolution of Mac's offense in terms of offensive schemes, up until his resignation in 1994. Hint: Mac employed at least 4 different offensive schemes during this period. If you cannot answer these questions, then you have zero credibility in my opinion.

Posted by Black_Rob on October 8, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How'd that tractor race go yesterday nepatallfishhead Kenny? Are they gonna let you guys have a dance this fall?

Posted by extrapoint on October 8, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

to follow up on BEL
Hawk wasnt about to run the same scheme as Barnet/watson which everyone in the country, including the most nearsighted fan in the nose bleed section could tell you exactly what the next play was going to be.
Hawk went with Jackson, which was a dismally failed experiment, but one necessary with the players he had.
This also tells me that, however many of the bashers here are actually the same person, is someone who felt they were jilted during that time.

Posted by buff4life on October 8, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

....there have been a lot "quality" players on nebraska's roster and their "cupboards" have never been bare so what's the problem in lincoln??...oh wait, my bad nepa--you a loyal husker fan that knows more about the buffs than your team...my bad....hey fishbrain, try helping out your red comrades and focus on the nebs, and why do you cornboys know so much about the buffs and other programs but remain silent about your beloved cornhuskers??..is it the 62-36 and 65-51 'hangover' or is it just to embarrasing to talk about that 'debacle" in lincoln??...must make you cornboys irrate that a program with one-fourth the resources of the nebs produces a better product,huh???---all those poor farmers that mortgaged the farms for those 'pricey' season tix and 'fancy' luxury boxes to watch a 'defunct' program still on "life-support" since 62-36,how sad.....

Posted by buff4life on October 8, 2008 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

....forget donald trump and bill gates, dr tom osbourne has to be a 'business' genius...he gets 120,000 thousand hard working farmers from america's heartland to get together on saturdays in lincoln stadium to spend their hard earned money on "FOOLS GOLD"---that man is a true genius, no wonder he is your idol and hero nepaclown, fishbrain, duhhusker and whosyurdummy--have y'all given your life savings yet?? i know nepa has, lol....

Posted by nepabuff on October 8, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wheatly, Dizon , Abraham Wright, Billingsly, Charles, Hypolite, Lucas, Nicolas, Thaddeous Washington, Crosby, Fenton, Daniels, Polumbus and several others were Barnett recruits on Hawkin's 2-10 team.

Seemed like a lot of good players to me.

BTW Rod, Charles was a 1,000 yard rusher in 2007 with a 9.7 avg. Better than any RB on the current squad.

Posted by mtnboykev35 on October 8, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Buffman62, well said. I was also at the Texas game and watched or WR do next to nothing to get separation, so even with his strong arm Ballenger whould have had no where to throw the ball. and I don't beleive the Texas DB's were that good.
and J-fly did not play in the 2nd quarter at WR...

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 8, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BEL - are kidding me? McCartney ran a very successful "I-bone" built around Hagan's running ability and basically a wishbone type option oriented offense. And McCartney who always reinvented himself with a purpose, and in some ways presaged the passing attacks such as the spread, went with a one back passing attack in 1991 for the blockbuster bowl. I was in miami (my hometown) for the game.

Extra - by no means do i want hawk to implement watson's style (i found boring) except when we had the line and backs to work it. What I want is to see some sense of purpose with the O though.

Posted by rodrigo on October 8, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, you named 13 guys, several of whom are better described as mediocre. But why quibble over that? If I recall correctly none of those guys played both ways. So, given that it takes somewhere in the neighborhood of at least 44-50 "good players" to compete at the Big XII level, my point stands.

I'm sure Hawk was thankful for the 13.

BTW kenny, Charles rushed for 989 yards and a 5.3 average in 2007 as a senior. Stewart's on pace to come real, real close to that in 2008 as a frosh.

Posted by rodrigo on October 8, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW BTW kenny, when your kicker is universally acknowledged to be your best offensive weapon, you're in serious, serious trouble.

Posted by tonbro on October 8, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cody has been struggling, over throwing open receivers at FSU, fumbles, interceptions. The guy has been getting hammered... true. Ballenger looked good, I doubt it was a fluke! I hope Hawk and OC were not just giving lip service. Lets see Ballenger get some time in the 1st querter, heck start him and see where it goes.

Posted by CABuffalo on October 8, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can tell you one problem with the offense that really sticks out to me that I hope the coaches adjust:

The whole spread offense deal is OK once in awhile for some hurry up O or to mix things up, but to continuously use it is not only hindering the running game (no fullback to lead block) it is also getting our QB creamed (not enough protection). If you know that you have an inexperienced OL than you need some max protect packages to give them more time to throw. I think D. Scott’s struggles also stem from this offensive set up - he needs to follow a blocker through the hole and be given some time to survey the openings. With the RB lining up right next to the QB and taking a quick handoff near the line of scrimmage, they simply don't have enough time for a burst or to read the holes; not to mention the lack of blocking. It would be nice to see some 2 TE sets with a FB.

Posted by BuffulanceMan on October 8, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think having a plan to play Cody 80% of the snaps in the KU game and Ballenger 20% is a decent call. If Ballenger scores in his first drive and Cody hasn't to that point, maybe increase this amount as the game progresses.

Either way, our problems against FSU and UT are not soley the QB's fault. Speical teams is still hurting us. BIG TIME. Still like our D, however. And our coaching staff.

As Salaam said above, an upset this weekend would be HUGE. I just wish the game was here and KU had to play in the 40-50 degree rainy/slushy weather we're expecting here in Boulder. Ah, maybe next weekend.

Posted by oldbuffer on October 8, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not ready to call a win over KU an upset, except for the fact that we're playing there and we haven't played well on the road. KU lost to the only quality team they played - S. Florida. I believe this is a winnable game. Of course to do so, Uncle Josh has to keep his head in the game, Goodman has to make field goals, and the QB has to have a little time. The defense has to contain Reesing which they demonstrated they can do with Pat White. Most importantly, we have to generate a running attack to keep Reesing off the field and to make play action effective.

I, too, want to see Ballenger in the game, if for no other reason than he is faster than Cody. The down side to that is that a scrambling QB is more susceptible to injury. I'm not advocating a QB change (yet), nor a 2 QB system because that rarely works. Just bring him in for a change if or when Cody seems to be struggling to provide a change of pace.

Posted by RashaanSalaam on October 8, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BuffulanceMan & oldbuffer - well said. We definitely need Goodman to show up. What is his deal anyway? His arrogance is apparently off the charts. I was at the WVU and UT games, but heard from people who watched it on TV that when the camera was on him, he was acting like a no-talent a** clown. I also don't buy the story about the gold shoes against Texas being his only footwear option. It seems like something he would pick out on his own. The kid seems way too into himself. How about a little humility and a lot more field goal conversions??? We don't need a Sebastian Janikowski or a Mike Vanderjagt on this team, and at least they are/were actually good kickers who can/could back their egomaniacal attitudes.

Goodman, here’s a reminder – you're a first year place kicker that hasn’t proven a DAMN thing!!!! You helped win the WVU game on a chip shot that you nearly missed. You’re not the next coming of Dieon Sanders or even Mason Crosby for that matter, wake up!!!! Ditch the gold shoes (if they’re your only option, take a page from Rich Karlis’ playbook and kick barefoot). Whatever you do, spare the fans, your teammates and yourself the embarrassment of your “I’m a bad a**” attitude!!!!!!

Posted by BEL on October 8, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thefishheadsoup, okay I will give you a passing C+ grade for your answer. Possibly, you may be a legit Buffs fan.

The turning point for MacCartney came during the season that he installed the wishbone and took the Buffs to the Holiday Bowl. It was a traditional wishbone in every sense of the word. This offense changed the entire complexion of the team -- the Buffs become a more physical team on both offense and defense. One tremendous beneficial side effect of installing the wishbone was that because the defense had to practice against this offense every day, the defense soon became tough-as-nails against the run. Mac often said that the defense takes its identity from the offense.

The wishbone eventually evolved into the I-bone, which is somewhat similar to a power-I. Mac discarded the wishbone because opposing defenses started scheming to prevent Bieniemy, CU's best running back, from getting the ball. Mac figured that by putting Bieniemy into the tailback positon in the I-bone, the offense could get the upper hand and start dictating things to opposing defenses. The Buffs executed the I-bone with great power up the middle and big-play capability on the perimeter with its option attack. The I-bone was often run with double tight-ends to create mismatches and keep defenses honest.

In the 1991 Blockbuster Bowl against Alabama, Mac did unveil the one-back set with 3 wide receivers. For the next few years, the Buffs became a more balanced offense that also ran option from the one-back set with Kordell Stewart as QB. After Stewart departed (and Mac too), Koy Detmer took over and option football disappeared from the one-back set.

Between the transition from traditional wishbone to I-bone, Mac also experimented briefly with a double-wing look -- having two backs lined up as wingbacks at each end and one back lined up directly behind the QB. But, this offensive scheme proved to be ineffective and was quickly discarded.

The 1994 team was probably the most talented CU team that I have ever seen. It had 11 players drafted into the NFL. It also had a dynamite offense. But, there was one fatal flaw that prevented the 1994 team from running the table and going undefeated. To this very day, I lay the blame for the lone loss that year to Nebraska squarely on offensive coordinator, Elliot Uzelac. I had a bad premonition about that game because I had seen how utterly predictable Uzelac had become in his play calling. It was always run on first down, run on second down, and throw on third down if the distance needed for a first down was more than 5 yards. This approach worked well against inferior opponents, but I knew that it would not work against Nebraska. Sure enough, Uzelac stuck to his predictable pattern of play calling and the Buffs lost to Nebraska. Nebraska's defensive players knew exactly what was coming on nearly every play.

Posted by BEL on October 8, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

On offense, I sure hope that Ballenger doesn't get blown up by the pass rush. If the offensive line can't stop the jail break, then screen, screen, screen, and screen some more. Calling only 1 or 2 screen plays per game is not going to be enough against elite defenses like FSU and Texas. Sometime, it may be necessary to call 6 or more screen plays per game from a package containing 6 or more different types of screen plays. As an example, observers who have watched Texas Tech know that the screen play is Mike Leach's default go-to play when the opposing pass rush starts to get too heavy.

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 8, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

actually, besides the 62-36 drubbing of the corn, one of my favorite times at Folsom was the 93 or 94 game agains UM when the teams almost came to blows. I think warren sapp was on that team. we lost a nail biter, but miami was my boyhood team.

coach mac really came into his own withe the i-bone, and i do think those kordell teams presaged the spread type offenses.

look BEL - i've been around since the early 80s, since before Mac got here. i loved those early 90s teams, loved them. i thought we could sustain that level even after he left. i thought slick rick was a bad hire, but it didn't surprise me. at the time simmons really deserved the job. he was the one who brought so many of the good louisiana and houston players in. and while maybe mac said the O defines the D, the D in those days knew how to hit hard.

be well. we both have the team's best interest in mind. i just disagree about hawk's to date productivity. he has done an amazing job recruiting the past two years. i will be patient through this year, but i want some progress. i do not think 8-4 is unreasonable. next year though is a different story. his guys, his development, four years at the helm. at that point, I expect no more than 4 losses, but really want a 10-2, 9-3 season.

Posted by nepabuff on October 8, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We're on the "McCartney Model".

CU football started in 1890.

After a Multitude of coaches over 100 years, CU and McCartney finally won a tie for the national championship in 1990.

Our great great grandkids may get to see the next one in 2090.

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 8, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

nepa - believe me, it bothers me so much that buff fans believe that after 120 years of football that CU is some perrenial football college. i want it to be, but even the diehard fans on this site say: don't compare us to OU, UM, USC or other "traditional powerhouse" schools.

i say, if you want to be known as a tradtional powerhouse, you have to act like one, expect one. my expectation is that hawk should always get top 15 recruiting classes, our facilities should be improved, our fan base should be more financially committed and supportive, and the fans should expect Ws and not be afraid to speak out on issues that they see.

Posted by MDBuff on October 8, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Fishhead's the real deal! Only a C+?

Posted by westernbuff1 on October 8, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

fish..you might just be spot on...

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 8, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

it should never be wrong to question. if a coach is getting paid a million plus a year, he/she should have to buck up and deal with the tough questions.

if buff fans around here want to compare us to KSU, KU, ISU, Texas A&M, Baylor fine. i don't .who in their right mind wants to go to lawrence, ames, waco, manhattan, college station?
boulder is a beautiful place to come to college and live and grow.

one thing bohn and hawk have done extremely well is to rebuild a connection with city. this city is racist and white bread and that is a tough hurdle to overcome. associate AD and former buff great, buffalo bill harris, has done an amazing job building the c-club and bringing prideful former athletes back to boulder.

building a traditional powerhouse needs the full court press from fans, administration, alumni, etc. i remember going to a few homecoming games and UF when i was in highschool. even when gator teams were average 8-3, 7-4, rvs would be crowding gainseville beginning on wednesday night. the enthusiasm was palpable.

i just want to feel that excitement here in boulder, and i am tired of all the excuses. yeah, i know people like to ride their bikes and go hiking or boarding or skiing and go to bronco games and we have lots of choices, but there is nothing like a fall saturday at a college game, especially at folsom field!

the entire community relations portion of building a program was largely ignored during tharp's reign as AD. Neil did a great job railing against it. i think it's a big part of the reason the community so quickly turned on the U and the program.

players, coaches, administration need to be actively in the community: elementary schools, pee wee football games, middles schools, restaurants, on pearl street doing signings and giveaways. the pep rallies to the DC building have been a great start...

it's never a bad thing to have high expectations!

Posted by vkberlinn on October 8, 2008 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Soup, the kids home from school yet? Getting ready to take mine to choir practice.

Jeepers a dads work is never ever done. Just like the street sweeper nepa.

Oh sorry.

Posted by vkberlinn on October 8, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Soup, did you get fired from you brokers job? You are on here alot lately.

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 8, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i am not a broker. i work for myself - semi-retired. kind of forrest gumped my way through life. kids are with their mom today.

how are you vk?

Posted by vkberlinn on October 8, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

soup me too

FG brothers we are.

Doing fine except for the frigging market.

Buying all the way down. The issue is when the heck does down stop? Jeepers this is a weird one.

8000?

Go Buffs.

Note. the broker pimp was for you cause of your FAR Stance.

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 8, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My FAR stance is pure social libertarianism. I don't want the gov't in my bedroom or saying how big it can be!

Everyone with money in the market is 25% poorer on paper unless they have been smart enough to short the financial sector; housing.

I moved alot of money out of the market 18 months ago. Excess and entitlement can only prevail for so long. I think it will go down to about 8,000, maybe a little lower. Look for interest rates to be double digits by early 2010.

I'm not worried. I think a deep depression would be ultimately good for the country. Hang in there with the money in the market. It will rebound. May take 8 years, but you should be okay.

Posted by oldbuffer on October 8, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice shift from name calling. Thanks, guys. But 8000? My 403B has taken enough of a bath. I don't have time enough to wait for it to come back. I'm real close to retiring - or at least I was. I'd like to have a little extra for a trip to Boulder when we're going to whip the Huskers. Can we hold it to 9000?

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 8, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

oldbuffer - i'd say while there is a little spike in the value of the dollar, you buy yourself some swiss francs. as times get tougher, real assest based companies will rule the day. there is a reason by so many smart hedge funds bought agricultural infrastructure the past five years. look to your 403b to go down another 10-12 percenct. kind of like keeping cody in as the starter - we know what the return will be.

i am not down for name calling, and i haven't. i just think the ship nees to get righted and the expectations raised! if we want dummies for leaders, then as thomas jeffereson once said: we will get the leaders we deserve.

be well old buffer. hang in there. the market will rebound, just going to take some time. a few more pillars will have to fall.

Posted by vkberlinn on October 8, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Info. Decision made.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/st...

Posted by greeleybuff on October 8, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

nice website Rodrigo, no wonder NChusker hasnt been around. Now if only nepa-nuts would disappear.

Love the Buffs!!

Posted by reallifeshocker on October 8, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

better be careful what you wish for. cody is tough, and has taken his share of hits. (and verbal abuse). until there is a "veil of protection", any quarterback, especially the untested, could very easily fold up like a three dollar suitcase. (when exposed to such a torrent of unfavor).

Posted by Dizonrocks on October 8, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Laughingstock,who EXACTLY are you referring to here:"any player who presents a challenge to Cody: a) suddenly leaves the program?...you attempting to pull a Johnny Cochran? make a completely baseless statement as though it's a fact...please do share...

Posted by buffalo_flyer on October 8, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

f*&$ are we talkign football or money?

some obvious points, the defense is comprised of seniors, of course they're better than the offense

yes the cupboard was bare when Hawk arrived. Its called recruiting restrictions self imposed by CU. Regardless of the talented few buffs you mentioned, there just weren't that many of them, thats what happens when your recruiting class only numbers 11 men

perrenial powers never miss on recruiting, thats why they're perennially good, USC has the biggest pool of talent in the country and it just took a decent coach to make them champs. OU and UT both have a the state of Texas, Recruits don't stop coming throught pipeline, the rest of us need to get good recruits year after year and if you miss once, you're gonna take a dip or a dive

CAbuffalo, please come post more often, we need a 2 tight end set and some power running to take the heat off the qb and the o-line

finally, Hawk is doing great and anyone who thinks we're behind schedule just doesn't get it or doesn't want to see it

Posted by TallyBuff on October 8, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Holy wrecklessness with the facts, Batman! School is in session, so take notes.

Mark Hatcher QB'd Mac's Buffs to an appearance in the 1985 Freedom Bowl in Anaheim and then 1986 Bluebonnet Bowl in Houston (while running the wishbone). We lost to Washington 20-17 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_... and Baylor 21-9 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluebonn.... Alfred Williams and Khanavis McGhee visited during practices and in Feb stunned everybody by signing with the Buffs (along with JJ Flanagan and a kid named Sal Aunese, from Oceanside, CA).

In Jan of 1991 the Buffs won their National Title in the Orange Bowl (in Jan of 1990 we played like we just did against FSU and lost a game we should have won, also in the Orange Bowl) <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_B...(game)#Previous_results>. They lost to 'Bama in the 1991 Blockbuster Bowl, which was played in Dec <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blockbus.... How the heck can that strike you as Mac's first bowl game??? It was after he won a national title!

Perhaps you guys are thinking of the Freedom Bowl in Anaheim in 1988 where we lost to BYU <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_... Aunese was unable to go and it was Hagan's first start. He played poorly and the game was not as close as the 20-17 score made it appear.

Posted by vkberlinn on October 8, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cody Cody Cody.

I like him. He has guts. Good kid.

But if you were a defensive coordinator how would you scheme Cody? Ignore him knowing you are just about guaranteed 3 to 4 turnovers from him? Put heat on him regardless, knowing he has limited speed and limited arm strength?

8 man box to ensure there is no running game. Stop it cold and dare Cody to beat you?

Or just perhaps review a couple of game tapes and understand the new offense is terrible, it is not runnable by Cody and the H man is totally predictable.

We need a change up pitcher. Give Cody a chance to lead the team an win and not have to, in his mind, do it all himself.

Rough em up Buffs.

Posted by extrapoint on October 8, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

my my my
are we blessed on this forum.....or what?
We have the answer to all our football and financial problems all at once.
Coming from the instant gratification crowd it makes me think that the old adage "it takes money to make money" may come into play as well.

Posted by vkberlinn on October 8, 2008 at 8:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EP and we got you too.

Posted by extrapoint on October 8, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

someone has to give the ol college try to keep the delusions to a minimum.

Posted by BEL on October 8, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TallyBuff, you are quite correct. Thanks for taking the time to correct the facts. I knew that Mac's first bowl game was played in a Southern California location against Washington, but couldn't recall the exact name of that bowl, which I mistakenly assumed off the top of my head was the Holiday Bowl.

As for the December 1991 Blockbuster Bowl, neither thefishheadsoup nor I said that the Blockbuster Bowl was Mac's first bowl game. We were talking about this bowl game in the context that it showcased a major change in Mac's offensive scheme. Mac had been running the I-Bone during the 1991 regular season. Then, within a span of one month after the end of the regular season, he changed the offense to a one-back set for the December 1991 post-season game against Alabama.

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 8, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vk - sleep well. extrapoint - open your mind; you might learn something, maybe be able to retire in your late thirties like i did.

Posted by WhosYourDaddy on October 8, 2008 at 10:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You guys are being too hard on Helfrich. He's between a rock and a hard place.

He knows they have a bunch of kids on the team that could play QB better than Cody. But Coach Dad has told him that Cody is THE MAN; so now he has to come up with a game plan every week that can:

1. Try to keep CU in the game with a QB that can't run or throw.

2. Design an offense that doesn't expose Cody's weaknesses.

3. Make Cody look good by padding his stats, e.g. throwing passes rather than running the ball any time they get near the endzone.

Coach Dad probably chewed Helfrich out for putting Ballenger in the game last week (the company line was supposed to be that Ballenger and the other QB's just aren't ready - and Helfrich was supposed to stick to that story).

Now Coach Dad has a genuine QB controversy on his hands and is probably blaming it all on Helfrich.

Posted by Dizonrocks on October 8, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

More delusions whosnepafish? you're a joke...when are you going to provide this list of transfers that you claim bailed due to Cody...seriously, lets see them...where do you dream this stuff up?

Posted by Dizonrocks on October 9, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

whosnepafish...I'm wondering whether you still address your father as "daddy"?

Posted by flabuff227 on October 9, 2008 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

dizon- I know fishhead does because he is retired due to the fact that he is a trustfund baby

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 9, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

dizon - look in the mirror before you spout nonsense. both my parents died young - before i was in my 30s, and it's a good thing that debt cannot (yet) be passed to a child (though i am sure that if MBNA had its way, that is coming soo!) if it makes you feel better about yourself to take personal swipes, so be it.

some people work hard in boulder; i was one of them. i still do. i've earned every penny i have - either through hard work or good investments.

i support this program financially and in many other ways.
that has nothing to do with expressing criticism about coach, cody or the offense, and about having higher expectations for this program.

Posted by buffalo_flyer on October 9, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gee great to know you were such an outstanding man growing up, seems strange you turn into such a sh%^head on the boards

Posted by tonbro on October 9, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"...when are you going to provide this list of transfers that you claim bailed due to Cody...seriously, lets see them...where do you dream this stuff up?" As far as transfers I don't know of... but, it does not take too many oxygen deprived brain cells to seriously question what father of an outstanding High School quarterback prospect would have his son go to CU knowing his kid will never get a shot or even a look while Cody is there. Only Cody practices with the first offence. I think the first snap Ballenger took from Sanders was in the UT game! Hawk and Helfrich talk about meaningful experience... I don't think they have given Ballenger or Nelson the opportunity for meaningful experience in practice yet alone a game. Whosyour may be dead on. I can only hope their sound bite was more than lip service or is the genie out of the bottle as Whosyour suggests?

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 9, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tonbro - you cannot criticize coach or his son on this board or face being ostracized forever.

Posted by tonbro on October 9, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

soup-I relish the view from the outside!

Posted by BuffTime on October 9, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tonbro, that is just dumb. Ballenger gets snaps with the first team. Only a complete idiot would think a team would not practice their back-up with the first team offense. Does he get as many reps as Cody with the first team? No. Why? Because Cody is the starter. Ballenger gets the rest of his reps with the second team.

fish, you're better than that.

Posted by Sitgarath on October 10, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I really like Cody's spirit, but he continues to not read the field and attempt low percentage/high yardage passes when the 1st down is open and staring him in the face. You can blame the O-line all you want, but even when he has time Cody does not make good reads or connect when he needs to. Devenny untouched to the end zone?

It would be great to get Ballenger more than a couple series a game. I would like to see him rotate in with Cody every other series so we can see what he looks like and put a little pressure on the starter to up his game.

Who knows, maybe Ballenger is not ready and will suffer the same ills as Cody, but you never know until you try.

Go Buffs!!!

Posted by BuffTime on October 11, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ballenger didn't look too hot today, but I think it is more from the same reason that Cody hasn't looked good. The O-line is hurting and it is affecting the offense big time. There was a point in the game (1st half actually) that I really wanted them to put Ballenger in. When they made the switch I was pretty excited to see what he could do. Unfortunately it didn't play out well, but like I said, I think it is more the inexperience on the O-line than anything else at this point.

Posted by tonbro on October 11, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Hawk put him in too late in my opinion. It was after the O line had resigned themselves to a L. The young O line is rough on Cody, he takes some shot & makes some mistakes he otherwise would not make. The TV sportscaster's main key for UK's defence was "hands up". I doubt any team has not noticed how many times Little Hawk'spasses are batted down. I would like to see Ballenger in the game before O line has resigned themselves to a loss.