Posted by buffman30 on October 12, 2008 at 1:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said. The absence of a running game has cost the offense tremendously over the past three weeks. The blocking must improve, otherwise they will struggle to run the ball. With the injuries, a few blocks will be missed, but it is critical in the next week to direct attention in practice toward learning those assignments to avoid missing as many as they did in this game.

Posted by badbuff on October 12, 2008 at 5:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's just not true...there are a number of teams that don't run the ball anymore or as much....Texas Tech comes to mind....they don't even have any tight ends on their roster....

look....the o-line has gotten crushed by injuries, but it's time to step up and pull Cody Hawkins....plain and simple he doesn't have the tools to play at a D-1 school.....

Coach Hawk has handcuffed us...can he really bench his own kid.....Are we really going to have to go thru 2 more years of 3 batted down balls a game....floating passes...and terrible decisions ??

Neil lets stop making excuses for this admin and lets start winning games!!!

Posted by tom on October 12, 2008 at 7:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

After watching several Big 12 teams play yesterday, it is depressing to see how many play makers the other teams have on offense. We have no offensive line, and no playmakers. We are years away from competing in the Big 12.

Posted by MDBuff on October 12, 2008 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree, Neill. True, Cody is struggling, but don't pin it all on him, and don't throw Ballenger into the fire right now. There's still a lot of good football left and 6-6 or 7-5 is within grasp. Big Hawk needs to keep his team moving forward. Go Buffs!

Posted by Buffaloed on October 12, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You're right Neil. It's not just one position. Everyone know when an offense is struggling how important first downs are so let's look at one instance in the first half that was crucial.We were still very much in the game at this point. We have the ball in good field position and start with a nine yard run on first down. It's 2nd and one and the call from the sidelines is hand off the ball to the smallest guy in the backfield who instead of going upfield to try for the first down tries to sidestep a tackler and goes down for a loss. 3rd down is unsuccessful and we punt. At some point the man calling the plays is going to have to figure it out. PUT A POWER RUNNER IN AND GET A FIRST DOWN!!!

Posted by vkberlinn on October 12, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nonsense.

The QB is the key. The Cody era needs to end. This year is what it is. He cannot handle the "starting pressure" of the game. Okay line problems, running problems, etc etc. The QB needs to be the difference maker. He is not it.

Time for a new QB to take the lumps this year so he can have the experience for next year.

Thanks Cody you did the best you could with what you had. Regardless, you need to get into the backup role and do it well. We need you there just in case.

Helfrichhhhhhhhh please resign immediately

Posted by nolanjp on October 12, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

someone tell me how osu's zack robinson got out of denver???????? sounds like an obvious recruit to me. let's just recruit athletes that are slow and short. that is the reason the offense is horrible. hawkins, crawford, mccbride, are all too slow for the d1 game.

Posted by nolanjp on October 12, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

this years recruiting class won't be in the top 50 either

Posted by nolanjp on October 12, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i think all of this falls under the category of HORRIFIC COACHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 12, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

neil - come on now. this forum is a place to vent and you waiver between excuses (o-line) and criticism (mental make up of a young team). you spent years crushing the "gang on the hill" - some of it rightfully so, but even in their hubris, they got boxes built and barnett had a string of winning seasons and competitive teams.

it is more than fair to question cody's deficiencies - weak arm, no legs, height, etc. yesterday, we saw his mental lapses as well. NOTE TO NEIL: this is not boise pee wee league... just because cody has a brain doesn't mean he deserves to be a D1 qb.

the truth is that the running game played well against wvu because wvu stinks up the place this year - did you see them struggle against syracuse? and because the coaches gave stewart a chance. the o-line looked decent yesterday. it's the o-line we have. other teams deal with injuries to key players all of the time. it's something that one wold fairly assume coaches prep for.

the offensive game planning, preparation and execution has been atrocious. hawk came in here as some kind of offensive mastermind. it is more than fair to question the offense's performance, especially in the light that brian cabral remains the most productive coach and one of the least paid!

i liked you better when you weren't a cheerleader.

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 12, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

neil used to crush barnett, and his backhanded comment about scott says much. likelihood is that scott is injured at all - except maybe his too big ego and poor work ethic - at least that is what neil implies. neil, if that is the case, then have your staff report it.

nolan - it's good to see you on the boards. even extrapoint and buffalo flyer are starting to make some sense.

anyone who thinks another 6-6 season meets expectations is ridiculous. i am tired of hearing about the character of a team. it was KU. Kansas. we are supposed to be CSU, ewu, and even wvu (they stink this year). come on kansas?

Posted by MarquetteBuff on October 12, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry Neill, your argument just doesn't hold water. Regardless of how the offensive line, the receivers, or the special teams have played, the fact is that in 6 games this year Cody has been awful more often than not. It's time to give Ballenger or even Nelson a chance to move the offense. What's the worse thing that could happen? They can't get that much worse offensively; there's no chemistry to disrupt. Hawk has said he's worried about damaging Cody's confidence, but his confidence seems to be shot as it is. Benching him for a few games and giving the other guys a chance to play might take some of the pressure off and help him snap out of it. When the offense is struggling this bad, sometimes it's best to make a change just to make a change.

Posted by CU1999 on October 12, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

coach thefishheadsoup -
we were never expected to have a breakout season this year (reference Phil Steele's College Football Preview). We have an extremely young team that has gotten even younger with injuries. This coupled with the fact that the Big 12 has never been better (Texas just put up 45 pts on #1 OU). I would recommend you manage your expectations given our youth, inexperience, and schedule. 6-6 + a bowl is a win on the year. Next year we'll be poised with more experience, a weaker Mizzou/Big 12 North, and a more manageable schedule. The DScott/Speedy combo behind a healthy Miller & Co with either Cody or Matt taking snaps and J-Fly flanked out...a year or 2 and that team is a big 12 contender. Go Buffs

Posted by MDBuff on October 12, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fishhead - this isn't Kansas from several years ago with a bunch of 3 and 9 seasons. They are a solid top 15 team. I think if we reach 6 and 6 and get to a bowl this year, that meets expectations, and even shows improvement considering how difficult the Buffs' schedule is compared to last year.

Posted by 1GoBuffs1 on October 12, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Three years in. Somebody tell me when this offense is going to resemble anything that is entertaining or shows some promise. The offense in boise is exciting to watch and creative, the offense here is bland, predictable, and downright pathetic. I waited patiently early this season thinking that they were just not showing their hand and would slowly keep adding different things to the offense and it would grow and change and look like a finished product by now. Can somebody ask Hawk if we are not showing his final offense because we don't have the horses or if this is it we just plug in some better recruits and this offense will take off. I am frustrated and want some answers, we looked better last year and that is not a good sign. I am on board I just want to know WHAT IS GOING ON?

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

my point about KU is that they are a recruiting behemoth. mangino is a successful coach who has built a successful program with much less in the cupboard than was handed hawk. i am tired of excuses! undoubtedly the big xII is one of the top two conferences. great. i don't want to be a mediocre team in a top conference. i don't want to hear about schedules. we've played CSU, EWU, WVU (who could barely beat syracuse yesterday), FSU (sucking wind and young too).

if you are satisfied with 6-6, good for you. what happens when we go 5-7?

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 12, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

1gobuff1 - exactly!

and what happens if we lose to the corn? they at least looked decent yesterday.

Posted by ybul on October 12, 2008 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The selection of running backs, and rotation is suspect. When Ryan Miller was in there, you did not pull him out. The same goes with a running game, when you get into a groove, things tend to gel. Continuously switching running backs is not helping the situation out. Using Speedy in most situations and going with a big back in short yardage situations seems like the way to go.

Hagan, if it is an ego issue with Scott, I ask you what about your ego as a coach. Is your ego getting in the way, as Scott is not doing what you want or think he is capable of. It is a learning process, sometimes breaking an individual down, will break them completely, with a star you have to allow their ego to flourish as that is their confidence (which we are lacking today)

Posted by MDBuff on October 12, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fish - The sky will not fall down if that happens. There's still a lot of football to be played, and we can't just make quick changes and throw the baby out with the bath water. I understand your frustrations with Cody, but do you really think Ballenger is better at this point?

Posted by vkberlinn on October 12, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

coach cu1999

Delusional. With the same offensive coordinator? With a backup QB (cody) at the helm?

You may have not recovered from the 4/20 day.

Big Hawk needs to Manup eh?

Soup if you do not drink the kool-aid you are a dummy.

Posted by Boulder420 on October 12, 2008 at 10:01 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by 1980sBuff on October 12, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is interesting to speculate about the way one should treat someone like Scott. Do you baby him so that he is happy and stays here? We all know that over the recent years there were high-profile transfers among talented Buff players who may not have been treated the way they felt they should have been. Or do you work 'em hard and force them to buckle down and risk losing them to some other coaching staff whispering in their ears about how they are being "disrespected" and how their talents are being wasted? I really don't know the answer. But we had better figure out how a staff goes about keeping the very best players (ego or not) because without them there is no hope of competing in this league.
On the Cody Hawkins point: I do wish CU could finally get QBs that are top notch. For too long we have been stuck with barely passable signal callers. We should be able to get more than one Kordell Stewart a generation, I would think.

Posted by rswright on October 12, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kansas opens a 40 million dollar athletic facility and Kansas is a top 20 team. CU has gets a 3 million dollar bubble and a top 50 team. CU fans and alums just don't want to pay and you get what you pay for. A middle of the pack budget gets you a middle of the pack team. What else do you expect?
Stop yelling about Hawk, if you get rid of Hawk where will the money come from to replace him? Do you want the students to pay for a new coach again? Until you fans and alums pay it's your own fault. Sit back, enjoy Folsom on an October afternoon, look at the Flatirons, remember that CU is a great place to go to school and stop whining.

Posted by WhosYourDaddy on October 12, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Neill, what happened? You used to hold CU's feet to the fire - now you defend nepotism at CU!

Posted by BuffTime on October 12, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Drama, gossip.. come on people! Is this a football forum or the freakin Soap Opera digest chat room!

We have 2 of the biggest pieces of our O-line gone for the season. You expect either a rush or passing game to exist without a dominating O-line? This is football!

All this talk about whether or not D Scott will transfer? Seriously? You think he thinks that he is not being respected by the opposing teams' defenders because they keep stuffing him on most plays? The kid is a true freshman who has gotten some playing time and has not made the impact that some fans wanted him to. Give him a break. He has never played at this level. He has never, before CU, even had a position coach and he is not at top health. Hmmm.. wonder if that has had anything to do with his lack of production so far? He also has never had to pass block either. You think that is easy?

Next year we will also have Polk in the mix. Pol is also a big back type player. If he is hitting the books and studying the playbook and putting in the time in the weight room he will be a break out contributor next year too. Thank God he had the foresight to want to redshirt this year! What a waste it would have been to use up a year of eligibility for 3 great freshman running backs given how our O-line crumbled under injuries.

Mangino built up the program at KU from scratch. He had the benefit of a fan base that didn't expect to win immediately. So he was more free to live through 2-10, 6-7, 4-8 seasons to start off with. How many people were calling for Gary Pinkel's head a few seasons ago? To think Barnett almost went there to take over.

This is football people. Not "Days of Our lives". You want to talk drama and Soap Opera "what if he transfers... oh my" type non-sense, then I suggest you spend some more time watching TV during the daytime with your wives.

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 12, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

rswright - i think you are dead on, but for us folks who have been around for 25 plus years, supported the team through season tickets and donations, and in various other ways throughout the years, it is a joke. you do get what you pay for. what we have is a average at best club with an overpaid coaching staff!

Posted by vkberlinn on October 12, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

in the unscientific poll the results at 1115 am
who is the problem

cody 31%
TOTAL OFFENSIVE UNIT 38%

so can one conclude that Cody is 69% of the problem since he is part of the offensive unit?

Posted by rswright on October 12, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Fish: Overpaid coaching staff? Hawk is in the middle at best and the assist. coaches in the lower half. The problem is a small stadium that Mike can't fill, and not enough loyal fans. (But the best thing ever is the Friday night pep rallies). You as a loyal fan for 25 years are shocked by rising football costs. Fairbanks got 400,000k, which was astounding then but is peanuts to the millions coaches get now.And what is the alternative, fire the coach? The bottom line is that those schools with fans and alums that pay get the teams they pay for.

P.S. Neill is right. Hawk deserves support and is great for CU.

Posted by vkberlinn on October 12, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

RS

You been drinking?

Posted by DrSteveBrule on October 12, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Neil,

Stop making these excuses, it's awful. The program has no offensive identity. The game preparation is poor to non-existent. The personnel decisions have been a disaster. Chicken Hawk is a complete mess. How can we even have a chance at developing an offense when our QB can't see over the line, can't see down field, can't outrun pressure, doesn't have the arm strength to squeeze a ball in, and can't hit the open man when he finally sees him? I mean, Cody completes about 1/3 of his passes and averages less than 5 yards a pass lately. What the hell is that? Not to mention, we have great TEs that he can't seem to find. Players like C. Crawford and McKnight only receive the ball because they can run a quick 5 yard out -- the only pass Cody can (sometimes) make.

Neil, keep this "we need to establish the run" BS to yourself. I agree running the ball can be important, but I don't see Texas Tech, Kansas, BYU, Wake, or North Carolina looking pathetic and embarrassing out there every week because they can't run the ball. This is a new era in college football pal. Cody is the least efficient, least threatening, and least capable QB in the Big XII and needed to be removed during last summer.

While we're at it, somebody explain to me why we have an injured Josh Smith returning kicks. If your only offensive threat at WR is injured, why in the hell do you have him back there returning kicks with 250LB linebackers running full speed at him? Put him in the game on offense. Give him 20-30 chances to make a play instead of 2-3 kickoff returns. Let him take shots from DBs not streaking LBs. Get it together Buffs!

Hawk, time to get tough with these kids. No more tough love, more tough coaching. How about some discipline? How about some leadership?

Posted by BuffTime on October 12, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DrSteve, if you want to abandon the running game then you better have a great O-line for protection (we don't have one right now) multiple great WRs who have not only speed but good hands too (don't have too many of those right now either) and you need to have a QB with a cannon for an arm who also has accuracy, and knows the playbook inside out (we might have all those parts, but for now they aren't in the same package).

The more you get one dimensional in your offense the less likely you will be a championship team at the end of the season. Sure you might win 10 games a season (if you play powderpuffs in pre-conference part) but all the opposing team needs to do to contain you is have a decent pash rush/secondary and you're done.

I might be the only one, but I would rather be patient and build a complete team that in a couple of years is a routine contender for the BCS championship game.

Posted by vkberlinn on October 12, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

to build a complete team you need to start with a real QB, offensive line or not. Running game or not. offensive coordinator or not.

Cody can be the greatest buff backup QB ever if they just let him.

Posted by reallifeshocker on October 12, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

texas is good because their line play is good. sure, they have good players in the so-called "skill positions", but so does oklahoma, and lots of them. okie state had studs chasing chase all evening. all of the sudden, he (daniel) looked, well, not pedestrian, but no heisman this year. we don't have those mean, ugly lineman. those fellas who dream of pancakes and domination; of helmets flying off, of opposition quarterbacks wobbling off the field, "three and out". you get those dudes, then we talk "big-time program".

Posted by DrSteveBrule on October 12, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BuffTime: I never said get rid of the run game. I never said our o-line wasn't a problem.

What I said was stop using the run game as an excuse. If the o-line is a problem on pass protection, we need to get someone in there that can immediately see over the oncoming rush and deliver the ball with some authority....in other words not Chicken Hawk. As you know, if you can't spread the field, if you can't complete passes, if you don't have the threat of the long ball, your run game is going to suffer anyway.

Chicken Hawk kills the pass game, kills the run game, kills momentum, limits the playbook, and his daddy won't pull him to get a more promising kid some experience.

By the way, being patient and building a complete team means getting the right people good and valuable experience so that the team can grow. Josh Smith, D. Scott, Speedy, and Ballenger should be in every play on offense (barring injury of course). Cody Crawford? Really? This guy is what we're bringing to the table against Big XII competition? Disgusting.

With Cody, Cody, Scotty, and Sumler in the game,it's a pretty safe bet we're going to lose from here on out.

Don't even get me started on what having Chicken Hawk floundering out on the field does to our QB recruiting. How much more obvious can it get that this kid is only on the field because his daddy is the coach? That's the team the real QB talent wants to come play for....or not.

Posted by nolanjp on October 12, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if coach hawkins keeps his son at quarterback for the next two and a half years, it will ultimately result in the firing of dan hawkins as cu head coach. is it worth it to keep your son starter just for selfish reasons, when that selfish reason will end up getting u fired?

Posted by WhosYourDaddy on October 12, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The most devisive thing I've ever seen in all my years of watching Buff athletics is this Cody thing! Everybody has an opinion! It's making enemies out of the most loyal Buff fans who should all be on the same page: rooting for CU!

And because it's polarizing the CU fans in such a visceral way, it may be the single worst decision in Buff history - even worse than the hiring of Fairbanks!

Posted by houston_buff on October 12, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I cant believe we are talking about next year. I am to the point of almost rooting AGAINST Cody just to wise up his old man. I really cannot believe anyone is giving Hawk a pass on this. WHAT IS THE HARM OF GIVING ONE OR BOTH OUR BACKUPS A FEW REPS. I guess when we play Mizzou and we are down by a 100 at half we may see it. We have to root for a blow out to see what else we have. Way to go Hawk-you are really doing a good job. I am really sick about the excuses too. If we are so banged up than run some fresh bodies out there-DO SOMETHING. Talk about next year-well a 5 win season wont help much with:
recruiting, ticket sales, donations or morale. Sure glad you were rewarded with your nice extension. Why dont you take the family to the moon this summer.

Posted by MDBuff on October 12, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nolan,
Have you heard that Hawk just signed a contract extension? Nobody's losing their job. Let's get real.

Posted by nolanjp on October 12, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if u would have read my post, i said in a couple of years

Posted by MDBuff on October 12, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He's not going anywhere. In two years, their linemen will be much more experienced, the running game with Polk, Stewart and Scott will be clicking, and Hawkins will be placed in a better position to succeed.

Posted by vkberlinn on October 12, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

in two years Scott will be gone, Polk will be gone, the buffs will have a good O line, and if Cody is the QB:
they will have no 4 or 5 star qbs in line to follow him
the running game will be waiting to develop
there will be no long passes
Hawk will be babbling
The OC "that thing' will be babbling "
the buffs will be 5 and 7 again.

and Neil will be changing the date and shoving this piece on us again.

Grip it.

Posted by vegasbufffan on October 12, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, at least we can read a decent article explaining reality by someone who does not have an AGENDA to hate the coach, an AGENDA to hate CU, an AGENDA to show how little he knows about football.

Thank you Woelk.

Posted by BlackAndGold on October 12, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here is my take
1) Scott spent the summer chase'n the muff' around. A disappointment and something you can't do if you are expecting to be the go to guy as a freshman. If you are going to USC...sure, there are 9 RB's in front of you. Scott been forced to elevate his game to the D1 level, out of shape. Hence the injuries. I say he has a 60(against)/40(for) chance of making an impact this season. (We should have redshirted him when we realized what DIDN"T show up to camp. ...a wasted year of eligibility.)
2) Without making any impact on the field this season (which he has yet to do), courting top D1 schools for transfer will not be a lay-up, but I think the transfer is a possibility. (Coaches will question his commitment and ask why he showed up to CU out of shape knowing the team was going to be looking to him as the go-to RB.)
3) Our receivers SUCK !!!! No real talent or play-maker/go-to player has emerged from that group since Hawk has been coaching. We've seen brief glimpses of talent, but no one at that position remains consistent. Who is coaching these guys? Seems like we're coddling them. You drop a ball and your @#s is grass...the player is running stairs at 6AM!
4) Build the team around what you have. Rodney Stewart is the only talent on the offensive side of the ball. He is the break-out player. We need someone else to step-up for short yardage situations. Stack the line with TE's. We have several tight ends on the roster...USE THEM !!! (and with a subpar OL, the extra boddies will help...its football, there's something to be said for having more boddies in one place.) And, like I said, the receivers suck...so we really don't have much of a choice but to do this. Even if we had talented receivers (which we don't), we don't have an O-line to create the pass protection any QB on the roster would need.
5) Give Cody a shot at running a run based offense. If he can't handle it., he's out.
6) Ballenger is slow and tracks his receivers. I was not even impressed. He's not ready.
7) Lets get a look a t Nelson next time Cody needs to take a seat. The guy is 22? 23? years old. Ballenger is a kid. Nelson had success at the JUCO level...he's played a lot more football than Ballenger...its not D1, but he just has more reps. I don't know the guy, but there hasn't to be some more maturity because of his age.
Rodney Stewart is our guy (Its unfortunate that the best talent on the team wasn't even seriously recruited by MAC schools). I would love to see this guy pin-balling, spinning, and sprinting down the field. (And we'd at least have something entertaining to watch!!!)

Posted by BuffTime on October 12, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Scott spent the summer in the classroom making up an extra class that CU requires for incoming freshman. He wasn't "chasin muff" as you so eloquently put it. He isn't going anywhere.

Posted by BlackAndGold on October 12, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dude...i've worked 60 hour / week jobs and ran long distance tail races. if i can work that much, maintain all my other responsibilities and run 25-30 miels per week), then a 17 year, that is a physical phenom can stay in shape while taking one college class.

...think about it. he breezed through the summer. quit defending him

Posted by vkberlinn on October 12, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BT, Please wipe the neil/hawk koolaid off yur chin.

Jeepers. We are all buff fans, we just have different opinions. Some are just more honest than others and not colored by "buff-colored" glasses.

UhOh Buffaloes. Neil you can't "Buffaloes" us"

Yur too late.

Posted by buff4life on October 12, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

.......young buffaloes growing up...........stay strong........IN HAWK WE TRUST............go buffs.....shoulder2shoulder......

Posted by homeontherange on October 12, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

1. Fair Assesment by Woelk
2. Congrats to Nepa and who's your daddy for sucessfully sowing the seeds of doubt and ill content.
3. To build a complete team you need to start with a real OL, QB or not. Running game or not. Offensive coordinator or not.
4. I do like the double tight end idea and run stewart and scott all day long out of the I.
5. There is merit to criticism of the Offensive coordinator.

Posted by vkberlinn on October 12, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

..sowing the seeds of doubt..

Actually they were seeds of hope. Problem is they were not watered (lead, taught) correctly by the growers (coaches)and they did not notice they were not growing correctly as they were blinded by the little weeds.

Posted by SoCoBuff on October 12, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ybul-
I don't know about anyone else but I trust Hagan more than any other person associated with CU football. The man won a national championship. Hello, a national championship and played for another. He is our best recruiter. If Scott has an ego and came into the season out of shape, that's his fault. Truth betold even close to 40, Hagan could strap it up and start for us at quarterback, running back or cornerback and be our best player. If Scott leaves, so be it, but it won't be Hagan's or anybody elses fault.

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 12, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i hear auburn needs an o coordinator helfrich...

Posted by buffalo_flyer on October 12, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

2 more wins and Hawk is ahead of where Mangino was at this point in his tenure. Hawk's also doing it without the $40 million practice facitlity and fan support you get at other schools. Here you just get spoiled fans screaming that a title should be had now now now

Posted by buffatheart on October 12, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

a QB who can run would be nice.

Posted by BlackAndGold on October 12, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

buffalo_flyer

...we're not asking for now now now....we're asking for progress and good decision making. just like your boss expects from you and mine from me. we're asking the coaching staff to recognize where the talent is and play to it. having ballenger, a QB that is not ready for the starting job, (or Cody) throw the ball behind a depleted and young OL, to receivers who drop balls, is just stupid. the OL doesn't provide the protection for good passes, so ANY QB will throw bad passess and balls are mis-thrown, dropped, or intercepted.)

i'm not expecting national title now either.

stack the line, run the ball, establish the running game, throw the ball when the D' becomes focused on stopping the run. its going to take a few games to get it going, but we really don't have any other choice with the OL we have. any QB in there is going to fail with the current offense. so this is how we solve the problem. its simple. do it.

and teams will know this is what we are going to do....oh well, that's where talent comes into the picture. make good blocks. open holes. Speedy does his thing, and we move the ball. Talent creates the opportunity.

you see two more wins with this game plan and play calling? i don't.

Cody, smart guy....can probably switch gears to a run offense the best
Ballengar, needs more time, next

Nelson, lets see what the guy has!!! (Can he hand off and 10+ yard passes, probably)

Posted by WhosYourDaddy on October 12, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

a QB who can throw would be nice.

Posted by vkberlinn on October 12, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Perhaps a QB who is less smart. Jeepers I like Cody, but dang it, it is time to change regardless.

Posted by WhosYourDaddy on October 12, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ben Rothlisberger was also the victim of nepotism. His high school coach concluded that Big Ben was not as good at QB as his son (who was "almost six foot" and "knew the playbook better than anyone else.")

Why does that ring a bell?

Posted by DrSteveBrule on October 12, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BlkGld,

Saying that Ballenger is not read after seeing him play one quarter of football is ridiculous. There is no way to know if he is "ready" unless we give him a real chance. If Daddy Hawk will give him more play time he will only get better. Why would we even consider Cody from here on out. He has proven that he is completely inept at running this offense. He cannot handle pressure. He cannot escape the rush. His decision making is atrocious. He cannot throw the ball down field. His passes are repeatedly batted down. He has been completing 30% of his passes for three straight games. He has averaged less than 5yds per pass during those games.

Ballenger has come in twice and played better than Cody. It must be fun for Ballenger to step into a game when all the momentum is against us and we're in a hole. He can thank Cody for that.

Enough complaining about the o-line. Speedy seems to be running fine behind them in their depleted state. Cody simply cannot handle the rush -- he can't see over the oncoming defenders, he cannot outrun them, and his arm won't allow him to escape precarious spots. If we're going to be in those types of situations the rest of the year, let's get someone in there that's got some promise.

Posted by buffalo_flyer on October 12, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"having ballenger, a QB that is not ready for the starting job, (or Cody) throw the ball behind a depleted and young OL, to receivers who drop balls, is just stupid. the OL doesn't provide the protection for good passes, so ANY QB will throw bad passess and balls are mis-thrown, dropped, or intercepted.)"

there you go explaining and lamenting the problem in the same sentance, you won't win any games solely running the ball

just curious, when the defense falls off next season after losing half of the starters to graduation, are we going to be calling for Collin's head as well? yeah lets go get the noose!

Posted by BlackAndGold on October 12, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did any of you watch Ballenger...someone out there please back me up on this. He was tacking his receivers every throwing while they were running their route...talk about a guy who is going to get some interceptions. And the guy moves like he has weights tie around his ankles....slow and a like hi is a little off balance.

so you don't just run the ball...you focus on the run...mix in passes when you think the defense will be caught off guard. get it?

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 12, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DrSteve - direct observation is only met with delusion on these boards. truth speakers are called husker fans, and please don't criticize daddy, his staff or the prodigal. that is so inappropriate.

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 12, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

this place hasn't been called linebacker u for no reason. his name is brian cabral and he turned a wild pig hunting full back into an all-american - just his latest project. he will bring the d up to speed.

it's helfrich and hawk and the horrible o that needs the work. excuses - tired of them.

Posted by vkberlinn on October 12, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

b and g

good points.

But we already get 2 to 3 interceptions plus a fumble from Cody every game. Cody is a tracker as well have you noticed that?

Difference is arm strength and the ability to get the ball there in a timely manner.

Let the man start and see what happens eh?

Posted by buffalo_flyer on October 12, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

oh, fishy there you go again, how about you learn the backup qb's name before you start in the qb controversy again, it seems to me buff fans would know something as simple as that

Posted by vkberlinn on October 12, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

oh bf there you go again telling us what to say and how to say it and who to say it to and why to say it.

buffalo flyer...Yup H and big hawk must be listening to you. Congratulations. Your strategy is working, looking good and very exciting.

Posted by WhosYourDaddy on October 12, 2008 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Flyer - The name of our back-up QB is Cody Hawkins!

Posted by 20buff on October 12, 2008 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe Hawk will have a tough decision to make at some point (and let's take the father/son factor out of the equation for a minute, and pretend you are the coach). It is pretty clear that Cody does not have the arm strength or running ability to take the next step with the offense. However, does Ballenger? Maybe, maybe not. He has arm strength, but running ability seems marginal. That leaves Nelson and true freshman Tyler Hansen. If it were Nelson, I suspect he would have already beat out Cody for the spot. That leaves the true freshman. What are his talents? Does he have all the tools? Is his redshirt burnable? Only time will tell on that one. One thing you all know. The trigger man is the most important position in college football, period. To win the Big 12, the QB must be a difference maker. Am I right or wrong?

Posted by vkberlinn on October 12, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

20

Absolutely correct.

No gun.

Good point who.

He would be very good at that job.

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

'20 is right....but only in the sense that the quarterback has to be a leader...as in THE leader. in fairness to cody, well, the 'buffs just don't have the ingredients to be adequately led. col. travis was great, and he had davy, bowie, and a few others; the alamo was still a disaster, noone was breathing on their side at the end. they just didn't have the "horses". if you get my drift. lay off, already.

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

Flyer, b4, - Your loyalty to Dan and Cody Hawkins is really very admirable. But please consider what they are doing to the reputation of the university that you both seem to have great affection for.

Do me a favor and call someone you trust in another state and ask them if they have heard about this father/son deal and see what they say. Don't argue with them, just listen, and I think you are going to come to understand that the Hawkins' are hurting CU in a way that most of us don't yet fully appreciate.

Posted by buffalo_flyer on October 12, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"oh bf there you go again telling us what to say and how to say it and who to say it to and why to say it"

if you could please indicate just where I asked for any of that? if anyone is trying to utilize this blog to direct public opinion, its you and your flunkies

Posted by vegasbufffan on October 12, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

zzzz.... zzzzz... zzzz....zzzzzzzzz

Was that a new twist? A flamer worried about CU's reputation, what nobility.

CU's reputation stands tall on its academics and high standards that athletes have to adhere to. We don't grab other schools academic rejects like nebraska did. Nor do we trash our team when they are strugling.

There must be lots of unemployed folks here with lots of time on their hand to repeat the same garbage over and over.

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 12, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

why are truth tellers flamers and jock sniffers fans? whos, dr. steve, vk, nolan and many others who don't come here to sing the fight song and between bong hits - call it like they see it and care for the team as well.

the proof is in the pudding - and the pudding on saturday against the hawks was foul at best.

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 12, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

nor can we spell struggling when we are defending our team from fair criticism.

Posted by rswright on October 12, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So no one likes Cody well, that's too bad. He doesn't compare with McCoy because he isn't a McCoy. But like every Buff he gives 110%. Nothing worse than those who boo college athletes in posts or in Folsom.If you want them to be professionals well they aren't, go root for the Broncos.

Posted by KCBuff on October 12, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Went to the game yesterday. It was my first time seeing Cody in person instead of on TV. I had been a supporter....and now am not. I was really disappointed.

His size and lack of arm strength ARE real problems. He is never comfortable in the pocket even when he has one. He almost always locks his eyes on his target. I only once saw him check off to another receiver. When he throws deep....often times the defense catches up to he weak ball he throws (that was what happened on int 2).

The OLine obviously is struggling....but are not the only source of Cody's problems. There were plenty of times when he had ample protection. There were also many times when KU was in man and the safeties were lined up in the box.

Many teams will change QB's during games in search of a 'spark'. That's how Reesing got his first snap at QB when CU was last at KU and that worked out pretty well for KU. It was so frustrating yesterday watching Cody flounder and watching the coachs stubbornly stick with him until the game was out of reach. It would have been nice to have seen another QB get a shot earlier....if only for one series.

Please Hawk.....experiment at QB. It might cost us a game this year.....but could help set up our future. Cody is not our future!

Posted by skibumm on October 12, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The entire offense didn't run 10 yards backwards into the endzone flawling the ball like an idiot. The entire offense didn't throw the ball into double coverage when he should have thrown it away. The entire offense didn't look at Crawford EVERY single time he was going to throw the ball. The entire offense doesnt take a minute to get the ball to the WR. Lil Hawk grow some balls your Dad doesnt have and bench yourself. If you really are a team player, you'll understand the team is better off with you standing next to your Dad!

Posted by vegasbufffan on October 12, 2008 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Soup, I see all kinds of grammatical & spelling mistakes without making an issue out of it, so don't get desperate in search for more negativity.

What is fair criticism for you folks and what are your realistic solutions?

Get rid of the coach.
Get rid of his staff.
Get rid of the QB.
Get rid of the WR's.

So what do you have?
Is this how you solve all your problems in life? Do pannic attacks come naturally for you?

Posted by vkberlinn on October 13, 2008 at 6:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Simple
Change the QB Cody will be a great backup
Get rid of the offensive cooridator he is watson allover again

Posted by thefishheadsoup on October 13, 2008 at 7:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

fair criticism is:

hold the coaches responsible for poor game planning;
sit cody he doesn't deserve to be a starter for a D1 school;
put a QB in that you can build a future around since that is what is happening, only very poorly;
make sure your best coaches - cabral - gets equal pay;
stop making excuses;
establish a run game;
show some leadership.

this is where the problem is vegasbufffan - you and the rest of the delusional fans on the site hear criticism and go to get rid of...

saying hawk doesn't deserve an extension, saying helfrich and the o have been horrible, saying cody doesn't have the arm strength, speed or size to be a D1 player, saying cabral deserves equal pay - these are reasonable criticisms!

Posted by GoBuffs07 on October 13, 2008 at 7:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bull Cody we need better quarterback play plain and simple. I think they need to give ballenger a chance. This year is toast lets work towards next year and with cody under center we'll be lucky to get to a crap bowl game the next 2 years.

Posted by MDBuff on October 13, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fish, I agree with some of your points, like better game planning and show more leadership, but I think some are off base. It's not all on Cody. True, he's been disappointing, but sitting him will only make it worse since he's our best option right now, and he hasn't been able to perform at his best with a lack of a running game and a young O-line. We're only halfway through and still on target for a bowl game, so this season is not "toast" as someone else pointed out. "Establish a run game" is easier said than done, as Scott's been injured (but Speedy has played well), and the o-line has been decimated by injuries, which makes it tough to open up those holes. Have a little patience and perspective, my friend. These things don't change overnight.

Posted by WhosYourDaddy on October 13, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cody is not our best option! Superior knowledge of the playbook (if it really does exist) is simply not enough to overcome all of Cody's other significant deficiencies.

Posted by smokey on October 13, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

fishead, most of your fair criticism points ring true, but the one about "making esxcuses" doesn't hold. You're pointing the finger at Niell for that one. I don't hear any excuse making from the coaches and players. You also made some points about Kansas in earlier postings, saying how mangino has done a great job. He HAS done an excellent job, EVEN though he had a very rough first 5 seasons. If you're going to make a comparison, make a full comparison and realize we're in the same spot they were a few years back.

As for Cody, no Buff-colored glasses here. To start the season, he was our best option. Ballenger and Nelson weren't close at the spring game or camp. Now it sounds like Ballenger has adjusted somewhat. I think a lot of people thought the charge for Cody to "not have to win games - just don't lose them" was realistic and fair given the schedule strength. NOW, it appears that, despite some O-Line woes, we have enough talent on the field that he is actually holding the offense back. If he was even showing ANY spark at all I'd say stick with him and let's see what the junior year brings. But count me in for a vote to begin grooming a qb for the future; whether it's ballenger, hansen, or whoever. no direspect, just time to start giving the rest of the talent a chance to break out.

Posted by coereg on October 13, 2008 at 11:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You guys completely show your ingnorance following each loss - it's laughable.

Cody's fine ... and he is a talented QB who has suddenly been thrusted into a spiraling downfall, filled with injuries and EXTREMELY young (good) talent that will take some time to develop.
I didn't hear you folks complaining last year when Cody racked up 200+, and multiple touchdowns against CSU, OU, @ BU, KU, TT (although he didn't have the yardage), @ ISU, Neb, & Alabama. As a matter of fact all I heard was praise for the young kid ... but praise mixed in with criticism everytime the Buffs lost ~ @ Ariz. St., Fla St., @ KSU, Missouri ...

What were a couple of the STANDOUT things that allowed Cody to be successful?
1) A more veteran, HEALTHY !!!!!!!! OL
2) A quality run game from Hugh Charles

... Put it all together. Do you see where the MAIN problems are ... and why Cody might be rushed into making quick (sometimes poor) decisions, and with the lack of a run game (with Cody having to most of the time throw into coverage to create something), and a battered (but soon to be great) OL, why this all looks so bad.

NOT TO MENTION THREE STRAIGHT GAMES AGAINST SUPERIOR TEAMS. Are you kidding me? Put any team through that stretch (WVA, @ FSU, TEX, & @ KU ... not to mention MU in two weeks), and I guarantee a loss - if not two or maybe three.

Get a hold of yourselves.

Cody and the team will MOST LIKELY rebound this coming weekend, and begin to put together some offense. As a matter of fact, with the rate that KSU is going, it would not suprise me for this to finally be the breakout opp. for D. Scott ... as well as Cody.

Posted by roamingbuff on October 14, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I tend to agree with Marquettbuff about starting Ballenger. I said it last week before the KU game. What do you have to loose? Maybe you have to simplify the game plan for Ballenger - but you need to do that anyway given the O-line etc.

What's the worst that can happen - we loose another game? Probably will anyway.

I thought Ballenger had more poise in his brief playing time Saturday than Cody. I saw him step up, into the pocket sveral times - as opposed to Cody who runs backwards and into the endzone.

I thought Ballenger threw with more zip on the ball - as opposed to what Neil saw. Although he did throw one 'waffle' ball.

Let Cody ride the pine. It might be good for him. And as I said last week - you can always call him back into action. Maybe he'll return with more fight. Maybe he'll have a fresh perspective. Maybe he comes back as the 'savior' rather than the burden of week to week starter.

In the meantime - a change in QB might spark a different chemistry and might serve the Buffs well. And if Ballenger is more the future of the program than Cody - get him going now. It is pretty clear CU won't be competitive the rest of the season anyway.

I say CU has little to loose in giving it a shot. We simply don't have the horses to beat Mizzu or OSU, probably not Neb at their place - and K-state and Iowa St certainly are not in the bag either. So what the heck. Change up. Like going to bullpen in baseball. The statrer ain't cuttin' it - so change up.

And maybe a more simple "I" formation would help too. It might help the runningbacks. It is not the offense the Buffs want long term - but we're so
banged up and so short on talent - you might have to make the adjustemnt. May not have many options.

Find a way to get Scott going. Get his head back in the game - before he thinks coming to CU was a major mistake and transfers after the season.

Imagine what that would say about the program to future recruits if he leaves.

Posted by LVBuff on October 14, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I might be wrong but it seems that very few of you naysayers were around when the Buffs were 3-0, now that we’ve lost three you rear your ugly. Why weren’t you praising them when they were winning? I’m not saying we shouldn’t criticize the poor play calling and our failure to establish some kind of identity on offense I’m just saying all of you are coming out of the woodwork as if you were awaiting your opportunity to put down the QB and coach. When they go on a three game winning streak will you still come on this board then? I doubt it. By the way I hope you all see the no matter who the QB is until we have a healthy O-line no one will get enough time to be effective. Ballenger didn't show me anything.

Posted by roamingbuff on October 14, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Like I said yesterday - it ain't about loosing the last three games. Its about how this team has played all season - including the ugly win vs E. Wash.

As I said yesterday - OU lost to Texas. I'm sure they are not happy about that - but they looked respectable - looked competitive - and are still in the top 5 today.

CU does not look competitive. It is not about being a naysayer - its about recognizing trouble in river city (so to speak). Its about not donning your rose colored glasses and missing fundamental flaws that are concerning.

And all I'm saying is - if we've got fundamental problems - including the O-line - why not at least make the best of it and start working to the future - and that means getting the QB-to-be some playing time and get him groomed for next season. And that more than likely means getting Ballenger behind center sooner rather than later.

If you can't see the poise - stronger arm and better field vision Ballenger has shown - you must not be a good judge of talent. And honesty - I don't know how far he can take the team. It's not like CU has the next Chase Daniel or Colt McCoy on the bench.

And - as I said yesterday - Cody was perfect for what CU has needed - but his time has come and we might as well move forward right now.

Posted by rswright on October 14, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Can't believe all the criticism of 19 year old kids who give the best they have every week.
It's not their fault. Until you contribute and give the AD enough money to create a truly first class program, (like 6 other Big 12 schools) the
opposition will have more talent. Do you really think Cody is as talented as McCoy? You guys only get what you pay for and you don't pay for anything more than you are getting.

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

I don't know about ya'll but I have personally shelled out a boat load of cash for this program. Maybe that's why I think I have a little bit of a right to express frustration.

Isn't it a tad hypocrytical to bust on people for criticing 19 year olds - then two sentences later say - do you really think Cody is as good as Colt.

You see - you have summarized exactly what people are simply pointing out. Our guy isn't as good as their guy. That's it. Point well taken. End of discussion.

I don't need six more games to figure out if this team will come around. I've already seen enough to know we don't have the talent to compete in this league this year. That's part of the reason I say -put Ballenger in. What do you have to loose? Work for the future. If ya stay with Cody - and "IF" he's not the guy next year - then you likley have Ballenger - who will go through growing pains. So -just cut to the chase and get it done now. It's not like CU is batteling for the division crown this year.

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

Good coaches adapt to their weaknesses. The O-line issue isn't going to change. Helfrich needs to figure out how to work with what he has. The same boring offense and poor play calling is not adapting. It is the definition of insanity...doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. I personally think Cody is terrible this year but frankly Helfrich is not giving him anything to work with. It starts with the coaches and I think Helfrich is not the man for the job. Cody was good last year and if he can get back to being that QB we could be competitive in every game perhaps save Mizzou. I hope he can find his rhythm again. If he can't do it against KSU who has given up 500+yds per game over their last 4 then it may be time for a change at QB at least for a game. Let him watch from the sidelines and get his head on straight.

Posted by buffalo_flyer on October 14, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

roamingbuff... what do you have to lose? how about bowl eligibility?!?!? a team this young really needs the extra practice and throwing in a freshman as a knee jerk reaction will probably backfire

Posted by buffalo_flyer on October 14, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

rs....CU fans don't pay for anything, they're entitled, remember?

Posted by roamingbuff on October 14, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Buffalo-flyer - you still think the Buffs can win 6 or seven games this year. You ain't figured out how bad they are yet. You'll get it in a game or two.

Posted by buffalo_flyer on October 14, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I do. I don't think you give up on the season after losing to the number 1 team in the country and the number 16 team on the road. It takes more than that for me to push the panic button

Posted by roamingbuff on October 14, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm just a realist. Read the dozens and dozens of posts on this website. Read the reports by sports writers across the country. Heck - just watch the games.

Right now - CU is not a very good team. Period. No disrespect meant. No panic. Just realism.

It is very possible the Buffs will not win again this season. It is likley they may pick up one, maybe two wins. Not being negative here. Just evaluate our team vs the opponent. Its simple.

Based on our talent level - based on the injuries and academic ineligibilities - things look bleak for the Buffs. Do the math. CU needs 3 to 4 more wins to become bowl eligible. Where do you see those victories? K state? Maybe. Mizzou - no way. Iowa St - maybe. Oakie state - no way. And beating the Huskers in their house - with our current team - possible, but doubtful. So - simple math - if you're lucky you get two more wins. That's five on the season. Not enough to be bowl eligible.

So - make the most of it and build to get better. Get the young O-line experience - and get Ballenegr going now.

And change the offense as much as possible, without re-inventing the wheel - to accomodate the lack of talent and experience.

Posted by roamingbuff on October 14, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh ya - forgot A&M. Maybe a victory there - that's IF the Buffs can solve a few problems. And they will be on the road for a second consecutive week -likely after a loss to Mizzou.

Posted by smokey on October 14, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This upcoming game probably determines whether or not we go to a bowl. A&M should be a win regardless. Iowa State at home should be a win any year. Neb is terrible too and beating them on the road is doable, but I don't like relying on that to make or break eligibility.

That really just leaves KState. By that rationale, if we drop this one then it should be a full go to start at least giving another QB reps. That alone may give Cody enough focus to get back on track. If we can pull out a win this weekend then it's possible to limp to a mid-December bowl. But with the opportunistic schedule next year it's a tough decision for coach. I'm more inclined to invest in 2009 given the current state of things. I think it still has HUGE potential to be a breakout season.

Posted by smokey on October 14, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way, you can spot the family and friends of coaches/players posting on this board just as easily as the corn-stroking neb fans.

Posted by buffalo_flyer on October 14, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if you judge the team by reading the blogs, then you're not very smart to begin with, no offense,

I've watched every second of every Buff game this year. I also watched Oregon State take down USC and I watched Ole Miss knock off Florida. Doesn't mean those teams are better

Buffs have played poorly but that doesn't mean they're a poor team. If they put together a complete game they can knock off any team left on the schedule. Thats why I love college football.

Posted by roamingbuff on October 15, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

buff-flyer - I will assume that what you meant is that it is not a good idea to rely on posts from sites like this to base decisions and gather facts - and not that you directly say I am not smart. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt there - and that you did not intend a personal attack.

I will also totally agree with you that this site is full of all kinds of lame and stupid comments. But - there are also nuggets of truth - there are people who pick up on trends - and fans who spot the flaws in a team.

I too have watched the Buff games - and I too watched games like Oregon St vs SC. But my claim is that when I see the Beavers play in a game like that - they have something going on. They look competitive. They play well. I just don't see that kind of spark or level of play from the Buffs this year. I see flashes of it - like Rodney Stewart going all out every time he touches the ball. But overall - this year's team does not play like a team that is taking to the opponent. That is not to say our athletes are not going all out. Its just that we don't execute like we should.

Right now - I'd say Oregon St. can beat CU. Sorry. I think they are a better team than we are right now. I began the season believing the Buffs could beat anybody on the schedule - including Texas - IF they put it all together. But now I'm not so sure. And I base that on the way things have gone all season. Based on the injureies - the experience level - the talent level - the execution and mental mistakes - even the game plans and play calling. It is just not coming together. Maybe it will. I hope so. But right now it is entirely possible the Buff will not beat a team like Iowa St. We should. We wexpect to. But honestly, the Cyclones have played better at times this year than the Buffs have.

Nebraska is down and going through changes. We should beat them too, but right now - we have a heck of a time just completing a pass.

I look forward to the days when CU is the team to be feared - when CU is the higher ranked team. But it is not here yet - and right now - this team has got to figure out how to 'push' - rather than 'be pushed'.

Posted by luvdaskers on October 20, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Smokey,

I think you're a bit off in your qualifying the Huskers as "terrible too" and being very beatable in Lincoln. If I were cu I don't think I would be chalking up a victory yet over NU especially considering the game is in Lincoln this year. I am not predicting an NU win, but with mediorce to avg teams I believe it's impossible to look at schedule and say this is going to be a W. Especially when they face each other. Never know what you might get.

Might want to keep in mind NU is a few plays from 6-1. Having played a pretty decent schedule.

Clearly, they are a team in transition mode, but a "terrible team" Probably not..

What do they have that Buffs don't? 1) most notably a productive offense with a consistent Qb 2) numerous athletes on offense that they can distribute the ball too; RB Lucky, Castille, Helu, WR Swift, Peterson, Paul, Holt TE McNeil, Young. 3) an offensive line

NU avg just under 34 point, cu 22 points.

Outside of some punting issues they have good special teams and have proven dangerous in return game with Swift and Paul. Steady kicker in Henery.

The NU defense is still nothing special. Still learning Pelinis concepts but at times they do appear to be picking it up a bit better. Not as many busted assignments in secondary.

The D line is the best unit on NU defense and that would trouble me if I were a buff fan considering the injuries and other issues on cu line. Even having lost DE B. Turner they are playing at a pretty nice level. Suh is a beast inside, Steinkuhler having his best year, and Potter is playing well at end spot. And I can't say enough about the play of P. Allen, Colorado native and Turner's replacement.

Posted by luvdaskers on October 20, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

More info... Roaming buff, this might interest you too.

J. Ganz 12th in nation in passing efficiency.

C. Hawkins 89th

Over 10 games he has started between 07 and this year has amassed 3300+ yards, and 9 of 10 games lead offense to 30 points. CONSISTENCY! First and only qb in NU history to do that.

This year he is completing 70% of his passes with a 2:1 td to int ratio. Nice, huh?

I don't know what's going to happen between now and Nov 28, nor do I know what will happen on 11/28.

I do know this. I read lots of comments from buff fans talking about how big a disappointment the buffs are this year, how terrible they appear to be to many, and how much more was expected.

Yet, in the same breath these same people state that NU is "terrible too" or in worse shape and they predict a W on the 28th. Seems odd that in same sentence some call the buffs terrible but go on to chalk up a W on 11/28.

AS stated earlier, if two teams are actually both "terrible", how can one conceivably guarantee a win over the other? No gimmes for anyone especially "terrible" teams.

And the facts I just presented don't present NU as "terrible"