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Buffs' Stewart puts on show for national TV
'Speedy' rushes for 166 yards on 28 carries
Colorado's talented freshman running back saved his breakout game for Thursday night's nationally televised showdown with No. 21 West Virginia.
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Darrell Scott?
Well, the blue-chip superhero leaped a tall linebacker in a single bound during the Eastern Washington game but only rushed for 35 yards on 10 carries against the Mountaineers.
It was the diminutive Rodney Stewart who came up big and stole the spotlight. The 5-foot-6, 175-pound ball of fury rushed 166 yards on 28 carries (5.9 per) during the Buffs' 17-14 overtime upset at Folsom Field. The 166 yards effort is the third best by a Colorado freshman.
"It was good to come out and play on ESPN and I know my family and friends were watching me," Stewart said. "At the same time, I had to stay focused and stick with the game plan."
The Buffs came out throwing and stunned West Virginia with an early 14-0 lead. After that the game plan was to grind out a win with No. 43.
"You knew that was coming, that's the stuff we keep talking about," CU head coach Dan Hawkins said when asked about Stewart's performance. "You never know when those freshmen are going to grow up. ... The exciting thing was he ran hard and didn't turn the ball over."
After Cody Hawkins connected with Josh Smith for a 38-yard touchdown and Patrick Devenny for a 13-yard touchdown, Stewart rushed for 98 yards on 16 carries and accounted for six first downs in the first half.
That's more yards than any CU running back had in the first two games.
"We came out really excited and made some plays early on," Stewart said. "But later we had some mental errors on both sides of the ball."
Stewart set up the second score with a 13-yard run and he had the offense in scoring position again in the second quarter after picking up two yards to convert a fourth-and-1 and drawing a 15-yard facemask penalty during an 11-yard rumble.
Then Cody Hawkins was sacked and lost a fumble at the West Virginia 16-yard line. It was the sophomore quarterback's second turnover of the half.
Stewart had 113 yards on 21 carries through the third quarter and broke off a 13-yard run early in the fourth. But after Stewart was tackled in the backfield for a 2-yard loss, Cody Hawkins lost 10 yards on a sack and then hit Stewart for a 3-yard gain on third-and-22 the drive stalled.
Stewart moved the chains 30 yards with a 15-yard reception and another 15-yard facemask penalty against the Mountaineers tacked on during the next failed drive. "Speedy" had 153 yards on 26 carries (5.8 per) during regulation.
"We're always in good shape when Speedy and Darrell have the ball," Cody Hawkins said after the tailbacks put Aric Goodman in position for the 25-yard game-winning field goal in OT.
"I think he's going to set it again next week, personally," CU defensive tackle George Hypolite said. "I told (ESPN's) Chris Fowler at practice, watch out for Rodney Stewart."
A star is born.
Not bad for a Columbus native who was completely ignored by the Ohio State Buckeyes and only received lukewarm interest from MAC programs.
"When I got this scholarship I knew this was the one for me," said Stewart, who was never shy about competing with the more heralded classmate Scott. "I think I could play anywhere, but I don't have a chip on my shoulder."
Posted by davndeb on September 19, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Chris Fowler and his ESPN fellow announcers were so biased I had to turn the volume off at times. Lots of "rooting" for WVA and Pat White with an occasional kudo for a good or great CU play. Let's black out Fowler next time!!
Posted by buffdaddy on September 19, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hmmm, a diminutive, lesser-known recruit upstaging a better known recruit, shades of Eric Bienemy and JJ Flanagan perhaps? Lets hope that this team grows into a national champion team too!
Posted by mike.homberger on September 19, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Fowler is a CU grad - I guarentee he wasn't biased towards WVU. He probably had CU tee under his suit.
Posted by dabuffs50 on September 19, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Doug Rippy!
Anyone know any details on DS's injury?
If Rod Stewart ever gets some space on a screen, it will be to the house every time. This kid runs so damn hard.
CU coaches, please watch film of how the San Diego Chargers have been getting former KSU rb Darren Sproles in the open field. He has been lighting it up in the preseason and first two games this year. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite NFL rbs to watch and Rod Stewart is like his exact replica.
Posted by lakotastargazer on September 19, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great Game, Great Win!
Now we turn our attention to FSU, the noles defense will have more speed than WV, I was glad to see Coach Hawk go to the I formation, we have nine days to work on it, in order to beat a defense with a lot of speed, you have to run straight at it in order to negate their team speed. If Darrell Scott's injury is not too serious, this may be the perfect game for him and the Buffs to play smash-mouth football, its going to be hot and humid, if any players or coaches read this, start your hydration process now to prevent any cramping that usually occurs in those conditions.
GO BUFFS!!!!!
Posted by BEL on September 19, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In my opinion, for such a little guy the most impressive thing about Stewart is his inside running. Pound for pound, he packs the biggest punch and wallop of any running back that I have ever seen. He hits the holes quickly with authority and power.
We are blessed with a fine tandem of running backs in Stewart and Scott. Hopefully, these two will someday be as good as the Arkansas tandem of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones or the Auburn tandem of Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams.
When Darrell Scott's sore knee gets healed up, it will be lots of fun to watch both Stewart and Scott run wild through opposing defenses.
The offensive scheme for the WVU game was much, much better. We finally incorporated some I-formation running plays, which proved to be very effective. I wonder if these I-formation plays were only recently installed or if the coaching staff had been sandbagging it. I certainly don't recall seeing any I-formation running plays in the spring scrimmages or first two games of the season.
The only other running play that I would like to see incorporated is the toss sweep. I think that the toss sweep is especially suited for Scott and could become his signature running play where he can fully show his speed, power, and slashing running style.
Posted by BEL on September 19, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good game plan. I always hear a lot of bull crap about the need to "establish the running game". In my opinion, it is better to use the passing game to establish the running game. Pass as often as necessary to get a lead on the opposing team. Then, pound the ball on the ground to protect the lead and wear out the opponent.
Posted by rbboulder on September 19, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fowler said, he never went to a CU a game at the student section, when he was a student. How embarrassing for him. I think he was the worst of all. I loved the I formation. WV never expected that from CU. I would love to see it more often. Speedy was amazing. DS will have his breakout game pretty soon. JFly is still a great weapon. The OL played much better and the defense did what they had to do. We have a very young talented team that is gaining great experience. Future looks good for the next few years if we continue to recruit well.
Posted by troutman5 on September 19, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
darrell scott may have a tough time out shining stewart at any point in his career if stewart keeps playing like this
Posted by dabuffs50 on September 19, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
rbboulder:
That is because Fowler worked for the media relations department. He was a stats guy and stuff during games so he never got to go as a "civilian"
Posted by JohnCronin on September 19, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How soon before D Scott transfers?
Posted by westernbuff1 on September 19, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Have some faith...
Scott is young. He came from being the best in a smaller pond to being just one of the fish. He has talent, don't get me wrong. Given some time to adjust and assimilate and we will not be disappointed. The boy will become a man at Folsom Field.
Posted by flabuff227 on September 20, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Stop posting as if darrell scott is some sort of disappointment. Give the kid a break. Hes fine,he will get his. He is not marcus houston.
Posted by ybul on September 20, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Scott looked great in the second half last week he has some serious power. His star will shine also. I personally would like to have a break now and then, though for a power back you build up your head of steam in the second half.
I was disappointed in the plays called for Scott to run. I think the D just keyed up on him when he was in. Florida State might key up on Speedy when he comes in, and forget about Scott and it will be his turn.
Peace
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