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DiLallo spices up Buffaloes
Junior punter cooks for team on Mondays
Kickers around the country are often the loneliest members of a college football team, watching physical practices from a safe distance or being ignored on the end of the bench during most of the games.
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At Colorado though, Matt DiLallo's crib is the place to be.
Or at least it is on Monday nights when players who are tired of the training table fare or Taco Bell runs enjoy some hang time with the punter.
"People tell me I make the best banana bread they've ever tasted," DiLallo boasted this week.
The junior from Wellington, Fla., scored a 29 on the ACT, has earned academic all-Big 12 honors twice at CU and is an Integrative Physiology (pre-med) major.
But had a football scholarship not been offered to DiLallo at a major university, the Food Network junkie would probably be in culinary school right now dreaming of becoming the next "Iron Chef."
"I used to help my mom out cooking. It kind of started because our family was really busy," DiLallo said of his kitchen skills. "Between me going to football practice and then my two brothers going to soccer there wasn't always time for her to cook."
DiLallo and place-kicker Aric Goodman -- who is also a popular member of the team right now after making the game-winning field goal to beat West Virginia -- host the weekly feasts for any teammates with empty stomachs and open minds.
"I've tried a bunch of different recipes (this semester)," DiLallo said. "Some recipesfor marinating salmon. I made some lettuce wraps that were pretty good. ..."
DiLallo is looking forward to this weekend when he can enjoy some home cooking, so to speak. He grew up about four hours south of Jacksonville, where the Buffs will play Florida State on Saturday. About a dozen members of his family will attend the game, as well as a number of high school classmates who now attend FSU.
"It will just make it more fun. Once you're on the field you're on the field and you kind of zone everything else out," DiLallo said. "But before and after the game it will be kind of cool to see everyone. I haven't seen them in a while."
Four years ago DiLallo was receiving letters of interest from Gary Barnett's coaching staff and made a visit to Boulder that changed his life. He attended the CU-Iowa State game that fall and was sold on the Buffs despite the fact that it wasn't ideal weather, especially for a kicker.
"It was rainy. It was cold. It almost felt like it was snowing to me. It was probably 50 degrees and rainy the Friday night I came in and then all day Saturday until the game," DiLallo said. "We were coming back from the Omni (Interlocken) and it was still foggy and cloudy out, but then we came over the hill to where Boulder is and everything was clear, it was 65 degrees and sunny in the middle of November. I just fell in love with it. ... The highest mountain in Florida is a landfill."
DiLallo redshirted his first season and studied the kicking craft under all-Americans Mason Crosby and John Torp. Now he is the 13th player in school history to be the regular punter for three seasons with a chance to be just the second player to handle the job for four seasons should he win the starting gig again as a senior.
Through three games, DiLallo is averaging 43.14 yards (34.3 net) per punt with four of his 14 attempts coming to rest inside the opponents' 20-yard line. Only three of his punts have been returned but for an average of 21.3 yards.
"There's always room for improvement," CU special teams coach Kent Riddle said when asked about DiLallo. "He had his best game last week (against West Virginia), but we're still working on the details. We need more hang time and a little bit better direction, but he's doing a fine job."
Riddle said senior Tom Suazo, DiLallo's backup, has been doing a good job pushing him in practice.
Darrell Scott, the nation's No. 1 running back recruit last year, also dabbles in punting. No word on whether or not the famous freshman has the skills to hang with DiLallo in the kitchen.
Posted by oldbuffer on September 26, 2008 at 6:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The game tomorrow could very well hinge on how well Matt does.
Some pretty nice things said about CU on the ESPN pre-game last night. Win or lose tomorrow, we're starting to make waves again.
Hey guys – consider this idyllic scene. Tom and Bo sitting on the bench in the autumn sunshine looking at their championship rings.
“Look at that. Hasn’t hardly tarnished at all after all these years”.
“Yep”.
“Remember when we could beat Colorado.. and Kansas..and Kansas State..and Missouri”.
“Yep. Seems like only yesterday”.
“We can still whip schools with two directions in their names, though.”
“Yep”
“I hear Hawk is building a program in Colorado”.
“Yep”
“I remember when we were building a program”.
“Yep. Seems like only yesterday”.
“Look at that. Hasn’t hardly tarnished at all after all those years”.
“Yep”.
Posted by rodrigo on September 26, 2008 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Nice. For a bit more on the good old days, check out the link from BuffTime on yesterday's MTM story.
By the way, Oregon State pretty much gave a clinic on how to run against a fast, aggressive defense. 5'6". Stops and starts on a dime. Powerful in spite of his size. Hmmm....
Posted by montanabuff on September 26, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm with you, Rodrigo. I couldn't help but think of Speedy when watching the OSU backs slice through the USC defense.
The upset should only stoke the fires for the Buff players. There are 26 undefeated teams left in 1-A, and Colorado is one of them (I would love to be a fly on the wall for Hawkins' pre-game talk tomorrow). Anything is possible, and the Buffs know they can compete with anyone in the country.
Another side benefit from the OSU upset. Missouri has the week off before playing Nebraska. The Tigers fell a spot in the polls this week despite doubling up a decent Buffalo team. Think the Tigers will want to hang 60 on the Huskers to make a claim to the top spot?
Go Buffs!
FSU preview posted at http://www.cuatthegame.com
Posted by OutToPasture on September 26, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Slow sports day? C'mon, there's got to be something better to report on than a punter's cooking skills! Couldn't get an interview with the needlepointing cheerleader?
Posted by CaliBuff on September 26, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is this the team's flight to Jacksonville or is this a charter for fans???
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/FF...
Posted by BuffSteve on September 26, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree OutToPasture. I like human interest stories like this and I think they have a place here but to have this be the only story? With the FSU game tomorrow morning? Didn't the team practice yesterday? Maybe a synopsis on how the practice went; who looked good; how is Scott's knee; etc. etc.
Posted by vkberlinn on September 26, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
....Couldn't get an interview with the needlepointing cheerleader?...
Nepa did not pay his cellphone bill.
Posted by oldbuffer on September 26, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When OSU tried to go wide they got stuffed by USC - to Rashaan's comment about reverses a couple of days ago. Spread the Dbacks with wide receiver splits, Speedy and Scott up the middle from the I, then quick passes when the secondary starts to cheat. Go Buffs.
Posted by coffman4heisman on September 26, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I always wondered if Matt Dilallo could cook...it has been killing me! Now I finally know.
If we are going to win tomorrow, then it's gonna hve to be on the ground. Use the I-form and control the ball.
GO BUFFS!
Posted by dabuffs50 on September 26, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
On the topic of USC, I haven't watched them to closely until last night. The safety that was injured (#2 for USC) was a monster. That guy was huge!
I didn't give OSU a shot but they came out fired up. There is something to be said about having a solid gameplan and a team fired up and ready to play together. A mid-level team just knocked off #1 which probably had about 10 future NFL Starters on the team.
Posted by rodrigo on September 26, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Nice piece on Stewart in the DP: http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_1...
Posted by bouldabuff on September 26, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anyone know if Scott is healthy?
FSU had to be game planning for Speedy all week - provided he is healthy this could be Darrell's breakout game. Gameplan for speed and instead get a back that needs to be gang-tackled.
Will MTM be allowed to redshirt this year?
DiLallo, Goodman, and Smith need to be error-free tomorrow - this is the type of game where special teams can win it.
Any predictions for tomorrow?
Posted by LBCBuff on September 26, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Nothing gets me more fired up before a big game than a story on a punter that can cook. Thanks for being on top of it DC. Buffs roll tomorrow.
Posted by extrapoint on September 26, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OSU was playing well before this game.....probably better than anyone else (besides USC of course) in the PAC 10... Plus they have a history of aint bein skeered of hollywood
Posted by cubuff85 on September 26, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I see a huge defensive struggle with DiLallo and Goodman coming up huge on special teams. Prediction: 12-7 Buffs! GO BUFFS!!!
Posted by JBuff on September 26, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Funny posts.
I like the quote of, "...the highest mountain in Florida's a landfill." Kinda reminds me of Nepa's posts.
Posted by RashaanSalaam on September 26, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
olderbuff, I'm glad to see that we're on the same page. I like our chances if we play smart. Reverses and other misdirection plays aren't going to work against a FAST defense like FSU's.
Posted by BuffNut99 on September 26, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I really hope that our coaches were watching OSU's gameplan, it should be our primer for how to beat FSU and Texas (the two fastest D's we will face all season). I am predicting some tough earned yards on the ground and some big plays through the air - I think Geer/Devenney will be crucial.
My greatest fear about the FSU game is that it will be close (and undecided) in the 4th quarter, and that the Buffs wear down in the heat and humidity. I have nightmares of the ASU game last year when CU got up early but wilted under the heat.
I'm betting that FSU has had less of an opportunity to get into deep gameplanning because they have been trying to reincorporate so many new (previously suspended) players back into the fold this week. What I haven't been able to find out is whether (or to what extent) FSU's suspended players have been able to practice with the team.
Bouldabuff - Coach Hawk is 100% certain that MTM will get a medical redshirt. All indications are that DS is healthy, but shy of %100.
Posted by flabuff on September 26, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The good news is it has been very mild down here and we should not suffer from a sweltering heat. Don't get me wrong it is still going to be hotter than Colorado, but it shouldn't resemble Cambodia.
Posted by Saheeb on September 26, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A human interest story about a punter with FL roots and his penchant for cooking!? Geez, there's a FOOTBALL game tomorrow against FSU, right!? Come on DC, how about some analysis and projections??!!!! This is really lame timing on a story of this nature.
Per USC-OSU last night. Every player on USC was a foot taller and 10 pounds of muscle heavier, but they were dominated completely. Love to see all those blue chippers eating the dust of a 5'6 kid whose only offer, prior to OSU, was Texas State!
Hey 'Noles -- here comes speedy and his friend Scott too!
Posted by phatmack on September 26, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just had to throw this in there what with the opening line of "Kickers around the country are often the loneliest members of a college football team..."
http://tinyurl.com/4xxwra
(It's a YouTube video for those that are concerned... of a well known Adam Sandler song... maybe new for some of you... enjoy!)
Posted by rodrigo on September 26, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Seems like one of the big reasons the Beavers ran all over the Trojans - something Freudian goin' on there - was their artful use of zone-block schemes. They weren't exactly blowing anybody off the line, just helping all that speed past the play. Probably a little late for the Buffs to master that by the weekend...
Posted by rodrigo on September 26, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
By the way, nice to see phat back. What's up? The boss at lunch?
Posted by Saheeb on September 26, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, what a slam of a piece on Nebraska by SI.
Quote: "Nearly every traditional powerhouse -- from USC to Alabama to Oklahoma to Texas -- has gone through a down period in recent history, and nearly all returned to national prominence. With a strong brand name and the right coach, it's almost bound to happen. With Nebraska, however, there are no such guarantees. The school faces a unique set of challenges..." The whole story dissects the program.
In my opinion it's way to early to say Nebraska isn't going to return to its previous prominence. But, I think they've got 2-4 more seasons to show significant improvement or the luster of playing for them is going to diminish to the point they well may have serious trouble making a come back.
I despise them -- mostly their fans. But, I think it would diminish the Big 12 north,and our rivalry with them, if they're down for long. I do believe Pelini is going to be a good coach and recruiter for them.
Posted by coffman4heisman on September 26, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Nebraska is done for, their program will never be the same...EVER. Don't get me wrong they will likely return to a certain degree of national prominence but they will never be a powerhouse again. If you are a blue-chip recruit, why would you ever choose Lincoln over the likes of USC or Florida? Norman looks like Rome compared to Lincoln.
Posted by AZBuff on September 26, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe this site is what all that participate want in its present form. But I for one would like to see a couple of weeks where nepa, dr tom, or tallisall or what ever its name is would be just ignored. It might continue to blog but after a while having been shunned by the buff fans and totally treated as a nonentity it will probably go away as it really is no fun to play gotcha when no one responds. Anyway that always worked when I was growing up and we had to deal with dippy kids in the neighborhood that no one liked. Just a thought. But maybe people would rather play smack with an idiot.
AZBuff
Posted by BigBuff on September 26, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I question the nutritional value of Banana Bread. Is this really the story? Can they really call this "Buff Zone" with a story like this the day before the game? UGH!
Posted by ksbuff on September 26, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
anyone worried about Stewart reading his own headlines? hopefully he stays grounded and doesn't believe any of the hype. He is only what 19?
Posted by Buff_bronc_fan on September 26, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ks-- The Rocky Mountain News had a good article on Speedy yesterday--
www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/sep/24/rb-stewart-glad-buffs-tried-him-on-for-size/
After all his struggles even getting to this level, I'd be shocked if he got complacent. I also found it surprising that he really doesn't watch football outside of the super bowl. Maybe that means he doesn't follow all the media hype either.
Posted by Saheeb on September 26, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AZBuff: I couldn't agree with you more. Just ignore the moron NU posters and they'll go away and we can focus on talking Buffs football!
coffman4heisman: per your point about why blue chippers would go to Nebraska that has always been the question, but somehow they could convince kids to do so despite the unattractive location, etc. I never did understand it -- even if it was a good football team. Why wouldn't you go to a good football team in a great setting.
Posted by Buff_bronc_fan on September 26, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Saheeb, it pains me to give Nebraska credit for anything, but their facilities are pretty damn nice and their gameday atmosphere is impressive...
That said, those are the ONLY redeeming qualities of the school, and the state for that matter.
Posted by phatmack on September 26, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rod:
Naw, just been spending my time over at allbuffs mostly... It's hard for me to comment on here when 75% of the talk is banter back and forth between the troll-du-jour and die hard Buff fans! I still read through all the comments but the only thing I can ever think to post is some trash talk about said troll... and that just fans the flames I'm afraid (I agree AZBuff). He's not here today though... so woo hoo!
I agree with the general consensus that BuffZone is failing here! It's the day-before-gameday! ...and they post this?! What gives?! How about some predictions? Analysis!?! Bet the under? Help!! Hahaha... Personally, I think CU will have NO problem with the 6pt spread. We lost by 10pts last year right? I think most people would agree that CU is better this year and FSU is worse. So... are the points being given because this is virtually a home game for FSU? I don't think it's going to be a 6pt advantage for them though... apparently CU has more votes in the polls than FSU too... so I think I'd definitely bet on CU... but I bet with my heart all too often. What does Homer Neil say the score is going to be?!
ksbuff:
Not to worried about it here... I think there was discussion from training camp about Speedy having a big head to begin with... that he came in here with the "I'm all that and a bag of chips" attitude and that he's gonna prove it. Personally? I'm alright with it... as long as he keeps producing!
Speaking of undersized backs though... how about that Quizz Rodgers last night... yah, this one: http://tinyurl.com/45fjcz
Anyone know why that play got called dead? I missed that... his knee didn't touch the ground it seemed... and after he got his helmet ripped off he was gunning for the endzone... I just didn't get why the whistle blew... I missed it.
EDIT: I'm apparently in love with ellipsis... ...
Posted by extrapoint on September 26, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
phat
the whistle blew for the same reason it doesnt when Michael Jordan traveled.
That is basically the same reason FSU is favored.
as for playing at nebraska one thing a recruit probably considers is having his ego stroked incessantly (unless of course he is a failure) by tens of thousands of adoring fans.
Posted by BuffTime on September 26, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Having a big mouth is not the same as having a big head. My impression of Speedy from the previous articles written about him is that he has a chip on his shoulder and is working his butt off to prove he belongs and running his mouth off to make sure everyone sees what he does.
The subtle difference between that and a kid with a big ego is that the the ego kid thinks he doesn't have to do much to dominate, the kind of kid Speedy is knows he has to fight and scrap for every bit of recognition he wants. From a competitive point of view, I'll take a team of Speedies any day!
Posted by rodrigo on September 26, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, seems we're working toward consensus. As one of the worst offenders, I'll happily join the ignore-the-ignorant bandwagon. Anybody got a pair of boxing gloves I can borrow? Hard to type with those bad boys on.
Posted by phatmack on September 26, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
...ah. Fair enough! I guess I didn't make much of a distinction between big mouth and big head... but I see the differences. Either way, I like his attitude to get it done on the field and to not take the back seat to anyone...
Buff_bronc_fan: Nice link... that was a good read.
Posted by coffman4heisman on September 26, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does Speedy remind anyone else of Eric Bienemy? He has the same demeanor and attitude while also being undersized. They kind of run the same too.
Posted by rodrigo on September 26, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Man, first SI, now the sporting news. Newsflash Nebraska: The 3-0 red just can't get any respect.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/...
(see #10)
Posted by OutToPasture on September 26, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That kid from OSU showed remarkable patience just hiding behind his linemen and waiting for a crease to open up as 'SCs backer ran right by.
As for blowing that play dead, I think there's a safety rule in college where they blow the play dead when a player's helmet comes off (though I could be wrong on that).
Posted by Saheeb on September 26, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I loved how the diminutive OSU back got horse collared twice by USC, for which they were flagged. The commentators think it was because he's so short, and fast, that the defenders were forced to reach out and down for his back and got the back of his neck each time. Too funny. Gotta love quick Beaver.
Posted by vegasbufffan on September 26, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nebraska & USC have another thing in common. Both have graduated a RB that happens to be a murderer. We wont count the slew of convictions of rape, wife/girlfriend beaters that these two football factories have produced.
Posted by reallifeshocker on September 26, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the list of big heart, fast, shifty little guys, that are tough, and overachievers, is long. with proper direction, (coaching) these guys can make the home team really smile. darren sproles is still making it happen on sundays, what an asset.
Posted by ckhutch on September 26, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is Colorado overlooking FSU? They were running a lot of pass coverage and spread offense in practice. Seems like they're getting ready for Texas more than a sorry passing team like FSU? Hope to goodness I'm wrong.
Posted by archalon on September 26, 2008 at 10:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ckhutch-And how would you know ? arent practices closed to the public during the week ??
Im on record as very critical of the DC and Ringo's lack of decent coverage. Today is example #37 in just 3 weeks. DC coverage is an embarrassment. The article today is a second week of camp feel good filler story - not a week 4, day before game day story. DC should be ashamed.
ralphiereport.com has good insightful coverage and the stats to back it up. allbuffs is good too.
Anyhow, regardless of who runs the ball, look for CU to win 20-10 with a few new formations but an emphasis on the run. CU really beleives they can run it on th Noles, regardless of their speed on D. They think the cutbacks are going to be there. DScott is said to be close to 90% compared to 75% against WVU.
Its a winnable game tomorrow, the smaller crowd then expected is a bonus for the road team, and I expect good things from the special teams.
Go Buffs.
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