Monday, December 8, 2008
The game started poorly for Colorado. With USC up 3-0, Colorado’s quarterback Earl Herron threw a curl route that was jumped and returned for a score. It was a good read but a better play by the DB, who jumped the route, spun off the tackle of the QB and then broke one more tackle to score. (See my arena for a video). Herron was benched after his second pick.
Colorado was down 10-0, which was not a good sign. They did get a safety after pinning USC on their two-yard line and were able to score a TD to pull to 10-9. However, the USC impact running back broke a 45 yard TD run in the third quarter and after more interceptions from CU, tacked on another three points to lead 20-9 going into the fourth quarter.
CU’s offense came to life and a great run by their young RB Chad Reid (who won the Maxwell award) brought the game to a 20-15 deficit. But the two point conversion failed after the ball was thrown behind the open TE. Then the defense allowed a deep out to turn into a TD as the USC receiver raced up field for another touchdown.
Final score 30-15 for USC.
Rudy’s bowl record through six years: 1-5.
Key Stats from the game for Colorado:
4 INTs (one returned for TD)
2 for 15 on third down
4 drops by receivers
6 punts
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Currently Colorado sits at 8-0 and ranked #2 with arguably the most talented team in the country. Having beaten Oklahoma in the toughest game on the schedule, this team has an excellent chance of going undefeated again but the fans are nervous in Boulder. While Coach Rudy has a 16-1 record against his rivals, that doesn’t mean much considering Colorado State and Kansas State are typically easy wins for this powerhouse program. Critics point to his lousy 1-4 bowl record and wonder if he can get this team over the hump.
The team’s success has largely been fueled by the defense and running game. The defense is rated 94 and has solid players at every position on the team with the worst starter an 85. The young running backs are led by nimble Chad Reid who has over 1000 yards on the season and a young thumper in Darren Williams who gets plenty of goal line touches. The offense is overly conservative but they lack any playmakers at wide receiver. The receivers lack both height and speed and this team struggles to come from behind. Very few big plays downfield have been created this season. The offensive line is very good as is senior quarterback Neil Herron although he tends to force too many throws and has a negative TD/INT ratio for his career.
No question Coach Rudy has done a great job of building this program but that has also led to constant rumours of him leaving for greener pastures elsewhere. Each year programs come calling and so far he has stayed. This team should get to the Big 12 Championship game but after that all bets are off. They need to do a better job in the big games and we don’t know if that will happen.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
USC jumped on me early. I went three and out, punting from my 10-yard line. On their first play from scrimmage their small and fast RB broke to the outside for a 40+ yard TD run. I clawed back and was down 7-3 when I threw an interception they returned for a TD. Suddenly I’m down 14-3. Following a 55-yard field goal with no time left in the half, I was down 24-3 at half time and embarrassed. My team was not built to come from behind and I failed to run the ball at all.
I fought back in the second half and was down 24-12 at one point (I got a safety after a failed 4th and goal situation) but the interceptions never stopped. I threw four of them and my young wide receivers failed to make any plays for me. Final score 31-12.
I am now 1-4 in my bowl games and despite some lucrative offers from three other schools I will remain at Colorado and fight for my first Big 12 title as well as a shot at the title game again! Maybe the 6th season will be the charm.
My team looks good next year although I’m losing three of my starting linebackers (two were impact players) in my 3-4 defense. I’m very deep at linebacker so that should not be a huge concern. Two players have also elected to jump to the NFL early (starting RG and SS). But my biggest concern is WR. My top two returning wide receivers were true freshman (5* prospects) but neither is big or fast. Not a single receiver was rated higher than 84 at the end of this season and that receiver has graduated. They need to make big strides in the off-season to take pressure off my QB. I think this team could be better next year but only time will tell.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Unfortunately, the great Buffalo defense failed to stop Oklahoma. They scored touchdowns on three of their first four possessions with only an endzone INT preventing a 4th. Colorado was down 21-3 at the half. Then the coaches subbed in injured All-American running back Cameron Scales for the second half. Out almost all year he provided a spark to the offense and finished with 11 carries for 81 yards.
After another OU TD near the end of the 3rd quarter to put them up 28-13, Colorado returned the ensuing kickoff for a TD with 6 seconds left. On the very next play from scrimmage, an OU receiver muffed a ball into my DB's hands who returned it for a TD with 1 second left in the 3rd. I punched in the two point conversion to tie it at 28!
Down 31-28 in the 4th quarter, I drove inside the Sooners 20 yard line. I actually reached the one yard line but was called for holding. On third down I tried to hit a corner pass in single coverage but was picked off! So stupid! A field goal would have tied it with just over two minutes to go but I wanted to be aggressive. I gave up another TD and only a late TD by myself and a failed onside kick resulted in a gut wrenching 38-35 defeat.
Oklahoma's 96 rated offense was 8 for 13 on third down and also converted 2 of 3 fourth downs. They only punted once all game. My defense just wasn't good enough today. I brought extra DB's in the second half to help slow them down but I'm crushed. But we can't stay down too long. I'm still #5 and have a date with A rated #3 USC in the Rose Bowl! Ohio State and Virginia Tech are both undefeated and playing in the Title Game.
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