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Running game looks good

Posted August 18, 2007

So I've heard from a few fans today after the Buffs' second scrimmage and it seems people are in panic mode about the defense after watching the offense run for more than 300 yards for the second straight week. Here is why that's an over-reaction.

Four defensive linemen didn't play today and they're all pretty big contributors. Jason Brace, Marquez Herrod, George Hypolite and Maurice Lucas watched from the sidelines with cokes and hotdogs.

OK, they didn't have refreshments.

Anyway, that's a big deal. It's not like they were running against a defense at full strength last week or this week. But you also have to take this into consideration. Both scrimmages included well over 100 plays. Teams don't usually get that many plays in a game. So the numbers are distorted.

But I don't blame fans for being concerned. Colorado State running back Kyle Bell is no joke. He's likely frothing at the mouth looking at these numbers the Buffs are allowing.

On the flip side, people ought to be happy about the production from an offensive standpoint. The Buffs were pretty good in the run game last year and it seems like they're heading in that direction again this year.

If they can run the ball, that's going to take a lot of pressure off the new quarterback, no matter who that is.

Looks to me like Hugh Charles is still the best option at tailback, but as I wrote a week or so ago, redshirt freshman Demetrius Sumler is working himself into playing time. Senior Byron Ellis also has had his moments.

Everyone is excited about true freshman Brian Lockridge. Coaches might be very tempted to get him on the field this season, but I think it might be best to redshirt him. But what do I know?

I'm just a dude with a pad and pen and my Chicago Cubs hat on backward.

...My guess is Cody Hawkins will be named the starting quarterback Sunday morning. Hawkins and Nick Nelson both played pretty well in the scrimmage after getting off to slow starts. I don't think Nelson did anything that would make coaches vault him into the starting job over Hawkins. I've been wrong before.

...no significant injuries were reported.

...The Buffs get back to it in the morning, but all practices are closed to the public at this point, except for Sunday evening practices during the season.

...more to come later.