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Michigan's move could help Buffs
Posted December 17, 2007
![KYLE RINGO373[1]](http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1282/1339606186_8edb1020c0_t.jpg)
Michigan's hiring of West Virginia football coach Rich Rodriguez could help the Buffs next year when the Mountaineers come to town.
As CU fans are acutely aware, coaching changes often lead to shifts in philosophy and a steep learning curve for a football team. It was the case for the Buffs when Dan Hawkins was hired two years ago.
It could be for West Viriginia as well. depending on who the school chooses to hire to replace Rodriguez.
But here is where I think the move helps the Buffs most. Nothing has been decided yet, but I'd be very surprised to see both quarterback Pat White and tailback Steve Slaton return to Morgantown next season.
Both were considered Heisman candidates at the outset of the 2007 season and both will play in the National Football League. I'm betting both will opt to turn pro because of the coaching change and that will only help the Buffs.
There is still plenty of talent on the West Virginia roster if those two players leave, but the Mountaineers would be better with White and Slaton than without them.
It will be interesting to see how this develops and who is hired. Our columnist Neill Woelk pointed out that the Mountaineers will be one of five teams the Buffs play in 2008 who will be breaking in new coaches. I think that bodes well for the Buffs, but it doesn't necessarily guarantee anything.
In case you're wondering, the other teams with new coaches on the Buffs schedule next season are Colorado State, Eastern Washington, Texas A&M and Nebraska.
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Posted by Saheeb on December 17, 2007 at 3:59 p.m.
Some of the coaching changes may, obviously, help us in terms of recruiting as well.
Posted by MECU on December 18, 2007 at 6:36 a.m.
Didn't help with Arizona State this year.
Posted by buffalo_flyer on December 18, 2007 at 10:19 a.m.
ASU substituted personnel nearly every series which you have to do when its 105 degrees at game time.
Posted by rodrigo on December 18, 2007 at 12:10 p.m.
ASU also didn't lose White and Slaton, wasn't coming off a rip-the-heart-out loss to end the regular season, was already sick of its then-current coach and quickly pulled in one of the most successful (wins and recruiting) coaches of the times as his replacement. It made for a pretty darn seamless transition.
While WVU still has plenty going for it, a loss in their upcoming bowl game, and you've got shades of CU in 2005-2006.
Then, take a look at WVU's projected recruiting class. Not all that stellar prior to RR's departure and already leaking like a sieve.
Suddenly, it could be a whole new WVU comin' to town next fall.
Posted by BuffSteve on December 18, 2007 at 12:50 p.m.
What a lame way to look at that situation! If you are a true fan of a team you want your team to ALWAYS play the best competition. You want your opponent to ALWAYS have their best players on the field. Then, when you win, you know you beat their best. As a CU fan I don't wish for any of the Buff's opponents to have coaching problems or to have the opponents best players leave early for the NFL. I want the best shot the opponent can give and see if my team can win anyway.
Posted by OUBuff on December 18, 2007 at 2:26 p.m.
lighten up Francis... I mean Steve.
Posted by AgouraBuff on December 18, 2007 at 2:33 p.m.
I want White and Slaton to play because I think the Buffs win whether they're playing or not. To quote former Sooners coach Howard Schnellenberger: "I don't want no damn asteriks next to this game when we whip their (butts)"
Posted by ksbuff on December 18, 2007 at 7:36 p.m.
Pat White isn't going anywhere. What would he do leave early to play wideout in the NFL? He is not an NFL QB yet, and might never be. White is back, Slaton is gone, and the buffs will have their work cut out for them.
Posted by OUBuff on December 18, 2007 at 8:24 p.m.
Given the recruiting class that Hawk is putting together, CU will have to show some good results against good competition next year. Quite a put your money where your mouth is kind of year I think. Hopefully CU will have to start learning to deal with success.
Posted by trobs on December 22, 2007 at 6:26 a.m.
Ringo--Move to Ames. That's how the ISU fans think. With all the good stuff happening at CU, this is the best article you could come up with?