Posted by pdxbuff on November 11, 2007 at 3:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Spare me with the "most epic meltdowns" crap Woelk. What exactly do you think is at stake right now for this team? Take a look at this game and then watch the KU OSU game; there is no comparison in the talent level. CU has so many fundamental things to improve on it's ridiculous. This is not a meltdown; it's exactly where we are. We can't throw the ball and we can't catch it. Charles is the fastest back in Div 1 football and he has the worst vision imaginable. This game is over if he just goes to the hole and then breaks it. Our OL is actually close to good and it will be the first component that will start to dominate in the next year or two. I like the defensive strategy but we just don't have the players yet to lock down the type of receivers that everybody has now. Our special teams suck; huge issue that has cost us 2-3 loses. And finally Cody is not our QB; in fact we have not had a QB since 1995 and this is killing us. Get 5 QB's in here now. How does KU look like Florida, USC, and the Patriots? Good looking class coming in so far this year but for now Go Kansas!

Posted by DFWbuff on November 11, 2007 at 6:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well if it wasn't epic it sure was collosal. This was a game CU had no business loosing and ultimately did not deserve to win. Missed tackles, poor pursuit angles, inability to cover recievers, penalties, dropped passes etc. all combined to create what we saw yesterday.

Unfortunately, this is a team that is NOT getting better as the season progresses. Basic fundamentals have gotten worse, namely catching, tackling and cheating (penalties). Perhaps this simply is what this team is right now. ISU is also a team rebuilding, but they won because they played a more fundamentally sound and emotionally charged game.

The problem I have with CU is that they don't strike me as the kind of team that hates to lose. Sure, we want to win the game but, you know, someone has to loose. It's like the team entered the locker room at halftime and emotionally boarded the bus back to Des Moines. As a coach, when you sense momentum shifting like it did in the 3rd qtr, something needs to be done to get it back. In hockey, the goons go out there to create energy by laying a big hit on someone or getting in a fight. They manufacture energy to awaken their team and get their heads back in the game. This team has no one like that. They came out flat in the 3rd, lost momentum and control of the game, and until they were down 31-21, didn't seem to be too terribly bothered by it.

I'm getting a little tired of seeing the camera showing coach Hawk clapping on the sideline after one of his players commits a drive killing 3rd down penalty or his defense gives the other team a fresh set of downs. Maybe I couldn't see him lighting someone up on the sideline b/c I was watching it on tv, but come on, challenge these guys. Hold them accountable on Saturday, not Tuesday. If you don't have a player that can fulfil the role as an emotional leader, then as a coach do something to create it. Ask Mark Richt at Georgia how to do that.

College football is a game of emotion, and this team right now is showing very little of it. I want to see some guys that are tired of loosing, and have the sack to do something about it. This isn't intramurals.

Posted by bzainthemd on November 11, 2007 at 6:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree, in all seriousness, we NEED talent more than anything. These seniors are still Barnett's guys. Yes, we have Dizon and people like that, but even those guys weren't big recruits at the time. Cody is a freshman, but I'm not impressed. How many times has he thrown at our WR's feet in the past few weeks? He can't get it to Josh Smith as he runs an out route deep. He can't lead guys and he gets too many balls batted down at the line. Why do you think we're running Cody on bootlegs? Because he can't stand in the pocket and throw. That's a HUGE problem. That being said, Hawk needs to evaluate these new guys coming in like Ballenger and give them a shot next year. That, and we need talent and depth at WR. We haven't had that since Koy Detmer was throwing to Rae Carruth. Now that is really sad.

But we are going in the right direction and hopefully we'll Huck the Fuskers and get that bowl bid! Go Buffs!

Posted by Dr_VinniGoombatz on November 11, 2007 at 6:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For the time being I’m not concerned with Hawk’s aggressive strategies, as a mater of fact it’s my belief that, capable players or not, if performance is never expected performance will never occur no mater what the talent/potential lever may be. So go Hawk, make them play the game, i.e. Steve Spurier was a master at this and eventually the Gators began to kick “B” and take names most everywhere. The only strategy I’m concerned about is that Cody is the Buffs QB, i.e. nepotism, I believe, killed FSU this season, and I’m not to sure it's ill effects aren’t at work at CU also. I haven’t seen anything tangible to indicate that Cody isn’t a good choice to bring along as a Buff starter, I mean his performance is what I’d expect for this period of his development, but I’m concerned with the mental effects on the rest of the team as a whole. That is to say is the rest of the team distracted with the notion that Cody is the head coaches “fair haired child” and therefore distracted from game concentration. I can’t point to anything tangible as I said, but for me I can’t help but think “this is a problem”.

Win or lose with NU the Buffs are improved over last year and “that’s a good thing”. We are at least pointed in a positive direction.

Posted by NJBuff on November 11, 2007 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That game stunk yesterday.

Posted by vahombre462 on November 11, 2007 at 7:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In all of these comments and day-after articles I haven't heard anyone speculate on how these melt downs will affect future recruiting?? I hear many agree that some of CU's current problems include Barnett's recruiting and an overall lack of big time talent. I also hear some say that this talent deficiency will be taken care of over the next couple of years. I sure hope these sooth-sayers aren't being overly optimistic. If you were a 4 or 5-star recruit with dreams of playing on Sundays....would you want to come to a program that hasn't exactly been a feeder program to the NFL for many years--and one that keeps getting embarrassed on national TV????

Posted by montanabuff on November 11, 2007 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This loss is so painful because it came in a game which was already won, and against a team which CU owns. The worst part, though, is how this will carry over to next year. An 8-5 (or even 7-6) Buffs' team gets good press for '08. A 5-7 team, which lost five of its last six games, will get no such postive publicity. For now, take note of the number of freshman starters. This is the fourth season in which there have been over 40 starts by freshmen. The other years: 1987, 1991, and 1998. Do the math, Buff fans. That translates into those freshmen being seniors in 1990 (#1,national champions), 1994 (11-1, #3) and 2001 (62-36, #8). Three of the best seasons in CU history. There is hope. www.cuatthegame.com

Posted by mewag28 on November 11, 2007 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cody will make a fine BACKUP quarterback next year but he will NOT lead the program to national title challenge.

I am not against a good "gamble" but Hawk did it when he had little to gain (first down at the CU 43, big whoop!) and a lot to loose (giving them first down in your territory, and giving them a life by changing the mo) and he did not gamble when he should have with over 8 min to go in the 4th period at their 26 (yes with CU down by 3) when a first down would have kept a drive alive and allowed us to perhaps go up by more than a field goal while even if we tied it they would then have gotten the ball back with over 8 min left. In the 4th, with 8 min left deep in their territory WAS the time to take a gamble (and lets face it while Eberhard has made some big kick-he seems better from far out than closer-he is not money in the bank like Crosby). Even if we got stuffed then (and we would have made it then!) IU would be deep in their field and there would be plenty of time to stop them and get the ball back.

I would NOT make that 4th down gamble at their 26 down 3 points with less than 3 min to go or if it was more than two yards to go, but with 8 min and one yard, that is when to gamble!!!

Posted by ColoradoPaul on November 11, 2007 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The fact that eludes most of comments today is that the Buffs were in position to tie the game. Why? Because Cody Hawkins led them down the field, that's why. Not just once, but twice in the final minutes. He did the same thing in the win against Oklahoma, but you all conveniently forget that. Sure Coach Hawkins made a bonehead call, that smacked as much of arrogance as panic, but Hugh really didn't give the effort that was required on that play. The Buffs need a punishing back, a big man who runs with purpose, to compliment the scat backs on the roster.

There really needs to be an investigation into the officiating on the last play. The rule in high school and college is consistent, the clock stops on a dead ball and is restarted on the snap. Who was the head linesman, where is he from, and what is his level of experience? Considering the scandals with referees betting on games they were calling makes the possibility of this horrific call being "thrown" should be investigated by the Big XII and possibly law enforcement.

Posted by Buffs81 on November 11, 2007 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What Hawkins is doing with this team is absolutely pathetic. Why at this stage in the season are we talking about being a poor fundamental team. Our coaches and players need to be held responsible for the mistakes that we are making out there. If this game counts as an epic meltdown then what was it against Missouri. All that has been talked about is "the games they remember are played in November". If these are the most important games of the year, you would think the coaches would be preparing the team better. The Buffs bowl hopes are gone, and who knows if they can beat the Huskers. I remember what happened the last time we played NU at home when we were supposed to win...absolute embarassment and what turned out to be Barnetts second to last game. Hawkins is over his head at Colorado, and obviously was not the one making Boise St. successful, because they haven't missed a beat. They are doing it with a quarterback out of our back yard.

Posted by cuav8er on November 11, 2007 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Buffs81

Your forget who Boise St player's leadership is coming from. To remind you the Seniors and Juniors on that roster where recruited by who. Say it with me now Dan Hawkins. We are better than we were last year, and hopefully next year we will be better than this year. We are rebuilding and headed in the right direction. Go Buffs!

Posted by Saheeb on November 11, 2007 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Have we all noticed two things, I take it? 1) Eberhart ALWAYS misses his first FG attempt, long or short. But he's mostly money under pressure. Weird. 2) Missouri exposed how susceptible we are to the deep ball. Despite Wheatley's absence yesterday, how did we get so vulnerable there, or have teams not tried that much all season until now? Bad timing with Nebraska, ostensibly, discovering its offense and long ball. I agree with most of Neill's story, except that all the other fourth downs on which Hawk went for it were in the other team's territory and/or late in the game. There's a big difference between those and going for it in your own territory. Did all the other failures give up the 31 points, yes? It wasn't that one play. But, it gave ISU a jolt of momentum that they didn't have. They would have discovered the downfield passing, but I doubt they would have risked those passes deep in their territory if we'd punted. I doubt they were proficient enough to drive 80 yards without a turnover or stall. There's a huge difference. I think that play was much bigger than Neill is giving it credit.

Posted by bzainthemd on November 11, 2007 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Agreed Saheeb. That play changed the momentum drastically. The refs, a former Nebraska QB, stunk, and although Cody did lead us well on the last 2 drives, his throws at people's feet all day and poor deep throws killed our drives.

Buffs81, you are so far off, you obviously don't know what you're talking about. Remember,Boise State's players were recruited by Hawk and they still run Hawk's offense. Their head coach just took what Hawk gave him and ran with it.

Hawk is doing a good job. Had we not by default won those Big XII North titles the past few years, you would see the improvement. Hawk took a team of nobody's because Barnett got hit so hard he couldn't recruit the last 3 years of the job. They went 2-10 last year, and if you remember, most people said a 6-6 year this year would be a good step forward. Hawk is recruiting very well, we'll get the talent in, and more importantly, he's recruiting players who can play his style of offense, the Boise St. style. But he'll do it in the Big XII and be successful (see Boise St./Colorado vs. Oklahoma the past 2 years). We'll be fine. This one hurt on multiple levels, but we'll be back. Hawk is a great coach.

Posted by cubuffone on November 11, 2007 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh just shut the hell up please. Week in and week out you and that loud mouth AD sound like the salesman pitching the extended warranty. It is getting old.

Posted by SF_BUFF on November 11, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Niel, you are not smart. You are underestimating the power of momentum in college football. In doubt? Take a look at the Oklahoma game and tell me momentum is not a big factor. How do you explain a half where CU shut down ISU, holding them to 0 points and just over 100 total yards. And then lets them pile up 31 straight points and over 250 years in one half. They were the same teams that came out of the locker room at half. And all due respect, I pray that Gene Chizik is not a better coach than Hawk. But I'm beginning to have my doubts...

Posted by Buff_bronc_fan on November 11, 2007 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A Few Thoughts:

Cody Hawkins is a problem, but he's not the only problem... My main complaints with him are his physical limitations and how we have to shape the offense around those. For example, we try to move the pocket for him, so we bootleg him to his off side, only to see him get blasted as he's trying to turn his body to plant and throw. (Somewhat a protection problem, but more a product of an immobile, undersized QB) The only way QB's of his size can have success is through on their mobility... Cody is not mobile! The fact that he's even a mediocre QB is a credit to him for maximizing his talents on that frame. I hope I'm wrong, but I have a hard time picturing this squad being much better than mediocre with him at the helm.

Why is it that for the past few years we consistantly get beat deep, yet we never return the favor? This ties back into my previous point-- but can we stretch the field a little bit? It seems like every deep ball we've seen this year has been thrown into double coverage.

Our gambles are the least of our problems. Every good rushing team should be able to pick up a yard in the clutch. I was having flashbacks to Brian Calhoun dancing in the backfield on 4th and goal from the 1 in Baylor a few years back... Why does Demitrius Sumler play? At least Lockridge looks like he has some desire out there. Sumler looks lethargic, slow and weak.

Posted by TruFan on November 11, 2007 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a person who reads most comments from some of the "fans" on this blog I love seeing the shift in opinions on Coach Hawk and his program week in and week out. Over a month ago when the Buffs had the big win against Oklahoma everyone jumped on board and now after some disappointing losses - and mind you a decent record when considering the tough schedule these Buffs face WEEKLY - people are calling for his demise...there is a reason you are sitting at home complaining about every move he and this young Buffs team make and he/they are the ones on the field making the decisions/playing. Because he is good at it. This man is on the brink of his 100th win in his D1 career. He is one of the winningest active coaches and has a passion for this team more than most people would know. And these players are good. Dizon, Charles, and yes even lil' Hawk.
That said, I was at the game. It was both heartbreaking and frustrating to see it all fall apart in the third quarter - it was literally like the teams swapped uniforms at halftime. But the push for the win in the last two minutes was awesome to see. They pulled it together and had they been given the opportunity to go into overtime they surely would have pulled off the win. Should we have been in that position when playing such an awful team after an incredible first half? God no. But upon witnessing the unfair calls by the refs (even the Cyclone fans were bewildered)after not one but TWO 40 plus yarder kicks were FAIRLY made was infuriating. The decision was made unprofessionaly and quickly on the refs behalf. And FINALLY blaming the Hawkins clan on everything that goes wrong certainly isn't the solution. This is a GOOD YOUNG team and they have a great deal of potential. All Buffs fans want to see them win every week, and unfortunately that hasn't happened. But they ARE inproving they ARE growing and I gurantee they WILL be a top 25 program as early as next year. And for all the Cody Hawkins haters perhaps you missed this statistic... "Cody Hawkins has passed for 2,452 yards in his first season as the starter at CU. It is the sixth highest single-season passing total in program history. He has thrown 17 touchdown passes, now the fifth-highest total for a Buff quarterback." Yeah that Cody Hawkins sure can't play.... *SARCASM* So yeah, everyone needs to stop being such fair weather fans. This team has improved. And if you think it sucks for YOU when they lose I gurantee it sucks 100 times more for them. So enough of these wah wah the Bufss are going to lose to NE. You don't know that. Be patient and let this team work their magic ala the Oklahoma game. They have it in them.

Posted by Boulder420 on November 11, 2007 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CODY IS NOT A D1 QB - PERIOD!!! He's too f'n short and his passes are batted down at least 4 times a game. Our WR's SUCK! They can't catch if their lives depended on it. I want more hood rats like Rae Carruth and Michael Westbrook recruited. We should go back to paying for players - it worked well for McCartney!

Posted by siess on November 11, 2007 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am tired of the wimps and bandwagoners onthis site. Jeez, this is the big 12. Take it all in perspective. CU has played Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, ASU.Florida State is no slouch and neither is Texas Tech on the road. If we had Kansas non conf schedule, we's be at 6-5 or better likely.

Cody DID drive the team down the field twice at the end, so you Cody doubts, just shut up. Trufan is right. It takes time to turn around a program that Barnett screwed up, and Hawk is doing it. Go Buffs.

Posted by JasperJohns on November 11, 2007 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Boulder420, go do something unpleasant to yourself with a gnarled oak branch.

Coach Mac never payed for players, he built his success on recruiting areas of the country that no one else was recruiting in. That opportunity no longer exists: Every nook and cranny of this country is filled with talent scouts and recruiters, college football has simply become too big of a moneymaking machine for things to be any other way.

Posted by mgmtgrad on November 11, 2007 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Trufan you are exactly correct, bouder420 your an idiot. Look at the stats and realize that Cody is doing well for a freshman without the players like Carruth and co to throw to. If we had those kind of play makers... what would his stats be then?

We can point many fingers as to why the game went bad, but, 31 points by their offense has nothing to do with Cody, he's wasn't on the field when they scored, and he led two drives to try to win.

Pull your head out of the BONG, it's all good in moderation, but stats are stats and Trufan is right.

Marcus J
(note: I always sign my name AND I'm not a fair-weather fan.)

I see CU as a contender over the next couple of years.

PS. All of you NU hater's, (including me) they have a new QB and are racking up yards, including their loss last week. Don't count them out and don't be too sure that there will be a coaching change if they beat us big.

Posted by badbuff on November 11, 2007 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow..just a terrible football call...Gambling has nothing to do with it....

A veteran coach should not have made this call....up 21 ...on the road...defense is pitching a shut out...and what should have made it an easy(no second thought even) call to punt was you are in your own territory.....

Shame Hawk...you don't make that call in the Big 12

Posted by SnowBuff on November 11, 2007 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cody's stats....

PASS: Hawkins (COLO) 23-40, 262, 2 TD NO PICKS

That is a freshman QB with questionable receivers....

What the hell do you want?

What about the lack of an effective running game after the half?

The lineman on both sides of the ball are done. THey are worn out. Less excuse for the offensive lineman, but you can see why this team struggles in the 2nd half. People are to tired to maintain focus. I think the conditioning program needs to be tweaked. No more sprints on Sunday!

What about the defensive collapse?

The guys are tired. Thank god they have a bye (finally). The Seniors on defense have played way to many snaps this year. They are damn good, but they are played out. There is no depth there. Maybe in 2 years...

Posted by elwayforpresident on November 11, 2007 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One thing's for sure: everybody's p*ssed. Good to see, Buff fans. We're fired up again. We will be contenders under Hawk, it's just a matter of when.

Posted by mgmtgrad on November 11, 2007 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SnowBuff is right, as I said in my post last week regarding expectaions. We all raised them when CU won against OU. But in a year when so many teams have upset ranked teams, we are still moving forward in a conference that is tougher then most thought it would be.

Case in point, who knew KU would be undefeated at this point. Forget their weak non-conference schedule, they are undefeated during a year of more upsets then college football has every seen.

Point is that there is a reason they play the games and stats don't lie.

Cody is not the problem and next year will be exciting for all in the Big 12.

Posted by babybuff on November 11, 2007 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

" Stunk" NJBuff? There isn't a smell bad enough to describe that game. What a disappointmenting show of total, all around incompetence. I'm sure we can do better. The questions is: will we?

Posted by Saheeb on November 11, 2007 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TruFan: You make some good points. But, I don't think anyone taking the time to come to this message board could be construed as a "fair weather fan." Some people are venting and perhaps getting hyperbolic with it. We're all very frustrated. After the Oklahoma game it seemed like we'd truly turned the corner. Then we hammered a team we should have 42-0 (Miami, OH), which got our hopes up things were clicking. We were 4-2 and it looked like, at worst, we'd be 7-5 or better. In a game we really needed and should have won against ISU, half way through the game it looked like late in the season (and after the Missouri thumping) we'd put together a true yard stick game -- leading 21-0 over a team we should beat. Then the wheels came completely off and we suffered a numbing loss.

It's been as hard for anyone to say that Cody is our QB for the future as it is to blame Cody, because he's had so many balls dropped. But, he's also gotten lucky in a lot of games where DBs dropped sure interceptions (even in the Oklahoma and CSU games defenders dropped INTs on our final, game winning drives). But he's clearly a gamer who does well in the final few minutes and he will get better.

Overall, though, I share your opinion that we're a very young team that's done pretty well given we've played four of the current teams in the top 10, three of the top five and four three others who were in the top 25. We have the THIRD hardest schedule in the country, and we're playing freshman left and right. That's crazy. We even beat one of the top five teams and could have taken out ASU. I think we're getting some great speed and skill guys on campus and the line is going to have another year under it next year. Yes, I think the future is bright and only going to get better. Cody is also a freshman. He's going to be good. Everyone is just frustrated, but don't mistake venting for lack of loyalty. Go Buffs!

Posted by jamespnolan on November 11, 2007 at 8:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Neil - "Fans like momentum" - well guess what, so do players! And Hawk gave ISU the momentum when he went for it in our territory up 21 to nothing. It's called risk and reward, and Hawk obviously skipped that chapter. WHAT A STUPID CALL!

It brings back painful memories of that moron playing for overtime against Baylor last year. He needs to pull his head out of his a$$.

And by the way, of course we're better that last year. Hawk "lead" last year's team to a 2-win season - not Barnett. Hawk chose Bernard Jackson as the starter - not Barnett.

Quit making excuses for the guy who inherited - not built - a great program at Boise St.

Posted by TallyBuff on November 11, 2007 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Buffs81: you are an idiot. Let's see how often you keep posting in 2008 and 2009.

jamespnolan: ditto.

I'll be looking for you boo birds. What tiresome tosh.

Posted by MarquetteBuff on November 11, 2007 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Neill, this is one of the few times that I completely disagree with you. SF Buff has it right, you and Hawk drastically underestimate the importance and power of momentum in college football. ISU probably would have made a comeback anyway, but Hawk poured gasoline on the fire. Hawk needs to do some more careful 'risk-reward' analysis before making these decisions. You're risking what amounts to a turnover in your own territory to pick up a first down at midfield. That's insane! Yeah, I'd say Hawk needs to 'refine his instincts'.

But I've still got the Hawk Love; he's the right man for the job. Go Buffs.

Posted by WhosYourDaddy on November 11, 2007 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cody seems like a great kid, but all of the other players must be looking at his tiny frame and thinking that he couldn't possibly play if he were not the head coach's son. That must be hurting team morale and causing internal problems as hinted at in the Camera this week.

Posted by mtnboykev35 on November 11, 2007 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

snowbuff I agree. CU looks like they get tired by the 4th. They are thin at o-line and LB just to name a couple of positions. And as has been said before, most predicted a 6-6 year then got inflated expectations with the OU win. CU is about where they should be and should be better next year!

GO BUFFS! Beat NU!!!!!

Posted by cu_1982 on November 11, 2007 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Having suffered through the Fairbanks era during my college days at CU (1979-1982), I take all this a bit more in stride than the newbie Buff fans. It took Mac from 1983 until almost 1988 to get CU's house back in order. Point is, it takes time and Hawkins will get it done.

Predication: CU will be very competitive next year and in 2009 will compete for the NC.

I made a similar prediction prior to the 1987 season in a company meeting and was laughed out of the room. It was fun to watch my co-workers eat crow the next 2 years.

Later fair weather fans.

Posted by cu_1982 on November 11, 2007 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, as great as coach as Mac was, his first few seasons at the CU helm were rough and he also made similar coaching mistakes. However, he stuck with his plan and I suspect Hawkins will do the same - and the results will be the same.

Posted by cu_1982 on November 11, 2007 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One more thing, people who have played and successfully coached football teams know that the key to the game is sticking with your game plan, adjusting as necessary, but not throwing it out the window when things go wrong. I'm especially talking about a multi-year game plan - same as a one-game plan - but even more important in a multi-year plan to stick close to your plan. It takes courage because everyone second-guesses you, but this is the pattern for all truly great coaches.

Posted by mulder1010 on November 11, 2007 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My only problem was the 4th down play. Make ISU go 60-70 yards. Not 43. Hawkins had a tendancy to do that at Boise and it paid off a lot. ISU has struggled to move the ball all season. Make them earn points. Things snowballed from there.
Cody has done well but compared to other big 12 QB's not really. The most reliable recievers are the Tight ends and if or when Sprague gets open. Josh Smith will develop and be a good WR.
As for the rest..... Pinkle and Mangino have seriously struggled untill this year. Give Hawk time and he will have top 10 teams. Just look how things are turning around in the north. The better teams are in the northern part of the big 12.

Posted by bzainthemd on November 12, 2007 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey cu_1982,
I think a lot of us not only agree with your statements, but resent them at the same time. Just because you were around during the bad times doesn't make you a better fan than the rest of us. I graduated in '98, and we were a top program when I was there. It is very disappointing to see our program struggling like this, even though I expected it this year. It is especially more frustrating to watch our Buffs blow a huge lead against a team that we usually dominate. People want to vent, and that's fine. That does not make any of us fair weather fans because if we didn't care, we wouldn't be on this message board discussing these things. I think a lot of us take pride in CU and obviously we're sticking with it for better or worse. Nobody, except for a few, are calling for either of the Hawk's heads, and I completely agree that things are looking up and will be better in the years to come. But hey man, age doesn't make you a better fan and the rest of us fair weather fans. It doesn't.

Posted by rodrigo on November 12, 2007 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No, bzainthemd, it doesn't, but it does provide a little perspective. A lot of folks seem to remember the Mac years pretty selectively. Truth is, if I'm not mistaken, the first Big 8 title and the national title came in his seventh year. The first couple of years the Buffs were running the freakin' wishbone just to stay on the field with other more talented teams. I think the "in-stride" comment is the crux of 82's point and it's a good one: This stuff takes time and folks who are fans should take a big, deep breath.

Posted by GloryGloryColorado on November 12, 2007 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't believe what I'm reading. A rebuilding team plays the 3rd toughest schedule in the country and has a chance to win 6 games, beat the #4 BCS team, and possible national title winner, barely lost to the #3 BCS team and was leading on the road against the #8 BCS team, and people are whining? Hawkins may or may not be the right qb, but 3000 yards as a freshman against that schedule, with a young line and receivers, is pretty darn good. Get Gates, Polk, Blackmon, and maybe Scott in here to help, with Smith, Simas and Williams all a year older, plus, who knows who else Hawk will sign this year, and this offense will take off. Boise St. is still getting ranked with Hawks players. Give him a few years. If the Buffs fall flat on their face in his 4th year, like Callahans little red, then its time to worry.

Posted by buffalo_flyer on November 12, 2007 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree totally GG, a whole lot of armchair qb's this morning thinking they can do better than Hawk.

Listen up Buffnation, Iowa State is a Big-12 team and certainly no slouch. The Buffs should have won this game and the blame for the loss sits on the refs shoulders. This game was stolen by a former Nebraska qb thats was PO'd that the CU fans in attendance were well aware of his true allegiance. He should be fired and all the rest of you who want to bitch and moan need to shut the f up and buy a ticket to the final game against the bugs.

Posted by oz_in_cali on November 12, 2007 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nothing wrong with taking a chance at a point in the game and spot on the field that is going to fire up the team and/or help them put some needed points on the board. I personally, like the guts that Hawk has shown throughout the season, and am a believer in the fact that Hawkins is the right guy to get this thing turned around.

Having said that, the 4th down call early in the 3rd, on our side of the field with a 21 point lead, was no gamble. It was a no-brainer. In that situation, you punt the ball. End of story.

The 4th down call in the first half, as well as many that had been call in previous games, are fine. Our guys are a little green/and probably not as good as we'd like, so some gutsy calls are in order just to keep us competitive (beats the hell out of Barno calling draw plays on 3rd and long, down by 50). The Buffs have had some pretty good success with the high risk call this season, but none of those gambles were nearly as ridiculous as what Hawk tried to pull early in the 2nd half Saturday. There is no other way to say it, it was a terrible call that had a huge impact on the momentum of the game.

However, the fact that the game should have never come down to the debacle that occured at the end of the game, and that the loss is as much on Coach Hawk's shoulders as it is on the officials, should not let these official off the hook. What we saw (those of us at the game at least) in the closing seconds of Saturday's game was worse than the call that cost Oklahoma the Oregon game last year, and probably worse than the 5th down call (which, while benefiting my Buffs, was one worst officiating gaffes ever seen in college football).

From the looks of it, the officiating crew (or somebody on the officiating crew) appeared determined not let CU get those last 3 points on the board no matter what happened (especially when you consider that both times the ball made it through the uprights). While I honestly don't think that the Buffs deserved a win in Saturday's game, they did deserve the benefit of some honest and competent officiating. Hopefully this experience will light a fire under our Buffs and will provide the motivation they will need against what it appears will be a very game NU squad.
GO BUFFS!

Posted by jamespnolan on November 12, 2007 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Last time I checked, McCartney inherited an awful football program. Hawk inherited a team that consitently won games against Big 12 North opponents (let's use Kansas, Iowa State and Missouri as examples.) He also went 3-3 against Nebraska, and led the Buffs to FOUR Big 12 title games.

Hawk inherited some damn good players - Fenton, Daniels, Charles, Billingsley, Wheatley, Thad Washington, Abe Wright, and Jordan Dizon to name a few.

How can you compare Hawk and McCartney's first two years? They have absolutely nothing in common.

Posted by rodrigo on November 12, 2007 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JamesP,

I wasn't comparing Hawk's first two years with Mac's. Simply saying it takes a coach, any coach, time to install his system with his players. Look at your own example. It took seven years and LOTS of growing pains for Mac win the first of those four Big 8 - sorry, dude, Big 12 postdates Mac - titles.

No one, except maybe you, thinks Hawkins inherited a team capable of competing for a Big 12 title last year. You list eight players. Last time I checked, none of those guys played both ways so you're still at least 14 players short.

I'm with Glory. If you're looking for instant gratification, jump on some other team's bandwagon.

Posted by cu_1982 on November 12, 2007 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Regarding jamespnolan's point - right, Hawk did inherit a better program than Mac - but he is also turning it around faster - because it was in better shape. The program that Mac inherited was a shambles - actually ranked at the very bottom of D1 football - it was pathetic. There were some good recruits since Fairbanks was a name and could recruit some talent, but the "system" was a mess.

Here is an overview of Mac's years at the helm:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_McC...

You'll see that CU was 2-8-1, 4-7, and 1-10 in Mac's first 3 years (82-84), then 3 above average for 3 seasons: 7-5, 6-6, 7-4 (85-87), followed by a run of 6 great years (88 to 94).

To bzainthemd's point, some of the folks on this board are not fair weather fans, just frustrated. My point is that a longer-term perspective, taken in light of having watched Hawkins over the past 2 years, having watched the near-destruction of the program by RickN, having watched what could have been a re-building by Barnett get taken off its rails by a rash of problems that I care very little to discuss here - complimented by some longer-term historical knowledge of CU's football program - will help the true fans see that Hawkin's approach to re-building this program is the right one and should produce not only a winning program, but one that should have the ability to compete for an NC.

Let's face it CU fans, not any old football coach can thrive and succeed in the CU-Boulder environment. Approaches by coaches such as Bob Stoops and Mike Gundy would never be successful in Boulder. Hawkins has the type of approach and personality (a philosopher / deep thinker) that goes over well with CU-Boulder. However, philosopher points aside, Hawkins knows how to build a program that will be competive. He is recruiting great athletes - many of a talent level CU has not seen since the early 1990s.

I hear and understand your frustration, but building a football powerhouse takes time. It cannot be done overnight.

Mistakes will be made. Mac made some - but he also won an NC. I believe Hawkins will do the same.

Posted by rodrigo on November 12, 2007 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hallelujah! It's about beatin' Nebraska now.

Posted by JasperJohns on November 12, 2007 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There were some select good players on Coach Mac's early teams too, but just like Hawkins, the overall talent Mac had to coach in his early years was piss poor.

You can't sit there and say "the talent left to Hawkins from Barnett was great, as is clearly evidenced by these 7 players from 2 full years of recruiting". There should have been at least twice that many quality players to come out of those recruiting classes, instead we ended up with full squads of guys like Dusty Sprague and James Cox lining up for us on Saturdays.

Oh, and just for the record, McCartney only won 6 games in his first two seasons at CU. Hawkins has won 7 with at least 1 more game to go.

Posted by rswright on November 12, 2007 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Too much bellyaching. This team is a work in progress and we all know it. It had incredible highs this year and a painful loss.But in the long run there has been nothing to indicate CU will not improve. As long as the team shows progress overall, sit back and enjoy the ups and suffer the downs.

Would anyone here want to change places with the fans at Nebraska where the fans demand that the team meet the fan's expectations every year. Even when the team does well the fans are not satisfied.i.e. Solich. With that attitude a fan's life in Nebraska football will never be an enjoyable experience. Sorry, it is taking the journey with the team,living its downs as well as its ups, that at least for me, make football fun.

Posted by BEL on November 12, 2007 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All of you fickle fans should chill out. Some of the loudest critics on this board are really wolf in sheep's clothing and not true Buff fans (you know who you are). They take perverse pleasure in seeing others fail and lead a sorry existence permeated with negativity. I, for one, am glad that we were fortunate enough to hire Hawk as our head coach. His positive energy and outlook is exactly what this football program needs. I have been following CU football since the days of Sonny Grandelious in the late 1950s, and in my opinion, Hawk is the best head coach that I have seen at CU in my lifetime. And, I do not say it lightly. This program is headed in the right direction; it just takes time.

Hawk is my kind of coach -- a risk taker who plays to win. Ask any player: they will tell you that they love playing for a coach who makes aggressive calls. Sometimes, the calls will backfire, but this aggressive approach will eventually pay huge dividends in the future, as players develop a certain mentality and mindset that goes along with learning how to play and perform during crunch time. I don't second-guess Hawk one bit on his decision to go for it on 4th down in the 3rd quarter. I find it incredulous that people are so quick to pass judgment based upon a single play or a single season.

Without a doubt, this current team has gaps and deficiencies in talent, but Hawk is making tremendous progress in closing the talent gap. For a team that finished at the bottom of the Big-12 last year with a 2-10 record, Hawk still managed to bring in the 5th best recruiting class in the Big-12 in 2007. The simple truth is that Hawk is a tireless, relentless recruiter who is willing to look under every nook and cranny in the country to find the best recruits.

I see a bright future ahead. Those who don't see it are blind or seriously lacking in vision.

Posted by Ldjbuff on November 12, 2007 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's good to see we all have one common goal and that's to see CU go forward and return not just to the good ole days but to "GREAT" ones. I saw alot of the blogs after Sat and was shocked that one fan had Hawkins being the worst hirer of any sport and another spoke of how we would be killed by NEB and be 1-5 next year. Now I understand some comments but let's not forget this is the same Coach and Staff that went for it on 4th downs against CSU and OU and won but as soon as we go for it on 4 and lose questions arise is Hawk the coach to led CU back to glory and beyond ? Yes he is!! let's think for a moment if Kansas or Kentucky or MissSt,Rutgers can be patient with these coaches why can't some Buff fans, Hawk and the staff are doing a good job with recruiting not to mention the on campus bubble and lockers,there are many plus but let's remember the foundation is there and if Hawk let's say for joking sake was let go then Coach D or X comes in and we go 10-2 everybody would complain and say those were Hawks recruits and Coach X or D should thank him. As for the game coming up vs neb if they want to look pass us let them will be ready 2 wks to rest and I wonder what trick plays Hawk and Co have in store for them. Go BUFFS

Posted by nhilo32 on November 12, 2007 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

NAME Fr. Passing Fr. Comp Fr. Ints YDS CMP% TD INT
1 Sam Bradford, Oklahoma Fr 2509 70.1 28 6
2 Graham Harrell, Texas Tech Jr 422 67.3 0 4878 73.6 43 12
3 Chase Daniel, Missouri Jr 347 57.6 2 3306 69.4 26 9
4 Todd Reesing, Kansas So 204 58 3 2647 62 26 4
5 Zac Robinson, Oklahoma St So 345 49 0 2215 59.3 17 8
6 Colt McCoy, Texas So 2570 68.2 7 2900 66.1 20 17
7 Sam Keller, Nebraska Done 2422 63.1 14 10
8 Josh Freeman, Kansas St So 1780 51.9 15 2841 63.1 14 10
9 Blake Szymanski, Baylor So 689 52.9 7 2618 55.8 20 16
10 Cody Hawkins, Colorado RS Fr 2452 56.2 17 15
11 Stephen McGee, Texas A&M Jr 283 45.3 1 1785 56.2 9 5
12 Bret Meyer, Iowa St Sr 1926 51.4 6 2048 61.3 9 13
Got curious about Cody's numbers vs the rest of Big 12. Also posted thier FR years

Posted by nhilo32 on November 12, 2007 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That didn't post very well. However my take on it is that Cody does leave a bit to be disired when being compared to all current Big 12 QB's. However when factoring in that he is a RS-Fr I think he is doing fairly well. Only 4 of the other QB's had significant playing time in thier first year. Here's how they faired.
Bradford - 2509 yrds 70.1% comp ave 6 ints
McKoy - 2570 yrds 68.2% comp ave 7 ints
Freeman - 1780 yrds 51.9% comp ave 15 ints
Meyer - 1926 yrds 51.4% comp ave 6 ints
Hawkins - 2452 yrds 56.2% comp ave 15 ints

It should be remembered that Bradford and McKoy had pretty mature and deep offenses. I would post all the stats but as seen above they dont really post very well. However I think Codys numbers are pretty good considering.

Posted by kevcath5956 on November 12, 2007 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some very good "broader picture" posts... the last few immediately above. Makes me think in terms of perspective. One word describes this team this year for me... inconsistent. That's it. Fantastic, focused, hard fought win against OU... taking care of business against Miami, OH and Baylor... "in control" win at T Tech... hanging tough against KU... and then hard-to-believe eggs laid with KSU, Missouri (although they ARE good), and the 2nd half at ISU. I'm hoping this inconsistency is due mainly to being so inexperienced, and lack of depth. My goal for this season was for CU to get into a bowl game... and that's still within reach. rswright hit the nail on the head for me above... "as long as the team shows progrees overall, sit back and enjoy the ups and suffer the downs". That's college football, to me. BTW... nothing pissed me off more than in the mid 90s (mostly Rick's era) when I had the distinct feeling that a lot of our players thought they had "made it" just by suiting up for the Buffs... posing, chest beating, etc... without showing a thing on the field. Mac's teams had swagger that they ultimately deserved... and some character as well. Character being the most important of the two. For some reason, I believe Hawkins is bringing in players with such character, and hopefully, in coming years, we'll all have some of that swagger again... deserved. As a team and as fans. Most of these freshmen that are showing jitters and inconsistencies this year will be confident, solid players before they're done. A lot of what CU football is about is tradition. The program may have lost a bit of that swagger, that character, that tradition over the last 15 years or so... but something tells me it's all coming back. My gut tells me that Coach Hawk IS the right guy... but it takes time. Before I forget... kudos to the students, who have shown some fantastic enthusiasm this year. Nice to see again... I hope you'll hang with your team too. One last thought... I have a new found respect for Division I football players after seeing what my nephew went through going from high school to D-I football this fall. A standout player in HS, he was absolutely knocked back on his heels from the 1st day in camp this summer. Night and day from high school to college... and then throw classes and studying in on top of that. Talk about building character. So I'll be in the stadium early at the NU game, so I can give the seniors the cheers and applause they deserve... from Dizon and Wheatley to those seniors who we may not have even heard of. Well done, all of you. Coach Hawk is right... this ain't intramurals. But it ain't the NFL either. And it certainly ain't life and death. It's COLLEGE football, man!

Posted by bzainthemd on November 12, 2007 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said Kevcath,
I think we all can agree with that. As for the main question of the day, has anyone heard what the Big XII said about the lousy officiating at the end of the ISU game? I'm very curious as to how they rationalize that one. Go Buffs!

Posted by rodrigo on November 12, 2007 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go CU! Beat the Huskers!

Posted by walto_clown on November 12, 2007 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bzainthemd,

Good question. In his press conference Coach Hawk said he would permit the good folks at Big XII HQ give us the story, implying that he didn't really agree what they had to say. But when will we know what the view from the top might be?

I thought Cody's interview on this site was interesting. I got the impression that Drescher believed the ball HAD been spotted the first time. The second time he seemed to believe the clock would start on the snap, based on a conversation with an official. As I read the rules (and I'm still sorting through this, so I might be wrong) it seems as though in the case of a field goal following a delay of game penalty, the clock would normally begin at the snap. The exception would be "referee's discretion". If I'm reading that correctly, the question remains, why would the ref exercise his discretion to affect the outcome of our game? I've gotta believe these guys are impartial. Right?

Posted by WhosYourDaddy on November 12, 2007 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Doctor, was the coach's son playing QB in that pee wee game?

Might be the same league afterall!

Posted by mulder1010 on November 13, 2007 at 1:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I had posted I really believe the TT was the turning point. Still this team will fall here and there. They may win and be 6-6 but it does not insure a 7-5 or 8-4 season next year. Just look at KSU. They are going to have to win at Fresno to just be 6-6 and they were in a bowl last year. Obviously I am assuming they lose this week.
Cody does not have the weapons that other Big 12 QB's have. How much better would he be if there was a Purify, Bylthe, or a Crabtree to throw to. McCoy had a great year last season because the UT line and WR's were pretty much the same from when Young was there.
Another thing is that I have not seen mentioned is no bye week. CU has gone 11 weeks without a bye week. The extra days off will seriously help this team. They looked sluggish against Missouri and spent at times against ISU in the second half.
Hawk will get this going....... Have faith, the administration gave Mac a lot of time and were seriously rewarded. Hawk will do the same.

Posted by nhilo32 on November 13, 2007 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with mulder1010. I think the bye week is going to do a world of good. After the sched these kids faced they are just spent. They need some time to rest and rejuvenate. I have no doubt that we'll get their best game vs NU.

Posted by archalon on November 13, 2007 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So many idiots on these borads, especially Sea Bass. To hear him tell it, Coach Hawk calls all the plays and little hawk plays every down, offense and defense.

Get off the QB - pass defense, line play, ineffective corrdinators and dropped passes lost this game - not a coach and a QB.

Why doesnt somebody call out Collins or Helfrich instead of obsessing over a single player ?

Grow up

Posted by Saheeb on November 13, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good points all, especially cu_1982 and Jasper_Johns. We all also have to bear in mind that this 5-6 team, currently, played the third toughest schedule in the country. If we'd had a couple of Kansas' cupcakes we'd surely be 6-5 or 7-4 right now. We're on the right path. And, all this talk about Cody's height -- Todd Reesing at KU is the same height, if not shorter. But, his stronger arm and running ability makes him more dangerous than Cody (currently). Just to throw it out there, I'm curious how the season would have gone if we'd had Bernard Jackson in for a few plays at QB in games. Yes, he wasn't a great passer, (and I certainly wouldn't advocate him taking a lot of snaps over Cody). But, with the run or pass element he would have added it's intersting to ponder how that might have affected defenses and games overall.

Posted by phibuffa on November 13, 2007 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love BEL's post, outdoing CU 1982, Rodrigo and the rest of us by harkening back to the 50's. Well done, Old Boy (and I say that with all due respect and reverence)! Keep the faith and give Hawk a chance. People jumping off the band wagon just lightens the load for the rest of us...and when they jump back on, that'll be ok too, because it will mean we have more horses (or should I say Buffaloes) to carry their lazy, cynical rear ends.

GO BUFFS!

Posted by GloryGloryColorado on November 13, 2007 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dan Hawkins has worked very hard to get in the position he is in and calls the game based on the years of experience and hard work, and at the risk of his own job. It is rediculous to see all these "coaches" critical of his calls and coaching. If you guys think you can call a better game, get a damned whistle and cap, maybe some Bike compression shorts, a clipboard, and get your a$$ out there and do some coaching. Start at whatever level you can, and if you know your stuff, you will move up the ranks. If you are as good as Hawk, you will eventually land at a d-1 job. Until you do, shut the f up.

Posted by extrapoint on November 13, 2007 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You forgot one thing Glory.
You are going to need a college degree to coach at the high school level. That eliminates most of the Husker posters here.

Posted by cu_1982 on November 13, 2007 at 10:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Phibuffa and BEL,

I'm LOL!!!

I can't wait until the Whizzer White croud shows up on this board!!!

The Buffs will Rock in 2008 and be downright awesome in 2009 - can't wait.

Posted by SF_BUFF on November 14, 2007 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For the record, I love Hawks attitude and what he brings to CU. And all of you who call people who actually decide to pass judgment on calls or plays made by an employee of the university and then call us "not a true fan" need a quick shot of reality. Approval is not blind but based on facts. The fact is Hawk has repeatedly made bad decisions. He did it in the K-State game right before the half. He did it again in the Iowa State game at the beginning of the second half. All I ask, is that maybe once and a while he use a sounding board of reason before he makes the genius calls. Sometimes I think he has a little too much of a "If I don't try its not growing" attitude. The real brilliance is knowing the 60-40 end of the proposition and knowing which end you are on. So far, there have been one too many times he was on the 40 end and said, "oh well I don't care I have to try". Come on coach, grow and learn like you encourage your players to do.

Posted by cu_1982 on November 14, 2007 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SF_BUFF,

All coaches make bad decisions. The question is whether they learn from their decisions. But the type of decisions typically being questioned here include many other factors: past experience with similar decisions, talent to execute, etc.

Point is, Hawkins has probably made similar game decisions in the past and was successful due to issues such as better talent (maybe), different level of play (WAC versus Big 12), and other factors. My assumption is he is trying to instill a level of confidence in the program and in his players that he believes they can make it on 4th and 1 - execute and make it happen - and use these small wins to show the opponents that his team can beat them any place, any time.

Granted, that approach is a gamble and I'm sure people will say - yeah, but he doesn't have the talent - the Big 12 is too tough - going for first down behind your 50 is stupid regardless of the scenario.

However, consider the ISU decision - CU was up 21 points. Feels pretty safe to go for it on 4th and short behind your 50 - to show the opponent that you are going to take charge of the game - that you are capable.

As I pointed out in past posts, McCartney made similar decisions in his early days at CU. Hawkins might decide to "learn" from the ISU type situations and become more conservative.

Or, he might stay with his approach - which appears to be - "I'm going to trust my players ability to execute, have faith in my system, and show the opponent that we will beat you on any given down at any location on the field".

OK - now let the flood of hate and "you are an idiot" posts begin.

Posted by BEL on November 14, 2007 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shakespeare aptly wrote "to thy own self be true". Hawk has to remain true to himself. It is an integral part of his personality and character to take risks. This is who he is. Although Hawk may lend an ear to the Nervous Nellies in the crowd who may want him to back off or tone down his penchant for risk taking, I hope that he does not heed their advice. If Hawk is the person that I think he is, I suspect that he will continue to roll the dice and let the chips fall wherever they may.

Calling plays and making decisions in a football game is an art -- not a rigorous science where the outcome follows from logical necessity. Monday morning quarterbacks alway have the advantage of 100% hindsight, but decisions made at crucial moments during games have to rely not only upon pre-game planning, but also past experience, gut feeling, and intuition.

I remember that one of Bill McCartney's biggest regrets occurred when he decided to play it too conservatively. This occurred when the heavily favored Buffs went to Palo Alto, CA to play a Stanford team coached by Bill Walsh. There were about 2 minutes left in the game. Stanford had no timeouts. CU had a 3-point lead and had possession of the ball on 4th and 1 from their own 39-yard line. McCartney played it by the book and decided to punt. Needless to say, Stanford drove down the field and scored the winning touchdown as time expired. This threw McCartney into a deep, depressive funk because his pride was hurt. He thought that he had been outcoached by the so-called genius, Bill Walsh. Barnett, who was at Northwestern at this time, had to call McCartney on the phone to console him and bring him out of his funk. There are other instances that McCartney deeply regretted for playing too conservatively, but I'll stop here to avoid being too tedious and boring.

At some point in the future, if Hawk encounters a similar situation, I hope he goes for it on 4th down. No regrets and no looking back if it fails.

Posted by mamasboy on November 14, 2007 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the coach was honest when he said "he wanted to get the guys going", as he sensed that the team needed a "get going" type of play. I'm OK with honest decisions, but when I hear the coach say he doesn't make excuses and then his radio show has him telling us that one of his young (who recruited this kid?)H-backs didn't know what to do on a H flat pass (fire the guy coaching that kid) and the team is young and green and blah... and needs a couple more years (meaning millions more for him personally) to get things right. Then with a straight face says he doesn't know who will be the starting QB the next 3 years.
Yeah Right, and 70+ virgins will be waiting for the players outside the locker room.

Posted by oz_in_cali on November 17, 2007 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As someone who wrote a post critical of the 4th down call to start the half at ISU, I feel like I need to post some clarification. I was critical of that one call, not of Hawk's go-for-it approach. And while I feel that I am fairly knowledgable(sp?) when it comes to football, I certainly didn't mean to act like I know more than Hawk. I don't. I think Hawk is a great coach and am happy we have him. I just didn't like the call. I, personally, like the fact that Hawk doesn't play it by-the-book. I just think there is a time when taking a risk is worth it and times when risks are not necessary. In the case of the ISU, I just didn't think it was necessary. Taking a risk means to accept the possibility of losing something of value for a chance at something of greater value. In the case of the 4th down call at ISU, I just don't think the reward merited the risk. This was clearly not the case in the CSU, OU or KU games. In each of those games the rewards far outweighed the consequences of failure. At ISU that wasn't the case, plain and simple. I am not down on Hawk or the Buffs. I'm just down on that call. Everyone makes mistakes, and on that particular play call Hawk made a mistake.
GO BUFFS! HUCK THE FUSKERS!

Posted by extrapoint on November 17, 2007 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sounds to me like mamasboy2nddaddy needs an experienced woman (no virgins need apply).

And, with your obsession as a Hawk hater, dont hand me any crapp about being a Hawk worshipper. If he deserves it, I and most everyone else here will also climb on Hawks back IN DUE TIME.

In the event Hawk does go on to win a national championship or even the Big 12 North, will you commit suicide? say yes, please....

Posted by oz_in_cali on November 18, 2007 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope you don't mean to imply that I am another one of Sybil's alter-egos.
You know me. I am a true Buff, 100%

Posted by oz_in_cali on November 18, 2007 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nevermind, now I see what you are responding to. My bad.