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Woelk: CU's resolve pays big dividends
First things first:
Hats off to a Colorado senior class that deserves a special place in the memories of every Colorado football fan. A group that endured more off- and on-the-field turmoil than perhaps any group in CU history went out in style on a frigid Friday at Folsom Field. There have been bigger wins and more important wins, but this bunch will always have a special place in CU history as the team that slapped 65 on rival Nebraska.
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- Woelk: In the end, no surprise for bad-news Buffs
- Woelk: One more chance for Buffs to get better
- Big 12 girding itself for gridlock
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Sixty-five? That's a number worth remembering. In a game that begged for a 35-second clock and a free throw line, Dan Hawkins' Buffaloes erased an 11-point halftime deficit by scoring five consecutive touchdowns, getting a huge boost from a defense that looked defenseless in the first 30 minutes in the process.
The numbers are staggering. Most combined points ever — 116 — in a CU-NU game. A grand total of 1,128 yards total offense, with 16 touchdowns scored and a field goal. The Buffs ran for 277 yards and threw for 241; the Huskers threw for 484 and ran for 126. The Buffs just missed scoring the most points in CU history (66 vs. NE Louisiana in 1995), and they now own the Nos. 3 and 4 spots on the list of most points ever scored against the Huskers.
And, for the first time since 1990, the Buffs beat Oklahoma and Nebraska in the same season. For those of you too young to recall, that was a year worth remembering.
Certainly, there are plenty of positives that come with Friday's win, bowl eligibility among the biggest.
Let's say this much right now: Given Colorado's schedule, the Buffs deserve a postseason spot. Wins over Oklahoma and Texas Tech, a solid effort against No. 2 Kansas and a 65-51 nationally televised win over Nebraska to finish the regular season should be enough to send the Buffs bowling. Throw in the fact that CU refuses to pad its schedule with nonconference rummies to become bowl-eligible (Florida State and Arizona State this season), and it should be a no-brainer for any bowl officials worth their bright-colored blazers.
But even bigger than a bowl bid — at least in the long run — is that the Buffs practiced what Dan Hawkin has preached since he arrived on campus, a lesson that will serve CU well in the long run.
The Buffs finished. Down by 11 at the half, in the wake of giving up an all-too-easy 66-yard touchdown to complete a 35-point NU first half, the Buffs didn't blink.
"I told this team that all that matters is that you finish well," Hawkins said. "Be a guy that finishes. It's what good football teams are made of and also what good people are made of as well."
Easy to say, hard to do — and this one would've been easy to let get away. Four times this year, the Buffs have taken leads on teams and failed to finish what they started. This one had all the looks of becoming number five, particularly after CU failed to move the ball on its first possession of the second half.
Enter the defense — yes, the same defense that yielded 35 points and 393 yards offense in the first half.
Redshirt freshman Jimmy Smith returned an interception for a touchdown. Lionel Harris picked off Joe Ganz's very next pass to set up another. Then a blocked punt set up a third, followed by an 84-yard drive for a score and yet one more interception (Cha'pelle Brown) to set up another touchdown.
Game over, and sometime today, Nebraska A.D. Tom Osborne will quite likely make it official: Nebraska is searching for another head coach. The once-proud Husker program is spinning its wheels, and with no bowl game in sight, NU will begin the rebuilding process for the second time in five seasons.
But Nebraska's worries are of little concern to the Buffs.
What's important in Colorado is the future, and today, Colorado's future looks solid. Bowl game or not, CU's second-half finish is the kind that will stretch long beyond December. Those are the kinds of moments that will convince a team to punch adversity in the eye the next time it arises, the kinds of moments that will convince CU's young players that Hawkins' constant reminders about "finishing" are worth listening to.
"You saw that resolve blossom today," said CU freshman lineman Ryan Miller, whose first taste of the CU-NU rivalry will be one he relishes for a long time. "It works. When coach Hawkins talks about driving on, about working through adversity and injuries and bad breaks, you know you can get through it.
"I think we always knew it, but today just proved it."
By no means is Friday's win a guaranteed turning point. Rather, it's just another solid step forward in Hawkins' rebuilding project, one that still has plenty of work remaining. Next year's schedule, which includes Florida State and West Virginia in nonconference play plus Texas taking Oklahoma's place in the Big 12 slate, already has CU fans flinching.
But don't expect the Buffs to do the same — not, at least, if they take the lessons of this year with them.
Posted by mgmtgrad on November 24, 2007 at 4:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CU was predicted to finish last in the north... they finished 3rd.
They played well against undefeated KU, lost by only five points... and beat NU & OU. Also beat TT who beat OU.
I hope they get a bowl bid, I want to see more and they deserve it. And the extra practice will help spring board next year.
Lost a game they should have won at ISU... but, even if they had won at ISU they would have finished 3rd in the north.
I'd have to say that after a 2-10 year, this has been a major step forward.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE PLAYERS FOR A GOOD YEAR. (maybe not a great one, but a good one)
Watching CU play and Dizon on Sundays is going to be fun. I hope this all results in some more recruits coming to CU.
I'm already looking forward to next year.
Marcus J
Posted by maui172 on November 24, 2007 at 5:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's fun to see the talented (fast) wide receivers we have now. Most of them are freshmen so that bodes well for the future and Cody Hawkins is just going to get better.
Please, recruit some defensive linemen that can put some heat on the quarterback. Also, get rid of that stupid 3 man rush, its totally ineffective. We need to bring 4 or 5 men to put pressure.
If you had said at the end of last year you could be 6 -6 with wins over Oklahoma and Nebraska, the fans would be estatic! Keep the ball rolling.
Posted by Ralphie2 on November 24, 2007 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GREAT VICTORY!!! LET'S GET ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL!
Posted by bznBuff on November 24, 2007 at 7:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In light of the circumstances, this was a great year and one that will lay a solid foundation for a reborn program. Yes, we deserve a bowl game for the reasons Neil mentioned. Our team is once again in very capable hands, and the drive back to dominance is in full swing. Although I have always been proud to be a Buff, as I sit this morning and reflect on a tumultuous year, I am so proud of our guys - players who went through a very dark tunnel during their stay in Boulder, but fought hard to emerge from the other side. They are to be thanked for their contribution in rebuilding a once great program, and allowing us all to say, on this beautiful November morning, that the best is yet to come in Boulder, Colorado!
Go Buffs!
Posted by DCCU10 on November 24, 2007 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Huge win for the program; to play well in a nationally-televised game will be huge for recruiting purposes. I think the future is extremely bright; Cody will come back stronger and wiser next season, we've got a great recruiting class (with or without Darrell Scott) and like bzn said, a lot of young talent. I'm thrilled, and really proud of the seniors, who've been through more than any kid should have to deal with. Go CU-- RESPECT IS BACK, FEAR IS NEXT!!!!
Posted by rodrigo on November 24, 2007 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations, Buffs. A special year by any measure and an absolutely awesome way for the seniors to say goodbye to Folsom Field. Like I said on Wednesday, there is simply nothing sweeter than smackin' down the Huskers.
Posted by reallifeshocker on November 24, 2007 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
defensive linemen. big, strong, mobile. make every offense they face concerned about the ability to run, and the durablitiy of their quarterback. have them playing with that "deer-in-the-headlights" look. get them now.
Posted by RalphieWyoWyo on November 24, 2007 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am very proud how the Buffs came back. When I think of OK, they get all the 5 star recruits any team would like and you would think they or Florida would be winning the title every year. NO! Its the teams that play as a team and play to WIN, that is why I am excited to watch the KU-MIZZ game tonight.
Welcome to modern day college football.
Hawkins could have a 10-2 season in 2 years or they could have another 6-6 season, but we shouldn't fire him and pull a Fusker.
I love the Hawk! Hope we go Bowling!
Posted by ColoradoPaul on November 24, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No one has mentioned the incredible day Hugh Charles had running the ball. I thought his best play though was his 33 yard reception on a "wheel route" early on. He got checked pretty hard to the head coming out of his break and turned and caught the ball in one motion. Easily one of the best catches by a Buff receiver all season. Hugh had over 330 all-purpose yards, and ran with determination.
What more can be said of Jordon Dizon. His instincts are amazing and his heart is huge. Considering the luck the Rockies had going 0-3 in post-season awards(due to the east-coast bias) I don't think he will win the Butkus. But he certainly deserves the award. It was sad to see Ralphie IV run for the last time at Folsom, but you could tell it is time, she was reluctant to go on the cold, cold day but like the Buffs she picked up steam and finished her career strong.
I hope Terrence Wheatley heals so he can finish his career in bowl appearance. Thanks to Coach Hawkins and the team, which could have easily finished 8-4, but we are proud of the strides you have made.
Go Buffs!
Posted by houston_buff on November 24, 2007 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That was a great effort and can't think what kind of team we would have had this year (Colt Brennan to name just one) if it was not for that confederate Gary Barnett. The list of transgressions is too long and it is history, but the recovery the Buffs made this year is fabulous. Too bad only Buff fans know about it, the national picture is a year or two away.
Posted by NorCalLovesDaBuffs on November 24, 2007 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bowl agreements with the Big 12 require CU goes to a bowl game. There is no maybe about it. I think the Buffs will keep the momentum rolling with an even better performance in their bowl game. Next year should be exciting.
Posted by bzainthemd on November 24, 2007 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, we're 100% going bowling now that KSU lost. That's 8 BigXII eligible teams, and 8 automatic bowl tie-ins. Now that said, I think we would have gotten the bid anyway had KSU won because of our heavy alumni population in SoCal and AZ. That, and if the BigXII sends 2 teams to the BCS, we were gauranteed the bid. But anyway, we're going bowling and let's make this a winning season!
GO CU, to whatever bowl we're going to!
Posted by MDBuff on November 24, 2007 at 8:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Look at the progress this team has made compared to last year's 2-10 record. It's been a real rollercoaster, though with the win against OU, and bowl eligibility as the highlights, the future looks very promising for the Buffs.
Posted by mgmtgrad on November 24, 2007 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
KSU LOST TO FRESNO, CU IS IN A BOWL GAME!
GO BUFFS
Marcus J
Posted by mootobaby on November 25, 2007 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a fun season it's been, despite the ups (beating the Sooners, Raiders and Huskers) and downs (barely losing to Kansas, getting hammered by Mizzou, and the loss at Iowa State). Great effort by the offensive line this year to allow Cody Hawkins to establish himself and provide Hugh Charles a season of nearly a thousand yards (he will reach four digits in the bowl game). Winning that bowl game is vital, too. Extra practices are valuable, but a bowl victory to springboard from is, too. Who will it be? A matchup with Kentucky would be quite interesting. Illinois, anyone? P.S. Thanks Ralphie IV ...
Posted by ArizonaBuff on November 25, 2007 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
During the preseason all I read was how we would be lucky to win four games and 6 would practically be a miracle. Throughout the season I read how Cody shouldn't be the QB and Hawk couldn't coach. Funny how everything changes when the results come in. Coaches at their best are teachers, and it seems to me from what the players say about Hawk, Cabral, etc., that this staff has done a superb job of teaching these kids not only football but a lot about life. I'll take that over 12-0 seasons any day. As to the behavior of students that I have been reading about, there are always going to be jerks at every university but that doesn't indict the whole university. I was at the A.S.U. game and the fans were just fine. A couple made wisecracks about us Buffs (My wife who was there has 3 degrees from A.S.U.) but I just chalked it up to students just jealous that they couldn't qualify for admission to C.U. I was at the Kansas game this year and saw no different behavior than at A.S.U. My overall point: Just be happy when good things occur and roll with the bad when it happens. Life is too short to get pushed out of shape over most things. And being an armchair quarterback may cause you to think you know more than the coaches but you don't. Instead, listen to the players' views of their mentors--just as you would have a good idea of how capable your teachers are.
Posted by kvstein on November 26, 2007 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good job seniors! Thanks for hanging in there when others left.
Posted by rswright on November 27, 2007 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The only ones who considered the last few seasons a failure were our fans,alums and the press who only look at the win/loss record. These faithful fans turned in their tickets by the thousands and drove the AD into debt. Now when the team wins, they consider theteam to be a success. Sounds like the returning Viet Nam vets who needed to win before they got any respect
Who needs fans alums and the media like this?
The teams each year have worked hard will remember the competition and the comaraderie for the rest of their lives gave their all and were a credit to CU. The fans, alums and media will remember these teams only till next year and a new win/loss record. Fans, like this CU doesn't need. The students are the ones college sports is all about and win or lose they have done well.
Posted by houstonbuff on November 29, 2007 at 1:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
houston_buff stole my name!!
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