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Buffs aim to cook up turnovers vs. OU
Getting Sooners to cough up ball would slow down prolific offense
The recipe for beating No. 3 Oklahoma this week goes something like this for the Colorado football team: Play close to perfect and hope the Sooners are feeling charitable.
CU defensive coordinator Ron Collins directed defenses during his time at Boise State that were known for forcing turnovers. In his first season in Boulder last year, the Buffs made their share of big plays forcing 24 turnovers, but it has been a different story so far this year.
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The CU defense has been steadily improving each week and is coming off its first shutout in nearly two years, but it has registered only four take-aways in the process. The Buffs rank 105th in the nation in turnover margin after four games, with the defense nabbing two fumbles and two interceptions but the offense giving it back 10 times.
"The area we need to get better at is obviously turnovers," Collins said. "We had the opportunity (last week) for two interceptions that we didn't get, and we've got to get those.
"I think we're doing a good job in getting teams in third downs, but it would be nice to start forcing some fumbles and getting some picks. Our team needs that."
The Buffs won't need it in any game this season more than they will Saturday.
CU hasn't faced an offense with the explosive capabilities Oklahoma possesses. The Sooners are the highest-scoring team in the nation through the first month of the season, averaging 61.5 points per game.
Yes, some of that damage has come against teams such as North Texas and Utah State, but the Sooners also pounded the Miami Hurricanes 51-13. The same Miami team thumped Texas A&M last week.
CU still lacks the overall offensive talent to go toe-to-toe with the Sooners in a shootout so it must be efficient. Then the defense must force OU mistakes. The Sooners have committed seven turnovers so far this season — five fumbles and two interceptions.
"They are an explosive offense, but if we do our jobs, nothing is impossible," safety Ryan Walters said.
"If we play our game and do what we've got to do, they're definitely beatable," linebacker Jordon Dizon said.
Collins said the Oklahoma offense will be the toughest test the Buffs face all year because it does everything well. The Sooners are the seventh-best rushing offense in the nation, averaging 5.8 yards per carry and 252 yards per game. Their passing game ranks 16th in the nation with 15 touchdowns to its credit and 310 yards per game.
The Sooners already have made 14 plays of 40 yards or more.
"It's just one of those games where you pop a few Tylenol and you go because you know they're coming after you, man," Dizon said. "They never let up. They're just one of those relentless teams that come after you."
Notable
CU's Nov. 6 game at Baylor will not be televised. Kickoff has been set for 5:05 p.m. MT. ... CU coaches are considering asking a player to switch positions in mid-season to shore up linebacker depth. The most likely candidate might be fullback Maurice Cantrell, who was converted from linebacker to fullback last season. He has played in every game this season but doesn't have a carry and hasn't caught a pass. ... Former Buff greats Deon Figures, Kanavis McGhee, Matt Russell and Alfred Williams will serve as honorary marshals for the annual homecoming parade Friday at 5:15 p.m. in the University Hill area.
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Posted by mtnboykev35 on September 25, 2007 at 6:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am in a different time zone and am up to make the first post so whosyourmamaboys2nddadybuff can come along and cry like chicken little.
As for the game, probably not too many true CU fans belive CU will beat OU. Hope to keep it close but could get ugly if the offense does not show up. As for doughting Hawkins ability, would you rether have Charlie Wies and be 0-4 with some of the best athletes in the nation?
Posted by mtnboykev35 on September 25, 2007 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I beleive that ND did give Wies a rather lengthy contract extension just recently. And I would give Hawkins 2 more years, then if he still cannot get wins against top 25 teams he should be replaced but it is too early to call for any of that yet. To me personally things look good now......
Posted by trubuff on September 25, 2007 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You always need to give a new coach five years to turn a program around. As long as the Buffs show improvement each year we will be fine and I will support Hawkins. I see at least 5 wins this year, if not 7 or even 8 with the toughest games at home (MU,NU). That would be a huge improvement and thats all we can ask for at this point. Think of all the freshmen who are already contributing.
Posted by kimolukela on September 25, 2007 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All CU needs is some time to bring the Black & Gold back to dominance! There is a good chance we get some top recruits this year and after we pull a couple of upsets, we'll seal the deal. OU is a tough team, but anything can happen in College Football. LET'S GO BUFFS!
Posted by ColoradoPaul on September 25, 2007 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's difficult to see the Buffs winning more than 5 games unless they are able to run the ball consistently. The game against Miami of Ohio was anomaly, and even then the play calling was suspect. The end around isn't catching anyone by surprise and surely Oklahoma with all its speed will eat that up. If anything the Buffs need to smash-mouth the ground game. It ain't pretty but at least you don't lose 10 yards and have long second and third downs.
The same goes for the defense. Colorado State ran the ball pretty efficiently and FSU broke off a couple of big runs, including a cut-back, back breaker. The Buffs need to be disciplined and try not to over pursuit, try to keep the cut-back lanes filled.
Finally, the special teams have been a problem. On Saturday there was a punt that pinned the Buff receiver against the left sideline, apparently they had a return setup to the right. He ran 40 yards diagonally across the field trying to get to the blocking instead of just heading straight up field. Kickoffs are short, and the opponents are getting way too many yards on returns.
The Buffs are more confident in their on-field demeanor this year. But they seem to get down on themselves when things don't go right instead of fighting through it. This was apparent in both of the losses, especially at ASU where they let the weather and their opponents get in their heads.
I doubt if the coaches or players read these posts. It is more a way for the fans to vent. But if they do... get the ball to Hugh!
Posted by nwbuff32 on September 25, 2007 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
more like get the ball to lockridge. kid is just as fast as hugh and loves to hit back.
Posted by snakeyman on September 25, 2007 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's a little motivation:
http://hub.ou.edu/articles/article.ph...
Posted by dabuffs50 on September 25, 2007 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Last week I watched Tulsa go toe to toe with OU for the first two quarters, giving them all they want and then letting the wheels fall off. After going in and playing Georgia tough with a terrible offense, I am confident anything can happen on Any Given Saturday, so let's hope the Buffs come out pissed off and get some things to fall their way. Bradford is a redshirt freshman too, and their will be bumps along the road for him if we find ways to get him on his back. The OU receivers did look impressive against Tulsa, but if we can jump a few early and pressure Bradford, we will be okay. Also, the Buffs run defense will shut em down. Let's go Buffaloes!!!!!!!!!
Posted by dabuffs50 on September 25, 2007 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ummmm, you are treating Oklahoma like a Pro Team. Bottom line, If CU starts well, they have a chance against anyone. I agree that they have to keep the score low, in order to have a chance. Tulsa moved the ball easily throughout the first half and just wasn't able to come away with points. We run a similar offense, and I think if we execute, we can put some points up. As always, the defense has to play near perfection.
Posted by GoBuffs07 on September 25, 2007 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just left a comment on the OU.edu site for that article. I told them just to send their backups here to play CU and keep their starters focused on Texas. We'll see if they listen
Posted by cumba06 on September 25, 2007 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is hands down the best team the Buffs will face all year. The good news is they are human so they can screw up, the bad new is that isn't likely. This is what has to happen for the Buffs to keep it close:
-Cody throws to the 2nd and 3rd options
-Cody has time to check down to other receivers
-Ryan & Kia play well beyond their experience level
-Hugh runs with authority and challenges would be tacklers
-All receivers make terrific plays on the ball
In order to win we will need to also see:
-OU offense become out of sync
-OU receivers dropping balls they shouldn't
-OU running backs hesitating before slowly moving through the hole
-An overall sub par performance from OU because the Texas game is a week away, and we are wimpy 2-10 Colorado.
This could happen, not a high probability, but I am saying there's a chance.
Posted by WhosYourDaddy on September 25, 2007 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
2B - What did you say to get your comment removed? Nevermind, I know, you probably mentioned Cody's height or the fact that he now has two losses or some other thing that made it appear that you were not genuflecting before the Almighty Hawkins'
Posted by Ldjbuff on September 25, 2007 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess by the way 2ndbleep put it CU shouldn't show up to field that "OU is going to blow us out by 60-100points yadyadyad....It's quite fun since OU's 2000 season with the exception of the 2004-2005 season ,the score vs CU is a average loss of 22points now look at the teams stoops and co. have had since then QB(hybl,white, RB's griffin peterson ,def harris,williams,calmus etc. Those same teams had better over all talent.Now yes all "TRUE" CU fans have seen or heard how good OU is, even Hawkins and CO. know that,but you still have to play the game. Bradford hasn't seen alot of def schemes ,just like Cody hasn't but if our def can execute and create turnovers like in past meetings and slow the run ,then it's up to the off to move the chains and get points. Yes it's alot.. but to keep this game competitive in the 4th this with some breaks is what we need .CU needs 4 more wins to be eligble to play in a bowl which would be great for a 13 game and extra practice for the team also a good way to send off the seniors.As for Hawkin's situation it's his "SECOND YEAR" (actually 16 games in) Ohio state didn't know about tressel and he's done fine or G.Schiano(rutgers) went 2-9- 3-8 1-11 first 3 years look now! or Jim Leavitt of south florida ,a coach needs time not oh!! well it's 16 games why haven't we won all 16 (doen't work like that ) just look at FSU or ND or just the landscape of coll football in general...This staff is trying to build the reputation and pride of a school and fan base,and as fans we can agree to disagree about Hawkins but let's reserve judgement just like some of us did for the previous regime.GO BUFFS!
Posted by extrapoint on September 25, 2007 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
holy moly
I just got back from 2ndBuff's recommendation website of soonerfans.com
Those people make huskers look sophisticated.
Posted by Dizonrocks on September 25, 2007 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sure you Buff fans are fully aware this program hasn't finished in the Top 25 since 2002
(#20/AP,#21/USA Today), haven't been a Top 10 since 2001 (#9 AP/USA Today).Between 2000-2006 (7 seasons), they've cracked the Top 25 twice.Between 1980-1989, one Top 25 (#4,1989).In the glory years,1990-1999, seven straight Top 20's including a split NC in 1990 and three Top 10's (`94-`96). Then nothing between 1997 and 2000.The reason I'm boring you with all the data is to point out they've only been a Top 25 program twice in the past ten seasons. I for one want to give Hawk and his staff every opportunity to get this program competing for the Big 12 Championship and regularly finishing in the Top 25 rankings.I don't think it's reasonable to expect that 4 games into the staff's second campaign in light of the program's state when they took over. I see progress and I liked Eberhart's comment that this was the closest knit CU team he's been on.Be patient, good things await the Buffs.
GO BUFFS!
Posted by Ldjbuff on September 25, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dizonrocks your right about giving this team time,Hawkins has to be allowed to build this team and add talent and depth.I think people forget that and what they should do is look at FSU or 3years ago what J.Paterno went through,at PSU ,instead it's we want the quick fix in 2 years not being patient and giving a guy time to build a foundation.
Posted by f8toblack on September 25, 2007 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
actually, they made it to #2/#3 before the fiesta bowl in 2001
Posted by Dizonrocks on September 25, 2007 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
With regard to the rankings,I'm referencing how they stood in the final rankings.There are plenty of programs that have cracked the Top 25 during the season, but don't wind up there at season's end.I was mostly interested in pointing out it's been a while since the Buffs have made the final Top 25 in consecutive seasons.FWIW,I believe this staff will get the program back to that level of performance in the not too distant future.
GO BUFFS!!
Posted by Dizonrocks on September 25, 2007 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just listened to Stoops' press conference today, said he felt last year's CU defense was one of the best in the Big 12 and is impressed with their performance thus far.Indicated CU is much more effective throwing the ball with Cody at QB and therefore they are passing much more this season.Also complimented the RB's. Said CU has played a more difficult schedule than most others (assume he meant Big 12).Thought Hawk was handling having his son as QB very well, nothing that he would ever want to do himself.Altitude won't be an issue, they'll be in Boulder for less than 24 hours.His staff and players expecting a tough battle in Boulder.
Posted by bshoemaker on September 25, 2007 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I sure hope they watched the OU/TU game and we do a lot of misdirection plays and pressure the OU qb.
ROLL BUFFS ROLL!
Posted by WhosYourDaddy on September 25, 2007 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey guys, Corey Surrency sounds like a great player: 6'5" 4.5 speed !!!
rivals.com has him as a 4 star recruit and scout.com says he's a 5 star!
Hawk made a big deal out of his verbal! I wonder why he wouldn't want to play for Hawk after all? He must have heard that Hawk prefers the small and slow players like his son. Pretty hard to move up in Hawk's depth chart when you're that big and fast.
Posted by Dizonrocks on September 25, 2007 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yep, Smith and Celestine burned their RS because Hawk and his staff don't like speed...guaranteed you can't link an article where Hawk "made a big deal out of his verbal"...pure fantasy...nice try though...
Posted by Edso38 on September 25, 2007 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
2ndBuff seems to be a very informed and insightful football fan. As an OU fan I did not take Tulsa lightly and I don't take CU lightly either. Playing in Boulder is going to be a highly intense situation for the Sooners, especially for Bradford. Fortunately for him he has an incredible offensive line that does a fantastic job of protecting him. CU's def. has only gotten 6 sacks in 4 games. That big line will also open up holes for the platoon of RB's OU will use. Their short passing game, especially the wide receiver screens they use, will make life easier for Bradford. Special teams will also play a big part in this game especially in regards to field position. While punt return yardage by both teams is fairly even, (CU holds a slight edge), OU has a nice advantage in kickoff returns.
As stated in the above article, CU will need to control the ball on offense and need to force turnovers against the Sooners to win. CU can not allow OU to break out for long plays for touchdowns. I respect the CU football team very much and believe that the Sooners won't take them lightly. That said, you can't look at Hawkins the same way as Paul Smith. The Tulsa passing game is much better than CU's. The Buffs will need to use their running game to set up the passing game in order to beat the Sooners.
Just the thoughts of a "sophisticated" Sooner fan.
Posted by Dizonrocks on September 25, 2007 at 9:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A trend of note, OU has run the ball on 61% of their plays and have had more rushes than passes in all four contests. I believe that trend bodes will for their RS Frosh QB.On the other hand, CU has thrown the ball 53% of the time, with more passes than rushes in three out of four games.I'm sure CU would prefer a mix more along the lines of a 60%run/40% pass to take some of the pressure off their RS Frosh QB too.I don't believe anyone was claiming CU's passing game is the equal of Tulsa's right now, just pointing out some things that worked against the Sooners the other night.
Posted by Edso38 on September 25, 2007 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tulsa's offense works because of personnel, especially Paul Smith. Tulsa has a fine group of young receivers that will only get better as the year goes along. They are a pass first team, something that CU doesn't need to do because they have some fine running backs. dabuffs50 made the comment that CU runs an offense similar to Tulsa's and that if CU executes, they should puts some points on the board. Tulsa executed very well in the first half and were still down 21 points. Granted, CU's defense it much better than Tulsa's, but Oklahoma's defense is excellent. But Dizon, you are correct, I believe I over analyzed what he said, because putting points on the board, could mean three points or maybe seven. I saw that statement as meaning many. CU won't get shutout, but they won't score all that much. CU plays a spirted game early, but goes down 45-14 breaking OU's sting of 50 point games at 4.
Posted by MaximusA1 on September 26, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tulsa also had a thing called MOTIVATION!! A couple of there starters thought that OU should have recruited them, so they were out to prove something. Tulsa has excellent WR and excuted very well, and it was still a beat down, the Sooners offensive line is GIGANTIC, they will simply pound on the Buffs. I am a die-hard Sooner fan and cheer for all Big 12 teams (except Texas) and we need the Buffs to return to glory. The Buffs are just catching the Sooners at the wrong time, I see 56-14 and that is with OU pulling the starters in the 3rd quarter. Sorry Buffs, you can still get the Huskers.
Posted by MaximusA1 on September 26, 2007 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kansas, no way! They will fall apart, the Buffs can be the team to beat in the north if they can run the ball.
Posted by phatmack on September 26, 2007 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Edso38:
Thanks for your civilized comments! Its good to get the perspective of a Sooner fan on the board who isn't here to just trash CU. THAT noise is just ridiculous. Anyway, the comments are appreciated... I'm looking for a good game and I'd love to smash the 51+ point game streak OU has going for them! =) My brother-in-law is a die hard Sooner fan and he wouldn't take 21 points on the game?! Wow. I figured that was a good bet! Anyway, I hope its not a track meet in any direction. If you're coming to Boulder for the game we wish you safe travel and highly recommend you get out and enjoy some of what our outdoors has to offer! Thanks again!
WhosYourDaddy:
Why are you here? Do you realize your sarcastic drivel is getting incredibly old? What is your alma mater? (Do you even have one?) Or, as I suspect, are you too embarrassed to say who your team is because you're afraid of what your fellow fans might think about the in-articulate, narrow minded, CU bashing babble that you continue to spew on OUR message boards? You must be incredibly lonely.
Posted by WhosYourDaddy on September 26, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sorry Fatmack I didn't realize this was YOUR message board! I was under the impression that Hawk worship was not a requirement to contribute ideas to this forum. Now that you've set me straight I'll be certain keep my "in-articulate" (sic) "narrow minded" (sic) comments off of YOUR message board from now on.
Posted by phatmack on September 26, 2007 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great! Thanks! We've all been hoping for this for a LONG time now. Adios!
Posted by extrapoint on September 26, 2007 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
gone? I wouldnt bet a dime. Get ready for a new name