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Woelk: Buffs need to deliver message
DENVER -- A year ago, this corner theorized that the Colorado-Colorado State matchup was a game between two programs going in different directions.
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Proof that even a blind pig occasionally finds the acorn.
Colorado used an overtime victory as the first step toward a 6-6 regular season that included wins over Oklahoma and Nebraska, a bowl berth and the promise of better things to come.
CSU, meanwhile, never recovered. The Rams finished 3-9, saw their legendary coach fired at season's end and are now staring at the bleak prospect of a lengthy rebuilding phase.
The second part of last year's hypothesis consisted of a prediction that the 2007 contest would be CSU's last good chance of getting a victory in the series anytime in the near future.
We'll hold to that prediction (granted, a prognostication that loses a little punch when you figure the series could very well stop after 2010 unless CSU officials come to their senses).
Still, the oddsmakers believe that today's game will end the stretch of series squeakers in the rivalry, one that has seen no more than seven points separate the two in their last six meetings.
Today, Dan Hawkins' Buffs are favored by 11 points. Given the fact that the Rams have a new coach, a new quarterback and a new system, it's by no means a generous spread.
The wild card here is the rivalry aspect. The Rams, who have always played this game with a chip on their shoulder, will bring an extra-large helping of animosity into today's contest. The ever-present feeling of being the "little brother" in this in-state rivalry was re-emphasized Friday when Colorado decided to play next year's game in Boulder.
CSU officials want the game in Denver. New Ram head coach Steve Fairchild wants the game in Denver. This could very well be their last chance to prove it belongs there.
If possible, this is more than "just" a head coaching debut for Fairchild. The former CSU quarterback and NFL offensive coordinator has the chance in front of him to put his immediate stamp on theprogram. The shadow of former coach Sonny Lubick still looms large in Fort Fun, and a win today would thrust Fairchild into the sunlight in a big hurry.
But the game is equally important for Colorado coach Dan Hawkins.
Hawk is entering his third year with a team whose vast majority of players are his recruits. This is the year Hawk needs to open with a strong statement, a statement that says CU football is headed in the right direction.
Hawk needs to show that his imprint is firmly stamped on this team.
Thus far the signs have been good. The Buffs went to a bowl game last year, gaining a little national notoriety with the win over Oklahoma along the way. Hawk then put together a top-20 recruiting class.
But a strong start is mandatory this year. After next week's game against Eastern Washington, a brutal schedule that includes three top-20 teams awaits.
Colorado needs to establish momentum early and keep it rolling.
For Colorado, today's game is about more than the CU-CSU series. It's about the big picture, about sending a message to the state's college football fans that CU is moving forward.
The Buffs don't need just a win today.
They need a decisive victory if they are indeed serious about sending that type of message.
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Posted by mgmtgrad on August 31, 2008 at 4:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with those last few lines and that's what makes this game so important that it can't be overlooked by CU’s young team. The captains, other seniors and Cody need to step up and make sure they are in control from the very beginning. CSU is coming in with a chip on their shoulders and with some of those players that were a big apart of the close couple of games mentioned above. CU needs to contain those guys first and rattle the QB right from the start.
That said and completed, CU will have to be earned every win this year. But, the better CU does this year really does set up next year and the following next few years.
GO BUFFS
Marcus J
Posted by NJBuff on August 31, 2008 at 6:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
LET'S GO BUFFS!
Posted by JBuff on August 31, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think Hawk, and this program, need to flex their offensive muscles. This is the game. We can pound it inside and throw deep this year. We can keep offenses honest this year based on how Scott looks today just by putting him in the game. We have a line that potentially is starting a player who's never played that position and a player that hasn't played a snap since his junior year and no one's worried. That's confidence in your talent which will show today. Look for the Buffs to have a score that starts with a 4 or a 5.
We are one step closer to being the team everyone in the Big 12 north everyone's gunning for. Go Buffs.
Posted by nocobuffan on August 31, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe the Buffs will come out strong and fast, enjoying very good field position throughout the game. The running game will get established early and Cody will have time to go deep when needed. CSU's corners will get picked on often and burned at least twice for TD's. When the Buffs show that they are in complete control of this game the Rams will be forced to try to compete and will be unable to due in large part to inexperience at key positions (i.e. QB) and weak to average talent on the roster. I live in Ft. Collins and have found even die hard Ram fans facing the realization that Sonny left the program in shambles with a long rebuilding road ahead. CU has a quiet confidence with skill players to back it up and control this game and win going away. CU 52-CSU 6 GO BUFFS !!
Posted by mgmtgrad on August 31, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cool! I hope all of you are right. I'd love to see CU begin the season with a strong win.
Marcus J
Posted by flyfishingbuff on August 31, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The person I think is going to have a big day(and career with the buffs) is at the running back position. RODNEY STEWART. Their is something about this kid that I think he is going to be very good. Darrell Scott is going to be good too but I think 'Speedy' has the determination to be something very special. He practices at 110% and I hope he plays even harder. I think Deuce(Scott) and Speedy will be the Buffs version of Lendale White and Reggie Bush. Go BUFFS!!!
Posted by oz_in_cali on August 31, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a big game. Given the number of upsets yesterday (Michigan, VT, A&M, Pitt, Western Michigan...), our Buffs better come ready to take care of business.
The Rams are for sure gonna try to come out swingin', so our guys have to shut um down quick and never let up the whole game.
I agree with Neill and Marcus J, this game not only sets the tone for this season, but for seasons to come. Very big game indeed.
GO BUFFS!!!
Posted by 14ers4me on August 31, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Been counting this down since national signing day in Feb. Can't wait to see the newest Buffs kick some a$$ and it's great to see speed again at the skill positions. Barney killed us in that regard. Speed kills and so will the Buffs. 44-20!!!
Posted by Ralphie2 on August 31, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GO BUFFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by BuffTime on August 31, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
vkberlin2, the message I'm getting from you is you know nothing about football and you're no Buffs fan.
Kenny, is that you?
Posted by rodrigo on August 31, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ignore vk. Bitter and stupid is a sorry way to go through life.