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WR Smith, RB Scott both want more opportunities
COLLEGE STATION, Texas --- The one-two punch of Colorado wide receiver Josh Smith and tailback Darrell Scott hasn't packed much power consistently for the Colorado offense this season.
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Both players emerged from another losing locker room at Kyle Field here late Saturday afternoon and said they want the ball more and are not being given enough opportunities in games by coaches.
Smith caught one pass for eight yards in a 24-17 loss to Texas A&M and wasn't on the field for large portions of the game when CU had the ball. He said he was suffering from cramps at one point, but he has gone missing in the Buffs' pass offense many times this fall.
Since catching seven passes for 85 yards against Florida State, Smith has caught just one pass in four of the first five games in Big 12 Conference play. He did drop a sure touchdown pass Saturday on a long throw from quarterback Tyler Hansen.
When asked why Smith isn't a bigger factor in the worst passing game in the Big 12, coach Dan Hawkins provided this explanation:
"Well, there are issues behind the scenes that an aspiring journalist doesn't always see."
Offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich said Smith's involvement, or lack thereof, has to do with several factors.
"We've just got to get his consistency level matching with what we need by game plan, in a nutshell," Helfrich said.
Smith said coaches told him that he needs to keep his intensity level consistent throughout the game. He said coaches have been concerned that his heavy involvement in special teams has affected how he performs at times on offense.
Prior to this season, Smith set a goal of staying on the field more often this fall, but he has fallen back into the same situation as last year, when he was used only in certain personnel groupings. Smith said he believes that approach contributed to him going his entire freshman season without a touchdown and he believes it is preventing him from helping to move the ball and score points now.
"As you can see, that's what we did last year and I could never score doing that last year," Smith said. "It's like we're doing it while I'm playing this year. I'm still in those same effects in that it's harder to get going sitting on the sidelines watching.
"I just can't watch. I don't like it."
Wide receivers coach Eric Kiesau has said on multiple occasions that the best thing for the CU offense is to have Smith in the game as a threat to the defense as much as possible. He also says that Smith has to be able to sustain his effort and intensity on each play.
So how does Smith convince coaches to leave him in the game?
"It's just one of those deals where I don't want them to tell me how to run the ball, and I don't want to tell anyone how to coach," Smith said. "I'm just pretty much out here trying to be as good a tool as I can be to keep this offense moving down the field."
Smith said the offense is scratching and clawing and beginning to figure some things out, but players and coaches must improve their communication.
"We're getting a lot of time before each play and we're just not talking through with the offense," he said. "Calling plays last minute and then going out there doing it and expecting everyone to go out there and do a perfect job, you know, maybe we should take upon that time to spend more time discussing and let everyone process and visualize their techniques before we go out there and just run a play.
"We've got to get the communication thing down, I feel like."
Scott actually made his most significant contributions to the offense since early in the season by rushing 10 times for 66 yards, including a 42-yard run in the first half. He has been beset by injuries this fall and was hobbled further Saturday when he sprained his ankle once again. He played through the pain.
Scott will now be counted on to contribute even more after Rodney Stewart suffered a broken leg in the game. Scott said he's ready to handle the load and would prefer it if coaches would give him more consecutive carries instead of the piecemeal workload he has so far.
Scott said he grew accustomed to carrying the ball as much as 30 times a game in high school and built momentum over the course of the game. Stewart has carried the ball more than 20 times in a game three times this season.
"I would have to say I would need carries to warm up and build," Scott said. "But it's not about me. We have so many injuries to our offensive line this year it's ridiculous. I just think we need to finish strong and try to make it to a bowl game. Win that and just regroup."
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Posted by buff4ever on November 2, 2008 at 12:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, this is being said by the kid who dropped the ball on a wide open touchdown pass in the 1st half?
I would like to see DS get more carries but with our o-line challenges I don't see a lot of yards but since we are struggling it would be worth a try. Maybe ISU is the team to try it on.
I really do not like to see college players demanding the ball more. Not good at all.
Posted by Dizonrocks on November 2, 2008 at 1:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Off topic, and I know TT's Mike Crabtree is a freak of a WR, but did you see that guy's winning grab tonight? Did you see TT's WR's making diving catches for Harrell? At this time, the Buffs don't have that. Sorry to hear J Fly dropped a sure TD, needless to say, this offense can't afford that. I hope Simas and or Blackmon or an incoming WR can be a playmaker. It's frustrating watching other programs have receivers that come up big, when the Buffs seldom do. Oh well...
Posted by buffalobilly on November 2, 2008 at 1:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In previous games , it just seems J Fly makes mental erroers..on special teams and plays from the line of scrimmage. Either drops balls or makes poor judgement errors. Granted he is exciting to watch, but the errors have cost us.
Posted by NJBuff on November 2, 2008 at 5:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The team has a lot of injuries, but Smith isn't being used properly. When he returns punts, he's too tired to be in on 1st down, sometimes 2nd down!
Get another punt returner and keep him on the field during offensive plays.
Posted by NJBuff on November 2, 2008 at 5:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I will add this: I'm a HUGE Hawk fan. I love the Buffs....but his response to Kyle Ringo's question was a slap in the face and a demeaning answer.
"Well, there are issues behind the scenes that an aspiring journalist doesn't always see."
I'm sure this response bothered Kyle. Coach, Kyle Ringo is your beat reporter. Answer his questions like you would to any national reporter.
Posted by hound397 on November 2, 2008 at 5:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"The team has a lot of injuries, but Smith isn't being used properly. When he returns punts, he's too tired to be in on 1st down, sometimes 2nd down!
Get another punt returner and keep him on the field during offensive plays."
I can't understand this, as it doesn't seem to effect Maclin at all (but then again the Tigers don't go 3 and out as much as we do). There has to be something else going on here.
Posted by shoulder2shoulder on November 2, 2008 at 6:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Catch the freakin touchdown and we win the game!!!!!!!!!!! Between Smith and Williams we have the most athleic WRs with no hands in the history of CU football
Posted by zonabuff on November 2, 2008 at 6:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You can tell the frustration is mounting, and expectedly, from a team that went to a bowl game last year. Scott seems to have a good perspective, but Smith needs to catch the ball before complaining (we don't need a TO on the team).
I thought the greatest quote in the piece was about the "aspiring journalist." C'mon, Kyle goes to practice and writes stuff down, but he's no journalist - you need at least a command of the English language for that. Of course, that rules out 95% of them!
Posted by BUFFSFANEAST on November 2, 2008 at 6:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
spoken like a kid whos thinking about leaving. He wouldve had the ball a lot more this season if we didnt have a qb who over throws his wrs by a mile. His hands arent that bad ive seen worse and that player is pat williams . hopefully the coaches will find away to use him better. if they can stop posing as coaches and start coaching this yr. lets go BUFFS finish the year strong
Posted by shoulder2shoulder on November 2, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
nepa- those blackshirts looked great last night!!!!
Posted by buff4ever on November 2, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, we all enjoyed the defensive genius called Pelini!
Posted by Buff_Fan_in_Nebraska on November 2, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Josh Smith-SHUT UP! Don't talk until you quit dropping the ball! When you have a player publicly speak out like he is doing it hurts the whole team. I know he has some talent but questioning the coaches is not the way to go. D Scott has been doing plenty of talking this year and now he'll get his chance. I don't want to see it but I wouldn't be surprised if he falls flat on his face the rest of the season.
Posted by CaliBuff on November 2, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like Smith has "TO" syndrome. He needs to shut up, listen to the coaches and work hard.
Posted by roscoebuff on November 2, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Josh Smith needs to shut up and play --- and learn how to block, how to finish blocks through the duration of a play, how to make catches when he is wide open in the end zone, and how not to carry the ball like a loaf of bread on a punt return. Oh yeah, and let's not forget how to down a knee in the end zone instead of walk across the goal line on a kickoff.
He is fast and raw --- but that's it. My father in law would say he is more showhorse that workhorse. And until he realizes that football is more about being a pretty boy and scoring touchdowns he is never going to be much more than someone with "potential."
The coaches aren't playing him because he is soft and doesn't block.
Posted by roscoebuff on November 2, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sorry, fellas, I meant to type that football is more than being a pretty boy blah blah blah.
I am just frustrated and to say you want the ball more when you make at least one idiotic mental mistake a week or a major physical mistake as yesterday you should not be whining about playing time.
Posted by 1GoBuffs1 on November 2, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JOSH, YOU HAVE MORE FUMBLES THAN RECEPTIONS! PULL YOUR HEAD OUT, WORK HARD, AND SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
Posted by archalon on November 2, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It sounds as if Smith and Scott may transfer out. Smith has a piss poor attitude
Posted by donintucson on November 2, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Newsflash Hawkins,
Instead of giving the CU beat reporter a line of crap, "Well, there are issues behind the scenes that an aspiring journalist doesn't always see."
Why don't you start WINNING some games, and stop being an "aspiring" coach, and be a big boy football coach, Hawk boy?
By the way, I beg to differ with a previous comment, McCartney was as good as it gets in making adjustments during games and after half time.
Go Buffs!!!
Posted by jograh on November 2, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow,it sounds like the program is in complete disarray. I believe the program is on the brink of disaster. Hawkins is not the coach he made everyone believe. Bohn is just like Hawkins, talk big, but show nothing. Look at the B-ball team. They are a joke as well. We need a new A.D. along with a new head coach!
Posted by RalphieRepresentah4 on November 2, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"win that and just regroup"is the smartest thing i've heard in about 3 months!alot of changes and regrouping needs to take place this off season!losing to kansas 3 years in a row and being blown out by mizzou 2 years in a row is BS.
Posted by BlackAndGold on November 2, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think what we may all be missing here is that Smith AND Scott are saying that they are both not playing as well as they could because the coaches do not leave them in the game long enough to get into theIr rhythm.
I've noticed, and several other posters have commented on this site, about the constant rotation of RB's and WR"s.
I also think Smith is being pretty honest about not playing well (ie: the dropped passes everyone is referring too), and providing us perspective regarding the what he feels is the most significant contributing factor.
It is also obvious Smith's work on special teams is not working out. So let the kid focus on being a WR and find someone else to be the return man.
What we've learned in the last couple weeks:
1) Helfrich is not calling the right plays.
2) Helfrich's game plan assumes more talent is on the field than there is.
3) KEY offensive players say Helfrich's constant rotation of players negatively affects their performance on the field.
4) We need a new return man.
Ok...this is good...at lease we are diagnosing the problems.
Having watched Reggie Bush and Maurice Drew (and lots of other great RB's) get a significant number of carries in a game..and them get into rhythm and start destroying D's ....I find myself watching CU going "wait, what? what the hell happened to "Insert RB name here"....(a couple plays later)...wait, what? who is that...he took so and so out!"
Your key recruit (Scott) doesn't think his OC knows how to use him. That's scary.
Helfrich has 3 games to prove he deserves a job with CU next year.
Posted by lobobuff on November 2, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kids say the darndest things, to paraphrase Art Linkletter.
Me thinks that everyone's getting testy -- coaches, players, reporters, and fans. Funny (not) how losing does that. How Hawkins handles the next three weeks may do more to define him as a coach than the actual number of victories or losses. Gonna be interesting.
Go Buffs.
Posted by Dizonrocks on November 2, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sometimes I wonder if this fan base thinks before they type. I've read how Scott will probably leave because of how he's been treated.
Well, it's well chronicled he came in out of shape. Than, Rodney Stewart happens, the kid gets the job done, obviously outplaying Scott in practice. Of course you've got the injury issues with Scott as well. Maybe, just maybe, Scott needs to get HIS HOUSE in order before he gets what he wants. Now that Speedy's suffered this unfortunate injury, Scott's going to get his shot, lets hope he can put up some numbers like Speedy did. He had a KO return yesterday and Espinoza had a PR. J Fly is 5th in the Big 12 in PR (27th nationally), the difference between 2 and 5 is 12.12 yds per return to 11.09 yds per return, so about 1 yd. On KO returns, he's 5th in the Big 12(30th nationally) and leads Maclin in both catagories. It's hard not to utilize a kid putting up solid results.
Posted by BlackAndGold on November 2, 2008 at 12:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
...is using JSmith for returns worth sacrificing the passing game?
"He said coaches have been concerned that his heavy involvement in special teams has affected how he performs at times on offense."
sometimes i wonder if the fan base reads the article (Dizonrocks) before posting.
Posted by salsajohn on November 2, 2008 at 1:29 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by roamingbuff on November 2, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't like the handwritting on the wall. If Jfly and Scott don't get the ball more in these final games - CU could loose 'em both. That will send a big signal to future recruits about the program and about this coaching staff.
I don't like arrogant young players dictating to coaches. But J-fly was on board last year - and I have to think - played a big part in getting Scott here. Now - something has changed.
Last year I noticed the ball being spread around more- J-fly - McKnight - Williams and Charles. Geer also contributed more. CU seemed to utilize all the weapons - spread it around - kept defenses guess and off balance.
This year it's Cody getting sacked or throwing meaningless passes - and occassionally Stewart. Lately it's Stewart and Hansen. Hansen and Stewart.
The play calling is horried. This no huddle has been a disaster - and I think J-fly mentions that.
The Buffs don't spread it around. It is a mess from top to bottom.
If coaches don't watch out - they'll loose J-fly and Scott - and won't get the recruits they need in this next cycle.
The wheels have begun to fall off and if Hawk and his crew can't find a way out fast - the whole thing is going to fall apart - including the little progress the team has made in recruting.
This team is in big trouble - and the trouble goes well beyong making a bowl game this year.
Posted by Realist on November 2, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Issues behind the scenes" leads me to believe there is much dissension on this team. I look for at least a couple of transfers after the season is over.
Posted by BUFFSFANEAST on November 2, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JS AND DS IS PROBALY SAYING WHAT THE WHOLE TEAM IS THINKING. THIS IS TOO SCARY
Posted by roamingbuff on November 2, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree. I think the line about issues behind the scenes is very telling. Miava left last spring. That was just the first signal about what's going on behind closed doors. His leaving really hurt. First - we sure cold have used a freshman all big 12 guy - or was that all American? - back. Second -
it underscores the weird decision making for coaches and unhappiness amoung players.
I could not see or hear the game Sat. So - CU ran an end around from 2yds out? I don't know which is worse - calling that play - or having McKnight get the call. I like Scotty - but J-fly is a lot faster. Why not use him? So - that's adouble bad call in my book.
This call and the Miava thing both highlight what's going on - and it ain't good!
Posted by Dizonrocks on November 2, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL...BlackAndGold, the whole reason I posted J Fly's PR/KR rankings was to highlight why it makes sense to keep him in there, despite the potential concerns on it's affects. I was attempting to explain to you why it would be difficult to remove him from his PR/KR duties. It appears it was lost on you, but that's ok.
Posted by BlackAndGold on November 2, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
...I get it...he has good numbers returning the numbers. I would rather see the guy dedicate himself to being a better WR...CAUSE ALL THE WR'S SUCK!
Posted by rswright on November 2, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Players talking out of school is not a good sign and the weight of the evidence is on the side of the coaches.
Posted by Saheeb on November 2, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great. Now we have public dissension! One quip from a guy who a week ago was complaining he needed to sit out a week or two to heal his ankle, but now he's upset he's not getting the ball 30 times a game. The other guy, JFly ("Just throw me the damn ball," Keyshawn Johnson) is complaining he's not getting the ball enough and compared himself to Jeremy Maclin last week while he continues to drop TD passes! I'm big supporters of both guys. But, they need to show some leadership and maturity and start saying such things after they've proven their mettle on the field first.
Although, I do think it detracts to constantly rotate in and out guys. Some guys need to be in the game most of the time to get their rhythym!
Everything is clearly starting to get to Hawk and he better not let it show (""Well, there are issues behind the scenes that an aspiring journalist doesn't always see."). What the hell is that about?
We'll know if things are going south in the offseason if some of his coaches start accepting some other offers and/or we lose kids to transfers.
Posted by OrangeBowl on November 2, 2008 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let Smith transfer.CU can go 4-8 with or without him.They have bigger things to worry about than an unreliable WR/KR/PR who obviously has no real self image.Didn't he give himself the nickname J-Fly?He wouldn't see the field playing for any of the teams that have beat CU this year.He's a fast runner,not a football player.
Posted by MarquetteBuff on November 2, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What's going on behind the scenes is pretty simple, Smith has a bad attitude and a poor work ethic, and it shows on the field. Both of these guys are not as good as they think they are. And if they transfer, which I agree looks like a possibility, they will never amount to anything.
Michael Crabtree has amazing physical skills, but what makes him special is that he is one of the hardest working players in the conference. That's why he's the best WR in the history of the Big 12. Smith has above average talent and a terrible attitude, and that's why he'll never be more than what he is now.
Posted by 20buff on November 2, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Smith is showing signs of pointing fingers, which reflects poor character. He should fix his own lack of concentration before he fixes other people's problems. I think Captain Walters should get him in a room and have a discussion. I think Scott is having a bit of culture shock on the level of talent from high school to college, but I believe he will get better as time goes on as he gets more reps and overcomes the nagging injuries. I am disturbed by the lynch mob mentality by many posters on this site concerning the coaches. I will say again, Coach Mac's record in his third year was 1-10. I'm sure some of the same people were calling for his head too.
Posted by Saheeb on November 2, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dave Wannestedt at Pitt had three straight losing seasons and now has Pitt righted.
Per Scott and Smith. Just because a couple of frustrated players pop off a bit I don't know where the evidence beyond their comments exists that they're thinking of transferring ("which I agree looks like a possibility,). Why are people speculating about such a drastic move on their part? Everyone is frustrated at 4-5 and by an inability to move the ball. It would be better not to air gripes publicly, though. Scott is going to be very good once he has a healthy line and Smith will mature and be more reliable and realize he needs to work harder to be a big-time player.
Posted by BlackAndGold on November 2, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
...you think DW at Pitt wasn't under some intense pressure! you think everyone was just patting him on the back saying "its ok Davee boy...take your time and loose a few seasons, when you get it right, we'll be waiting for you." you need to read some more college football news...
and the coach mac comparison is no comparison...stop talking about it! mac put us on the map. hawk has a practice bubble, cool town, new locker rooms, beautiful campus (and coeds), big XII titles/conference titles/and a national championship on display in the lobby. what mac built and what hawk is building are totally different.
hawk was suppossed to be able to recruit and coach players with less talent to a higher level. he's doing well with the first and gets a D- for coaching players to a higher level. the returning skill players pretty much such. and "the Wizard" (Helfrich) creates game plans thinking he has 5 star talent on the field.
Posted by Saheeb on November 2, 2008 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
B&G: The point is when you're left without a lot of talent, especially in key areas like the lines (and where depth is critical), it's starting from scratch. He*l yeah Wannestedt was getting heat. But he was recruiting some studs and now it's starting to show. The situations are somewhat similar in that Walt Harris left DW with very little. CU can have a practice bubble and the best town/campus in the world, but you can't start with some major holes and then have a season like this with so many key injuries. DW got several good classes and Hawk is going to do the same. Hawk should feel some heat, but I think the 4-5 year mark is the true and fair measurement unless you're handed a stocked team.
BTW: Even our pros can't stay healthy. T Wheatley made some great plays against the Colts tonight and now it out with a hand injury before the half. Sheesh....
Posted by Saheeb on November 3, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
B&G: What in my post led you to assume, incorrectly, that no one was pressuring Wannestedt about his record? Read a post before you pop off.
Posted by RashaanSalaam on November 3, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Smith & Scott - PRODUCE and you'll PLAY.
As I've been saying, I can see Scott (and possibly even Smith) transferring at the end of the year. The thought of this use to bother me, but if these guys have such poor attitudes, then good riddance.
We'll see if Scott can get anything done now that he will inevitably be getting more carries with Stewart out.
As I said last week when Smith compared himself to Maclin - who told this kid that he was God's gift to football????? He might have potential, but that's all it is right now. He hasn't shown that he's the real deal yet, so Smith, here's an idea - SHUT UP AND WORK HARD! Until you've proven something, don't even think about mentioning your name in the same sentence as DI receivers that actually produce and make a difference for their teams on a regular basis. The only consistency that you’ve shown is an ability to be inconsistent!
Hawk - please recruit some receivers! Between P Will and Smith, we have four of the worst hands in the league! But at least P Will keeps his mouth shut!
Posted by archalon on November 3, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
dont be surprised to see the "emergence of Moyd" to keep Scott at only 10 carries or less.
That's exactly the type of dumb move Helfrich and this staff would pull.
Posted by Buff_bronc_fan on November 3, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Helfrich and his players need to meet in the middle...
1.) Smith brings up some valid concerns on how the offense is being implemented and whether or not the players are buying into it. If the players aren't buying into the system-- something's gotta give. Period. Change your methods, change your system, change something.
2.)Even though Helfrich made himself sound like an arrogant A-hole with his "aspiring journalist" comment-- He's got a point. Josh Smith strikes me as the type of guy who only has his head in the game half of the time, and relies heavily upon his natural ability to get by. There is probably alot we don't get to see. This is all speculation, but Smith appears to be the type of guy who is all about gameday glory and not as much about the work behind the scenes. I'll bet the coaches desperately want him to be an every down player, but until he shows some more consistency, I can't blame them for leaving him on the bench in some situations.
Moreover, it's tough to get this bad taste out of my mouth. Players are sniping at coaches. Coaches are sniping at media. Fans are sniping at players, coaches and media... This program is in desperate need of a win... But even then it's going to be too little too late for most people's liking... I'm just glad I'm not a coach, because I don't know where you go from here or how you try to recruit anyone under these conditions.
Posted by Saheeb on November 3, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It was Hawkins, not Helfrich, of all people who uttered the arrogant "aspiring journalist" jab according to the story. I think you nailed it too all the sniping is not good and they're doing it in the media. I'm especially surprised that Hawk would allude to trouble behind the scenes just to defend his decision to a reporter.
Hawkins is the one putting them through "smiling sessions" and talking about how tough times define character, but here he is popping off on a reporter and talking about issues with certain players in the media. He's got to walk the walk and do better than that.
Posted by Buff_bronc_fan on November 3, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for the correction Saheeb, I thought I read Helfrich not Hawkins-- Not that it's any better coming from Hawkins. I'm sure he has a valid point-- there is alot that happens behind the scenes that the "aspiring journalist" does not see... (And I haven't seen the quote in context, but since it came from Hawk I have a feeling he's not taking a shot at Ringo or other journalists so much as he is the fans trying to play monday morning QB)
But that doesn't mean he ought to say it publicly. All it does is create more of a rift, or the public perception of a rift, between players and coaches.
Memo to Hawk for this week's press conference: Just give us the impression that this whole team is on the same page and moving in the same direction. Right now it looks like everyone is in complete disarray and finger pointing mode.
Posted by BuffNut99 on November 4, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Winning cures all - just win the Iowa State game, and we won't be reading articles like this.
Oh, and beat Nebraska.
Posted by oz_in_cali on November 4, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
People need to chill. We all knew this was going to be a tough season with lots of growing pains, so let's cut the Chicken Little crap.
Yes, that Helfrich appears to be the second coming of Shawn Watson, and has done a poor job with the offense (injuries and youth notwithstanding). It's also true that Hawk needs to fish or cut bait at QB (my opinion is to just let Hansen play and let the chips fall). It is further true that the offense need to play to it's strengths and get Scott more involved. Yes, all of these things are true, however, anyone who has coached at any level in pretty much any team sport knows that there is always something that needs fixing or addressing (otherwise the kids wouldn't need coaches).
Let's let these guys do their jobs and hold out on calling for people's heads until the end of the season. It's college football where crazy things happen all the time. We all knew that this was going to be a rough season. It is a shame that our guys have let some nice opportunities slip through their fingers, but overall it could be a lot worse (especially with the youth and losses in personnel). I still prefer to have a little faith and reserve judgement until the season is over.
GO BUFFS!!!
Posted by roamingbuff on November 4, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope this is a comming of age game for Scott. I hope he tears it up big. But - I would also like to see more of Moyd. In the few carries he has had - he explodes off the mark like Stewart and hits the hole hard. He had fumble issues early - but if he hangs on better I think he can be in the same mold as Stewart.
Scott - this will likley be your big chance. Do yourself a favor - and help this team out with a big game.
Bust 'em up, rough 'em up - GO CU!
Posted by RashaanSalaam on November 4, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If Scott can't get his act together against Iowa State, I'm going to be very concerned. He knows that he's the #1 go-to guy this weekend, and it's not like he's going to be facing the toughest team in the league. If he can't get it together and have a big game against a struggling Iowa State team, I think the doubts will increase by 10 fold. Same goes for Smith and our O line. Please prove that you are all capable of playing DI ball.
Posted by roamingbuff on November 4, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope Scott sees this as his chance to prove to fans, coaches and teammates what he can do. The O-line is weak, but that has not stopped Stewart from taking care of business. So now lets see what Scott can do. He says more reps would help him get in a grove - well - here it is. And by now he should be in shape - at least know more of the playbook - and be somewhat healed. Lets see if he is a 'gammer'.