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CU's Head laments suspension
Junior lineman wasn't allowed in Folsom Saturday
While his teammates overcame a deficit and fought for victory against Eastern Washington on Saturday at Folsom Field, offensive lineman Devin Head sat in front of his computer, nervously awaiting updates.
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Head, a fourth-year junior, was suspended for the game last week by coach Dan Hawkins after violating Hawkins' order to players not to go out partying following the season-opening victory over Colorado State. Head started the CSU game at guard.
Head was with redshirt freshman Ethan Adkins when Adkins was pulled over after 4 a.m. Sept. 1, in Boulder and arrested for driving under the influence. Hawkins suspended Adkins indefinitely.
"Coach Hawk told us not to go out after the game, and I was out with Ethan Adkins when he got into his trouble and I shouldn’t have been in that situation as an older guy,” Head said. “I should have been looking out for the younger guys on the team.”
The Buffs struggled up front at times with redshirt freshman Blake Behrens taking over Head’s spot. Behrens had started against CSU at the other guard position and rotated with true freshman Max Tuioti-Mariner. But with Head out against EWU, both freshmen were in the lineup.
“It was killing me to know that a lot of that was because of me,” Head said. “I hung my teammates out to dry on Saturday. That was the hardest part, was not being able to go out and compete with them.”
Head said he is back, ready to compete for playing time once again. It’s unclear how far his off-field problems have set him back.
The Buffs don’t play again until Sept. 18, when West Virginia visits Folsom Field for a nationally televised game (6:30 p.m., ESPN).
Coming along
Sophomore cornerback Jimmy Smith is making slow progress toward getting back in the competition for playing time as his back begins to feel normal once again more often than not.
Smith began experiencing back spasms during training camp and was unable to run at times, much less hit and tackle. Smith was on the field in pads Sunday evening and said he expects to play against West Virginia with 11 days until game time.
Smith said he still feels pain in his back. Sometimes it comes in a collision and other times it comes when he moves a certain way, but he is not having spasms like he was earlier.
Smith was expected to battle for a starting spot when fall camp opened after having a decent spring and coming on at the end of last season.
“It’s so annoying because I want to be on the field, but I kind of got out of the groove of things not being on the field each week,” he said.
Rules refresher
CU coaches do their best to make sure players understand the rules of the game, but sometimes using examples from other games around the country each week make the best tutorials.
Hawkins said he talked to his team about the way the Brigham Young-Washington game ended in Week 2.
Washington quarterback Jake Locker scored in the waning moments what was thought would be the tying touchdown, but Locker inadvertently tossed the ball in the air after crossing the goal line and officials followed the rule book calling him for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The penalty pushed the extra-point try back 15 yards and Brigham Young blocked the attempt. Washington lost by one point.
“We always try to use all those examples,” Hawkins said. “That was just a bizarre deal and very unfortunate, but you’ve got to learn from that.”
Notable
The Buffs have a bye this Saturday and will have the day off. They are scheduled to practice Tuesday to Friday this week. ...
Hawkins said he expects to have linebacker Shaun Mohler back from a shoulder bruise for the West Virginia game. He said he is hopeful cornerback Anthony Wright will also be available, but his high-ankle sprain is healing slower than he had hoped. ...
Scout team members and players expected to redshirt this season scrimmaged for about an hour Sunday evening. Veterans attended meetings and participated in conditioning but did not practice. ...
The Buffs received no votes in the new Associated Press poll but did receive three votes in the USA Today coaches’ poll.
Posted by Ralphie2 on September 8, 2008 at 6:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GO BUFFS!!
Posted by MDBuff on September 8, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So Head will still be available to play vs. WVU, right? Perhaps start?
Posted by westernbuff1 on September 8, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hopefully Heads' comments are heartfelt and not just the regurgitation of things he has been told. Leadership is key this year. My challenge to you Mr> Head is to put action into your words. Be a true teammate on and off the field. Do the right thing even when no one is watching. You'll be the better man.
What about the other injured players? Any of them expected back for WV?
Posted by rodrigo on September 8, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Denver papers say Mohler, Geer and Smith should be.
Posted by westernbuff1 on September 8, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for the update Rod! It'll be great to see them on the field!
Posted by RalphieRepresentah4 on September 8, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
our o-line and secondary need all the depth we can get.that seemed to me the 2 weakest areas against ew.10 days 2 clean it up before BLACKOUT.GO BUFFS!!!
Posted by rodrigo on September 8, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
By the way, that's CB Jimmy Smith.
Posted by Saheeb on September 8, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Would be great if we still had Kai Maivai this season. The line will be good, but it would really, really help us to have had another experienced guard on the line this season. I still lament losing a kid with his potential. We'll be fine in the long run for sure and as this season progresses. I like the fact we haven't seen many dropped balls at all so far. Now Cody just needs to hit a few of the wide open receivers he's missed, but he's playing pretty well overall.
Posted by SpokaneBuff on September 8, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think this article reveals one of the reason the O-line had so many lapses on Sunday. Two RS freshman starting can't be a good picture. I sure hope Head can get back into the lineup and they can find the consistency we need so very badly to compete with the upcoming schedule.
As for me, I remain very positive overall. I live in the Eagle's hometown and knew they'd be a tough gig. So thankful to be 2-0; looking forward to a fun one with WVU...
Posted by SnowBuff on September 8, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hope Head doesn't lose his err... head, again....
Posted by ventman on September 8, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Guard play was not good against EWU, Hea is needed.
Posted by BuffNut99 on September 8, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I saw one report that Moehler had a broken collarbone - I hope that was erroneous...
I actually think this game is what the team needed. Not a loss in the column, but it will serve as one as they need to improve big time to avoid that type of play reoccurring.
Posted by archalon on September 8, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WVU runs a 3-3-5 I think - wasnt that Vince Okruch's D at CU a few years back ? The one that was easy to run on and gave up big plays with zone coverage all the time ?
2+2 = ?
Posted by westernbuff1 on September 8, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Snowbuff,
HA! Love a good play on words. I agree with you. These guys need to keep their heads on ALL the time. Devin Head, sorry to say, seems a bit squirrely. He made his fair share of mistakes during the CSU game then promptly went out and made a just plain stupid mistake. Ah well, to err is human, to forgive divine.
GO BUFFS!!!
Posted by rodrigo on September 8, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Major Mohler's collarbone is in one piece.
Posted by BuffTime on September 8, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes (regarding Mohler), the original fear was that it was a broken collar bone, but a subsequent MRI should it was only a shoulder bruise.
If Mohler (he had a monster game), Geer and Smith (Jimmy) are all available for the WVU game, then it would be a big boost to both the D and O. Of course, I predicted that the Buffs O-line would man-handle the EWU D-line so what do I know? Of course, I did also say that EWU had several play makers to keep an eye on...
If Head is allowed back I think he obviously brings some experience/familiarity to the O-line. They looked much better against CSU than they did against EWU. Familiarity is huge for the line. Can even trump pure talent. You can't have guys questioning themselves and their linemates during the game. The game is too fast for that.
Posted by buffalo_flyer on September 8, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"The Buffs struggled up front at times with redshirt freshman Blake Behrens taking over Head’s spot"
This should read....."The Buffs struggled up front all game long
after that game, we all now know that Cody can run!
Posted by Saheeb on September 8, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We shouldn't get sliced up that badly by an AA d-line even with freshmen in the game. If a D2 d-line can do that to our freshmen guards I'm very concerned about WVU, FSU, etc. Better get their act together quickly. Better roll out Cody quickly and make quick short passes to take away the rush in the next few games if this continues.
Posted by extrapoint on September 8, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It will be interesting if WV does run a 3-3-5 D. This D makes it easy to disguise what they are really going to do once the ball is snapped. It can be easy to run on if their design is to expect pass. Easy as in breaking into the secondary for big gains, but it does make it more difficult to take any one play to the house.
Posted by moet on September 8, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Pardon the double-post, but I originally posted on an older thread that petered out:
The good news is we won the game by winning the 2nd half big time. Our coaches consistently do a great job of adjusting at halftime. The bad news is we looked terrible in the 1st half in many different ways, & most all of it can be attributed to coaching. Here are the problems(and pardon the negative tone; I bleed black and gold, but I think the coaches need a LOUD wake-up call):
1) Our defense was ill-prepared for a fast-paced no-huddle offense, which is surprising since they have practiced for weeks against a no-huddle offense(although obviously NOT a fast-paced one). Coaches' signals were coming in late and the defense wasn't set.
2) The whole team looked like they needed No-Doz, best exemplified by eventual hero Chaapelle Brown being dragged 20 yards into the endzone by a WIDE RECEIVER. Coaches and seniors, use some of that half-time brains and energy before the game starts and get this team going out of the gate. Let Ralphie V("BLACKOUT")be your example - she had her head lowered, full-speed, ready to knock someone into Wyoming at the start of BOTH halves.
3) Coach Helfrich doesn't seem to have a clue what he wants the offense to do or how to best use some of the best athletes and players in the country. Dan Hawkins needs to slap him upside the head and tell him to get his sh*t together NOW. We can blame a young, inexperienced group for mistakes, but when you again, for the third year in a row, show little commitment to the running game, which when run well gives the line an opportunity to move forward and use their size advantage, giving them confidence, then you have to blame the entire scheme. This is especially true when you see the tremendous ability of Scott and Stewart to tear off yards in big chunks when they get the chance. If they and the line can do that when the offense has no rhythm to it, imagine what they could do when utilized well.
Part II to follow
Posted by moet on September 8, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Part II
4) Time management continues to stink. When is the last time we scored as the 1st half was ending? What are we doing spiking the ball with over a minute and one TO left? What good is a no-huddle offense if it slows the offense down when it most needs to be fast? When are we going to take advantage of the altitude and SPEED THINGS UP?
5) The passing game definitely spreads around the receptions, but lets figure out a way to get J-Fly, the tight ends and the running backs more passes. Both the passing and running game need to be more North-South and more quick-hitting. Also, where did the rollout go? The QB rollout cuts the field in half and opens up more options. I PRAY that we have only seen the bare bones of what will be a fully-developed offensive scheme.
6) Whatever our offensive future holds, can we please STOP THROWING FOR TWO YARDS ON 3RD DOWN WHEN WE NEED EIGHT PLUS!!! Not even the outlet receiver should be five yards or more away from a first down on a third down play unless we are in four-down territory, in which case, let's use the running game more in such situations.
MontanaBuff sums up my thoughts and feelings better than I do at The Ralphie Report; check it out.
Hang in there, Buff fans. If we feel this way about Saturday's game, imagine how the Buffs players and coaches feel. If only Hawkins would make the coaches run a few laps!
BuffTom out.
Posted by donintucson on September 8, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Buffs need an identity on offense; Hawkins cannot seem to decide if they are going to run the ball or pass; this team needs a couple of tough practices, put a lead blocker in there and run run run run the ball at the defense, between the tackles, until the offensive lines puke their guts out. Then you put them all on the goal line, 1s vs. 1s, and turn em loose!!!
I understand the comment on beating Oklahoma, but that was really an aboration when you look at the 2007 season; McCartney's good teams beat Okla. and Neb. on back to back weekends, two years in a row. That was unheard of at the time in the Big-8. When Hawkins does something like that, he will have arrived.
They must improve greatly or the next 6 games are going to be very, very ugly.
Go Buffs
Posted by youngew on September 8, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
EWU should be commended for oustanding efforts against two Big 12 teams.
And wow! Our young club is 2-0, and we've got a good shot at crushing WVU's once promising season. If our O-line can get into a rythym, and the coaching staff lets the D loose against the mountaineers, look out!!! We've got a real shot at finishing the non-conference slate at 3-1 (or even 4-0!!!). For a team that is so young, either would be a great accomplishment.
And forget about all the naysayers and the BS about Hawk not being able to prepare a team. Ask Stoops. CU dropped the hammer on the Sooners last season. And don't think the Buffs aren't capable of pulling it off again.
Youth be told!!! The Buffs have talent, and they might just not know any better before all is said and done!!! Maybe, just maybe we can surprise!
Posted by donintucson on September 8, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Last comment, most coaches say that you improve the most between your first and second games. Oops!!! Let's all hope that does not apply to this team!
1994 beat Wisconsin, Michigan, and Texas on successive weekends (2nd, 3rd, and 4th games).
Go Buffs
Posted by extrapoint on September 8, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They must improve greatly or the next 6 games are going to be very, very ugly.
Go Buffs
Posted by donintucson
Is this guy a jerk or what?
Posted by archalon on September 9, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dont look too much into the first two games. An emotional home opener against an opponent that always plays us tough and dogfight with a 'lesser' opponent with good offensive talent on a short week - pack it up, burn the film, move on. 2-0 is all that matters
Now, the real season begins. 10 days of an extended fall camp to put in more then the 20% of the offense we have showed so far and right some mistakes. I believe the coaches are looking at this year the right way - as several 'seasons within the season'. They almost got burned, but 2-0 was their goal.
Now the goal is the next 2 game stretch. Manage to at least split and they'll then treat Texas, KU, MU as its own mini-season.
Ill bet the run game will dominate against WVU.
Posted by CutlersButler on September 9, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just want to put it out there - Coach Hawkins is doing a great job bringing accountability back to his players and repute back to the AD.
Posted by donintucson on September 9, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry, but I am not drinking the Koolaid guys. I am not saying I want them to lose, I am saying that they are not good enough to win any of the next six games based on their play in the first two games. I have been a Buff fan since 1957, when most of you were a twinkle in your daddy's eye.
Even when Bill MacCartney's teams were losing, there were signs that they would be really good. They just needed better players. Hawkin's teams are so inconsistent, it is hard to find anything that makes me feel better, even with better players, they are playing almost the same.
And thanks for the name calling, that is very mature of you extrapoint.
Go Buffs
Posted by extrapoint on September 10, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
your definitely welcome
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