Monday, August 20, 2007
Colorado’s 0-6 start last season was its worst in more than 25 years.
Things didn’t get much better in Boulder, Colo., during the offseason. The only time that the Colorado football program made the headlines was when head coach Dan Hawkins blew up at a press conference.
The cure for all of this turmoil is simply to win. And with 15 returning starters, that’s something the Buffaloes feel capable of.
OFFENSE
Colorado hired head coach Dan Hawkins last year. The team went 2-10 in its first season under Hawkins, and its offense was 11th in the Big 12 Conference. The Buffaloes hope Hawkins can help turn things around this season. Hawkins’ son, redshirt-freshman quarterback Cody Hawkins, is the starter going into the season.
Record: 2-10 Overall, 2-6 Big 12
Bowl game: Not bowl eligible
Points Per Game: 16.3
Opponents Points Per Game: 22.3
Last year’s starting quarterback, Bernard Jackson, is third on the depth chart now, but because of his exceptional athletic ability, Colorado should work him into the offense somehow.
Colorado returns every receiver who caught a pass last season. Senior Alvin Barnett and junior Patrick Williams are the most experienced receivers.
Senior running back Hugh Charles rushed for almost 800 yards last season and has the talent to pass the 1,000-yard mark this season. He’ll have to do it behind an offensive line that loses three starters.
DEFENSE
The Buffaloes have a pair of outstanding defensive talents. Senior linebacker Jordon Dizon was second in the Big 12 last year with an average of more than 11 tackles per game. Senior cornerback Terrence Wheatley had five interceptions last year and can cover the Big 12’s best receivers.
Junior Benjamin Burney is not as experienced but should start at cornerback on the other side of Wheatley. The addition of Idaho transfer Daniel Dykes gives the Buffaloes depth at the safety position.
Junior outside linebacker Brad Jones was the Buffaloes’ third leading tackler last season and can cover the pass well. Juniors George Hypolite and Brandon Nicolas will start at defensive tackle again. They combined for 14 tackles for losses last season. Dizon will be the leader of a defense that features both battle-tested veterans and young hopefuls looking for playing time.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Colorado opens the season with four tough non-conference games. The Buffaloes will be underdogs when they travel to Arizona State the second week of the season and again when they return home the following week to play Florida State.
Colorado will face Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Baylor from the Big 12 South. Preseason rankings consider Oklahoma one of the top 10 teams in the country, and Texas Tech remains an explosive offensive team.
Colorado plays 11 straight games before its bye week, which could cause problems if players are injured. Oklahoma, Missouri and Nebraska each travel to Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., and Colorado will likely have to win at least one of those games to become bowl eligible.
PREDICTION:
5-7, not bowl eligible
Gameday: October 19, 2007
Get ready for Saturday's football game against Colorado.
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