Dempsey talks playmakers, quarterbacks, offense, CSU

Buff fans, here's something for your pre-game fix, as Denver Post writer Chris Dempsey drops in and talks Colorado football and this week's game with Colorado State.

BCB: What have you observed about CU since the loss last week to Montana State?

Dempsey: The guys are a determined group, ready to play again and redeem themselves. They are tired of hearing they're not a good football team. They want to change perceptions. They're quietly a confident group.

BCB: From what you've seen on the practice field, is CU going to be able to move the ball and stick it in the end zone this season?

Dempsey: A lot of the problems (on offense) have been the same problem for a few weeks. One red flag of CU fans is that one or two people have been affecting (the success) of the play for some time. As the season progresses, we'll see a lot more efficiency with all that's new and what they had to absorb and had to do in a game. They now have a reference point. They know why things didn't work and how to fix it.

BCB: Who are the likely playmakers on this offense and why do you pick them?

Dempsey: I'd begin with Hugh Charles. He has breakaway kind of speed and just enough power. Patrick Williams is one. I think he's going to be a star when it's all done. He has great size and great speed. He can make the big play. Coach (Dan) Hawkins is hoping Alvin Barnett and Stephone Robinson will help on end arounds.

BCB: What did last week tell us about James Cox?

Dempsey: He's a tough-minded kid but you have to wonder once you start stringing bad performances together. You wonder if he's going to start pressing. He did look good in practices but it just hasn't translated well in games. I don't think its' likely he'll get pulled in the CSU game. Hawkins will stick with James Cox. If everyone else was doing their job and James wasn't then, yes, that's a yankable offense. It's so much more. It probably goes beyond him to everybody.

BCB: What about Bernard Jackson? We didn't see him much of him in the game and with his athleticism and ability to make plays with his legs especially for a struggling offense?

Dempsey: He's the hardest guy to classify. He's an intriguing guy. He has a lot of athleticism, elusiveness and speed. Hawkins likes his skill set. He looked good in the scrimmages but he didn't grasp the offense well enough and wasn't making enough plays. CU will keep him at quarterback and I think we'll see him in a goal-line set.

BCB: With Mark Fenton and Brian Daniels and even Edwin Harrison, do you think the offensive line will be the strength it needs to be to be a successful offense?

Dempsey: They have the guys, award candidates. These are guys who are not only skilled players but they've been here, they're experienced players and they're smart guys. Expect them to get it together and maybe against CSU. James Cox doesn't go 8 for 22 it they have it together.

BCB: Defensively, do you see the explosive athletes necessary for the Buffs to have a dominant unit?

Dempsey: I think linebackers Jordan Dizon and Thaddeaus Washington are All-Big 12 caliber players. I like Terrance Wheatley a lot at corner if he can stay healthy. He has size, speed and is a smart player. Ryan Walters is a real hard hitter and should be a force in the next two years. Abraham Wright can make plays. I think it is makings of a pretty solid defense and if the offense struggles, they'll have to be. I think they will be a mid-level defense in the Big 12.

BCB: How does CU win this game and CSU win the game?

Dempsey: For CU, little things have to be fixed. CSU will always play hard versus CU. CSU has to be favored slightly. I expect Colorado to move the ball and put it in the end zone a couple of times. I don't think we'll see the same CU we did against Montana State. Hawkins and his coaches are too good of a staff.

They have to get to Caleb Hanie. CSU has good receivers and a good tight end/H-back in Kory Sperry who will have a good game. They (CU) have got to move the ball and put points on the board. It's going to be raining which could hold down scores. I think the game will be played in the mid-to-high 20s (points) and we'll see a defensive touchdown or two.

A shout out to Chris Dempsey for some clock and his insights into the team. He's there, up close and personal, sees the Buffs like few others and shared his own personal breakdown.

TheTruth