Normally, a loss is nothing more than a loss.
Saturday may have been an exception.
Yes, Colorado fell to 0-4 and there is no way around the fact that means winless and that is highly disappointing. However, to go south, to ninth-ranked Georgia, lead until the final minute, shows Dan Hawkins' team is building something.
The defense remains surprisingly strong under coordinator Ron Collins, showing the physical nature necessary against a bigger team, and one with top-tier Southeastern Conference talent, and that is impressive any way you slice it.
New stars seem to shine brightly each week. If it isn't Abraham Wright showing a pass rush that has been lacking in Buff defenses in recent years, it's sophomore defensive lineman George Hypolite (looking like a one-man wrecking crew with his two sacks, forced fumble, fumble recovery and all-around mayhem). Or linebacker Brad Jones compiling seven tackles. Throw in constants like linebackers Jordan Dizon and Thad Washington and CU's defense is showing more potential than it has in some time.
Offensively, 13 points is still not enough production.
The silver lining is the Buffs ran the ball effectively with running back Hugh Charles (18 carries for 72 yards) and the man under center, Bernard Jackson (15 for 85). The CU quarterback also showed some chemistry with a young tight end named Riar Geer (7 catches for 71 yards).
While the team is still lacking big plays from the outside, the Buffs do have talent at the wide receiver position.
A blocked field goal early in the game hurts big.
Very big.
The margin for error is going to be small all season long. As the talent base increases, the Buffs will be able to withstand mistakes here and there. As it is now, every miscue becomes magnified at game's end.
Maybe now some Hawkins' doubters will see he is, indeed, moving the program forward. Yes, there are going to be some serious road bumps but the ship is headed in the right direction.
TheTruth
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