How did it happen?
No, besides the lack of execution and scoreboard?
Was it coaching, talent, attitude or all of it?
The University of Colorado looked atrocious at home in a shocking 19-10 loss to Division 1-AA Montana State, totaling only 203 yards of offense.
Senior quarterback James Cox was sacked three times and completed only 8 of 22 passes, leading rusher Mell Holliday peaked at 41 yards and Mason Crosby, arguably the best kicker in the country, missed a field goal.
Meanwhile, the Bobcats, depsite the foolish talk of coach Mike Kramer earlier in the week, basically conceding the game to the superior Big 12 team, looked poised, as quarterback Cory Carpenter weathered three sacks to throw for 236 yards and a touchdown and Jeff Hastings finished drives with four field goals.
The Breakdown...it's one game, one loss, one very bad day. As easy as it would be to rush to judgment, one should keep this in perspective and realize this is a transition year for the program, with a new coaching staff, new schemes, and lesser talent & inexperience on offense than the program has had in some time.
As posted elsewhere, I have said that is was going to be a grind-it-out year when the Buffs have the ball. The playmakers are simply not there. Talent is lacking, depth is lacking, explosive plays will be few and far between.
O.K., that said, what is the answer to avoid a losing season? Relying on defense and special teams. Taking advantage of opportunities when they are presented and managing the clock. The lower-scoring games are CU's best bets for remaining competitive and having a chance to win. This team will not outscore anyone. Those visions of sugar plums and 8 or 9 victories are purely fantasy, fun to get through the day, but not grounded in the current reality of the program.
In the end, Hawkins will need two-to-three years to hunt and gather the talent necessary to compete and get the Hawkins Way rollin' smoothly. This season will be about enduring. A winning record? Possible. Not guaranteed. A bowl berth? A long shot. This year is about development. And patience.
TheTruth
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1 comment:
who are we going to beat?
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