Hawkins to the mountain to speak again

Boss Hawkins was back talking Tuesday, holding his weekly press conference.

Here's a little of what he said.

On team effort

"I think the effort has been good, I've never really questioned the effort. I don't think that's a problem. You would like to think there might be a little more confidence offensively."

Have to admit, I find that interesting. First of all, it's usually not the players who have a problem believing in themselves, it's the coaches. Yet Hawkins believes the offense doesn't have the necessary confidence in itself and thus, is struggling. Of course, it helps to have positive reinforcement, as in success, to build that confidence. The Buffs haven't had enough success to be confident and I promise you the opposing defenses are letting them hear all about it.

On opposing defenses blitzing

"I've said this before, our mentality has been "you blitz, we score." That has been one of our mottos." So if people are allowed to play 11 guys on the line of scrimmage they are about to pressure you without a fear of getting hurt down field."

That's been the problem. Colorado has not hurt the defense, and hasn't shown the ability to punish teams, and mercilessly, for getting up in its' face, taunting the offense to bust them. Once CU finds that quarterback who can make the read and make the play quickly to the wide receiver, who also recognizes the tactic and can shake his man and get open, defenses will again start playing the Buffs straight.

On Patrick Devenny playing quarterback

"He has decent arm strength and can make the throws he has to make. I don't know if (him playing) is exactly our plan, but you never know. A guy might come in and go 25-for-30 for 300 yards and you go "Why isn't that guy playing quarterback?"

Amazing to me that Devenny, a traditional-style quarterback leaves Hawkins doubting him yet Bernard Jackson, despite his wondrous athletic skill level, is someone the coach has no qualms about despite his questionable improvement from the beginning of the season to now. Not saying Jackson can't or won't get better but the progress has been so slow it appears to be negligible.

On whether he will play younger players more

"No, I don't do that. Next season will take care of itself. There is something to be said for teaching a group of people to finish."

Not so sure I agree with this line of thinking. Coaches complain about not enough practices in the spring so why not get those players time now, then the spring, and fine tune it all next fall. Look, CU is dead in the water, going nowhere fast in 2006. You're building a program, not a team. If redshirt freshman or sophomores are in the mix for next year, give them some time. You don't have to take the upperclassmen to the alter and make a sacrifice, just don't leave yourself with too much work in the spring and fall, you know?

The Preacher still inspiring the flock

Do you have tickets for it yet?

Are there still seats available for me?

Maybe we can have a beer and watch it together, you know, all of us.

"I told them we're going out in a blaze of glory. We're not limping off into the sunset," CU coach Dan Hawkins was quoted as saying in a B.G. Brooks' story in the Rocky Mountain News.

Now, you know I have taken up arms for Hawkins and his staff but color me, well, doubtful to this blaze-of-glory show I see up on the marquee.

Ain't happenin'.

Pessimist?

You think so?

Only because the offense doesn't have a "Sparky" at quarterback and the receivers are apparently discount-bin variety.

The running game works and could be better than good if the passing game functioned. It doesn't. Wonder what the return policy at Wal-Mart is?

Fact is the Buffs are stumblin' home, like a fraternity boy. Just getting there alive is success.

Let's just close out this season with some effort and improvement, seeing who wants to be here next season and then finish up strong recruiting.

There will be highlight moments, but the wins, well, might not be there. Hopefully one more a coming. Don't wish for Christmas what Santa Hawkins can't deliver.

Stoops motivation, Media puts itself in news

Doing away with the divisions in the Big 12?

That's what Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops says yes to, according to an Associated Press story printed in the Colorado Daily.

"It would probably be great, throwing out the Big 12 championship game and play everybody like the Big Ten does, or the Pac-10, play an extrea conference game and get away from the divisional mix," Stoops said.

So was that just an honest answer or was it motivated by selfish interests?

You be the judge. You get to do that here.

The question to ask is why would Stoops want to change the status quo when coaches hate change?

Answer?

Stoops likely doesn't want another big game to prepare for at the end of the season that could get in the way, be an obstacle to a high-profile bowl game and payout, and maybe a contract bonus that would be the result.

The divisional format is interesting, it is good for the conference and there will be years, trust me, where the North will rise up and beat down the South in the championship game.

Snyder goes Crowder for Kansas State

Retired Wildcats' coach Bill Snyder thought his replacement, Ron Prince, needed some encouragment and support so he wrote a letter meant to be distributed to the public.

Now it seems the local media covering the program is questioning Snyder's action, as if there is some big undercurrent to it. Could Snyder miss the spotlight too much, was his gesture selfish in nature, blah, blah, blah.

If I'm Prince, and a legend wants to share with others to be patient with me, I accept it any minute, hour or day of the week. For the media to be offended is selfish of them. It was not intended for them and personally speaking, they should shut their pie holes.

Advice I'm sure I'll receive one day soon.

Or do, daily, from my ex-wife.

Point is, Snyder was well-intentioned and his letter caused no harm so why the panic in the Kansas media or Prince.

Some people, um, not talking about me, a little to self important, don't you think?

Sunday Rips, third act

What am I still doing up!

Crazy fool that I am, I just feel moved, as in compelled, as in have to write.

Neill Woelk of the Daily Camera and other media bees wrote about it Sunday and while I find it provocative, it is lunacy.

Thing is, I think Woelk is an All American, always brings an A-game to his columns. Definitely a favorite.

While Woelk actually thinks the time is right for a change, the Camera's Kyle Ringo merely mentions coach Dan Hawkins has thought about playing his son Cody Hawkins at quarterback.

Ringo told me earlier this season, promised in fact that there is no way the coach plays his son in a game this season, saying that he craves long-term success more than selling out for a few victories in 2006. Boss Hawkins didn't win all those games on his resume by being dumb.

Nine games into the year, the mere question of whether Hawkins might play, with backup James Cox now busted up and starter Bernard Jackson showing little improvement is pointless.

Waste a full season's worth of eligibility for three games?

Read that again, please.

For three games?

Come on, will it really matter to you if CU goes 3-9 as opposed to 1-11 when it can save a redshirt and have it make the difference between 7-4 and 8-3 or 8-3 and 9-2 in subsequent years?

Think coach Hawkins gets a lot of grief now? Try that stunt and see what happens for the next four seasons.

Ma' Hawkins might kick pops out of bed and maybe out of the house.

CU is dead in the water. It has no choice but to ride out the season with Jackson, Patrick Devenny, if necessary or throw Riar Geer or Ryan Walters in there if the sky falls.

Cody Hawkins keeps his body sidelined and if anyone thinks of putting him in, a teammate should sack him as soon as he steps foot over the sideline and the coaching staff should be immediately be brought before the Buffaloes Secret Council for discipline.

Pure madness.

Sunday Rips, part deux

A little sugar to make the medicine go down.

Yes, I know you're educated observers of this program and can find some way to dismiss this as irrelevant, but then again that's why I like doing this, because I know CU fans challenge me and like debate.

It's easy to pick on the new guy on the job, you know, that dude named Hawkins, the guy they call cheerleader Dan? We see him fumbling his way through things as we all snicker and shake our heads, frustrated he's not as good as our friend who is no longer with the company, but once in a while, it doesn't hurt to remind ourselves of perspective.

Here's an article from Nov. of 2005 on Purple Pride on the Scout Network, discussing now-retired coach Bill Snyder of Kansas State.

"Taking over the only program in the history of college football with 500 losses, Bill Snyder has been the architect for one of the biggest turnarounds in college football history. Going only 1-10 in his first year as Head Coach, Coach Snyder improved year after year and built a powerhouse in the Big 8 from a program noted noted for being the losingest program in Division 1 college history."

O.K., I know, muchachos, you are saying that was BT (Before Texas), BOB (Before Oklahoma's Bounceback), and Snyder did it with guys with highly questionable academic ability and with a pre-conference schedule of Hostess treats, but my point being the Wildcats' program had no winning tradition at the time, little talent and was lucky to win a game or two a season. Yet a man with a vision, with that hunger for victory that Eddie Crowder described, committed himself to turning that program around, and he did.

Dan Hawkins is so far ahead of where K-State was with Snyder. It's not happening this season, nor will it next, but years three and four are reasonable expectations for success, as in a bowl game at the end of the season and possibly contending for the Big 12 north title.

Like they say, "everyone wants to go to heaven but no one wants to die."

This season is all part of the trip to better days. There is nothing else to do but endure.

I'm sure the free-spirit coach isn't happy, isn't strumming Jimmy Buffet songs and planning sledding trips this week. He's working the phones for recruits and trying how to make something out of nothing on offense.

Have to imagine he's embarrassed by how this season has unfolded and hates going out in public.

That will change.

Sunday Rips, Jackson scrutiny continues

You can't handle the truth!

Or so the line goes, right?

Well, the College Football News called it like it is after Colorado's typical bumbling efforts with the passing game against Kansas this weekend in a loss to the Jayhawks.

Remember, you read the same highlighted text here last week. It's no secret, everyone knows, even your mother, brother.

"It's the end of October and Bernard Jackson still can't throw the forward pass with any consistency," the publication writes. "Against Kansas, the O was in position to get up big early, but three great opportunities turned into field goals instead of touchdowns. If you can't throw on KU, you can't throw."

Open letter to recruits

How would I sell opportunity to prospective recruits, the kind of prep players this program needs to stop the bleeding and again be a force on Saturdays?

Here's an open letter.

Dear Player,

As you can see, our team has been in a lot of close games this season, where a play or two could have, would have turned a loss into a win. Just one or two plays.

There's a very fine line between winning and losing and despite this season's record, that's how close we are to success.

A play here or a play there.

That's where you come in.

See, we need special people to join us, both in talent and character. We don't look for, talk to or accept the ordinary. When you are building something great, you hold the bar high and only the want the best people and the best talent to join this program.

A lot of players have talent. We look for talent, character and a winner's mentality.

This is where you can and will make a difference.

I must be honest in telling you such a decision to come to Colorado will require courage and faith. Others might laugh at you, tell you you're crazy. Only those who can stand strong, be confident they are making the right decision for their lives, stand apart from the crowd, and be their own man can make such a call on their future. It will take faith in knowing we will see glorious days together, as a family, with you making big plays for us.

Life is about risk and usually where there is great risk it is accompanied by the potential for a big payoff.

We need playmakers all over the field, the man that can make that one or two plays in a game that wins it for Colorado. We're confident in your skills, your character, your will to win that you can be that guy at your position.

Once we claim your spot we're working to find a player to fill another position. Soon, we'll have playmakers all over the field, capable of winning the game with their talent and desire.

The opportunity to be special is here for you, to be a part of something unique, and live all those childhood dreams, is in front of you.

And you know what?

You won't have to wait two or three years to show your ability in a game. We need you know. We believe in you. All you have to do is show us all that's special about you. Show us.

We are about building a team, giving everything you need to be successful on the field, socially and in the classroom.

CU has tradition. A return to that glory can start with just one player.

We want you to be him.

Truth!


Note...So, do you differ in your recruiting pitch? How do you sell the school and secure the commitment? We need players. Your comments to thebuffalotruth@yahoo.com

Black & Gold Big 12 Review

Colorado lost at Kansas, making the Jayhawks look like real football school, 20-15.

Nice try. Still don't believe it.

Maybe it's a peace offering for Ricardo Patton's team.

The CU passing game against a poor defense, was pitiful, and a freshman quarterback did them in on the other side of the ball.

Ryan Walters and Mason Crosby, for their heroics, not enough as the Buffs speed hard towards possibly the second-worst season in school history, since CU went 0-4 in 1890.

1890.

Texas went into Lubbock full of bravado to beat up on Texas Tech, wet itself, but left with a win anyway, 35-31.

Red Raiders' quarterback Graham Harrell's 512 yards passing proves nothing more than video game, fantasy numbers as Longhorns main-man Colt McCoy throws for 256 yards and four scores.

UT fell behind 21-0 before realizing they had to actually show up to win this game.

McCoy wasn't as highly thought of as fellow Longhorns' true freshman QB Jevan Snead or 2007 recruit John Brantley but his play this season has made Texas a top-5 team.

Oklahoma rolled into Missouri and quickly showed the old sheriff is still runnin' things, bouncing those pretenders, also known as Tigers, 26-10.

Paul Thompson is no Jason White or Josh Heupel at quarterback but then again he doesn't need to be with Allen Patrick being a pack mule, 33 carries for 161 yards. That said, Thompson, Bernard Jackson with experience and better receivers, did throw for 131 yards and two touchdowns.

Chase Daniel, much hyped here, well, was exposed. Three interceptions, no touchdown passes.

Oklahoma State lulled Nebraska to sleep before opening up a can of whup ass, knocking the Huskers out, 41-29.

Down 16-0, the Cowboys roared back behind quarterback Bobby Reid and tailback Dantrell Savage.

Reid threw for two touchdowns and rang up 284 yards of total offense while Savage scored twice and ran for 122 of the Pokes' 275 on the ground.

The Huskers simply don't play much defense anymore.

Texas A & M handled upstart Baylor, 31-21, with an attack that was full of big plays and one that totaled 507 yards of total offense.

Quarterback Stephen McGee is the all-around quarterback Bernard Jackson desires to be, throwing for 215 yards and two scores while running for 89.

A & M has only been beaten once this season but line them up against a top-10 team and they likely are in over their head.

K-State rolled over Iowa State in the second half to post a 31-10 victory. Colorado isn't having the only disappointing season in the Big 12 as both of these schools were expected to be better, too.

Freshman quarterback Josh Freeman threw a touchdown pass, freshman tailback Leon Patton ran for one and the Wildcats got an interception return for a score. The Purple even played a rare strong game on defense.

You know the feeling here is that CU is going to be something under Dan Hawkins but it also says here that K-State is going to be strong again under new coach Ron Prince. Those fans just need a dose of patience, too.

Jackson's future not as starter

So, what do you think?

Will Bernard Jackson be leading the offense next season?

You know, I've listened to and agree or partially agree with all I've heard about the reasons for a lack of success, with him being a freshman in experience while a junior in class standing, the pass blocking, the receivers and I do give Jackson some space on those issues.

However, in one man's opinion, that is still not enough leeway to explain the inadequate level of play nine games into the season.

Jackson appears to be accountable for all that, and I greatly admire the belief he has in himself and the perseverance he's shown but I believe he's cooked as a starter by mid-season next year, maybe much sooner.

Quarterback, as Eddie Crowder said here, is a technical position, and Jackson does not seem to be driving the offense like his skill level indicates he should be doing due to being technically-deficient

And, to me, quarterback is a "feel" position and Jackson lacks that idea of what to do, when to do it and how to do it.

Yeah, you might say, "what does he know" or "he's all wet" and I might very well be. Hey, I can admit I'm but a voice, one, but this is the worst quarterbacking I can ever remember in a Buffs' uniform, and by a guy who has serious skills. Go figure.

If your guy under center is not getting it done, the offense is stuck in neutral, as the CU offense has been all year.

Personally, with ANY sort of quarterback play this season, the Buffs have victories over Montana State, Colorado State, Georgia (with as well as B-Jack played), Baylor, and Kansas.

That's five more victories.

Only Arizona State, Missouri and Oklahoma would have required superior quarterback play.

Like I said, one voice.

Disagree?

Send your rips to the email below and be heard, amigos and amigas.

Cody Hawkins or Nic Nelson are the likely starters at some point next season. If one of them shows off in a big way with leadership and consistency making plays, Jackson becomes the backup. The question is does this begin to happen in the spring, the fall or during the 2007 season? It will happen. The question is when?

More on KU-CU later tonight.

Truth!

thebuffalotruth@yahoo.com

Crowder on Patton, coaching, future of Hawkins

Not many people have seen more, been involved more or made as big an impact on Colorado football than Eddie Crowder.

He coached the Buffaloes from 1963-73, was the athletic director from 1965-86 and is woven into who CU has been and will be, as new coach Dan Hawkins has sought his and former coach Bill McCartney's wisdom since his hiring.

An All-American at Oklahoma playing quarterback and safety, a part of the Sooners' first national championship team in 1950, and an assistant under Hall-of-Fame coaches Red Blaik at Army and Bud Wilkinson at OU, Crowder has credentials that give him instant credibility in any football discussion.

While coaching at CU, he won 67 games, the second-most in school history behind Fred Folsom until McCartney, whom Crowder hired, surpassed him.

The Black and Gold Breakdown had a chance to talk to Crowder about the basketball and football programs and where those teams are and are headed.

BGB: Some very surprising news this week about Ricardo Patton -- how surprised are you that he announces he's leaving CU at the end of the season, before it even begins?

Crowder: I'm a little surprised at the timing of the announcement. I've observed the innuendos towards the university, around campus and have the impression there is unrest with the basketball program. When you're paying him around $ 700,000 a year, that makes him like the second-highest paid public official in the state.

As an outside observer, I also see playing alto of non-conference games against unranked teams and that led to unrest. All that does is pad your record.

My impression is it was rare during coach Patton's time here that he worked on establishing relationships. The public's response was something doesn't feel right. I think that of all sports, football and basketball are relationship-responsible jobs.

I think that is where coach Hawkins is doing such a great job. The public response has been outstanding.

Coach Patton seems very pleasant but I think there has always been that feeling of unrest.

BGB: You've been a coach and an athletic director -- was Patton justified in wanting an extension, deserving maybe at this time?

Crowder: My opinion, no. Do you take a $ 700, 000 a-year guy who's performance has been marginal and give him an extension? That's not a sound business decision.

What I didn't like was he complained publicly about the support for the program and the attendance. That's the responsibility of the coach to make (basketball) an appealing product. That's blaming the public and the administration for the shortcomings of the coach.

What he's done now is give an indefiniteness to the program. It pollutes the environment surrounding it.

BGB: The basketball program -- many say there isn't enough local talent, the facility the team plays in is nothing special, that the school has too many obstacles and will always be a middle-of-the-road program when competing against KU, Texas, Oklahoma State and others. Is there truth to that or do those theories lack validity?

Crowder: That's hogwash. There is no truth to that. It's a great academic school. A great school. There is no flaw here except maybe in local talent. Here, for example, you might have two or three top prospects in football while elsewhere you might have six to eight.

It's all excuse making. You do whatever it takes.

BGB: The biggest challenges for the next head coach of the basketball program and what have you looked for in men when hiring coaches?

Crowder: You have to find the right kind of person. Attitude is the most underlying and important quality for leadership. You need character. And the number one thing beyond that is a this person has to have great hunger to build a program. You have all that, then victory will be the byproduct.

BGB: How do you determine if an applicant has all those qualities, especially the hunger?

Crowder: You ask people he's coached with. Not against, but coached with. When we hired McCartney, I talked at great length with Bo Schembechler. (Coaches) will tell you the truth. Mac's only shortcoming was his lack of collegiate head coaching experience and that probably delayed success by two or three years. It took him that long to work his way from being a sergeant to a general.

BGB: Coach, some big news all over campus this week regarding football, too. The Buffs get the best player in the state, Columbine's Ryan Miller, to verbal to the school. How important was that for Dan Hawkins to get such a premier local talent to agree to come to Boulder?

Crowder: It's the most important thing that has happened since he and his staff have come here. Colorado has not been good at retaining the best talent in the state in recent years. They've decided to go elsewhere. A fella of his stature (Miller) makes a commitment, what he's done is raise the bar.

BGB: How does a coach, like yourself, like McCartney, like Hawkins, recruit top talents to a program that is struggling?

Crowder: The number one thing you have to do is represent a university that is attractive in all areas. This university has Rhodes Scholars; the academic quality of the university, the geographic location, all has to have appeal.

Coaching is all a matter of building relationships and that's an area where I think Dan Hawkins has done a brilliant job.

BGB: What motivated you this fall to write a letter in support of Dan Hawkins?

Crowder: The letter I wrote, I think that was the only letter that has got published. I did it because this is the first time I've seen someone qualified in all the important areas of leadership, the first time in my 43 years with this university, that I could see such a qualified person.

BGB: Are you surprised at how much the team has struggled with wins and losses?

Crowder: Yeah, I have been.

I think the loss to Montana State led to the loss to Colorado State due to some things outside Hawkins' control but when they lost those two, it put them behind the ball, they lost confidence.

Teams learn to lose and they learn to win and it takes time to build a new state of mind.

BGB: How would you assess the way Hawkins has tried to transform the program in his image and how do you assess the job he's done on the field and overall?

Crowder: I give him a nine on a scale of 1-10.

And I'll tell you why it's a nine and not a 10. Going into a new environment, and having to orchestrate all the subtleties you have to, it would be a miracle to get a 10.

I think the results are showing and we'll see them more and more progressively, with wins in two to three years.

BGB: What are the biggest obstacles or challenges ahead to be a top-20, top-15 program and how long will it take Hawkins to rebuild the program?

Crowder: It depends on what kind of stable of talent is on hand at the start. What this team lacks is playmakers. This team, well, I'll tell you what this team is made up of -- great role players and support players. This team lacks three or four players on offense and defense where one play can win a game.

I don't think this team has one right now. Not one.

BGB: Not one?

Crowder: O.K., maybe one, the placekicker. (Mason) Crosby has won some games.

I used to chart NFL draftees and (college) team victories and over a 10-year period. The last three years, we've had two, zero and two players drafted to play on Sundays. McCartney used to have almost 10 a year. If you don't average seven or eight you're going to have off years.

BGB: Your thoughts on recruiting to Boulder?

Crowder: When I was coaching we did have to make adjustments but every problem has a solution. It's all about attitude. That's what Hawkins brings here.

BGB: In your estimation, what were the strengths of Mac, Rick Neuheisel and Gary Barnett as men, as coaches?

Crowder: With McCartney, his faith was of great importance because it governed all of what he did. It governed with a set of behavioral means that would confine him to doing what was right.

He also had a huge burning desire to get the job done and win.

And all that was appealing to parents. He was a person of faith and unpolluted.

Neuheisel was an enigma -- a fun-loving guy, and that carried over into coaching. They were a fun-loving group and their approach on the field looked slovenly, undisciplined.

The other side of Neuheisel was he coached here for four years and his percentage of victory (66 percent) was no. 1 in the modern era (school history) so that's why I say he's an enigma, so that's why people put up with his frivolity.

Coach Barnett was an enigma, also.

He proved in isolated cases, he has the wherewithal to be a good football coach, and what he did at Northwestern was an accomplishment, but in nine seasons as a coach he only had two winning seasons when he came here.

Hawkins, as a head coach, in 10 years, won the conference title seven times and finished second three times. He won 83 percent of the time (Boise State). Lifetime batting average is a pretty good indicator of success.

BGB: You played quarterback at OU, you know what it takes to play that position and be successful, being an All American. Can you share a scouts-eye-view on Bernard Jackson? How do you evaluate him as a player?

Crowder: The major reason we're seeing such an erratic performance is he didn't play quarterback until this year. They had him playing everywhere else. Playing quarterback is a technically-involved position.

I do have suspicions that coach Hawkins may play two quarterbacks in this game (against Kansas). My guess that this far into season, Hawkins thought Jackson would be a consistent player. I think Hawkins (decision in the newspaper) is forewarning the public that they may interchange them.

BGB: What are your fondest memories as a head coach at Colorado?

Crowder: Enjoyment of coaching guys that were extraordinary.

I saw Bobby Anderson and Cliff Branch lately and I'll say the satisfaction of seeing great young talent hone itself into patterns that has contributed to ongoing success in their life.

BGB: How does Eddie Crowder fill his time these days -- what are his passions?

Crowder: I find myself being very committed in many things. I have time to be reflective and devote time to what appeals to me. We are also people of faith, too.

BGB: What is your feeling about the question of the bowl games, the BCS and a playoff system for the college game like we have for college basketball?

Crowder: I think there must be a playoff. Coaches are not as objective as they should be (in their poll) and the computer poll people are not football people. The BCS, when it works, like last year, it's fine but there has been real controversy.

I think, eventually, it has got to happen, it's just a matter of time.

Black & Gold Media Roundtable

Back for more, another look inside the Buffs with some of the best minds closest to the team.

This week on the Black and Gold Media Roundtable are B.G. Brooks of the Rocky Mountain News, Kyle Ringo of the Daily Camera and Patrick Ridgell of the Daily Times-Call.

BGB: CU is competing hard on the field but with poor results. How talented a recruiting class (questions drawn up before Ryan Miller's verbal) can the Buffs expect, no matter the inspirational personality of Dan Hawkins?

Brooks: I believe CU will field a very competent 2007 class. Hawk is a tireless salesman and he sets that kind of tone for his staff. It would surprise me greatly if he fizzles with a class that he's focused on for a full year. That said, I've always maintained that immediately grading a full recruiting class is folly. Anyone in his right mind knows it can't be done for 2-3 years, but folks try and apparently make a living of doing it.

Ringo: One thing this program has going for it -- coaches can offer playing time right away. However, it's a different thing for different kids. Some kids definitely want to be in a comfortable situation and other kids will want the challenge of building something. There are also definitely cases of guys, no matter what you say, they are inclined to go elsewhere, out of state, but that works the other way, too.

Ridgell: I think the recruiting class will be solid, probably top 25. Ryan Miller's commitment may be the vote of confidence other top recruits need to see in CU before they commit. CU is on on several highly-ranked kids, as it is in most years, who could sign up and expect to be in the mix from the first day they set foot on campus. I think that chance to play, combined with Hawkins' pitch, will be enough to sway some of the best.

BGB: Has Colorado used the best scheme, maybe the only scheme that works with Bernard Jackson's talent or was the offense not adjusted to what he does best?

Brooks: Other than perhaps going to the wishbone -- probably not a viable option (no pun intended) -- or the single wing, with him at tailback, what else could be done to best utilize B-Jax? Unlike a swarm of internet posters (is B.G. talking about me!), my hat's off to (offensive coordinator Mark) Helfrich for turning B-Jax into at least a functional quarterback for a season.

The big question, to me, is how does James Cox slip from no. 1 to a nowhere man so fast? There have been games when I was certain Cox would at least get a look, but it never happened. Now, at Kansas, we're told he might be part of a two-QB system. As they say, seeing is believing.

Ringo: I think they have completely adjusted the offense to who he is; the coaches are going above and beyond to put Bernard Jackson in the most comfortable positions possible.

Ridgell: Jackson remains a project with much to learn, but he gives CU a better chance to win than any other quarterback on the roster. That reflects upon the coaching and recruiting in the program the previous three years. As Jackson develops, the coaches will find more ways to use his skills. But Jackson's throwing must improve, and his confidence and comfort need to grow.

BGB: What are the realistic expectations for the Buffs going into games the rest of the season, in the won-loss column?

Brooks: The two home games -- K-State, Iowa State -- appear very winnable. The KU game should be winnable simply because the Jayhawks haven't been able to put any team away for the past four weeks, but then those teams packed little offensive punch). The Nebraska game, well, you'd like to think because it is Nebraska, CU will be competitive -- no matter what happens in the three preceding games. This season, I don't know.

If, for some reason, the Huskers have to close it out with a win to claim their first north-division title under Bill Callahan, CU could be stepping into a world of hurt in stinkin' Lincoln.

Ringo: People forget this was an offense (against Texas Tech) that was pretty good. I wouldn't be all surprised if this offense doesn't have success moving the ball the last four games of the year. I think last week it was more a case of CU running into the best defense its' played all season, even better than Georgia.

Ridgell: CU's next three games are winnable, and CU should take one or two of them. But the Buffs should continue to focus on development and recruiting. The expectation should be to complete a top-level recruiting class.

A look at Patton and CU basketball from the outside

Gregg Doyel is a national columnist for CBS SportsLine.com and if you read his work you know he doesn't pull punches. He chooses to write in an intelligent, humorous, and yes, pointed style. Maybe not always palatable but educated and honest in his feelings, refusing to sugarcoat his views.

So, you know now I read him, I admire his slant on topics. I knew I wanted his opinion on Ricardo Patton's decision and timing to talk about leaving the University of Colorado.

Remember, Doyel does not live here, work here and is an outsider, so to speak. My desire is to share how Patton and this program are viewed outside of Boulder, the Denver-area media and outside of Colorado.

Here is one different perspective.

Black & Gold Breakdown: Gregg, many knew Ricardo Patton was likely on his last leg at CU, especially with new athletic director Mike Bohn. Throw in the fact that Patton has an extremely young team, and only has Richard Roby as a given, and he is unlikely to get the Buffs to a post-season tournament.

Was the heat too much for Patton, in your opinion, to accept the challenge and try to earn that contract extension in his final year of his contract or was he deserving of being given a new deal now? And how will Patton be viewed amongst ADs around the country now, for his positives or this resignation?

Doyel: Look, I don't know Ricardo Patton from a hole in the ground, but from the outside this looks like a classic case of nose-thumbing at a Colorado administration that has left him hanging. Patton should have been fired last year, and he knows he's going to be fired after this year. So he's sticking it to them before they can stick it to him...which doesn't make Patton look good.

He had all the time in the world to establish something at Colorado and couldn't do it, and now he's announcing his pending resignation before the season begins? If I'm the AD at a smaller school, I'm wondering why I want this guy as my next coach in 2007-2008.

BGB: How does this affect Patton's authority with his players now? If they disagree with him, do they listen?

Doyel: You're assuming they listened before. Patton doesn't control the future but he does control the players' playing time this season. That alone will buy him some cooperation, if not respect, from his players.

BGB: How attractive is the Colorado job, if at all, nationally?

Doyel: This job is hideous. It's a football school that's not even good (right now) at football, and has replaced Baylor as the Big 12's most scandalous athletic department. The basketball program has never been able to sustain success, and with inert leadership that allowed Patton to stay way too long, it looks like the school itself doesn't care about winning. In BCS leagues, this might be the worst job in America. Might not -- but it's on the short list.

Black & Gold Big 12 Preview

Sooners-Tigers

Oklahoma, fresh off of muting the offense of Colorado, travel north to Columbia to play Missouri, sure to get a better game out of the Tigers than they did out of the Buffaloes.

Bob Stoops' team will have its' hands full with the Missouri offense as sophomore quarterback Chase Daniel is no Bernard Jackson, whom the Sooners made look like Michael Jackson last week, all happy feet.

Many are picking the Tigers to win this game, what, with them having one of their better seasons in years, OU without tailback supreme Adrian Peterson and playing with some cat named Paul Thompson at quarterback. Throw in Daniel, who has the look of a future pro, running back Tony Temple and wide receiver Will Franklin, and Missouri looks dangerous, even if they lost jailbreak pass rusher Brian Smith for the season last week due to injury.

The Tigers are the better team; the Sooners, bigger, faster, more physical and talented.

It's hard to pick against Stoops but Missouri has the superior quarterback and is playing at home.

I wouldn't feel comfortable betting on Tigers but it says here they will send OU home a loser if they can avoid turnovers and stop the Sooners' running game in the first half.

Longhorns-Red Raiders

Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell was just another guy against Colorado a couple of weeks back, then looked like some video game character last week, throwing six touchdown passes.

Back to reality this week against a Texas defense who will use him like a punching bag. No more intramural touch football for the Red Raiders' offense.

No last-second field goal needed either; UT wins big behind another effective Colt McCoy performance at quarterback and a punishing Longhorn defense.

Aggies-Bears

Baylor quarterback Shawn Bell is still getting slaps on the butt, the back, and kisses from the co-eds after lighting up Kansas for 394 yard and five scores last week, including three in the fourth quarter, earning him the offensive conference player of the week. Bell is now fourth all-time in passing yards at the school with 5,406. Quick, name a Baylor quarterback, I'm stumped.

That said, Texas A & M is off to their first 7-1 start in five years and playing with great balance on offense. Quarterback Stephen McGee is a strong runner and effective thrower, a model for the Buffs' signal caller.

The Bears are no longer a junior varsity bunch masquerading as a Big-12 team but the Aggies will still have the edge in this series with McGee, big-as-a-boulder back Javorskie Lane (16 touchdowns) and Baylor still new to winning.

Remember, the Bears were down big in the fourth quarter to Kansas last week before rallying to win. They get down that much this week and A & M will throw a lid on them.

Huskers-Cowboys

Nebraska is coming off a difficult emotional loss to Texas and Oklahoma State has some skill talent but the up-and-down Cowboys are in for a thumping this week.

The Huskers blew one late against the Longhorns, fumbling away a reception late in the game. Nebraska will be looking to air it out on OSU and will, throwing in the running game to keep the Cowboys' defense off balance.

Look for quarterback Zac Taylor to ring the scoreboard like a pinball machine in a big victory.

Cyclones-Wildcats

Two disappointing teams match up in Manhattan. Both have horses, just not a stable. If Iowa State can play any sort of defense, then Bret Meyer and the Cyclones will win over Wildcats' freshman quarterback Josh Freeman and running back Leon Patton.

K-State ran wild on Missouri last week and still got spanked, something you normally don't see. Defense, once a staple in Manhattan, is now seriously lacking.

Plati takes a look back at CU-KU

Time for the Buffs and Jayhawks to meet again, this time in Lawrence.

CU has been dominant in the series, winning 18 of the last 21 games, however, two of those defeats were away from Folsom Field, where the Buffs play this weekend.

Colorado sports information director Dave Plati took some time away from his voluminous journaling of CU sports to look back on the series between the two schools.

Black and Gold Breakdown: What are your strongest memories of the CU-KU series?

Plati: I would say that almost every school has that one team that gives it fits throughout the years, regardless of how good you might be or if they're in the midsts of a down year. The two schools I would lump into that category for us would be Oklahoma State and Kansas. The OSU series has had a lot of downright goofy things occur, whereas KU seems to always bring its' best against the Buffs.

The 1961 CU-KU game is fairly well documented, the largest comeback in our history at the time and still ranks as the second; CU trailed 19-0 early in the fourth quarter and the Buffs rallied to win, 20-19. I was only 1 at the time, so my only familiarity with the game is through the files the late, great Fred Casotti maintained.

When someone says CU-KU to me, aside from Stephone Pelle's winning jump shot in 2003 to beat 'em in hoops (and Billy Houston's jumper to do the same in Lawrence in 1982, I was at both), the immediate games that pop up are the 1991 game that ended in a light snowfall with Vance Joseph subbing for an injured Darian Hagan; the 1995 game where Mike Hankwitz returned to Boulder with a Jayhawk team that spoiled our undefeated start with a 40-24 win (both teams finished 10-2 that year), the 2002 game in Lawrence when Chris Brown had 309 rushing yards and the overtime win in Boulder the following year when Mason Crosby gave us a sneak peek to what kind of what kind of clutch kicker he would develop into.

BGB: Memorable performances?

Plati: Brown's 309 yards. You have to see something like that in person to appreciate it. I was there for Rashaan Salaam's 317 yards at Texas in '94 and both efforts were impressive. That, and in 1983, Chris McLemore went nuts both running and catching balls in leading CU to a surprise 34-23 win in Lawrence.

BGB: Jayhawks you most remember?

Plati: Most recently, Nick Reid -- a great college linebacker. I would hope he's doing well as a rookie in the NFL. In the early 80s, they had a stud running back, Kerwin Bell I believe; he really tore into us a couple of times.

Patton perceptive

He's right, you know.

When Colorado basketball coach Ricardo Patton, a sensitive type, said his decision to leave the school at the end of this season isn't an indication of him quitting, but instead, knowing when it's time to move on, he is merely being highly perceptive.

The time has come.

Many fans are disappointed in the annual charges towards mediocrity and Patton does not have the trust of new athletic director Mike Bohn. Despite an incoming freshman class lauded as the one of the best of Patton and another one setting up to be solid, a contract extension never came as Bohn wanted proof that the coach could coach, that Patton could make this school a bigger player in the Big 12 and nationally than it's been.

The coach bristled at that, insulted that he had to do more than lift CU from the dregs of college basketball, that Bohn had visions of sugar plums that Patton didn't think was possible.

Patton had winning qualities for this job. He expected much from his players off the court, he didn't have the scandal of the football program and his team's did get to post-season tournaments once in a while. He even scored some of the finest talent in school history in Chauncey Billups, David Harrison and Richard Roby.

Where he came up short, and this was his undoing, was he limited his vision of what the Buffs' program could be. He believed all those obstacles in resources, academics and whatever condemned CU to being fortunate to just field an NCAA team. He accepted all that as excuses.

The next coach will not be allowed to do the same.

Patton has succeeded at CU. A winning record, NCAA tournament berths, better players and high standards expected of them. You can't deny all the good he has done.

The time for change, the time for growth has come. Patton's mark on the program has been made. He will rise again and hopefully CU will go to greater heights now that Patton has laid the foundation.

Now, for the final act.

Look forward to it.

Hawkins, Miller team up for Buffs future

See the Dan Hawkins' influence.

The Colorado recruiting class has made stops in Georgia, Pennsylvania, California, Texas and now secured a verbal from the top-rated talent at home when offensive tackle Ryan Miller of Columbine high school told the school he was eager to become part of the struggling program.

Better days are coming.

Miller's desire to stay home, as he stated in a Scott Stocker interview in the Rocky Mountain News, was a key factor in his decision to pick CU over Notre Dame, a major upset for Hawkins in year 1.

Maybe the Buffs aren't beating teams on the field but they are doing it off the field.

CU bested Georgia and other Southeastern Conference teams for defensive lineman Conrad Obi and now the Fighting Irish for Miller. Those are two big wins.

Columbine high school coach Andy Lowry made an important observation in Stocker's story when he mentioned CU's coaching staff in the recruiting game.

"I think this is a tribute to coach Hawkins and the relationship that he's developed with Ryan," he said.

"He recognized that Ryan is more than just a football player but a better human being."

This verbal, it says here, is strong. This verbal, it also says here, is on par with Eric McCarty choosing CU years ago to help jumpstart Bill McCartney's local efforts. McCarty could have gone to powerhouses anywhere in the country but stayed home, making a large statement in the process.

Tell me, if a mega-recruit like Miller emotionally signs on to a 1-7 team, what does that say?

Coaches talk of sealing the borders of a state, keeping the best homegrowns at, well, home. That is easier said than done. Hawkins knew when he got to town he had to keep the best here and Miller is a great start. Hawkins has some Mack Brown in him, who transformed Texas by keeping the talent home that used to routinely leave for other states and schools.

Big day, Miller announces, Patton denounces

What seemed like what would be just another day in Boulder became one of big news.

First, Columbine high school offensive tackle Ryan Miller, a five-star lineman and the object of an intense recruiting battle between Colorado and Notre Dame, announced he was giving a verbal commitment to the Buffaloes.

That was news that had the CU faithful delirious with delight and riding the wave of hope.

Then, the real bombshell dropped.

Basketball coach Ricardo Patton denounced the university and said he will resign at the end of the season. Frustrated at what he perceived was a lack of support, as in a contract extension to allow him to continue coaching the Buffs after his current pact expires July 7, 2007, Patton decided enough was enough.

"I will neither seek or accept an extension of my contract," he said in an Associated Press story.

Patton has gone 177-140 in his 10 years at the school, leading CU to two NCAA tournament berths, a superior mark to his predecessors. Yet, the program never was able to establish the consistent level of success that would have made an extension a lock.

Obviously furious with athletic director Mike Bohn leaving him as a lame duck coach, Patton minced no words.

"I won't coach under any pressure to save my job," he said.

So what does all this mean?

Well, a great start to the day when Miller verbals. He can be a cornerstone recruit.

For Patton to upstage him later in the day was a lack of class. Maybe he decided to announce before Miller did but the fact that Patton didn't hold off when Miller brought welcome, exciting news was extremely disappointing.

Patton accomplished things that were not easy to do in Boulder. His legacy is established. However, the apparent lack of organization on offense discouraged many as did the insufficient defense over the years. The Buffs had maxed out under his leadership, becoming average, which sure beats pitiful, which was the case before he started recruiting.

Patton had a hand in bringing Chauncey Billups, David Harrison and Richard Roby to town but struggled to add talented players around them to become a consistent NCAA-tournament team.

He will land another job but it won't be at a school in a major conference.

He likely was underappreciated for his contribution but CU was not getting better, only maintaining the pattern of being a slight rollercoaster ride from year-to-year-to-year.

This is a fortunate turn of events for the program, allowing Patton to coach for his next coach, his players to compete hard in support of that, and it allows Bohn time to find a capable replacement.

There will be big names mentioned but in the end, look for a second-tier name but big-time success getting the job to replace Patton.

Miller reportedly verbals to CU

In a surprise here, five-star offensive tackle Ryan Miller has spurned Notre Dame for Colorado, according to Rivals.com, a national recruiting web site, which says it received an email from Miller's mother as confirmation of the news.

The Columbine high school preseason All American becomes coach Dan Hawkins' biggest catch to date and could be a benchmark signee, considering the message it sends to instate players, the position he plays and his talent.

With the offensive struggles of the Buffs this season, Miller could help jumpstart that side of the ball as soon as next year.

Oh, by the way, very happy to be wrong about earlier speculation that he would choose to play for the Fighting Irish.

Five-star recruit on verge of making decision

The decision is coming soon.

His mind almost made up.

The forthcoming answer having many on the edge of their seats.

Columbine high school offensive lineman Ryan Miller, a five-star recruit, is reportedly ready to announce his college of choice.

CU or Notre Dame?

Staying home to build something or heading off to a football factory that is reborn.

That is the question.

In a story today in the Daily Camera written by Kyle Ringo, it says Miller will not wait until January to decide on his choice, as originally thought. Many think the 6-foot-6, 280-pound tackle will choose Colorado. Of course, Miller just returned from South Bend where he experienced seeing the Irish win in the last minute over UCLA on a Brady Quinn-led touchdown drive.

It says here that moved Miller deeply, as did the tradition of that school and head coach Charlie Weiss. If Miller is poised to make a decision as soon as he returns from such an enviornment, you can probably assume the Buffs are not his choice.

He might like CU, it might be close to home, but at 1-7, it likely doesn't hold as much appeal as many might think. If the Buffs were 5-2, maybe, Miller's decision would be significantly more difficult.

Hope I'm wrong but I think the pick is Notre Dame.

Florida State a sign of things to come at CU

Could it happen here?

Will it happen here?

Likely.

In an Associated Press story printed in the Colorado Daily, the highly-publicized on-field troubles of Florida State are dissected, from the slide of the program from annual near perfection to merely good, the continued offensive blunders, and now the call for head coach Bobby Bowden's head from disenchanted and spoiled fans and boosters.

Which brings me to my point.

In the center of that storm is the aggravation and impatience with the Seminoles' offensive coordinator.

The name on the office reads Bowden, Jeff.

As in the elder Bowden's youngest son.

So, being the overly-analytical brother I am, I asked myself some questions.

What happens if CU quarterback Cody Hawkins does indeed prove to be starter quality in a Buffs uniform next season or the following one? How does dad, coach Dan Hawkins, and his son bear the heat after a subpar performance, or worse, many of them?

How bright does the glare, how hot does the heat get on those two, and on Cody's mom and Dan's wife too when CU isn't winning every game?

As the elder Bowden said of his embattled son, Jeff.

"I don't think he'd get half the criticism if his name ain't Bowden," he said in the AP story.

"How can I have nine coaches and it's always one guy's fault?" he asked. "We're a team. We win and we lose. We don't point fingers."

Coach, good point but not based in reality. And you don't have to point fingers because the fans and media will do that for you. When you have family in the mix, there is always going to be grumbling. When things are going well, you can easily bear that scrutiny and discontent. When times turn sour, well, that's why kings had people taste their food.

Cody Hawkins will be but one player on the team, but his performance will be judged stronger because of the position he plays and his last name. If he starts next season or the one after that and through graduation he will have proved he is one hardened, tough-minded, focused man.

The hits he and dad will take will be numerous and oftentimes brutal.

And Mrs. Hawkins?

Whewwww.

Going to be rough.

I'm sure they've already thought about it. Did when their son signed up to play for pops.

Buff Notes on Neuheisel, USC, Patriots

Buffs not alone in ineptitude

Colorado is not the only team around the country having offensive difficulties.

Even Hollywood has issues.

USC, for all its' talent and success, isn't quite clicking either, according to a Matt Hayes article in the Sporting News.

"An AFC scout recently broke down Southern California's struggles on offense: 'The receivers aren't getting open and the quarterback doesn't have patience.' Translation: QB John David Booty is locking on primary receivers and not going through progressions, and the passing game won't improve until WRs Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith are completely healthy."

Booty was an elite recruit and has played well replacing Trojans' legend Matt Leinart but even Booty will look less-than-stellar if his boys on the outside can't free in the secondary.

What is interesting is, despite the injuries USC has at receiver, the backups, also highly touted, aren't good enough yet to get open.

Pity poor Buffs quarterback Bernard Jackson and his scatter-shot arm. He doesn't quite have the ability to quickly read defenses, or defenses at all at this point, nor does he have at his disposal, electric pass catchers.

Add that up -- the arm, illiterate as a reader of defenses and generic receivers and you have, well, what we've seen all season, one of the worst offenses in school history, a B-movie, a nightmare of reality television to endure.

Point deux

Also in the Sporting News, Paul Attner notices how the New England Patriots just keep getting it done.

"Bill Belichick and his staff are doing another superb coaching job in New England. The Patriots don't really have any potent downfield passing attack, so they score points off of dinks and dumps, and quick releases and now, a revised run game. Another example of how Belichick adopts to his talent instead of forcing his talent to do it his way."

Remember what former Buff Christian Fauria told us about the Patriots' organization? It reminded him of CU, because it was comprised of a bunch of smart guys who played hard.

Belichick obviously knows what he is doing. All that hardware on the shelfs says it all. He is flexible and doesn't try to fit a square peg in a round hole.

The Buffs, it says here, have not used the same approach on offense this season, as they have instead tried to groom quarterback Bernard Jackson into something he's not. No, you can't entirely change your offense in the fall and hope to be effective, but you can try simple adjustments to maximize what Jackson and this offense can do well.

The running game failed miserably against Oklahoma, in large part to Jackson and the offense not being able to slow the rush with quick completions. There was nothing in the game plan that worked. The coaching staff was as much to blame in this game as the players, and I haven't thought that much this season.

Neuheisel gaining support

Former Buff coach Rick Neuheisel, now an assistant with the Baltimore Ravens is making an a strong impression with his team.

The raft rides and guitar jams will begin again any day now.

Dan Pompei of the Sporting News says that recently-departed offensive coordinator Jim Fassel was demoted before leaving for many reasons, but one being Neuheisel was more popular.

"One of the problems that led to Fassel's dismissal was he and Neuheisel butted heads and others on the staff sided with Neuheisel."

Skippy is going to get another head coaching job if the Ravens' offense, now being led by head coach Brian Billick plays well. That new post will be in the college ranks where Neuheisel longs to return. Expect that move to come in the next year or two, about the same time another CU coach returns to the sideline, Gary Barnett. Will make for interesting theater.

Fun, Philly style

Think there's not pressure being a coach?

Even at the youth level, it's not easy keeping players or worse, parents happy with playing time.

Check this rude dog out, out Philly way.

In an Associated Press story, it was reported Wayne Derkotch, 40, was watching his son play, well, not playing enough, so he thought he might communicate those feelings to the coach.

You know, maybe just offer a suggestion, be his kid's advocate, that kind of thing.

Hey, he loves his son and he knows he's already All World.

So he does what any good father does, right? He kindly shares with the coach that his child might be able to help the team, and says that he should go in right now. And, for the team, he wants to be heard so he passionately tries to make his point.

With a gun.

His son plays in a league for six and seven-year old boys.

In a major surprise, Derkotch was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and reckless endangerment.

At the same game, a referee threw a punch at a man during an argument and was also arrested on assault charges.

Wonder how dad explained that day to his son later. Wonder how his son faces his teammates and classmates after all that. Wonder why anyone would desire to coach youth sports where parents feel they are above the coach regarding who plays and who doesn't.

Wonder what lessons that boy learned from his father.

McCarty remembers days as a builder at CU

Whether it's football or medicine, Eric McCarty has always made a difference for Colorado football.

He gained attention by winning the prestigious Denver Post Gold Helmet award while at Boulder High School (1982) before taking a chance as a highly-recruited player on a moribund program at CU under coach Bill McCartney.

McCarty played a significant role in helping McCartney achieve his goal of signing the outstanding in-state players, and once in the fold, the future linebacker fought and poured all he had into building the foundation of what would become a football power.

No Joe Ordinary, he was a Big Man on Campus, both in the classroom and on the field, earning the Dean Jacob Van Ek award for academic and athletic excellence, being named an Academic-All Big 8 four times, earning All-Big honors for his play at linebacker and in one of the most satisfying moments in Buffaloes' history, he played on the team that dismantled Nebraska in 1986, 20-10, CU's first victory over the Cornhuskers since 1967.

Today, McCarty is the Chief of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at the school, as well as the head team physician for CU and the University of Denver. He also is highly involved in treating high school athletes. McCarty took some time out from all those responsibilities to talk about his memories and the future of Buffs' football.

Black & Gold Breakdown: What do you remember about the status of the program when you were being recruited?

McCarty: You have to remember, I was from Boulder so I remember when Colorado had been pretty darn good. However, at the time I was being recruited, Colorado was pretty downtrodden but I knew they had good tradition and could be good again.

BGB: Why did you turn down offers from other great schools to attend CU?

McCarty: It was a number of things. Coach Mac, for one. I believed in what he was doing and what he was building. I remember he had all in-state recruits come in at the same time. We all bonded and thought if we all came, we could build something special.

BGB: What do you remember most about being a part of rebuilding this program?

McCarty: Times were tough. I was injured my first year, an MCL (knee). We won one game. We had a lot of things we had to persevere through. The next season we were 7-4 (before losing to Washington in the Freedom Bowl), which was exciting. Those times were challenging but Mac never let us give up. We felt like we were building something.

BGB: Do you see any similarities between what CU is going through now and the challenges you faced?

McCarty: There are some similarities. We lost close games at first, too. We just didn't quite get it. I see the way (coach Dan Hawkins) Hawk talks to the team. It's a lot like the way Mac talked to us. I think we will see this thing rise up again and be successful.

BGB: Your fondest memories on the field, Eric?

McCarty: The huge highlight was the Nebraska game we won in 1986. That was the year we started out 0-4. I think Nebraska was ranked No. 3 or something at the time. It was a terrific mark for the whole team.

BGB: How does a coach keep his team together and positive through rough times, like the Buffs are struggling through right now?

McCarty: It starts at the top. Hawk does a good job imparting things about what's going on in their lives. He's living the talk, he's a good example. I think they respect him, want to play for him and will listen to him. They are buying into what is going on.

You say, "we're going to be o.k., the trials and tribulations we're facing will make us stronger."

BGB: When did your interest in becoming a doctor begin?

McCarty: In high school. The human body always fascinated me. When I had injuries myself, my interest increased.

BGB: Being injured like you were, do you think that gives you a better perspective and allows you to relate to athletes?

McCarty: I really understand what they go through, having been an athlete, whether it's academics, sports or socially. I want to help them get better. It's a lot more than just the clinical part.

BGB: What about medicine is most satisfying for you?

McCarty: The satisfaction of getting to know people and help them do what they want to do. You're taking care of patients in a university setting and also trying to do things better through research. Being a university, that's certainly part of it. You are able to present research topics and be recognized for doing good work.

BGB: How did football help you in medicine, or in life?

McCarty: It will help you in business or whatever you do personally. You have to balance your time, the discipline required is tremendous, and there are highs and lows that go with it. As Hawk says, "that's life."

You have to have pride, be classy and keep coming no matter how many times you get beat.

Football also has helped in medical school, my studies, my family.

BGB: You've accomplished so much with the help of football. You earned a scholarship, became a decorated player, an accomplished doctor, and even found a girl on a game trip.

McCarty: How did you know that? That was about 10 years ago.

Without football, I would not have been in Alabama (the post-season Blue-Gray all-star classic) then, and wouldn't have met my wonderful wife (Miriam).

Football is such a game of life. It teaches you so much. You have to work as a team, set goals to achieve.

BGB: One final question, Eric. Is this program capable of becoming what it once was, with all the negative talk we hear of high academic standards and a lack of financial resources being too much to overcome?

McCarty: Absolutely. No doubt in my mind it will happen again.

Yes, to some degree, we are based in a arms race with facilities and that wasn't going on when McCartney did it (turned the program around).

Hawk will get guys here, attract them. He's already doing it. He's very persuasive and he's doing it the right way, like Mac did it.

It's not going to be very long before Colorado is back in the top 10, which brings people into the stadium, brings in money and maybe Colorado can be like some other schools and find those individual donors.

Husker fans not the worst, Florida State new low

Unbelievable.

A man turns a school for women into a football powerhouse, builds them into one of the best programs in the country for years and now, like Joe Paterno before him at Penn State, boosters want to run him out of town.

Seems some Florida State boosters want to run Bobby Bowden off because all of a sudden, he's old and dumb. After all, he's lost 110 times in 477 games as coach. Bowden is getting his ticket punched to the hall of fame and those boosters and fans will be there smiling and cheering for the induction after stabbing him in the back.

It's to the point where there is a website called RetireCoachBowden.com, if you can believe that junk. Even at 76-years old, the dude would be hired in a New York minute if he wanted to continue his career. Do the fans and boosters know this?

Pack of mongrels.

Wonder if the coach feels slightly betrayed?

A group of Judas'.

Those yahoos only have high expectations because Bowden created them with years of 10-win seasons and bowl victories.

Now that his team is in the ACC, losing a few more games a year, they want him gone.

Last I checked, the recruiting hasn't tailed off, the players are younger and Bowden has lost some fine assistants. This is merely cyclical. When you have the talent and coaching experience, you will win.

Paterno was supposedly washed up too until last season, when the Nittany Lions busted out again. This season, with a new quarterback, Penn State is struggling again.

The Seminoles problem, it says here, is they haven't had a running game for a while and their offense has become one dimensional, making them defendable. In the past, they could name the score on opponents.

Bowden needs to buckle down on the offensive line and all will be well.

And the traitors will be singing his praises once again.

What would Florida State be without Bowden?

Northern Colorado.

Some good news with your breakfast this morning

Want some good news?

You know that's what I'm all about.

Read what Tom Keegan of the Lawrence Journal-World wrote about the defense of Colorado's next opponent, the Kansas Jayhawks.

"In the past three weeks, the KU defense has surrendered 54 fourth-quarter points. In four Big 12 games, the Jayhawks have allowed 14 touchdown passes, three thrown in the fourth quarter Saturday by senior quarterback Shawn Bell."

Now, brothers, I'm tellin' you if the Buffs can't throw on these guys then they can't pass it on anyone and coach Dan Hawkins ought to send Bernard Jackson to remedial quarterback school, make offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich the new defensive backs coach immediately, and invite all the fraternity cats to an open tryout to see if they can throw and catch, even if they are coming off a hard night.

Either that or start playing option football.

With a pretty-boy defense like the Jayhawks have, "ooh, quit running so fast, wait, wait, wait for meeeeeeeeee," CU has to find a way to successfully chuck that pig all around the stadium and find a way to break, oh, I don't know, 200 yards through the air.

Besides, basketball season's coming up and you know two beatings are coming for Ricardo Patton's young Buffs against KU's loaded team of all stars. This is the last chance to get some "scoreboard" on the Jayhawks for a while. Don't let it get away.

And, trust me, KU, despite a couple more wins than CU, is in as much disarray as the Buffs, if not more, and feeling a lot of heat from the media and fans. People aren't any happier in Lawrence than they are in Boulder.

They just have their attention diverted a little more, by the prettier girl on campus.

Her name, basketball.

This week is the grand opportunity to look like a real offense again. Get fat, even.

Better take advantage of it.

Sunday Rips, part deux

Questions I ask myself

That was not the Oklahoma of old Colorado lost to, 24-3. What would the score have been with Rhett Bomar and Adrian Peterson suited up or simply Peterson?

Is it interesting that CU is losing most of its' games on offense and not defense, with the tradition of playmakers in its' history?

Does anyone else have a headache simply from watching the thumping that Thaddaeous Washington, Terry Washington (picture), Jordon Dizon and Ryan Walters were doing last night? Wow! Sort of rude guests, weren't they?

Why would anyone want to be a punt returner when the gunners coming down the field can jump in your sleeping bag with you before you even catch the ball? Insane. Dangerous. Stephone Robinson could have been kissed as close as the OU players got to him. I would have dropped the ball, too. Wet myself, maybe.

What was OU doing, throwing the ball late in the fourth quarter with the game won? Bob Stoops is an outstanding recruiter and coach but with each passing season, I have less respect for him.

Did Dan Hawkins look bewildered to you on the sidelines most of the evening? Who wants to break the news to him, that he's not in Boise anymore?

And to think, Hawkins knows something about offense, yet this season is one he will try to hide on his resume, don't you think?

I think offensive lineman Brian Daniels being called for a rare penalty last night is akin to a coach getting a technical, to shake his team from lackadaisical play. Nice idea, Brian, too bad it didn't work and too bad it cost the Buffs a nice gain on the play. By the way, I'm JOKING.

The Buffs could have had Walter Payton or Jim Brown at running back last night and still wouldn't have been able to run the ball. So what did we expect of Hugh Charles and Mell Holliday?

Bernard Jackson has talent, no question, and has taken the high road in the media this season, but you get the feeling Hawkins is riding out the string with him, hoping his son is ready to play by next season. Or is that just me?

Do I need to submit an urinalysis?

Another look into the future for you.. CU has been recruiting big backs, last season and this year, and I'm seeing more of those types playing next season, with Charles being utilized elsewhere. Maybe the Keller Kid better practicing catching punts, kicks and passes in the offseason.

Did I pass the drug test?

Mason Crosby looks totally out of whack, right now, missing way more than a NFL kicker should. Think the pressure of him being so much a part of the offense and having to kick from the parking lot most games has him out of his normal rhythm.

The Kansas Jayhawks are not playing much defense nor are they winning games, but does CU have enough juice to take advantage of those shortcomings?

Which offense is worse? CU or the Denver Broncos?