Coaches go top secret on decisions

Where's the story?

It's there somewhere and something's up.

The Daily Camera's Kyle Ringo picked up some interesting quotes and so did the Rocky Mountain News' B.G. Brooks on CU linebacker Thaddaeous Washington getting spanked by getting his playing time cut against Missouri.

Ringo reported coach Dan Hawkins' explanation.

"We're learning things," Hawkins said. "We're laying the foundation of principles and philosophies and ways to operate."

What?

Later on in Ringo's article, it sounds as if Washington has no clue as to why he's sitting, reminding me of how departed quarterback Brian White felt.

"You have to ask coach Hawkins and (linebacker's coach Brian) Cabral that," the Louisiana thumper said. "I can't really answer why."

It's no secret of the respect and admiration here for the leadership for this program but this is difficult to comprehend, first White, now Washington not understanding the reason for decisions that leave them not playing.

I'm not talking about disagreeing with a decision, I'm talking about the players feeling they were not told why they were being unplugged.

And please, spare me cornerback Terrence Wheatley's explanation.

"Thaddaeus' forte is more of the run-stopper-I'm-going-to-kill-you type of thing, and this team didn't show us any of that," he said.

Really?

What teams bench one of their best players, regardless of unit, according to the opposition's talent and game plan?

There is more going on here.

Oh, by the way, how did the CU defense fare against the Tigers?

One of its' better performances of the season?

How do we explain that fellow 'backer, Jordan Dizon, also a team standout, and one of the biggest fans of the coaches, also didn't start?

Why mess with the defense? Wasn't it, isn't it the offense that is stuck in first or second gear? Was it the defense losing games all along? Or was it the defense that was the shining light, with guys like Abe Wright, Washington, Dizon, George Hypolite, Wheatley, etc.?

Then tailback Hugh Charles doesn't play much in the final quarter against Missouri due to, according to Brooks' article, being worn out and not being the pass blocker Byron Ellis is?

O.K., not receiving checks to coordinate the offense but let me see if I have this correct. I'm going to take Charles out of the game when I'm trailing, one of my most explosive talents, because he can't block?

Is that what he does best?

What about finding creative ways to feed him the ball, like putting him in the slot, splitting him out wide, using him on shovel passes, pitches, draws, whatever?

As for him tiring, suppose that could be the truth, him being a truck driver and all, or some desk monkey who gets no exercise, but I just have a hard time believing it.

In the end, I wonder if the Buffs understand why they really sat and watch themselves lose on Saturday, with some of their best guns still in the holster.

TheTruth