Dempsey on the fix, Bears will get whacked

When you're 0-5 it's obvious a lot of things need correcting.

Denver Post writer Chris Dempsey wrote of that this morning.

CU coach Dan Hawkins says the number is usually around 80.

80.

Aren't these college-educated players?

"Nobody wants excuses, and I don't either," Hawkins said.

Word.

The areas of improvement that Dempsey writes about are the offensive line, special teams, awareness and quarterback play.

Yes, we've seen and should be encouraged about the running game heating up, as that's the best way to speed along the development and confidence of quarterback Bernard Jackson, by taking the onus to make big play after big play in the passing game off him.

Besides, the little one, running back Hugh Charles, well, it says here, he can play a bit.

"I think we're finally starting to build that chemistry that's going to take us to that next level," center Bryce MacMartin said.

If that next level is 14 points in a game, or how about 21, then I'm all for it.

Special teams is another area of weakness and has not lived up to the hype that Hawkins had for it before the season kicked off as the Buffs rank last in kickoff-return and punt-return average.

Ben Kelley and Jeremy Bloom, where have you gone?

You'd think I was returning the ball by looking at the numbers (4.2 yards) on punts and kicks (18.1) but then again, that's not accurate as I'd likely would just freeze and soil myself.

When Dempsey put the word "awareness" on paper, I admit, I felt like I was back in class, asking myself "huh," thinking I had missed something while I was checking out the prettiest girls in the room.

Awareness?

Doesn't even sound like a football word.

Consider me educated now, Chris.

When Dempsey uses the word "awareness" this is what he means. He says Hawkins isn't pleased with the down-to-down focus of his players.

The offensive line steps up and accepts accountability for that lack of doing what needs to be done.

"Still, here and there, guys are not finishing, that's the type of thing that kills drives," MacMartin said. "The coaches are emphasizing finishing and making sure that everyone's playing to the whistle."

Funny, but I thought that was a concept players learn in pee-wee football, a fundamental learned long ago. How does that become a problem at this level?

Of course, quarterback play is the spotlight area. The Buffs' starter, Jackson, has a fan in his coach, though, who sees commitment and progress.

"Nobody has worked harder at trying to increase his knowledge and awareness of what's going on that that guy," Hawkins said. "I give him full credit for that. He is busting his fanny."

It says here that Jackson, regardless of whether he establishes a legacy or not, seems to have the intangible qualities of a future winner. He believes in himself, works at learning and has physical gifts. If he can keep grinding, as former Rockies' outfielder Dante Bichette was fond of saying, then B-Jack has a chance to have some bright days under center for CU.

If he can stay healthy, finish out this year, go through spring and fall drills, by next season, he should understand the offense more than well enough to play, not over-think, and start making winning efforts.

This season? Every game should be a little more progress towards the final product but the eye-popping results may not be there.

Hawkins wants to win Saturday and each game afterwards but deep down, he knows this year is about falling on the sword, learning the painful lessons, recruiting, reworking the way all things are done in the program and getting to spring ball in hopes of a much-improved program in 2007.

By the way...

Still haven't changed my mind. CU is going to win this game. Baylor is smack-talking, can't run the ball, the black and gold can rush the passer and the game is being played in Boulder.

The Buffs will find a way to win this game with an improved defensive effort, turnovers and more big plays on offense than we've been used to seeing this season.

Look for linebackers Thad Washington and Jordan Dizon to be mad and motivated after last week's dissing by the coaches. Losing safety J.J. Billingsley to injury hurts and his replacement can count on being picked on but the Buffs should be able to survive.

CU will be ready to play, make less mistakes, and put enough together to tack up win numero uno of the Hawkins' regime.