It ain't broke so don't even try to fix it

The decision is easy.

A no brainer.

Never mess with chemistry.

The question?

The impending return of center Mark Fenton from a cracked right fibula means he immediately goes back into the starting lineup ahead of backup Bryce MacMartin, right?

It's a point that B.G. Brooks addresses today in the Rocky Mountain News.

CU has been averaging 229 yards a game rushing over the last three contests, finally showing something in a pitiful season for offensive output. The Buffs have also appear to have cleared up that allergy to scoring in the last couple of weeks.

That MacMartin has been a part of that is not to be so easily dismissed.

The quote that catches my eye in Brooks' story eases my concerns. It's from assistant head coach and offensive line guru, Chris Strausser.

"Asked Tuesday if a Fenton-over- MacMartin decision looms as difficult, Strausser said, "Yeah, I think so" - and increasing the degree of difficulty are the dramatically different styles Fenton and MacMartin bring to the lineup."

Come on now, Fenton has been a rock at the position and was a preseason Lombardi and Rimington Trophy candidate so how can you not play him if he's healthy?

Simple.

For an offense that has been an embarrassment this season, consistency is a must considering the running game is starting to establish itself, which is the best thing the CU coaching staff can do for still-in-training quarterback Bernard Jackson.

Fenton came into the season the starter and proved himself the best man for the job.

Now, MacMartin is the man helping in increased production.

There is no controversy here. MacMartin retains his post, Fenton works in behind him and maybe at other positions, if necessary.

Dempsey weighs in

Denver Post writer Chris Dempsey also talks the running game in his paper today and gets some quality quotes.

First, from the offensive line.

"Ever since Georgia, we've just been getting better and better," tackle Tyler Polumbus said. "It just takes time with the new system. I think it's all starting to come together - the footwork and hand placement and hat placement is all coming natural right now."

Remember what CU All-American center Jay Leeuwenburg told us at Black and Gold in a prior interview weeks ago?

It's about the repetitions in the new offense. All those years in the Gary Barnett system is difficult to change overnight. Polumbus just confirmed it.

Dempsey also gets some insight from tailback Mell Holliday.

"Defenses have started to focus on 'B-Jack' a little more, which opens up our game," Holliday said. "Defenses bite more on play-fakes he does, which opens us up for zone reads and stuff like that. He gets a chunk of yards at the beginning and then and then we get to wear them out at the end."

O.K., as Jackson develops, as the passing game develops, the rushing attack can only get better and it's been pretty good lately. But I hardly think that CU is wearing anyone out right now, Mell. Let's see some consistency before we start talking Miami Hurricane smack.

Point being, this team is slowly coming around. Growth is still necessary as is that consistency.

That is something to eagerly watch the rest of the season.

Oklahoma will be a good litmus test. Can the Buffs move the ball, build on last week and put points on the board?

Those are the areas CU will be judged on this Saturday.