Hawkins sending message; Crosby talks

Push me up against the wall and say I don't know what I'm talking about but I'm telling you that Colorado coach Dan Hawkins is doing what some coaches like to do, which is talk to their players in cryptic ways through the media.

Here's a little taste from Patrick Ridgell's work in the Longmont Times-Call.

"Obviously on offense, we’re looking to make a bunch of strides,” Hawkins said. “I think we’ll be much more experienced at quarterback and that’s a big plus. Getting Nick (Nelson) going and into the fray is real important.

“We need to be much more productive than we were last spring on offense.

“The main thing is who moves the club,” he said. “Who can really grab the team and move the club down the field and score points, make big plays."

Black and Gold Truth: Is Bernard Jackson listening? And no matter what anyone says, it is Jackson to whom Hawkins is directing this towards, not the entire offense. The coach is growing impatient, as he needs to be, and is raising the bar this season. Nelson has experience and has produced, although at the junior college level, and that has Hawkins thinking he can get more of his offensive package on the field. He is open to B-Jack's explosive talent being the man at the position but he's taking a "show me, Cowboy" approach. And, like sales, what the boss wants to see are results, as in points. Black and white.

Crosby on Crosby

If you missed it, and hey, I certainly did, here is a little Mason Crosby.

BGT: Love the driver of a leg MC has and I think he has a bright NFL future but he ain't goin' in the first round. That's the whiskey talking amongst the chatterheads spewing that junk.

Now before you think of knocking me down and demanding I sing the CU fight song while being taped to the goal post, remember this -- Crosby doesn't have to go in the opening round to become special. Look at the local guy in Denver. You know, Jason Elam, a third-round pick but a first-round value.

Look for the big-legged Texan to possibly go near the end of round 2, and no later than the third go around.

Raising the lettuce

Here is one way to generate the capital you need to pump up your sports' programs, courtesy of Matt Hayes and the Sporting News.

"Not only has Rutgers, which is coming off an 11-win season, made Greg Schiano the highest-paid coach in the Big East, it also has expanded its odd "points system" to include parking. First, fans were informed they must have a certain number of points to sit between the 35-yard lines. Now, they've been told they need a certain number of points to earn one of the limited parking spots outside the stadium. Fans who have had season tickets the longest start out with more points, but those who want to guarantee a ticket or a certain parking spot can supplement their points through--ta-da!--monetary donations. The more you pay, the more points you earn. What does it all mean? Rutgers, the state university that couldn't, has hit the big time."

BGT: You may not like it if your school never takes its' hands out of your pockets but without such an approach, will a program like Rutgers be able to build upon its' success?

Chirp, chirp.

Side roads

Look at Colorado State, always trying to one-up Colorado. The Rams kicked coach Dale Layer to the curb over his underachieving ways after Ricardo Patton was not given the extension he wanted.

It will be interesting to see the degree of quality CSU will be able to attract and hire for its' opening, and the link that coach will have with the new top dog in Boulder. Personally, I hope both schools score big and get coaches who win enough to put down some roots in this state.

Check out what Jeff Goodman of FoxSports.com said about potential Cinderellas in the NCAA Tournament. Look at the names of the coaches on this list and see if you've maybe heard of them before.

Is Travis Henry using drugs again? Saying he wants to put up Terrell Davis numbers from his spot behind Jay Cutler's butt? Now, Henry has been an above-average rusher and confidence is a winning ingredient but you need to hire an information officer to do your talking if you say you think you're capable of TD's numbers, a guy who would have chased Emmitt Smith's all-time rushing record if not for shredding a knee trying to defend an interception. Will say this -- Henry, if he stays healthy and clean, will not be the Tinker Bell in cleats that Tatum Bell was before getting shipped to Detroit.

Javy Lopez once was a tremendous offensive catcher. For years, the idea of him in a Colorado Rockies' uniform would have jump-started the heart. But we all get old and Lopez did. And the Rockies just told him that, cutting the former Atlanta Braves' standout. Dale Murphy once came to town, all used up and now Lopez. Is Hank Aaron interested in a contract?

Chris Iannetta, who made his debut last season behind the plate at Coors Field should become the best catcher the organization produced. A .3oo hitter with 15-20 HR power. If he can get all close and lovey with the pitchers and defend a little, he could be a solid piece to the puzzle the Rockies can never seem to put together.

Gary Matthews, Jr. has apologized to the Anaheim Angels for causing a distraction to his team over reports of his mail package of human growth hormone. Hmmm...I think I like that one. "Judge, I do apologize for the distraction my actions have caused." Or.."Boss, come on now, you know I'm sorry for the distraction that I caused jumping the pretty secretary on your desk. Really." Hey, this is quality. Try it out today where you work.

Coming out

O.K., here goes, amigos. I need to out myself, I've been told -- CU policy for the professional cooperation and access they offer.

That's cool as I greatly respect sports information director Dave Plati. He has been a class act for this project and hey, I understand rules. This life is full of them to protect us against the other guy who obeys no social morals. Rules are a necessary evil for mankind.

What isn't alright with me are the those that threw a fit, complained and forced Plati's hand. The man had no choice but to make things uniform. That's his responsibility. However, these protesters are the same outcasts who go only by the letter of the law, not the spirit and demand all of life go their way. They simply want their own definition of compliance to be the world's.

So, to acquiesce to that vocal but weasel minority, here it is, that information that has been keeping them up nights and they just had to have to function daily-- my identity.

Laughing at the absurdity of it all, even as I write this for you. Hey, I'm proud of my late father's name. He was a great man.

I have never hidden from any player, former player, coach, administrator or local and national media with whom I have talked. They knew exactly who the person behind the keyboard was -- he wasn't "just an anonymous blogger." I simply chose to use a Mark Twain pen name, not Sam Clemons, you know? The name didn't and doesn't matter as much as the content. I didn't realize I was hurting so many with my selfish desires.

But for those squirrels, here it is -- my name -- Mike Toebe.

Enjoy.

Hopefully, this makes their world a little better place today.

Truth

Now, for something smooth to make that rant go down

For a little fun, read Mike Downey on the NCAA Tournament.