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2015 Buffaloes Offense

Joe Theismann's Leg

Joe Theismann's Leg

Well-Known Member
It's never too early to talk about next year:

Quarterback

13 Sefo Liufau (Jr.)
7 Jordan Gehrke (RS-Jr.)
15 Cade Apsay (RS-Fr.)
8 Jaleel Awini (RS-Jr.)
16 Ty Gangi (RS-Fr.)
00 Steven Montez (Fr.)

Yeah, Sefo turns the ball over too much, but he's still one of the best QB's in the Pac-12. He's a team captain, a bona fide leader and he's setting records for QB's at CU. He's helped lead Colorado to an offense that's putting themselves on the national leader boards for yards, points and first downs. I would expect him to retain the starting job and continue to improve. Gehrke is going to continue to get a little Pac-12 experience, and he and Apsay should compete to be the primary backup. Former Air Force Falcon Jaleel Awini is a talented athlete. He'll get his shot at QB but may decide that WR is where he will get more playing time. Gangi is good depth as a walk-on and Montez looks like a promising prospect. The QB situation seems pretty solid for CU going into 2015.

Running back

19 Michael Adkins II (Jr.)
46 Christian Powell (Sr.)
23 Phillip Lindsay (RS-So.)
00 Donald Gordon (Fr.)

Michael Adkins hasn't taken as big a step forward as many of us would like. He was a big weapon in a few games against Pac-12 opponents, but he's been inconsistent and had a few injuries. Powell has had concussion trouble and was even considered a possible attrition candidate due to his injuries... but he seems to be playing on. Lindsay has shown some real flashes of talent and Gordon seems like a good fit for this offense. I'm slightly worried though, the RB corps seems a little thin and not very resistant to injury. Love to possibly see a JUCO pick up here or another true freshman recruit.

Fullback

18 George Fraizer (RS-So.)
33 Jordan Murphy (Sr.)

Nothing special here, but these guys are solid. The FB doesn't seem to be used much in this offense but when it is neither of these guys (nor Powell if he's moved) would be a liability.

Wide Receivers

22 Nelson Spruce (RS-Sr.)
5 Shay Fields (So.)
4 Bryce Bobo (RS-So.)
2 Devin Ross (RS-So.)
14 Jay MacIntyre (RS-Fr.)
25 Lee Walker (RS-So.)
1 Elijah Dunston (RS-So.)
29 Donovan Lee (So.)

I realize we're likely to lose Spruce. He's been excellent this season and is attracting some attention from the NFL. I've seen mock draft sites have him going as early as the 4th round but that could change depending on how he finishes the year. He's a little more likely to stay than Richardson was and if he sticks around we'll be in good shape. If not, it could be trouble. Fields has been excellent as a Freshman and there's a lot in his game to get excited about. Bobo would be the top candidate to replace Spruce if he left. He's had a decent season but has basically been MIA for the last two games. Elijah Dunston and Devin Ross seem talented, but they've both disappeared off the depth chart despite opening the season on the two deep. Time will tell what MacIntyre and Walker are capable of. Losing Goodson will hurt a little, but we've got some speedy guys who can play slot. I could have just as easily put Donovan Lee into the RB spot, but I suspect we'll see him out of the slot next season.

Tight Ends

81 Sean Irwin (RS-Jr.)
85 Connor Center (RS-So.)
86 Dylan Keeney (RS-Fr.)
89 Hayden Jones (RS-Fr.)
00 Chris Bounds (Fr.)
00 Aaron Haigler (Fr.)

The TE position is still a mess. Irwin entered the season at #1 on the depth chart and has been flip flopping with Slavin this season. Keeney looked promising as a prospect, so we'll see if he adds the weight necessary to be a legitimate receiving weapon in the Pac-12. Bounds or Haigler could be contributors, we'll see if they can help turn this position from a weakness to a strength.

Offensive Line

76 Jeromy Irwin (RS-Jr.)
74 Alex Kelley (RS-Jr.)
77 Stephane Nembot (RS-Sr.)
70 Shane Callahan (RS-Jr.)
68 Gerrad Kough (RS-So.)
79 Jonathan Huckins (RS-So.)
72 Marc Mustoe (RS-Sr.)
71 Sam Kronshage (RS-So.)
73 Isaiah Holland (RS-Fr.)
53 Sully Wiefels (RS-Jr.)
00 Tim Lynott (Fr.)
00 Dillon Middlemiss (Fr.)

Nembot may leave for the NFL. I know many of us feel he's not doing a great job, however he's got NFL measureables and may leave if he's got a chance to get drafted. A few teams may be willing to take a shot on him. If he stays he's probably got a stranglehold on the RT position. Jeromy Irwin hasn't been particularly good, but he's likely got LT locked up as well. Marc Mustoe is listed as a backup RT on the depth chart, Kronshage is listed as the second LT option. Not a lot of depth there. Holland, and Middlemiss may make some waves but I would assume we're probably looking at Irwin/Nembot again or Irwin/Mustoe with Kronshage and Holland as backups. Not really ideal, but probably not awful. We don't have a lot of height along the offensive line and the staff seems to think Callahan should be an interior lineman instead of sticking to LT (where he was on the two deep at Auburn.)
The interior line looks good. Kough, and Huckins have pushed for playing time and gotten themselves some reps. Kelley has looked decent and while Wiefels hasn't really played he's on the depth chart at center and guard. I would expect there to be a lot of competition for all the interior line spots. Tim Lynott is the jewel of our incoming class and he looks like a very strong run blocker. Could be a good fit to replace Munyer as RG.

*****

All in all I see some improvement. This offense hasn't really been the problem in 2014. They're definitely a Pac-12 quality offense already, and they should only get better. It's the D we have to worry about...
 
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The biggest areas of improvement we need in 2015 from the offense would include:
1) Less turnovers (significant step needed)
2) Better red zone play (significant step needed)
3) Improved run blocking and pass blocking (incremental step needed)

We do those things, and we have a Top 25 offense. Even if we didn't improve at all, we could be bowling with the offense we had this year. To your point, it is the defense that is the real area that absolutely must improve in a major way.
 
I would hope that fewer turnovers would come with increased development from Sefo. Better red zone play is certainly needed, hopefully a TE who is also a receiving threat could help us in a major way here. Better blocking is absolutely needed. I'm not convinced our tackles for next season will get it done, but I expect the interior to be much better despite losing two 5th year seniors.
 
Without Blanden getting in, I hope they still try to find somebody to add to the WR group next year. The offense could use an explosive addition to that group. What we have returning is good, but could use the help.
 
Sefo could be one of the better Pac-12 QBs next season, but he is not there yet.
 
The offense will be as good as Sefo allows it to be. We absolutely need him to make a significant improvement next year. He needs to look off receivers better. He needs to throw to his left better. He needs a better deep ball. He needs to make better decisions. He needs to play with more of a sense of urgency. He needs to elevate his play with the game on the line. If he improves in these areas, the offense will be where we want it to be.

Then we have to worry about defense and special teams.
 
sackman said:
The offense will be as good as Sefo allows it to be. We absolutely need him to make a significant improvement next year. He needs to look off receivers better. He needs to throw to his left better. He needs a better deep ball. He needs to make better decisions. He needs to play with more of a sense of urgency. He needs to elevate his play with the game on the line. If he improves in these areas, the offense will be where we want it to be.

Then we have to worry about defense and special teams.
Click to expand...

Honestly if he cuts his turn overs down by 50% I'll be happy.
 
I guess I'll be surprised if Spruce goes pro. He hasn't done much the last 4-5 weeks (not completely his fault). I would think he would come back to have a winning senior season and hopefully get up to being a projected third round pick.
 
sackman said:
He needs to do more than simply cut down on turnovers, IMO. He needs to start to carry the team. That's the job of the quarterback.
Click to expand...
This dude needs to be on ESPN. and I'm glad we can agree a 50% reduction in turnovers isn't good enough.
 
With Sefo, it's more the timing and types of turnovers.

1. Ball security when he's getting hit. Got to virtually eliminate those types of turnovers. Don't make a bad play into a disaster.

2. Timing and types of interceptions. I can pretty much live with a 26/14 ratio for TD/INT. I'd love to see that at least 2/1 and even 3/1. But the important thing here is that we're not seeing INTs out of him giving WRs jump ball opportunities down the field. If he's got Bobo in single coverage and tosses one up to him 30-40 yards down field, I can live with it as a good shot if the CB wins. But he's got to know the situations to take chances and he's got to make his reads. On situations, he has been more careful with the ball in red zone scoring opportunities and that is a good sign heading into next season.
 
Everything Sefo needs to do is obvious so ill leave that alone. I'm pleased that we finally found an adequate running game, still needs to improve. I think we need another back, Adkins has flashed, we still need one. I don't know who is available at this point? Maybe there is a JC back out there somewhere. Defense needs help everywhere especially the front 7.
 
Burrito Palazzo said:
Sec qbs strongly disagree.
Click to expand...
There is a point here. From 2009 to 2014, there were only one dominant, team carrying QB for the National Champs (FSU last year). It certainly can make you a great team and cover other weaknesses, but it isn't mandatory to be an elite college team, either.
 
Highlander said:
There is a point here. From 2009 to 2014, there were only one dominant, team carrying QB for the National Champs (FSU last year). It certainly can make you a great team and cover other weaknesses, but it isn't mandatory to be an elite college team, either.
Click to expand...

Not mandatory, but if you've got a Tim Tebow or Cam Newton or Johnny Manziel or Andrew Luck or Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota... you're going to be real damn good and have a shot at beating anyone.
 
We basically return the entire offense back from this year, sans a couple Olineman. The two biggest areas I see for this offense is red zone efficiency and timely turnovers (mostly by Sefo). If we can shore those two up, we have a top 25 offense. Now the defense..........
 
Highlander said:
There is a point here. From 2009 to 2014, there were only one dominant, team carrying QB for the National Champs (FSU last year). It certainly can make you a great team and cover other weaknesses, but it isn't mandatory to be an elite college team, either.
Click to expand...

Except for that one Cam Newton guy.
 
Kinda sad that it's mid-November and we're already discussing next year, but I suppose we're all just used to it now.
 
Buffnik said:
Not mandatory, but if you've got a Tim Tebow or Cam Newton or Johnny Manziel or Andrew Luck or Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota... you're going to be real damn good and have a shot at beating anyone.
Click to expand...
I totally agree with you. I would kill to have a QB playing at that level. Given we never had have a top 3 Heisman finalist QB, should we be continually holding out for that type of player being what takes us to the next level, or the more balanced approach?
 
Highlander said:
I totally agree with you. I would kill to have a QB playing at that level. Given we never had have a top 3 Heisman finalist QB, should we be continually holding out for that type of player being what takes us to the next level, or the more balanced approach?
Click to expand...

You build the best team you can, of course. With that, I think you put premium on certain things with athleticism at the position so that upside is as high as possible. It's not like Manziel and Mariota were bit time recruits. This is why I like Montez in this year's class. Given the option between a guy like him and a run-of-the-mill pocket passer who is more polished and gets a higher rating, give me the Montez every time.
 
skinsfan55 said:
It's never too early to talk about next year:

Quarterback

13 Sefo Liufau (Jr.)
7 Jordan Gehrke (RS-Jr.)
15 Cade Apsay (RS-Fr.)
8 Jaleel Awini (RS-Jr.)
16 Ty Gangi (RS-Fr.)
00 Steven Montez (Fr.)

Yeah, Sefo turns the ball over too much, but he's still one of the best QB's in the Pac-12. He's a team captain, a bona fide leader and he's setting records for QB's at CU. He's helped lead Colorado to an offense that's putting themselves on the national leader boards for yards, points and first downs. I would expect him to retain the starting job and continue to improve. Gehrke is going to continue to get a little Pac-12 experience, and he and Apsay should compete to be the primary backup. Former Air Force Falcon Jaleel Awini is a talented athlete. He'll get his shot at QB but may decide that WR is where he will get more playing time. Gangi is good depth as a walk-on and Montez looks like a promising prospect. The QB situation seems pretty solid for CU going into 2015.

Running back

19 Michael Adkins II (Jr.)
46 Christian Powell (Sr.)
23 Phillip Lindsay (RS-So.)
00 Donald Gordon (Fr.)

Michael Adkins hasn't taken as big a step forward as many of us would like. He was a big weapon in a few games against Pac-12 opponents, but he's been inconsistent and had a few injuries. Powell has had concussion trouble and was even considered a possible attrition candidate due to his injuries... but he seems to be playing on. Lindsay has shown some real flashes of talent and Gordon seems like a good fit for this offense. I'm slightly worried though, the RB corps seems a little thin and not very resistant to injury. Love to possibly see a JUCO pick up here or another true freshman recruit.

Fullback

18 George Fraizer (RS-So.)
33 Jordan Murphy (Sr.)

Nothing special here, but these guys are solid. The FB doesn't seem to be used much in this offense but when it is neither of these guys (nor Powell if he's moved) would be a liability.

Wide Receivers

22 Nelson Spruce (RS-Sr.)
5 Shay Fields (So.)
4 Bryce Bobo (RS-So.)
2 Devin Ross (RS-So.)
14 Jay MacIntyre (RS-Fr.)
25 Lee Walker (RS-So.)
1 Elijah Dunston (RS-So.)
29 Donovan Lee (So.)

I realize we're likely to lose Spruce. He's been excellent this season and is attracting some attention from the NFL. I've seen mock draft sites have him going as early as the 4th round but that could change depending on how he finishes the year. He's a little more likely to stay than Richardson was and if he sticks around we'll be in good shape. If not, it could be trouble. Fields has been excellent as a Freshman and there's a lot in his game to get excited about. Bobo would be the top candidate to replace Spruce if he left. He's had a decent season but has basically been MIA for the last two games. Elijah Dunston and Devin Ross seem talented, but they've both disappeared off the depth chart despite opening the season on the two deep. Time will tell what MacIntyre and Walker are capable of. Losing Goodson will hurt a little, but we've got some speedy guys who can play slot. I could have just as easily put Donovan Lee into the RB spot, but I suspect we'll see him out of the slot next season.

Tight Ends

81 Sean Irwin (RS-Jr.)
85 Connor Center (RS-So.)
86 Dylan Keeney (RS-Fr.)
89 Hayden Jones (RS-Fr.)
00 Chris Bounds (Fr.)
00 Aaron Haigler (Fr.)

The TE position is still a mess. Irwin entered the season at #1 on the depth chart and has been flip flopping with Slavin this season. Keeney looked promising as a prospect, so we'll see if he adds the weight necessary to be a legitimate receiving weapon in the Pac-12. Bounds or Haigler could be contributors, we'll see if they can help turn this position from a weakness to a strength.

Offensive Line

76 Jeromy Irwin (RS-Jr.)
74 Alex Kelley (RS-Jr.)
77 Stephane Nembot (RS-Sr.)
70 Shane Callahan (RS-Jr.)
68 Gerrad Kough (RS-So.)
79 Jonathan Huckins (RS-So.)
72 Marc Mustoe (RS-Sr.)
71 Sam Kronshage (RS-So.)
73 Isaiah Holland (RS-Fr.)
53 Sully Wiefels (RS-Jr.)
00 Tim Lynott (Fr.)
00 Dillon Middlemiss (Fr.)

Nembot may leave for the NFL. I know many of us feel he's not doing a great job, however he's got NFL measureables and may leave if he's got a chance to get drafted. A few teams may be willing to take a shot on him. If he stays he's probably got a stranglehold on the RT position. Jeromy Irwin hasn't been particularly good, but he's likely got LT locked up as well. Marc Mustoe is listed as a backup RT on the depth chart, Kronshage is listed as the second LT option. Not a lot of depth there. Holland, and Middlemiss may make some waves but I would assume we're probably looking at Irwin/Nembot again or Irwin/Mustoe with Kronshage and Holland as backups. Not really ideal, but probably not awful. We don't have a lot of height along the offensive line and the staff seems to think Callahan should be an interior lineman instead of sticking to LT (where he was on the two deep at Auburn.)
The interior line looks good. Kough, and Huckins have pushed for playing time and gotten themselves some reps. Kelley has looked decent and while Wiefels hasn't really played he's on the depth chart at center and guard. I would expect there to be a lot of competition for all the interior line spots. Tim Lynott is the jewel of our incoming class and he looks like a very strong run blocker. Could be a good fit to replace Munyer as RG.

*****

All in all I see some improvement. This offense hasn't really been the problem in 2014. They're definitely a Pac-12 quality offense already, and they should only get better. It's the D we have to worry about...
Click to expand...
Forgot Lisella under O-line. Was listed as backup RT before it was clear he was going to redshirt, but he still suits. Going to be a RS Freshman. He's a scholarship player so not quite sure how you missed him
 
Buffnik said:
You build the best team you can, of course. With that, I think you put premium on certain things with athleticism at the position so that upside is as high as possible. It's not like Manziel and Mariota were bit time recruits. This is why I like Montez in this year's class. Given the option between a guy like him and a run-of-the-mill pocket passer who is more polished and gets a higher rating, give me the Montez every time.
Click to expand...
I am glad to hear you are high on Montez. I gave up years ago trying to form opinions from watching film.
 
A team will have to win a conference game to catch next level eyes. I think we do not have an underclassman leave.
 
I think for the first time in a while I'm very optimistic about this team next year. The other thread a few months ago addressed the steps back many teams in the pac take next year.
Throughout this year we have had a much improved run game, a dangerous intermittent pass attack, and a much improved D since the CSU game.
Best case scenario
1. Spruce stays (Possible, not sure how likely, but better than our chance w/ Prich like you said)
2. Nembot stays (I really don't think he leaves. He may have some physical measurable but has not played to match nor graded out well)

On offense: this gives us a deep and functional O-line, deep WR core, probably deep enough RB squad, and a mid level P5 QB (with some improvement). That's probably our best setup that we've seen on O for almost a decade.
On defense: Overall as a unit much improved. Still will have some depth at DB, looks like we have some real safetys this year if they can stay healthy, the Dline this year is young and has improved as the year went on, and heck LB's can only improve.
I'm pumpin sunshine for next year! :nod:
 
Buffnik said:
You build the best team you can, of course. With that, I think you put premium on certain things with athleticism at the position so that upside is as high as possible. It's not like Manziel and Mariota were bit time recruits. This is why I like Montez in this year's class. Given the option between a guy like him and a run-of-the-mill pocket passer who is more polished and gets a higher rating, give me the Montez every time.
Click to expand...

this! i believe mm was a 3*
 
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