Checking out CU opponents...according to Scout

[LongHaulBuff]

Week 1


Colorado State
Why to get excited: Sonny Lubick might have been an all-time great coach for CSU, but the program needed a change in a major way. Steve Fairchild should bring in a new, fresh attitude to the team, and while he has to work with a slew of new starters, that might not be a bad thing considering the house cleaning needing to be done. As bad as last year was, ending on a two-game winning streak might be something to build on.
Why to be grouchy: The team underachieved in a big way, but it had some good seniors with three veterans on the defensive line, including all-star Jesse Nading, and three defensive backs off a solid pass defense. QB Caleb Hanie always had his issues, but he was the Mountain West's most efficient passer. WRs Damon Morton and Luke Roberts were good.
The number one thing to work on is: Changing the overall attitude. The team has been pushed around on both sides of the ball for far too long. Better pass protection is a must after giving up 37 sacks, while the defense didn't get into the backfield often enough. The D never allowed fewer than 24 points.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Caleb Hanie
Biggest defensive loss: DE Jesse Nading
Best returning offensive player: RBs Gartrell Johnson & Kyle Bell

 

[LongHaulBuff]

Week 2

EWU

 

[LongHaulBuff]

Week 3


West Virginia
Why to get excited: Everyone appears to be excited about Bill Stewart and his ability to keep the momentum going after a huge Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma. The proof will come in the recruiting and if he can build on what Rich Rodriguez created, but for now, there's no reason to shoot for anything less than another Big East title with QB Pat White working behind a tremendous O line with all five starters returning.
Why to be grouchy: The Mountaineers did a fantastic job of rebuilding and retooling last year after losing a ton on both sides. this is different. Can Stewart get the job done no that he's expected to succeed? White is a tremendous playmaker, and Noel Devine will take on an expanded role, but losing RB Steve Slaton and WR Darius Reynaud will be painful. The defense has to replace seven starters and four All-Big East performers (NT Keilen Dykes, DE Johnny Dingle, LB Marc Magro and SS Eric Wicks).
The number one thing to work on is: Getting Stewart firmly entrenched into his new role. He was auditioning in the Fiesta Bowl preparation. Now that the gig is his, he has to show that he can get the job done. At this point, there's no grace period with the expectations at a BCS level; anything less will be considered a disappointment. On the field, the passing game was efficient, and now with White under the helm for yet another year, there should be around 200 yards per game through the air to go along with the phenomenal ground attack.
Biggest offensive loss: RB Steve Slaton
Biggest defensive loss: NT Keilen Dykes
Best returning offensive player: QB Pat White, Sr.
Best returning defensive player: LB Reed Williams, Sr.

 

[LongHaulBuff]

Week 4


Florida State
Why to get excited: Sure, top quarterback recruit E.J. Manuel is a top recruit who'll be groomed to play sooner than later, and Christian Ponder will certainly get a long look this off-season, but the pressure might finally be off Drew Weatherford, at least somewhat, with Xavier Lee out of the picture. In all, eight starters are back on offense and eight return on defense ... sort of.
Why to be grouchy: There's still that little matter of the academic issues that cost the Noles any shot of beating Kentucky in the Music City Bowl, and will be an issue for at least the first three games of the 2008 season. While a lot of experience returns on both sides of the ball (at least it will eventually), there's still a question mark about if the team can actually play. Weatherford has the experience, and a few good games under hit belt, but it's not like he'll keep Ponder and Manuel on the bench if the offense isn't moving.
The number one thing to work on is: Running game, running game, running game. Part of the reason for the shakeup in the coaching staff a few years ago was the inability to get the ground game moving despite having talented backs in Lorenzo Booker and Leon Washington. Antone Smith, when caught on the right day, can be one of the ACC's most talented backs, Preston Parker is a playmaker, and good prospects are coming in from the recruiting class. FSU can't average just 127 rushing yards per game again.
Biggest offensive loss: WR DeCody Fagg
Biggest defensive loss: LB Geno Hayes
Best returning offensive player: WR Greg Carr, Sr.

 

[LongHaulBuff]

Week 5


Texas
Why to get excited: The offensive line might have been mediocre last year, but at least it'll be experienced coming into this season with all the starters returning. The passing game got used to not having Limas Sweed, and it should be ready to shine with QB Colt McCoy back for his third year as a starter with Quan Cosby and Jordan Shipley to throw to. Arkansas is the only non-conference game worth worrying about, and that's in Austin.
Why to be grouchy: Normally, South teams wouldn't be upset with playing Missouri and Kansas from the North, but things have changed over the last 12 months. The defense has to undergo some massive changes with tackles Derek Lokey and Frank Okam gone, while five of the defensive back seven starters need to be replaced. Losing Jamaal Charles and TE Jermichael Finley early to the NFL might be the difference between a Big 12 title and an also-ran South finish.
The number one thing to work on is: Pass defense. The NFL-caliber secondary of two years ago gave up yards in bunches, but that was explained away by the Gene Chizik scheme that left the defensive backs in a horrible position. Chizik went to Iowa State and the secondary was supposed to improve, and it was still among the worst in the nation allowing 278 yards per game. Considering the four non-home games are against UTEP, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Kansas, five teams that'll be able to throw the ball, tightening up is a must.
Biggest offensive loss: RB Jamaal Charles
Biggest defensive loss: FS Marcus Griffin
Best returning offensive player: QB Colt McCoy, Jr.
Best returning defensive player: DE Brian Orakpo, Sr.

 

[DBT]

These synopses are all about the opposing team! :sad2:

 

[96 Buff]

Did you read the title of the thread, DBT?

 

[CarolinaBuff]

Did you read the title of the thread, DBT?

:lol:

 

[DBT]

Did you read the title of the thread, DBT?

Awe shut up! Leave me alone, I've got rheumatism. :lol:

 

[NattyIzIce]

Awe shut up! Leave me alone, I've got rheumatism. :lol:

Here you go DBT.