Rebuilding the Buffs

[90sBuff]

Yesterday was a crushing loss, no doubt. I was really looking forward to a big victory after the comeback and beating UCLA. I don't think it's a moral victory to be happy about the loss.

We have been hearing since 2005 or 2006 that we are "rebuilding". We've head the words and the talk (i.e., "we're just one play away", or "we just need to pound it"). I think everyone is so tired of excuses and to hear this year that we are so young seemed at first to maybe just be more words. We've had too many empty promises and phony gimmick talk about turning the corner in the past.

But it now seems like it's no longer just "talk". I see Mac2 as actually doing what he was hired to do: rebuild the Buffs and make a success out of this mess, just like he did with San Jose State.

It's kind of cool to see the facilities being built and to see the pictures of what Folsom will look like with the new building in the NE corner, the bridge to Dal Ward, the indoor practice facility, etc. Rick George is bringing us a literal rebuild of the actual structures. In a parallel time frame, also seems like Mac 2 is delivering in actions, not in talk. Two 2 OT losses, multiple close games. There's a momentum and it's weird that it actually feels positive to be losing, since it isn't just words anymore. These players are better.

Since I'm an optimist and a glass half full and overflowing Buff fan, some might think I'm painting to nice a picture here. But I really think my perspective is based in reality here- our team is better, we've got a coach who seems to make talented players develop, and we have a bright future ahead. I'll take 2-6 at this time. Prefer to be 6-2 or even 5-3. But I feel like our Buffs are truly almost back and truly being rebuilt.

So what are our next steps in rebuilding??

 

[Dark Bohner]

So what are our next steps in rebuilding??

How about winning a football game.

 

[Mr. Babar]

How about winning a football game.

He's already won two this year... :smile:. I agree we need to pull of at least one more W before the end of the season; however, pretty sure winning a bunch of games (bowl eligible and beyond) is towards the tail end of the rebuilding process... more of a result than an action.

 

[90sBuff]

We all would like to win. But what's your roadmap to get there?

To go from losing in a blow out to every Pac12 team (minus beating Cal and keeping it close with Utah) to this year's 2OT losses and near victories with nice offensive stats, etc is a sign IMO that we are rebuilding in a good direction.

If it was so simple, they wouldn't call it rebuilding. So what's your solution?

How about winning a football game.

 

[Dark Bohner]

We all would like to win. But what's your roadmap to get there?

To go from losing in a blow out to every Pac12 team (minus beating Cal and keeping it close with Utah) to this year's 2OT losses and near victories with nice offensive stats, etc is a sign IMO that we are rebuilding in a good direction.

If it was so simple, they wouldn't call it rebuilding. So what's your solution?

Actually it is that simple. Mac has has his players in place, the offense is pretty effective, the defense can be effective at times. The team is good enough to win conference games, and probably should have one already. The only thing left to do is translate improvement into wins.

 

[PAHIBuff]

MM is a really good coach. The best since the real Mac. The personnel is below average for this conference, as ridiculous as this conference is. Very tough to recruit to CU right now. We need to get away from the micro RBs and the junior-grade WRs. Things Take Time. The Triple-T. Need better guys on defense all around, too. Pretty sure MM didn't know what he was getting into here, but now he does. We need to continue to support. UW might be a win.
GO BUFFS !!!!

 

[Waldo]

MM is a really good coach. The best since the real Mac. The personnel is below average for this conference, as ridiculous as this conference is. Very tough to recruit to CU right now. We need to get away from the micro RBs and the junior-grade WRs. Things Take Time. The Triple-T. Need better guys on defense all around, too. Pretty sure MM didn't know what he was getting into here, but now he does. We need to continue to support. UW might be a win.
GO BUFFS !!!!

If Ole Miss can do it we can do it, patience is a hard lesson, yesterdays game was not hard to listen to, ****ing DTV assholes.

We are 4 or 5 players away, 1-2 years if Mac stays in place.

 

[MtnBuff]

If Ole Miss can do it we can do it, patience is a hard lesson, yesterdays game was not hard to listen to, ****ing DTV assholes.

We are 4 or 5 players away, 1-2 years if Mac stays in place.

I think we are more than 4 or 5 players away but if we can significantly upgrade 4-5 players a year we will start winning these games and having better records.

At that point it is easier to get additional quality players to listen and the opportunity exist to continue to advance.

 

[rosstr]

Yesterday was a crushing loss, no doubt. I was really looking forward to a big victory after the comeback and beating UCLA. I don't think it's a moral victory to be happy about the loss.

We have been hearing since 2005 or 2006 that we are "rebuilding". We've head the words and the talk (i.e., "we're just one play away", or "we just need to pound it"). I think everyone is so tired of excuses and to hear this year that we are so young seemed at first to maybe just be more words. We've had too many empty promises and phony gimmick talk about turning the corner in the past.

But it now seems like it's no longer just "talk". I see Mac2 as actually doing what he was hired to do: rebuild the Buffs and make a success out of this mess, just like he did with San Jose State.

It's kind of cool to see the facilities being built and to see the pictures of what Folsom will look like with the new building in the NE corner, the bridge to Dal Ward, the indoor practice facility, etc. Rick George is bringing us a literal rebuild of the actual structures. In a parallel time frame, also seems like Mac 2 is delivering in actions, not in talk. Two 2 OT losses, multiple close games. There's a momentum and it's weird that it actually feels positive to be losing, since it isn't just words anymore. These players are better.

Since I'm an optimist and a glass half full and overflowing Buff fan, some might think I'm painting to nice a picture here. But I really think my perspective is based in reality here- our team is better, we've got a coach who seems to make talented players develop, and we have a bright future ahead. I'll take 2-6 at this time. Prefer to be 6-2 or even 5-3. But I feel like our Buffs are truly almost back and truly being rebuilt.

So what are our next steps in rebuilding??

Addressing why MacIntyre cannot recruit well.

 

[Quattro]

Addressing why MacIntyre cannot recruit well.

What an original and thoughtful post! Do you ever post anything positive?

 

[Duff Man]

Addressing why MacIntyre cannot recruit well.

Cannot disagree here.

 

[Quattro]

Cannot disagree here.

And yes I agree but he is a broken record smearing the same year old poop across the walls

 

[Scotch]

And yes I agree but he is a broken record smearing the same year old poop across the walls

Interesting comment coming from you.

 

[SINKRATZ]

What an original and thoughtful post! Do you ever post anything positive?

And yes I agree but he is a broken record smearing the same year old poop across the walls

:lol: you never disappoint Tini.

 

[Deleted member 807]

+1 for recruiting aces.

Lock down instate talent, specifically linemen.
Unlock San Diego and rest of So Cal, make inroads in either DFW or Houston.

Deep Rolodex of regional HS coaches.

Charismatic, able to sell Boulder as pipeline to the pros.

Be able to emphasize academic advantages, sports medicine, facilities, conference affiliation, team chemistry and MacIntyre's philosophy of developing 4Fs (Future, Foundation, Family, Football) while de-emphasizing concerns about climate being too cold, perception city is unfriendly to minority athletes, and concerns about Boulder's reputation as party and recreational drug epicenter.

Great evaluator of talent, through strong professional network that includes alumni and former players.
Closing skills. Smooth communication skills, including social media savvy and develops credibility and trust with mothers of athletes.
Indefatigable. Hard working.
Creative within constraints of rules.
Displays high character. (clean arrest record, references. Will consider military & community experience in addition to football player and coaching resume items)
Affiliation with successful and relevant college and pro program, including coaching experience is preferred.
High tolerance for stress and adversity.
Works well as team member & independently

 

[DBT]

Addressing why MacIntyre cannot recruit well.

Cannot disagree here.

Seems to me that with the advent of the "star" system and the hype these kids are now getting on TV they (star recruits) are more into instant gratification and the bright lights than they used to be. CU needs to become one of those "bright lights" programs.

 

[CarolinaBuff]

Actually it is that simple. Mac has has his players in place, the offense is pretty effective, the defense can be effective at times. The team is good enough to win conference games, and probably should have one already. The only thing left to do is translate improvement into wins.

This team is clearly getting better even though we are only sitting at only 2 wins and could end up with a worse record than last year, but if look just a little deeper into that 2 of last year's wins were against FCS teams, one against a mid-level MWC team, and the other against a Cal team that was among the worst in the P5. This year CSU looks like a pretty good team but more importantly we are very competitive in our conference games. Heard a comment on CFF this morning where they said CU wasn't unlike Tennessee or Arkansas where these teams are getting better even though it may not be showing up in the W-L record yet.

 

[Dark Bohner]

This team is clearly getting better even though we are only sitting at only 2 wins and could end up with a worse record than last year, but if look just a little deeper into that 2 of last year's wins were against FCS teams, one against a mid-level MWC team, and the other against a Cal team that was among the worst in the P5. This year CSU looks like a pretty good team but more importantly we are very competitive in our conference games. Heard a comment on CFF this morning where they said CU wasn't unlike Tennessee or Arkansas where these teams are getting better even though it may not be showing up in the W-L record yet.

No argument here. At the end of the day though recruits and media are rarely going to look deeper, especially when it comes to a downtrodden program like Colorado. As much as I hate to say it, positive media is a huge part of recruiting momentum, just like other schools competing for our recruits will be able to use our record as negative recruiting against Colorado. That is why it is so hard to swallow these ongoing losses because it is killing the momentum of the program growth for MM.

 

[CarolinaBuff]

No argument here. At the end of the day though recruits and media are rarely going to look deeper, especially when it comes to a downtrodden program like Colorado. As much as I hate to say it, positive media is a huge part of recruiting momentum, just like other schools competing for our recruits will be able to use our record as negative recruiting against Colorado. That is why it is so hard to swallow these ongoing losses because it is killing the momentum of the program growth for MM.

That's what bothers me, in today's society with very short attention spans and people only looking at the headlines and on the surface, that people in general will simply look at the record and make a generic (i.e. clueless) statement like "Their record is worse than last year's so they're obviously not getting any better". Which is of course is a ridiculous statement but as I said, today's society just skips from headline to headline and that's what they think is the full story. And that's where recruiting comes in.

 

[lawdogg]

That's what bothers me, in today's society with very short attention spans and people only looking at the headlines and on the surface, that people in general will simply look at the record and make a generic (i.e. clueless) statement like "Their record is worse than last year's so they're obviously not getting any better". Which is of course is a ridiculous statement but as I said, today's society just skips from headline to headline and that's what they think is the full story. And that's where recruiting comes in.

Based on this exact line of thought, one of my co-workers has been trying to convince me that CSU is now the flagship athletic program in the state, just casual attention to headlines.

 

[SINKRATZ]

That's what bothers me, in today's society with very short attention spans and people only looking at the headlines and on the surface, that people in general will simply look at the record and make a generic (i.e. clueless) statement like "Their record is worse than last year's so they're obviously not getting any better". Which is of course is a ridiculous statement but as I said, today's society just skips from headline to headline and that's what they think is the full story. And that's where recruiting comes in.

Here's the thing, you're not wrong but really only die hard fans and those that follow the program closely will recognize that. We on AB know the team is improved, but the casual fan in the Pac 12 footprint (that CU desperately needs to attract to grow the local fan base) thinks we just continue to suck. Same with recruits - some talented RB in SoCal isn't going to recognize the type of improvement we're making. Perception is reality for a lot of folks who should matter to this program for us to be successful.

I know I sound like a broken record on our talent, but that's really what it comes back to for me. HCMM needs to find a way to significantly raise the talent level on this team sooner than later. I look at a program like Cal, they were struggling big time but had a roster with legit talent on it. Just before the season started some of our more brilliant posters declared Cal's football program a "dumpster fire" yet now they are winning and have produced an impressive turnaround over last season, why? Because they had talent that with a little coaching helped improve the team. Does anyone think Dykes is a better coach than Mac? Probably not too many, but he's got more arrows in his quiver.

Talent, talent, talent. Recruit, recruit, recruit.

 

[Buffnik]

Guys, you're right. Partially. CU does not sell itself with this record. However, there is plenty there for MacIntyre and his staff to sell. HS Coaches will respond to what he's talking about. More recruits will respond to close losses in the Pac-12 while being a sophomore-dominted 2-deep. You can sell the improvement if you can get your foot in the door.

Certainly isn't as good as being able to sell winning, but I do believe that there is a lot more to sell now than there was a year ago or, really, any time since the 2007 season / 2008 recruiting class.

 

[TimmyDUBs]

Coaches and recruits will recognize how much mac can get out of your talent, how much he can prepare you to be a great football player that may be drafted in the NFL. With our talent we may be close in some losing efforts, but players like Crawley, Hendo, Spruce, McCartney, etc are playing smart and playing well as we could hope.

The best recruits look for that as much or more than a winning program or nice facilities

 

[SINKRATZ]

Coaches and recruits will recognize how much mac can get out of your talent, how much he can prepare you to be a great football player that may be drafted in the NFL. With our talent we may be close in some losing efforts, but players like Crawley, Hendo, Spruce, McCartney, etc are playing smart and playing well as we could hope.

The best recruits look for that as much or more than a winning program or nice facilities

Maybe, but every other coach in our conference will give the same speech in some shape or form but can also sell wins (or at least more than CU).

 

[rosstr]

What an original and thoughtful post! Do you ever post anything positive?

Sounds like there was a decent conversation on improving recruiting.

And if you want something positive just head over to the basketball board. It's a party.

 

[Shldr2Shldr]

Saw the recruits at the game yesterday at half time they looked like they were enjoying themselves. I can't imagine not being impressed with the way the 2nd half went. These kind of games IMO lend themselves to allowing recruits to think "If I was here maybe we could have won this one" and that is a good thing.

 

[Burrito]

Saw the recruits at the game yesterday at half time they looked like they were enjoying themselves. I can't imagine not being impressed with the way the 2nd half went. These kind of games IMO lend themselves to allowing recruits to be think "If I was here maybe we could have won this one" and that is a good thing.

The courageous ones know they are the tipping point.

 

[Bufffan68]

Yesterday was a crushing loss, no doubt. I was really looking forward to a big victory after the comeback and beating UCLA. I don't think it's a moral victory to be happy about the loss.

We have been hearing since 2005 or 2006 that we are "rebuilding". We've head the words and the talk (i.e., "we're just one play away", or "we just need to pound it"). I think everyone is so tired of excuses and to hear this year that we are so young seemed at first to maybe just be more words. We've had too many empty promises and phony gimmick talk about turning the corner in the past.

But it now seems like it's no longer just "talk". I see Mac2 as actually doing what he was hired to do: rebuild the Buffs and make a success out of this mess, just like he did with San Jose State.

It's kind of cool to see the facilities being built and to see the pictures of what Folsom will look like with the new building in the NE corner, the bridge to Dal Ward, the indoor practice facility, etc. Rick George is bringing us a literal rebuild of the actual structures. In a parallel time frame, also seems like Mac 2 is delivering in actions, not in talk. Two 2 OT losses, multiple close games. There's a momentum and it's weird that it actually feels positive to be losing, since it isn't just words anymore. These players are better.

Since I'm an optimist and a glass half full and overflowing Buff fan, some might think I'm painting to nice a picture here. But I really think my perspective is based in reality here- our team is better, we've got a coach who seems to make talented players develop, and we have a bright future ahead. I'll take 2-6 at this time. Prefer to be 6-2 or even 5-3. But I feel like our Buffs are truly almost back and truly being rebuilt.

So what are our next steps in rebuilding??

Can't disagree with much here. Next steps in rebuilding...win games, new uniforms, tweek the coaching staff, recruit better. We are right there...can almost taste it. It's nice being frustrated because we're so close and not frustrated because we are so freaking bad. If we could recruit one year like Hawk did, that would be enough to get us the infusion of talent we need to make the leap. Then we'll win and better recruiting classes will come our way.

 

[BuffUp]

Here's the thing, you're not wrong but really only die hard fans and those that follow the program closely will recognize that. We on AB know the team is improved, but the casual fan in the Pac 12 footprint (that CU desperately needs to attract to grow the local fan base) thinks we just continue to suck. Same with recruits - some talented RB in SoCal isn't going to recognize the type of improvement we're making. Perception is reality for a lot of folks who should matter to this program for us to be successful.

I know I sound like a broken record on our talent, but that's really what it comes back to for me. HCMM needs to find a way to significantly raise the talent level on this team sooner than later. I look at a program like Cal, they were struggling big time but had a roster with legit talent on it. Just before the season started some of our more brilliant posters declared Cal's football program a "dumpster fire" yet now they are winning and have produced an impressive turnaround over last season, why? Because they had talent that with a little coaching helped improve the team. Does anyone think Dykes is a better coach than Mac? Probably not too many, but he's got more arrows in his quiver.

Talent, talent, talent. Recruit, recruit, recruit.

In agreement with the talent angle but - you have to remember it is also about coaching. Like a chess match between coaches and who has the deeper pawns, castles, and bishops. Look at florida, Texas, tennessee to name a few. They are loaded with 4 and 5* rosters that have finished at the tops of recruiting - and they suck.

 

[SINKRATZ]

In agreement with the talent angle but - you have to remember it is also about coaching. Like a chess match between coaches and who has the deeper pawns, castles, and bishops. Look at florida, Texas, tennessee to name a few. They are loaded with 4 and 5* rosters that have finished at the tops of recruiting - and they suck.

Of course coaching matters, but I think most here would agree we have a pretty good coach now, but there are a lot of very good coaches in this conference that we're not going to beat with inferior talent.

I've heard the chess example a couple times, but that only works if we're paying with the same pieces as our opponent. Right now we've got a board full of pawns.