I knew it was bad, but did not realize it was that bad. It seemed like too many times we had guys in the backfield and yet rarely got hits on QBs, let alone sacks.
This is the answer when people want to argue there is no difference between a guy with a 5.5 3* and a guy with a 5.7 3* with Rivals.
Both guys have the size, work hard, have the moves, etc. Difference is one of them has a extra jump off the line, gets a certain number of rushes per season when the blocker is cleanly beaten and the rusher has a clean path to the passer. Difference is often that one of the guys has an extra burst at the end, when he gets off his blocker it seems like he is instantly at the QB.
Mustafa is a great example. Great Buff, works hard every play, has size and technical skills. Tried the pros last year and got no interest, why? How often do we see him tied up with a single blocker, working hard but just not getting off. How many times do we see him getting into the pocket two steps after the pass is released or the QB has vacated the pocket. Do we ever see him just beat a guy on physical talent?
People can argue about how accurate individual ratings are but you can't argue that watching CU play other teams it is infrequent that the most physically talented team on the field. How often do we see the spectacular plays, the extraordinary plays being made by the opponent.
I know we are recruiting players for college not the pros but the NFL looks for guys who have that standout physical talent, guys who don't have that don't make it.
Why does CU have fewer players in the last ten years drafted in the first 3-5 rounds of the draft than a lot of G5 teams? How many guys on the current roster have that kind of physical talent?
People on this site like to argue about recruiting rankings. How about looking at the statistics that are directly related to making "athletic" plays. Not only does CU do poorly in sacks, we don't see the interceptions, the strip fumbles, the TFLs, all of which are plays that generally reflect superior athletic plays.
Until we have a coach and athletic director, and an administration that understands that recruiting is the difference between failure and success we need to be used to seeing the Buffs lose to teams with better athletes that make more plays.