At least for me, it's the comparative offensive output that's concerning. Difficulty in the schedule is roughly the same, but they produce 15 more points per game. Buffs should've produced more, but they didn't. They also should've given up more, but they didn't. That's why there's all the hand wringing on AB. I'm hoping it's just that the Buffs have played to the level of their opponent and we'll see something different on Saturday. I'm fearful that what we have seen is what we've got.Ranking of opponents by Sagarin
UW average - 128
Average score: 47 to 12.3
- Rutgers - 106
- Montana - 149
- Fresno State - 129
CU average - 138
Average score: 31.7 to 9
- CSU - 64
- Texas State - 172
- Northern Colorado - 178
How much do we really know about UW up to this point? They have played a charmin soft schedule up to this point, too. They also will be on the road in what should be a packed/close to packed Folsom Field for their first real test.
Maybe I am just trying to convince myself of something here, but this might be more evenly matched than my knee jerk reaction.
This is ambitious
UW did have to travel 3000 miles to open their season on the road - Rutgers is no power, but that's not an easy start to a season.Ranking of opponents by Sagarin
UW average - 128
Average score: 47 to 12.3
- Rutgers - 106
- Montana - 149
- Fresno State - 129
CU average - 138
Average score: 31.7 to 9
- CSU - 64
- Texas State - 172
- Northern Colorado - 178
How much do we really know about UW up to this point? They have played a charmin soft schedule up to this point, too. They also will be on the road in what should be a packed/close to packed Folsom Field for their first real test.
Maybe I am just trying to convince myself of something here, but this might be more evenly matched than my knee jerk reaction.
Meh. In the middle of the season that sort of travel would suck. For the first game, they probably went a day or two early. Had school ever started yet?UW did have to travel 3000 miles to open their season on the road - Rutgers is no power, but that's not an easy start to a season.
I don't want to discount this, because it is a real road game. Did you know they were down 7-3 in the 2nd quarter and their lead at halftime was 10-7 on a Punt Return for a TD in the second quarter? Against the 106th ranked team in the country.UW did have to travel 3000 miles to open their season on the road - Rutgers is no power, but that's not an easy start to a season.
Should tell us a lot about Lindgren as well. He needs to light a fire under the offense's ass and come out with some passion up front. He is really smart and needs to stop overthinking the playcalling.This is a barometer game in my opinion. Where is this program?
It's year 5 for MM. This is his team, his staff, his recruit, his facilities. TV. Night game. Ranked opponent with quality P5/P12/national talent. Got run last time they played. Time to step up.
Was last year an anomaly of is this program built for lasting success?
We will know much more about MM and this program late Saturday night.
I wouldn't worry about kickoffs, the game is in Boulder so those won't be able to be returned. Kinney has been money though and if he keeps it up he will be pretty highly regarded going into his senior year.worrisome
5. Coverage teams haven't been tested ... yet. That's something that will almost certainly change this week. So far, CU's Davis Price has kicked off 20 times for the Buffs, and only three have been returned, for a total of 43 yards. Kinney, meanwhile, has seen just two of his punts returned, for a total of 9 yards. But waiting on the other end of Kinney's punts this week will be Washington standout Dante Pettis, who has returned a punt for a score in three straight games this year (and an NCAA record-tying eight times in his career). The Huskies will no doubt test the Buffs in this area.
And I'm not necessarily talking about a win.Should tell us a lot about Lindgren as well. He needs to light a fire under the offense's ass and come out with some passion up front. He is really smart and needs to stop overthinking the playcalling.
Evans is still getting into game shape. Have to hope he is closer to 100% this week. Lindsay was going really hard against UNC. Couldn't let his little brother win.We desperately need another RB to step up. Lindsay was winded this past weekend and asked to come out. Insert Adkins to fumble the ball. Lindsay is going to need breathers as the season goes along. Someone is going to have to come in without a huge dropoff from production.
Yup, even last year I don't think we played a game where all 3 phases performed their best at the same time. I actually don't think we have seen a game like that in the Mac era. That would be a great sign and confirmation on the hires he made this offseason and last. Els seems to be doing really well with the special teams units as of right now.And I'm not necessarily talking about a win.
But is CU in the game in the middle of 4Q via playing inspired, well coached football with crispness and execution in all three phases of game?
We were a top 10 team, with 10 wins last season. We are currently 3-0 (first time since 2008) and there are fans acting likes it is 2012 again.I'm getting very annoyed at the number of Buffs fans acting like we're 30 point underdogs and talking about what would constitute a moral victory on Saturday. WTF?
There remain questions about this program, namely was last year an anomaly and is this year's team good.We were a top 10 team, with 10 wins last season. We are currently 3-0 (first time since 2008) and there are fans acting likes it is 2012 again.
True - we'll know more about where this program is after Saturday, but let's not forget MAC1 took a step back in year 5 as well. It's likely MAC2 will as well but that doesn't mean the future isn't bright.This is a barometer game in my opinion. Where is this program?
It's year 5 for MM. This is his team, his staff, his recruit, his facilities. TV. Night game. Ranked opponent with quality P5/P12/national talent. Got run last time they played. Time to step up.
Was last year an anomaly of is this program built for lasting success?
We will know much more about MM and this program late Saturday night.
Would really like to see more designed boot legs for Montez. He is so good on the run and it gets him the extra time the WR's need to get off their defender.Lindgren needs to be spending a lot of time in the film room this week. This offense has the ability to be very explosive, but playing the Dan Reeves offense won't get it done.
There remain questions about this program, namely was last year an anomaly and is this year's team good.
Saturday night is a key piece of information.
Last year might be an anomaly but let's not act like Mac was a complete failure in years 2 & 3, he took those less talented teams way above where they should have been, just couldn't close the deal in close games. Even if the Buffs only win 7 games this year I think it is pretty clear he knows his **** as a head coach.There remain questions about this program, namely was last year an anomaly and is this year's team good.
Saturday night is a key piece of information.
agreed. I don't expect a win, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't talk **** and hope for the best. Neither team has played anyone yet this year, and UW hasn't really been in a dog fight at all. The silver lining from playing these three body bag games closer than they should is that our starting lineup has faced more controversy/pressure situations so far, so you can expect us to counter punch.I'm getting very annoyed at the number of Buffs fans acting like we're 30 point underdogs and talking about what would constitute a moral victory on Saturday. WTF?