September 19, 2008 12:37 PM
'I' appeal
That ``new'' look CU showed on offense Thursday night against West Virginia undoubtedly pleased numerous arm-chair offensive coordinators, who in the run-up to the Mountaineers game had been gnashing their dentures about the Buffs not being able to run effectively out of the shotgun formation.
News flash for the cyber pseudo-coaching set: Duh . . . CU's offensive staff didn't drop into a chat room to figure out running out of the I-formation would be an effective change of pace for the ground game.
For the first time this season, quarterback Cody Hawkins took numerous snaps under center, with a fullback and tailback lined up behind him. The formation was effective in helping CU rush for 213 yards, its biggest ground total in three games, besting the 153 gained against Colorado State in the opener.
Also, the Buffs found an effective tailback in freshman Rodney Stewart (28 carries, 166 yards) and got another 35 yards on 10 carries from freshman Darrell Scott, who has been nursing a bruised knee, according to coach Dan Hawkins.
Hawkins would like CU's ground numbers to stay above 200 yards a game, and by sprinkling the I-formation with the shotgun (along with another wrinkle or two yet to be unveiled) that's not an unrealistic goal.
Plus, the young offensive line rebounded from a sub-par performance against Eastern Washington, and it will need to continue on its upward tract as the schedule's degree of difficulty continues to climb.
September 29, 2008
4:30 PM
Jason Smith writes:
Am I the only one who watched the game Saturday? Yes, Hawkins missed 3 huge passes in the first half, and yes the deffense couldn't stop a one dimensional offense from running the ball. But those are all way down the list of issues on this team. Issues 1-5 are special teams, special teams, special teams, special teams, and special teams coach. I realize not all of it is the coach's fault. (he can't make a guy kick a field goal or catch a kick)However, I assume we have a special (olympics) teams coach and that had to be one of the 5 worst special team efforts I've EVER seen on any level. Disagree? Let's review, a missed 25 yard field goal, a blocked punt for a safety after we end up inside our 3 because of a fumbled kick, a 98 yard kickoff return, another kick returned inside our 20, and another kickoff returned inside our territory. That is just off the top of my head, I'm sure I'm missing some. Bottom line, who the hell is the special teams coach, how does he still have a job, and is there anyone in the real world who would still have their job if they performed like that. (or surrogates they are responsible for?)