CU @ KU Preview
filed in Pre-game on Oct.11, 2002
This could actually be an interesting game. I don’t give KU a real shot at coming within 7 of us but I do think they might be able to keep it interesting for a while. With all our linebackers sitting the pine this weekend QB Whittemore might have a chance to rack up some yards on us on the ground. He’s an elusive runner just like Roberson was last week. Without good help from the linebackers and the secondary Whittemore could come close to the 178 yards rushing Roberson put up on us. He will, without a doubt, be our bigget concern when our defense is on the field.
On the other side of the ball we are going to be golden. This is going to be a big time game for our offense. Chris Brown will obviously give the KU D fits all day long. With the emergence of a passing game last week KU is going to have to respect Hodge which will open the ground attack up even more. I would look for CU to try and get Purify back into his game this weekend. If Watson and Barnett continue to balance the offense and get Hodge throwing, it will be a tremendously long day for a KU defense that is allowing an average of 260 rushing yards a game; and that’s against teams like Baylor, Tulsa and Bowling Green.
A few quick Keys to the Game:
Defense:
–Stop Whittemore and Green from gaining anything major.
–Don’t give up the big play.
–A stellar game from the secondary would be great.
–Don’t give WR Rideau any room to run.
Offense:
–Come out and back them off with the pass.
–After that…Run…Run…Run again.
–Ignore all the BS about how long it’s been since we won in Lawrence.
–O-line once again must come up big. Watch for LBs Cole and Etienne (averaging a sack a game and almost 5 tackles for loss each game).
I think we hold an edge in every category this week, but as usual we can’t be looking past the Jayhawks. I don’t think we will be this time though. We are just starting our Big XII play and just getting back into the swing of winning. I don’t think we are taking anything for granted right now. I look for Hodge to prove himself again and our younger talent, (Billingsley, Bloom and Calhoun to name a few), to shine again this Saturday.
If the defense holds we walk away with this one, 34-17.
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October 12th, 2002 on 7:38 am
Very well put. 2 things to add.
First don’t be surprised to see Marcus Houston in for a couple plays. Everybody has been so quiet about him it is possible that he could play today.
Second our special teams have to imporve this game. No huge run backs, no blocking penalties on the returns and no missed field goals
Go Buffs!