It’s that time of year again, and I’m finding it difficult to put together my annual season preview. There are so many changes for the Buffs heading into the season, I can make arguments for us finishing 10-2 as well as finishing 5-7. Which do I think is more likely? Perhaps I’ll channel the unlimited enthusiasm of Coach Hawkins as I go game by game:
Sep 2, Montana State – I don’t see any way that we lose this game. While I hate to see us play a I-AA school, this contest couldn’t come at a better time. Paying the Bobcats to take a beating gives us a chance to break in the new system and attempt to get the mistakes out of the way. Buffs 51 Bobcats 10
Sep 9, Colorado State – This is always a no-win situation for the Buffs and it’s no difference this year. Win, and it’s no big deal as that’s what is expected. Lose, and we have to listen to Ram Fan spout off all year about their superiority. I really think the Buffs need a win here to avoid a downward spiral for the rest of the season. I see Hawk having his boys ready to play. Buffs 27 Rams 23
Sep 16, Arizona State – This game is the first of two brutal non-conference games that I expect the Buffs to struggle in. ASU is picked as a national darkhorse by many experts and I just don’t think the Buffs will have it together enough this season to pull out this game. I think the Buffs keep it close, but don’t have enough in the end. Buffs 24 Devils 31
Sep 23, Georgia – Recently, it seems the Buffs get blown out in at least one road game a year. Hopefully, Hawk can reverse that trend. Unfortunately, I don’t think he’ll do it this year. Buffs 13 ‘Dogs 35
Sep 30, Missouri – This game will show us the character of this team as they could be coming off of two straight losses and will have to travel to Missouri to face the always tough Tigers. I think the character of the coaching staff causes the team to bond together and the Buffs pull out a tough one in Columbia (on a Mason Crosby last-second field goal). Buffs 24, Tigers 21
Oct 7, Baylor – Baylor is said to be improved this year. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig. Buffs 41 Bears 17
Oct 14, Texas Tech – This one could be a barn-burner. We know that Tech will throw the ball up and down the field and it will be interesting to see the new Buffs offense can match the scoring. Unfortunately, I don’t think they can. I think the defense makes some big plays to keep it close, but the Tech offense is just too much for the Buffs this year. Buffs 37 Red Raiders 48
Oct 21, Oklahoma – Enough has been said in the media about Rhett Bomar and the effect that his dismissal will have on OU. Prior to his leaving, I had a loss written down for the Buffs in pen. Now I’ve moved it to pencil. I still think we lose, but I think we have a chance to pull out the upset. Buffs 17 Sooners 24
Oct 28, Kansas – Kansas always plays us tough in Lawrence, but we almost always pull out the win anyway. I think the Buffs do the same this year. Buffs 35 Jayhawks 21
Nov 4, Kansas State – It’s going to be a long season for Wildcat Fan and this game won’t cheer them up any. Buffs 42 Wildcats 13
Nov 11, Iowa State – This game could have Big XII North Division implications and we all know what that means. Iowa State will lay an egg and head off to a lower bowl once again. Buffs 27 Cyclones 20
Nov 24, Nebraska – The game that we all look forward to the most. After an embarrasing loss last year, the Buffs have something to prove against the Corn and their delusional fans. If you ask Bugeater fan about his predictions, he’ll tell you that the Corn will be wrapping up a perfect season by beating the Buffs on the day after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately for the hicks, the Corn may already have 4 (or more) losses coming into this game. I think the Buffs wrap this game up for another North crown. Buffs 30 Huskers 20
It appears that I’ve landed somewhere in the middle of the two records mentioned above. 8-4 on the season for the new staff, a trip to the Big XII title game, and another bowl appearance.

Related posts:

  1. Big XII Season Predictions
  2. Buffs vs Rams – Preview
  3. Three Buffs make pre-season All-Big XII Team