Wow, hard to believe that the season is already half over! So far the Colorado Buffaloes have had their share of ups and downs. They got off to a great start against in state rival CSU. Then struggled against Football Championship Series school Eastern Washington. A fast start against then top 25 West Virginia, and doing just enough to win late (or maybe WVU did just enough to lose, but who’s counting). A very slow start against Florida State before almost getting back into it, before finally falling apart. Texas came to town for homecoming and the magic from the Oklahoma game last year was no where to be found. Missed opportunities against the Jayhawks. The Buffs are 3-3 and it doesn’t get any easier with Mizzou, surprising Oklahoma State and Nebraska left on the schedule.
One thing about this team so far is they have not quit. They have played hard, even when over matched physically, right to the bitter end. A few years ago this team fell apart when they got down, they did not try to come back. That led to a change of coaches. Dan Hawkins is in his third year, and has mostly his players in there. So there is no more “It’s the other guys players” excuses. Hawk never used them anyway, he has always accepted responsibility for losses. He wants to be held accountable. Injuries have hurt key positions, like the O-Line and linebacker depth. But these positions are in a much better spot than in previous years. Two years ago if we had lost two starting lineman we might have had to play with four lineman.
At quarterback everyone loved Cody Hawkins last year. The team responded to his leadership and the Buffs went from 2 to 6 wins. The Buffs can still realistically win 4 more games this year, plus a bowl could make 5 to drive the win total to 8. Cody has struggled, think missed throws against FSU. But also in that game it was a rare occasion he was able to drop back go through the reads and make an easy throw. Matt Ballenger needs to get into games because we need a back up with experience. Should Matt come in during meaningful time and ignite the team then a qb controversy could come. However, with the maturity Cody has shown thus far I don’t think he would do anything to divide the team.
The defense has been exposed the past few weeks. They need to find some intensity and start making stops. If they can get rolling and become the backbone of this team again then the second half of this season could be better than the first. The secondary will continue to be challenged. The pass rush must get better. The blitz looks must get more creative. This week against K-State the defense will face a tough quarterback in Josh Freeman. If they can contain him and hold the Wildcat offense in check it will go a long way to giving the D confidence heading into Mizzou to face Chase Daniel.
Of the last 6 games the Buffs should beat ISU and A&M. I would say this week against KSU is a borderline must win. Nebraska is still down, so we better kick them before they try to get up. Win all 4 and the Buffs will go bowling, win 3 and they have to either hope to steal one against Mizzou or OSU, or hope 6-6 will get in. I see a 7-5 finish capped off with a bowl win to go 8-5. Let the building continue!

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