Bugs, butter, beer & Buffs

(from Oct 23)

Friends of the Buffaloes,

We may not be knocking off opponents as well as we once did, but I'll wager that we can still do serious damage to some live Maine lobsters. It's nearly that time of year again, and our friend Hamid is fixing to import a batch of our favorite crustaceans. So consider this your official invitation for the annual Lobsterfest to be held on November 4th at the hallowed B-School parking lot. Send your RSVPs by Thursday this week to ensure a bug to call your own. $15 dollars per lobster head including butter, bread, salad and beer.

Send head count number to Hamid.

Several special guests from near and far will be attending this big event so don't miss it. Oh yeah, and there's a football game too.

CU pronto,
Buffalover


(From Nov 3)
FOTBs,

This event of which you've all been notified is just several hours away. By now, you've reserved your lobster and are counting the minutes until you can tear into it's tender flesh much as the Buffaloes are preparing to tear through Kansas State Wildcats!

Hamid and Shannon will arrive bright and early to prepare this special meal for your enjoyment. Game begins at 1:30, bugs served between 11 and 12, tailgate begins at 10. And I assure you that the B-school parking lot is open and grass fields are available for your enjoyment.

CU Saturday,
Buffalover

Victory

It happened. Karma finally kicked in. The glimpses that we've seen all season of who these Buffs could be have finally been realized.

Let's be clear. The Buffs dind't merely beat Texas Tech on Saturday, they kicked their ass. They dominated both sides of the ball from wire to wire. And save for one mistake that turned into a long scoring play, we shut out one of the most prolific offenses in the country. Special teams were special again. Hugh and the rest of the stable were spectacular. The defense made big plays and got take-aways.

And it was all done without a single Buff penalty. Mind-boggling.

So things ae looking up. I won't declare that the Buffs are back just yet. But we have indeed crossed an important chasm, and it feels great. Enjoy it, friends.

Ralphie to Run Rough-shod over Red Raiders?

Friends of the Buffaloes,

Due.

That's the term they use for a team that is, statistically speaking, on the verge of a major tun of events. And that is what our Buffs are now - due. Due for a breakout game by a wide receiver. Due for a game-changing long field goal. Due for a punt return for a TD. Due for a defensive takeaway that produces a touchdown. Due for a 150 rushing day by Hugh Charles. Due for a mistake free performance. Due for victory!

"But Buffalover," you say, "how can the 0-6 Buffs possibly beat Texas Tech who has that prolific passing offense?" Glad you asked. The answer may surprise you - a productive Buff rushing attack. That's right, the Buffs have been running the ball very well and expect that to improve further this week. By doing so, the Buffs will produce long clock-killing drives that keep the Tech offense off of the field. And furthermore, that Buff rush attack will finally start producing TDs. With a Buff lead on the scoreboard, Tech will be pressing and will make mistakes... Abe Wright sacks QB - fumble! Fearsome blitz causes throw to go awry - Terrence Wheatley pick, he's fast, TD! But Tech battles back, gets some points, makes it close. Then Mason Crosby comes in for a game winning, clock expiring 70 yard field goal! Demons vanquished. Buffaloes win. Harmony restored to the Flatirons. Relief.

So that's how it will play out, faithful. Be sure not to miss the moment when karma kicks in. Schlep yourself and the kids out to dear old CU this Saturday. Enjoy tasty food and beverages and savor the flavor of a much deserved Buffalo victory!

Go Buffs!
Buffalover

Buffs & Bears

(From October 5th)

Friends of the Buffaloes,

A very wise man once said... "Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is interesting. What they conceal is vital!" Who was that wise man? Plato.

And if Plato were here today he would surely remark that while the Buffs are currently 0-5, they are the best 0-5 team in the country! At which point Plato would be punched in the face.

But you know what? Our bloody-faced Plato is right. Now I'm not saying that we're a good team. Not a polished product. But I must point out that our boys, in the midst of a rebuilding year, are giving everyone they play a tough time. We are not getting blown out by anyone. And we're actually just a handful of plays away from being 5-0 right now.

Sure we've got our problems, but these Buffs "Never Give In" and neither should you, friends. This week's match-up brings the Baylor Bears to town. These same Bad News Bears beat the Buffs in their last meeting 3 years ago. The good and the bad news is that that game is no longer in the record books as "most embarrassing loss ever." But what's important is that we have an opportunity to avenge that loss and turn around this lousy season by going out and beating the tar out of those guys.

So come on out to campus on Saturday, tailgate wherever it is that you people tailgate these days, rekindle that camaraderie and support your Buffs!

Go Buffs!
Buffalover

Buffs vs Tigers review

0 and 5. Ouch. Well it's been evident since the first game that this could happen. And it has. Let's talk.

Mizzou is a good team. They have a great young quarterback in Chase Daniel and he had a good day against the Buffs - and every other team he's played this year. If the Buffs turn it around, they could contend for the Big XII North title again. But, let's be honest, that's not likely. In which case, I gotta say, I'm now pulling for Mizzou. What's not to like? They wear Black and Gold, Bill McCartney is an alum and they aren't Nebraska. Go Tigers!

So enough stalling, let's talk about the game...

What I liked:

The offense clearly had it's best game of the season. BJax makes solid progress each week which is heartening. Hugh Charles looks like he's got jets strapped to his feet. The line is blocking well even without Mark Fenton (maybe better than with Fenton?). And we're starting to see some vertical passing game - the 68 yarder to Dusty was sweet.

I know that many won't agree but I also like that we're going for it on 4th down. It's not working, of course, but I like the idea. It's that kind of season and we need to take chances and we are. So that's cool.

After struggling early, the D came up with big stops and turnovers (was actually robbed of a 3rd INT they should have had). In general the D is still playing well enough to keep us in games.

What I didn't like :

Though, as noted, the offense has improved and is putting together some good drives... well, they are just not getting it done in key situations. The afore-mentioned 0 and 5 on 4th down is a clear example. And, folks, we aren't much better on 3rd down. Yikes. This trend has to break our way eventually but, damn, it's bad right now.

The special teams are just a mess. Our punt returns are abysmal. The punting and punt coverage isn't much better. Crosby might win us a game this year, but right now we can't even utilize him becasue we just need touchdowns.

And although, as I said, the defense is keeping us in games, the Mizzou game was their worst showing of the season. Sure hope the wheels aren't coming off of that bus.

What's next?:

Ah Baylor. Surely the cure for a team in the midst of a losing streak, right? Whoops, Baylor doesn't suck as much this year. And, oh by the way, last time we played them we lost (3 years ago). Boy, that sure was embarrassing. I mean, not as bad as losing to Montana State but still...

But stick with your Buffs, friends. They are 0-5 and there is a possibility that they might not win a game this year. But I tell you what - this team fights. They have played every game tough. They are bringing it in every game. They have many problems but lack of guts and heart is not one of them. I love them for that. And I'll keep bringing it every week too.

Now, let's take it to those damned Bears!

It's on in the Big XII

The Buffs kick off their conference schedule this week at Mizzou. What better time for us to change our losing ways than now? The defense has been great all year and the offense is improving at a hyperbolic rate - though admittedly from a pretty grim starting point.

Don't be surprised if the Buffs come out and beat a very good Tiger team on Saturday. Though I'm sure that Vegas will be picking MU to win big. That's why everyone hates Vegas. That and the heat. And the moral decay. And those goddamned blinking lights...

Buffs are better

Hey, our team is 0-4. They lost to a Divsion 1-AA team, they lost to CSU, they lost to ASU and now to Georgia. It's safe to say, we are not good. However, in a rebuilding year with a new coach, what you want to see is improvement week to week. And my, oh my, are we seeing improvement.

The Buffs went into Athens Georgia today and very, very nearly stole one from #9 UGA. The defense has been solid all year and gives us a chance to win each week. The offense is noticeably improving each week. And what's really noteworthy is that that offense is improving versus increasingly good competion. Georgia is believed to have one of the finest Ds in college football yet the Buffs had their best game against them. On the road.

Some say there are no such things as moral victories. But in a season like this, that's just not true. The Buffs had one today. Don't be surprised if this ends up being the turning point for our Buffs. And it's happening just as the Big XII schedule is about to commence.

Stay tuned, friends of the Buffaloes. It's going to continue to be interesting.

Devils in the Details

Friends of the Buffaloes,

So sure, the Buffs performance on the field has been less than inspiring so far this season. Sure, we lost to Montana stat (Div. 1-AA) who went on to lose to Chadron State (Div 2). Sure, we lost to CSU, a middle-of-the-pack team from a mid-major conference. Fine. It sucks but it's part of the rebuilding prerequisite. We're at the bottom of the hill and have a long way to climb. It may be a tough season or two before the Buffs rise.

The ASU Sun Devils come to town Saturday with a #22 rating and a high octane offense. They won't be expecting much of a fight from downtrodden CU, will they? No, just another non-conference cream-puff before the real season starts.

Not so fast my friends! The Buffs aren't dead yet. They've got plenty of fight in them. And we're running the option now, baby, just like the glory days. Anything can happen. We've got nothing to lose now so expect to see Hawk and the boys take plenty of chances. It'll be interesting, it'll be exciting. Don't jump off of the bandwagon folks. We are Buffs and we will "never give in"!

And because I feel that I have not been doing my part thus far, I will be flying up from Argentina to attend Saturday's game. The tailgater will commence around 2 PM in the B-School lot. Bring some food to share, and plenty of beverages.

CU Saturday,
Buffalover

Buffs vs. Rams review

Well, indeed we are in for a long season. A few thoughts...

What I liked:

Rushing defense is fantastic. Neither of our first two opponents has been able to run at all.

Pass rush was great. 6 sacks is an accomplishment.

Creativity on offense. Hey, it didn't pan out but I like the coaches pulling out all the stops. I can't tell you how excited I was to see the option. It sputtered by the second quarter but, still, it was worth a shot.

Punting was mostly improved. The 75 yarder by DiLallo was impressive.

The SlingBox hooked to my Tivo back in Boulder worked like a charm allowing me to watch the game here in Argentina (even pause and rewind).

What I didn't like:

Defensive secondary made Caleb Hanie look like whoever the most accurate passer of all times is. Actually, Hanie was really threading the needle - even when we had great coverage (which we frequently didn't) he was still hitting the receiver. Also, our lack of height at CB was evident. The TD pass to Sperry was clearly blown coverage.

Bad clock management. We blew a chance for Mason to kick a chip shot at the end of the half. Would have changed the momentum.

No receivers. Sure, Patrick Williams had his best game yet, but that was 4 catches. We can't get anyone open downfield and when we do, we can't get the ball to them. Which means that the opposing defense just put 8 in the box and shut down the run.

In general no fire on offense. When crunch time approached, there was just nothing there. Seems like they packed it in.

Trev Alberts. When I heard he would be announcing the game, I nearly vomited. That Fusker hates the Buffs. But actually during the game he was way less of an ass-wipe than he could have been so I salute that red bastard for his restraint.

So now what?

Well, to turn this thing around, there's only one more thing that I can do. Come to Boulder and bring my South American juju to the Buffs. Did you know that Argentina has been the reigning world polo champs uninterrupted since 1949?! Some of that magic probably has rubbed off on me by now so I'll bottle it up and bring it to Folsom next Saturday. CU all there!

Rally against the Rams

Friends of the Buffaloes,

Well, the Hawkins honeymoon came to a rather abrupt ending last Saturday as we endured the most embarrassing loss in our fine history. We all knew that we were in for a difficult transition but nobody expected the Montana State game to factor into that difficulty. I could go on (and have on the Buffalover blog). But really, what point is there in looking back when looking forward is so terrifying, err, fun?

And this week we look forward to our annual contest against our adorable little cousins from Northern Colorado Vocational College, I mean, CSU. The game returns to the grand venue of Invesco Field in Denver. The Rams are no doubt bursting with confidence after seeing us fall to a I-AA team. What a great opportunity to throw fuel on top of their fire of envy for CU than by beating them this year? I think nothing would be so painful for the Rams as losing to CU even when we're at the bottom of our hill. That will be sweet. And that will begin to dim the memory of last week's fiasco.

So saddle up, Buffalo family. Turn that frown upside down. And come out for a happy tailgate at Mile High on Saturday beginning at noon. The plan is to gather in lot "M" (remember, M for Murder the Mullets from Moo U). Look for Hamid's 40 foot Buff flag flying proudly.

We Argentine Buffs will be with you in spirit.

Go Buffs!
Buffalover

Family

Well 24 hours after the worst Buff loss in history and here's all of the perspective that I can muster.

Your college football team is like your family. You are inextricably linked to them for life and that's just the way it is. Sure you might be able to excommunicate the weird uncle or second cousin, but your college is closer than that. More like a spouse, sibling, parent or child. You can't disconnect from them. For better or for worse they are yours. They may screw up, they may be ugly, they may be dim or they may embarrass you in public. But they are yours, my friend.

That's how I feel about my Buffs. I'm embarrassed for them and a little angry. But I love them. They are my college football family and the only one I'm ever going to have. They've brought me much joy and happiness over the years and they will again one day, Jah willing.

They may have dropped a turd on the Folsom turf yesterday, but they are my boys. Every one of those players and coaches CHOSE TO BE A BUFF and for that I love them. Twenty years ago, I chose to be a Buff too. And that's who I am.

Buffs and Bobcats Recap

Well, I have some good news and some bad news.

The good news I was able to watch the game. The game was broadcast for the first time ever on cubuffs.com. The Big XII's TV contract, however, did not allow for it to be viewable outside of the state of Colorado. Not to worry, my friends, I was able to go through a certain server in Denver and receive the game here in Buenos Aires.

The bad news, of course, is that I was able to watch the game...

Holy crap.

The CU Buffs, the team famous for scheduling the most challenging non-conference schedules in college football, finally scheduled a cream-puff. For the first time in history, the Buffs played a Division I-AA team.

And lost!

What happened? This was supposed to be a tune-up one the way to the real season. It was supposed to be a welcome to Boulder party for Dan Hawkins. It was supposed to be a gauranteed win.

What it was was an embarrassment.

Where are the bright points? Ummm... Well... Nobody in my office is going raz me about this on Monday morning, I guess. Mainly because they have no idea what football is. And also because the USA beat Argentina today to take 3rd place in the World Basketball Championship thingamagig. So I'll make a lot of hay out of that, yeah buddy!

Well, there will be plenty of time to search for perspective next week. Tonight I'm going to cry myself to sleep.