Boulder – Veteran cornerback Lorenzo Sims Jr. had heard more criticism than he could stomach. It was if the Colorado defense couldn’t do anything right all spring.
Sims gave CU coaches no choice Saturday but to lavish praise on that side of the ball in the Buffaloes’ spring game. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound junior had an interception and helped the No. 1 defense hold the first- team offense to a field goal.
In a special scoring system devised for the offense vs. defense format, the defense won 26-19. That didn’t reflect an utter domination by the defense.
“We were tired of the coaches ripping into us,” Sims said. “I guess that’s what coaches do. But we didn’t want to hear it anymore. Everybody on the defense prepared for this like it was a real game.”
The defense earned a steak dinner. Offensive players dined on franks and beans. Coach Gary Barnett all but said the offense didn’t play worth beans.
The only points scored by the first-team offense came on a 53-yard field goal by Mason Crosby, a drive directed by No. 2 quarterback James Cox. Starting quarterback Joel Klatt, who had been one of the most consistent performers of the spring, failed to move the offense deep into scoring territory.
A senior-to-be and third-year starter, Klatt finished 5-of-16 for 64 yards passing. Most possessions were three-and-out.
“I thought we were really sloppy on offense,” Barnett said. “I would have liked to see a little more intensity on the offensive side. I think we’re further along than what we showed today.
“A lot of it was dropped passes, maybe due to nervousness. But I thought our defense played really well.”
Sophomore quarterback Bernard Jackson, playing mostly with reserves, engineered the only two touchdown drives. He hit Tyson DeVree for a 7-yard score against backups. DeVree made a nice move to get open. That’s the good news. The bad news is the 6-6, 250-pounder is a transfer (Western Michigan) and won’t be eligible until 2006.
Jackson (7-of-11 for 70 yards with one touchdown and 41 yards rushing) outperformed Cox (4-of-9 for 21 yards and one interception). But their battle to be Klatt’s top backup will continue in the fall, Barnett said.
Barnett did not appear discouraged or alarmed at the offensive ineptitude. Unlike many programs that like to see spring games turn into shootouts, CU pits its No. 1 offense against the No. 1 defense, and No. 2 against No. 2, etc.
“We’ve gone ones against ones all spring; you need to use this day to find out where you are,” Barnett said.
Spring awards were bestowed by the coaching staff prior to the game. Honored as outstanding players in their position or category were Klatt (leadership), tight end Joe Klopfenstein (offensive back), Brian Daniels (offensive lineman), Sims (defensive back), Thaddaeus Washington (defensive lineman), Greg Pace (special teams), Mark Fenton (improved offensive player) and Ryan Walters (improved defensive player).
Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-820-5456 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
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2005 schedule
Sept. 3 vs. Colorado State
Sept. 10 vs. New Mexico State
Sept. 24 at Miami
Oct. 1 at Oklahoma State
Oct. 8 vs. Texas A&M
Oct. 15 at Texas
Oct. 22 vs. Kansas
Oct. 29 at Kansas State
Nov. 5 vs. Missouri
Nov. 12 at Iowa State
Nov. 25 vs. Nebraska
Dec. 3, Big 12 championship game, Houston
