Boulder – There are two overriding reasons for Colorado’s recent success against Nebraska: talent and attitude.
The Buffs play up attitude.
“When I came in, the information I had said the attitude toward the game had changed,” said coach Gary Barnett, whose Buffs face the Huskers on Friday. “I wanted it back. I reinstalled that attitude.”
But talent has played an integral role as CU looks for its fourth win over Nebraska in the past five seasons.
In 2002 and 2003, Colorado had the 10th- and 19th-ranked recruiting classes, respectively, in the nation by Rivals.com. At the same time, Nebraska turned in classes ranked 40 and 42.
CU’s wins in 2002 and 2004 were in large part a result of putting better players on the field. As a true freshman, tailback Brian Calhoun ran for 137 yards on 20 carries, leading CU to a victory in Lincoln in 2002.
Last season, 2003 signee Mason Crosby kicked four field goals while 2002 signee Blake Mackey caught a touchdown pass to lead CU to a 26-20 win over the Huskers.
There could be as many as 15 CU starters Friday who are part of the Buffs 2002 and 2003 classes. The 2002 class of seniors has a chance to be the first in school history to defeat Nebraska three times.
But Nebraska’s talent is on the mend. In February, coach Bill Callahan signed the nation’s fifth-ranked class as he seeks to put the correct pieces in place to run his intricate West Coast offense. With the heavy recruiting period of December and January approaching, Nebraska has 13 commitments and is ranked ninth in the Rivals.com rankings.
Conversely, Colorado’s eight commitments lack a high-profile player. Its class is ranked 68th, tied with Baylor.
Barnett plays down the recruiting aspect, saying, “I don’t think those recruiting classes are any indicator of our success against Nebraska at all. That I’m sure of.”
He has an ally at Rivals. Veteran analyst Jeremy Crabtree said only so much can be gleaned from team rankings.
“As long as Gary Barnett is there, it might not matter where they’re ranked as far as recruiting,” Crabtree said. “The guy is a heck of a coach, and he knows how to take kids that maybe weren’t considered blue-chippers and turn them into good college players. That’s something you can’t make up for when you talk about stars or where teams are ranked in the recruiting process.”
CU linebacker Brian Iwuh is a prime example. He was rated a two-star player in high school. Signing with the Buffs out of Houston in 2002, Iwuh is arguably Colorado’s best linebacker and most versatile defensive player, having spent time in the secondary, at linebacker and defensive end.
Still, every coach will tell you recruiting is the lifeblood of any program, and CU’s aim is to win Big 12 titles and go to BCS bowl games, not just take North Division titles.
At least eight recruits are scheduled to be in town Friday for official visits. Among them are high-profile players Darian Hagan Jr., a cornerback from Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles and son of current CU assistant Darian Hagan; and wide receiver Delashaun Dean from Fairfield, Calif.
“Colorado is involved with a lot of good-quality kids,” Crabtree said. “There will be a lot of movement.”
Staff writer Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
