PERSPECTIVE
Thin is in, but not on CU’s line
It might not be the most exciting part of the game to watch, but if you’re looking for a key to Colorado’s performance, keep an eye on the Buffs’ offensive line early in the game.
If CU blockers begin to put their hands on their hips or untangle slowly from a pile by the middle of the second quarter, that could spell trouble for the Buffs, who have little depth on the line.
The starting five figures to be solid this season. Senior tackles Tyler Polumbus and Edwin Harrison and junior center Daniel Sanders provide a veteran foundation. The new guards, Wes Palazzi and Devin Head, have been steady during August drills.
Trouble is, there are no experienced backups. Not one.
Listed as second-teamers on Colorado’s newly released depth chart are four true freshmen – Ryan Miller, Kai Maiava, Mike Iltis and Sione Tau – and redshirt freshman Keenan Stevens, a 2006 invited walk-on.
Making matters more challenging is that CU is facing an experienced Colorado State defensive line Saturday. CSU seniors Jesse Nading, Blake Smith and Erik Sandie know all the tricks. And when they need a rest, the Rams have plenty of veteran reinforcements. Expect CSU coaches to roll in a rotation of defensive linemen early and often in an effort to wear down Colorado’s starters.
– Tom Kensler
COLOR BUFFALOES’ QUARTERBACKS GREEN
Signal-calling more than just a snap
Let the adventure begin.
CU coach Dan Hawkins told reporters on the Big 12 teleconference that having three quarterbacks who have never taken a snap in a major-college game is “always an adventure.”
Hawkins will start son Cody and has junior college transfer Nick Nelson and true freshman Matt Ballenger as backups.
At least Cody has grown up around the game of football and big games before, the coach said.
“One of the positives of having Cody back there, he’s just been around this thing for a while,” Dan Hawkins said. “All the extracurricular things that might distract a guy and get in a guy’s head, I think he’s very good with that.
“Now that being said, he’s still a freshman. There will be freshman mistakes to be made.”
Last year’s quarterback, Bernard Jackson, has not had his academic eligibility determined yet, Dan Hawkins said Monday.
SERIES HISTORY
Scoring explosion
CU 48, CSU 34
Sept. 7, 1996, Fort Collins, 36,371
The highest combined score since the series resumed in 1983. Defenses forgot to get on the buses – save for CU defensive tackle Viliami Maumau, whose 33-yard interception return for a TD in the second quarter built a 28-14 CU lead.
Two of the most productive quarterbacks in the schools’ history – CU’s Koy Detmer (364 yards passing, two TDs) and CSU’s Moses Moreno (312 yards, two TDs) – fueled the fireworks.
CU left Hughes Stadium with 645 total yards. The Rams gained 393 total yards, but their most electric play was Calvin Branch’s 96-yard kickoff return for a short-lived 14-7 lead.
It was the third and final time the CU-CSU game was played at Hughes Stadium, following CU victories in 1987 and 1988.
SET THE ALARM CLOCK
“I think the players would rather get up and play, maybe not this early. But noon, that’s an ideal time.” – Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick, on the 10 a.m. kickoff for Saturday’s opener
TOUGH TASK AHEAD
“Everything (about Colorado State) gives you concern. They had some offensive
firepower last year, and they got Kyle Bell back (at running back).
They return a bunch of experience. They’ve got a lot of talent. They’re
very sound on defense and have a lot of those guys back as well. They’re
not going to give you anything.” – University of Colorado coach Dan Hawkins, talking about the Rams
COME ON DOWN – THERE’S ROOM FOR EVERYBODY
“You look down there and see the people, the excitement when you
get off the bus, and I don’t care who you are, your heart starts to
pound. And you think you’re cool around me this week, but when you
get to the stadium, it will bring you to your knees and you better prepare
for it.” – CSU coach Sonny Lubick, waxing poetic over what it means to approach Invesco Field at Mile High and
the thought of a crowd that could be upward of 70,000
