Boulder – Colorado wide receiver Josh Smith didn’t want to appear happy after the game late Saturday night. After all, the Buffaloes lost 16-6 to Florida State.
But it sure was fun for the true freshman to finally get on the field. Smith missed the first two games while healing a bruised kidney.
“We were on ESPN. That’s crazy,” Smith said. “What can I say, the worldwide leader in sports. I love competing on a national basis.”
Smith, a 6-foot, 180-pound speedster, caught two passes for 40 yards, including CU’s longest play of the game – a 38-yard pass from quarterback Cody Hawkins in the third quarter.
Smith streaked past Seminoles cornerback Michael Ray Garvin down the left sideline. That had to feel sweet, considering that Garvin runs sprints for the national champion Florida State track team. Smith played high school football in Moorpark, Calif., but was born in Tallahassee, Fla., not far from the FSU campus.
“I really can’t explain how good that felt,” Smith said of the long reception. “I had to give (the Seminoles defense) a taste – ‘Hey, I’m just as fast as you are.”‘
Colorado coaches had said last week that Smith might not be used extensively against Florida State, figuring the rookie might be a bit rusty after his injury. Not only was it a surprise for Buffs fans to see Smith in the starting lineup, but his number was called on the game’s first play.
Running from left to right, Smith took a handoff from Hawkins. FSU’s defense wasn’t fooled, however, and stopped Smith for a 2-yard loss. Smith said he had been informed by coaches Thursday that the end-around play would be CU’s first call from scrimmage.
“When they told me, I got excited about it,” Smith said. “It was an honor to be out there.”
Look for Smith to be an integral component of CU’s game plan in each game. He is one of the few players on the roster fast enough to stretch a defense.
“Josh came in and did some really good things,” CU coach Dan Hawkins said.
“The timing between me and Cody will improve,” Smith said. “We just have to step it up.”
Smith followed Florida State while growing up and dreamed of playing for the Seminoles. He has a new favorite, however.
“I really love our team’s colors – the black, that’s way too cool,” Smith said, grinning.
Footnotes
True freshman tailback Brian Lockridge made his debut. He netted 2 yards on four carries. …
CU’s 54 pass attempts tied for second-most in school history, behind 55 against Washington State and Kansas, both in 2003. Dan Hawkins said he would rather see fewer attempts and some productivity from the running game, which netted minus-27 yards, including sacks and fumble recoveries. …
Offensive line coach Jeff Grimes said Sunday the chances of true freshmen Ryan Miller and Kai Maiava making their college debuts Saturday against Miami (Ohio) have improved.
EYE ON … THE REDHAWKS
MIAMI (OHIO) AT COLORADO, 1:30 p.m., Saturday
For the record: Miami is 1-2, 1-0 in the Mid-American Conference.
Streaking: Saturday marked the 112th game in the Miami vs. Cincinnati football series – billed as the oldest rivalry west of the Allegheny Mountains. Cincinnati’s 47-10 victory was the biggest in the series since a 44-0 Bearcats victory in 1940.
Who’s hot: Sophomore quarterback Daniel Raudabaugh, a 6-foot-4, 216-pound Texan, relieved starter Mike Kokal and threw for 240 yards against Cincinnati.
Who’s not: The RedHawks’ secondary allowed a backup quarterback (Cincinnati’s Dustin Grutza) to pass for 290 yards and two TDs. The Bearcats’ regular QB, Ben Mauk, sat out the game with a sore shoulder.
Key stat: Against Cincinnati, the RedHawks lost a fumble, had three interceptions and a blocked punt, and allowed three sacks.
FYI: Miami athletic director Brad Bates, a former Michigan player, was CU’s head strength coach from 1985-89 under Bill McCartney.
Injury report: No significant injuries.
Coachspeak: “We go to Colorado next week. They have Florida State tonight, so maybe they’ll overlook us.” – Miami coach Shane Montgomery, after his team’s Saturday afternoon loss to Cincinnati
Staff writer Tom Kensler can be reached at 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com.
