BOULDER — Colorado freshman Darrell Scott said drills for the running backs have been like “Pop Warner football” in preparing for Thursday night’s game against No. 21 West Virginia.
Scott meant that as a compliment. It’s an attention to fundamentals. It’s back to basics.
“We’ve been working on our timing and how everything is supposed to develop,” Scott said Monday. “We’re trying to get our steps down and get fluid with everything. I think everything is in sync now.”
Colorado (2-0) ranks 10th among Big 12 teams in rushing at 121.5 yards per game. Senior center Daniel “Girthy” Sanders said the offensive line and running backs have spent extra time together before and after practices.
“I think it’s coming together,” Sanders said. “We’re building on things.”
Coach Dan Hawkins acknowledged Monday during his weekly media luncheon that CU’s rushing numbers “are a little behind what we want them to be and thought they should be.” The Buffaloes averaged 2.7 yards per carry against Eastern Washington. Scott netted 39 yards on 13 carries.
CU’s tailbacks have become a bit antsy rather than waiting on the blocking to develop, Hawkins said. The young offensive line also has struggled during stretches.
“It’s just a question of getting (everybody) on the same page, and (tailbacks) reading it and seeing it,” Hawkins said. “When that happens, it’s going to be electric. I know that.”
West Virginia’s unconventional 3-3-5 defense sets up with three down linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs.
“It gives you a unique challenge because they can bring anybody (on a blitz) at any time,” CU offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich said. “It’s different than anything we see.”
Footnotes.
Hawkins said defensive backs Jimmy Smith (back strain) and Anthony Wright (high ankle sprain) will be available Thursday night. They sat out the first two games. . . . Kickoff for Colorado’s Sept. 27 game against Florida State in Jacksonville was set for 1:30 p.m. MDT. ABC picked up the TV rights.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
