Special-teams play had not given Colorado coaches much reason for concern entering the season. But, like other areas of the CU program, things have not gone as planned.
“It’s obviously very frustrating,” CU special-teams coach Kent Riddle said Saturday night after the Buffaloes’ 58-0 loss at Missouri. “We just have to get over the hump of trying and get to succeeding.”
With sloppy special-teams play getting much of the blame, Colorado dug itself a 14-0 hole. An intended squib kick by CU on the opening kickoff didn’t go far enough, and Missouri took over with advantageous field position at its 44-yard line. Four plays later, the Tigers were in the end zone.
On the ensuing possession, Buffs punter Tom Suazo dropped the snap and was swarmed at the CU 5-yard line. Three plays later, Missouri had another TD.
CU gave Suazo his first career “start” rather than regular Nick DiLallo because Suazo had a good week of practice and is considered the better directional punter. The intent was to keep the ball away from Missouri’s All-America returner, Jeremy Maclin.
“Most of the mistakes we’re making are basic-type stuff,” Riddle said. “Going into the game, we weren’t going to let Maclin beat us. But obviously you’ve got to catch punt snaps.”
Hansen’s starting debut.
Colorado offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich’s assessment of Tyler Hansen’s performance Saturday, the first start for the freshman quarterback: “Everything was a little bit faster, clicked faster, clicked harder for him.”
Sharing time with sophomore Cody Hawkins, Hansen finished with 12-of-16 passing, but for just 72 yards with a long completion of 17 yards.
