BOULDER — Eric Bieniemy would sit on top of a tree branch if it proved the best place for him to be to help the Buffaloes win a football game. The fact there is something of a “Where’s Eric?” parlor game about his planned whereabouts for CU’s game Saturday against California is a source of humor around the Buffs’ practice field.
“Are you gonna be down or up?” Buffs coach Jon Embree playfully asked Bieniemy on Wednesday.
“I can’t expose my intentions all the time,” Bieniemy responded from about 15 feet away.
Bieniemy was expected to do his job as offensive coordinator from the press box for the Buffs’ first game at Hawaii. Instead, the former Buffs star running back decided to coach from the sideline, leading some to wonder where he’ll be Saturday.
“I’m not opposed to going upstairs, but at times you just (want) to get a feel for things,” Bieniemy said. “I wanted to give that a shot. I’m not closing the door about going back upstairs, but it’s just something that I want to make sure that I’m doing what’s best for our team.”
Embree seemed to suggest going upstairs might be best.
“He just felt that a lot of his strengths would be best for him to be on the sidelines and help the team,” he said. “But I think he realizes that when you’re upstairs you can see more and maybe not have as much emotion involved in maybe some of the things that you do. We’ll see, but I’m guessing he’s going to be up.”
Marshall’s plan.
CU offensive line coach Steve Marshall likely has some good advice to Embree about the Bears’ offensive personnel. Marshall, beginning his second coaching stint with CU, was offensive line coach at Cal the last two years.
“Sure, I know a lot about many of their players,” Marshall said, “but the players are the ones who have to go out and play and get things done. If my having been there helps, I hope so, but the players are the ones who will determine that.”
Although it’s a nonleague game, the Buffs will get an early view of a Pac-12 opponent.
“It’s a very athletic league,” Marshall said. “I think it compares with any conference in the country speed-wise.
“Those guys can run. Cal’s got guys with speed at every position. Their (defensive) scheme is in their second year and they’ve got a lot of veteran guys who have played a lot of football. I know one thing: You’ve got to have guys who can run in this league, including at my position.”
Adrian Dater, The Denver Post
