Colorado-Texas A&M: “T.I.P.S.” for the Texas A&M Game

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“Games that matter are played in November."

Remember when that was true in Boulder?

Wasn’t it just two weeks ago, on the heels of an upset win over Kansas, that the Buffs, with a 1-1 Big 12 record, were seen as a player in the Big 12 North race?

A winnable road game against a “pretender” Kansas State team, followed by home games against a Missouri team on a three-game conference losing streak and a Texas A&M team picked to finish last in the Big 12 Sout....

Remember?

Yeah, so do I.

Now, we are two games later, and the Buffs have had two offensive touchdown drives in two games. Colorado has held the lead for all of seven minutes of game time, while trailing for over seven full quarters of play. The Buffs have turned the ball over eight times the past two weeks, and Tyler Hansen has been sacked 12 times. Etc., etc., etc.

You don’t need me to remind you.

So, other than going out to enjoy a perfect fall afternoon in Boulder, and checking out how many “blue” fans are in the stands, is there any reason to anticipate this weekend’s game against Texas A&M?

You bet.

It’s the last best chance for a victory in 2009.

Let’s see why:

T —Talent

There are two names on the Texas A&M roster which, if you haven’t heard them yet, you will by Saturday. The first is Von Miller. Miller, a junior defensive lineman, just happens to be leading the nation in sacks.

Buff fans know about sacks. Colorado is giving up an average of three per game, 115th in the nation in that category. Miller has 15 sacks all by himself, with the Aggies as a team ranking 14th nationally.

Real simple equation for Saturday: If Colorado can’t stop Miller, Colorado can’t win.

The second name Colorado fans may tire of hearing Saturday is that of Jerrod Johnson. The Texas A&M junior quarterback is second in the nation in total offense, generating over 325 yards per game (Cody Hawkins was generating around 180 yards per game; Tyler Hansen is posting even less).

Johnson has already generated over 2,500 yards in total offense, with 20 passing touchdowns and only three interceptions (Let’s try that one again—20 touchdowns, three interceptions!).

Oddly enough, all three of Johnson’s interceptions were in the same game, a 62-14 thumping by Kansas State.

Second key to success against Texas A&M—get the ball away from Jerrod Johnson.

Overall, Texas A&M is third in the nation in total offense, averaging almost 500 yards per game, and eighth in scoring, coming in at 35.75 ppg.

For Colorado to win, the Buffs will have to out-score the potent Aggie offense.

(As soon as you stop laughing, we’ll move on...)

I —Intangibles

“Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose,”—perhaps Janis Joplin has given the Buffs a formula for victory. The 2009 season is over. The talk of controlling their own destiny is forgotten; reality has set in.

And just when it appeared as if the clouds hanging over the Dal Ward Center could not get any darker, Darrell Scott announces he is leaving. The No. 1 running back recruit of the 2008 high school class is leaving Colorado.

Adding insult to injury, Scott might head to UCLA, to join center Kai Maiava and wide receiver/uncle Josh Smith, previous defections from the Hawkins’ locker room, though an article in the L.A. Times discounts the idea. (The Bruins have plenty of depth at tailback)

The rumblings about firing the coaching staff have become a full-fledged roar.

What’s left for the Buffs to do?

How’s about having some fun, and letting it all hang out?

“Now, our backs are against the wall,” said defensive back Benjamin Burney. “That’s what happens when you put a buffalo against the wall. It’s got to charge out.”

Players know that they may be putting together auditioning tapes for their new coaches. Coaches know that their ability to get production out of their units will factor into their future employment.

When the offense can’t make consistent plays, and the defense gets worn down playing conservatively, why not take chances? Why not give your playmakers the opportunity to make plays? Why not blitz the quarterback?

What’s the worst that can happen? The Buffs get blown out? Been there, done that.

Go out and have some fun. You never know what might happen.

P —Preparation/Schedule

Colorado is going to win—the schedule says so.

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