Bleacher Report - Colorado Buffaloes Football

No. 12 Oklahoma State 31, Colorado 28: Buffaloes Can't Hold on in Stillwater

Stuart Whitehair — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:13:46 -0500

November 19th - @ Oklahoma State #12 Oklahoma State 31, Colorado 28

For the second time in 2009, Colorado held a 14-10 halftime lead, on the road, against a ranked conference opponent. As with the Texas game in October, however, the Buffs could not hold the lead, falling 31-28 to #12 Oklahoma State. The Buffs turned four Cowboy turnovers and the poor play of backup quarterbacks into a 21-10 lead, but were unable to come away with their first road victory since 2007.

Four 15-yard penalties, missed opportunities, and a complete lack of a running game dropped the Buffs to a 3-8 season record. Oklahoma State did not complete a pass in the first half, as backup quarterback Alan Cote, substituting for the injured Zac Robinson, started 0-for-9 with an interception. Turning to third-string quarterback Brandon Weeden, the Cowboys found the spark they were looking for. Weeden went 10-for-15 for 168 yards and two touchdowns in leading the second half comeback. Colorado also played two quarterbacks, with starter Tyler Hansen missing much of the second quarter with a hand injury. Cody Hawkins was mostly effective in relief, going 7-for-11 for 69 yards, including a five-yard touchdown pass to Riar Geer just before halftime.

Even with the announcement that starting quarterback Zac Robinson would not be playing, the Thursday night nationally televised game had the look of a rout early on. Colorado opened in typically frustrating fashion, as, after a first down and a seven yard completion from Tyler Hansen to Markques Simas, the Buffs went from second-and-three to second-and-eight when freshman right tackle Bryce Givens was called for a false start. Two plays later, a four yard completion to Simas, which, but for the penalty, would have resulted in a first down, instead resulted in a fourth-and-four at the CU 32-yard line. Matt DiLallo's 35-yard punt was low, giving Oklahoma State cornerback Perrish Cox the opportunity to set up a return. Cox juked his way through several attempts at tackles, winding his way to a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown.

Oklahoma State was without its starting quarterback, but it didn't matter. Without an offensive play from scrimmage, the Cowboys were already up, 7-0, less than three minutes into the game. Buff fans throughout the nation anxiously eyed their remote controls, as memories of the 58-0 loss to Missouri in 2008 seeped back into their collective consciousness.

When the Buffs' ensuing drive resulted in not one, but two sacks of Tyler Hansen, the rout appeared to be on. On Oklahoma State's first offensive play, though, running back Keith Toston fumbled, giving the ball back to Colorado at the OSU 47-yard line. The forced fumble by senior linebacker Marcus Burton gave the Buffs new life, and the offense responded. An eight-play drive, which included an eight yard completion from Hansen to fullback Jake Behrens on fourth-and-two at the Cowboy 39, tied the score. A 26-yard completion to Markques Simas gave the Buffs a first-and-goal at the five, where on third down Hansen hit Scotty McKnight in the back of the end zone. Midway through the first, the Buffs had forged a tie with the No. 12 team in the nation.

Oklahoma State looked to restore order before a Senior Day crowd of 50,080, quickly driving into Colorado territory. On fourth-and-one at the Buffs' 40, though, running back Keith Toston was stopped for no gain by senior linebacker Shaun Mohler. The Buffs went backward in their next drive, though, including another sack of Tyler Hansen, and the game settled down into one of field position. Over the remainder of the first quarter and deep into the second, the teams traded punts, with Oklahoma State slowly improving its position in the process. With 8:24 left before halftime, the Cowboys took over at the Buffs' 41 yard line. Three runs by Keith Toston pushed the ball into the Colorado red zone, but there the Buffs held, forcing Oklahoma State into settling for a 30-yard field goal by Dan Bailey. 10-7, Oklahoma State.

Cody Hawkins made a surprise appearance at quarterback after the Oklahoma State kickoff. Tyler Hansen had bruised his thumb on the previous series, forcing the former Buff starter back into action. The immediate results were not promising, as two incompletions and a sack forced a quick punt back to the Cowboys. Taking over at the CU 48-yard line, it appeared that Oklahoma State was poised to turn the close game into a rout. However, backup quarterback Alex Cote, who had yet to complete a pass in the first half, finally had a ball caught. Unfortunately for Cote and the Cowboys, the player who came down with the ball was Colorado safety Anthony Perkins.

Another three-and-out by the Buffs' offense gave the Cowboys another chance to up their lead before halftime. Assisted by a roughing the passer penalty on linebacker Michael Sipili, Oklahoma State found itself back in Colorado territory. A 53-yard field goal attempt by Dan Bailey, though, was blocked by sophomore defensive end Conrad Obi, giving the Buffs one more offensive opportunity before halftime.

On his third drive at the helm of the Colorado offense, Cody Hawkins delivered. Hawkins completed a 25-yard pass to Scotty McKnight, immediately followed by a 19-yard completion to senior tight end Riar Geer. After a ten-yard completion to Will Jefferson on third-and-five gave the Buffs a first-and-goal at the OSU five yard line, the Buffs silenced the Boone Pickens Stadium crowd when Hawkins hit Riar Geer for a touchdown with 22 seconds to play before halftime.

Halftime score: Colorado 14, #12 Oklahoma State 10

Six weeks earlier, Colorado had held a 14-10 lead at halftime as well. The site: Texas Stadium. The opponent: the No. 2 Texas Longhorns. The second half result: Texas 38, Colorado 14, as the Buffs gave up a blocked punt for a touchdown, a 92-yard interception for a touchdown, and a punt return for a touchdown.

How would the Buffs fare on the road, against another ranked opponent, with the same halftime score? ...

Oklahoma State took the second half kickoff and set off on a ten-play drive. The Buffs assisted the Cowboys when, on third-and-one, cornerback Jalil Brown was called for a personal foul away from the ball. Unable to capitalize, the Cowboys turned the ball over on downs when running back Keith Toston was stopped for a loss at the CU 32 on fourth down. Defensive end Marquez Herrod and linebacker Marcus Burton teamed up on stopping Toston for a two yard loss to give the Buffs the ball with the lead.

The Colorado offense was not able to take advantage, however, as the Buffs' first drive of the second half netted 11 yards (even with a 15-yard facemask penalty). Once again, though, the Cowboys were generous, as a short Matt DiLallo punt was fumbled by the Cowboys, recovered by Anthony Perkins at the OSU 28-yard line. The Cowboys' third turnover of the night resulted in the Buffs' third touchdown, as Tyler Hansen, back in for the Buffs, hit Marques Simas for a 28-yard score. Simas made a great adjustment on the ball, with his over-the-shoulder catch giving Colorado a 21-10 lead with 8:41 left in the third quarter.

There was a distinct nervousness in the home crowd after third-string OSU quarterback Brandon Weeden, in for the ineffective Alex Cote, threw three straight incompletions. The Buffs were now, after the Oklahoma State punt, in unfamiliar territory. Colorado had the ball, at their own 41, up two scores, midway through the third quarter.

How would the Buffs respond?

With a three-and-out. Three plays netted nine yards, and the Buffs, rather than risk a momentum shift which could come after a turnover at mid-field, punted the ball away.

The strategy was sound - but the momentum shifted anyway. Brandon Weeden, one-for-four to start the half, found his rhythm. Weeden completed three straight passes, pushing the ball into Colorado territory. There, running back Keith Toston took over. Toston, who would go over 1,000 yards on the season with his 172-yard effort on the night, scored on a 45-yard run to pull the Cowboys back to within one score. Colorado 21, Oklahoma State 17, late in the third quarter.

The Buffs did find some offensive success on their next drive, and the fourth quarter opened with Colorado facing a second-and-seven at the Oklahoma State 32-yard line. Two incompletions later, Aric Goodman was sent in to give the Buffs a seven point lead. Goodman's 49-yard attempt, though, hit the right upright (if there is a record for this category, Goodman almost certainly must own it). Once again, it appeared that the momentum shift had gone away from the Buffs, but on the very next play, OSU running back Kendall Hunter fumbled. The fourth Cowboy turnover of the night, forced by Michael Sipili and recovered by Will Pericak, set up the Buffs at the Oklahoma State 36 yard line.

Colorado, as had been the case during the frustration which was the 2009 season, was not able to take advantage. A false start by Bryce Givens turned a third-and-five into a third-and-ten, with an eight yard completion from Hansen to McKnight leaving the Buffs with a fourth-and-two at the Oklahoma State 28. Eschewing a 45-yard field goal attempt moments after Goodman's 49-yard effort had failed, the Buffs went for the first down. The Buffs tried a short pass, but the Cowboys were sitting on the short routes, and Hansen's toss to tight end Riar Geer was batted away by linebacker Daniel Booker.

Oklahoma State quickly responded to regain the lead. Aided by a personal foul penalty on senior safety Benjamin Burney, the Cowboys found themselves with a third-and-one at the CU 47. With the short distance running game not working, the Cowboys spread out to pass. The Buffs blitzed, with no one taking running back Keith Toston. An easy toss from Weeden to Toston resulted in a 47-yard score. Order had been restored: Oklahoma State 24, Colorado 21.

Then a funny thing happened.

The Buffs responded.

Brian Lockridge, who had been stopped at the Colorado 15, 21, and 18 on his previous return attempts, returned the Oklahoma State kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown to give the Buffs back the lead, 28-24. There was plenty of football yet to be played, but, with 11:11 left, Colorado had the lead.

With a possible bid to a BCS bowl in the balance, Oklahoma State set out to re-take control of the game. Converting a third-and-11 and a third-and-nine along the way, the Cowboys set off on a seven-play, 73-yard drive which consumed only three minutes of playing time. Brandon Weeden, who went 4-for-5 on the drive, hit wide receiver Justin Blackmon for a 28-yard score to give the Cowboys back the lead. With 8:11 left in the game, the scoreboard read: Oklahoma State 31, Colorado 28.

The Buffs did put togther a drive after the Blackmon score, but, on first down at the CU 49 yard line, the Buffs turned the ball over for the first time all night. A Demetrius Sumler fumble was recovered at the CU 48, and the "black out" crowd at OSU (the Cowboys wore all black uniforms for the first time since 1994) breathed a sigh of relief. Three runs, though, netted nine yards. On fourth-and-one at the Colorado 39, quarterback Brandon Weeden was stopped for a three yard loss by sophomore linebacker Tyler Ahles - the third time in the game the Colorado defense had stuffed the Cowboys on fourth down.

One last chance for the Buffs. Colorado took over at its own 42, with 3:14 left to play and all three time outs.

Three incompletions later, the Buffs punted.

Hoping to stop an Oklahoma State rushing attack which would post 232 yards in the game, the Colorado offense never saw the field again. The Cowboys never even saw a third down until the final play of the game, running up the middle to preserve the win.

Final score: #12 Oklahoma State 31, Colorado 28.

"Those guys shouldn't hang there heads," said Dan Hawkins of his 3-8 Buffs. "They battled, and they brought it like a good football team's supposed to, and they did everything they're supposed to do ... They did everything right. They've got nothing to hang their head about that way." Hawkins also talked about how much he loved the players, their intensity, and how they competed. He said everything ... except that coaching, a lack of discipline (four 15-yard penalties, 80 yards in penalties overall), and poor playing calling may have played a role.

The rushing game for Colorado was all but abandoned against Oklahoma State. The Buffs first 13 play calls were all passes. With five sacks counting against the rushing totals, Colorado was not into positive numbers in rushing until Brian Lockridge took off on a ten-yard run on the second-to-last play of the third quarter. For the game, Colorado netted 13 yards rushing on 22 attempts. Oklahoma State, meanwhile, did not complete a pass in the first half, but did, behind third-string quarterback Brandon Weeden, end the night with 168 yards passing to complement their 232 yards rushing.

Tyler Hansen and Cody Hawkins both had their moments. Hansen finished with 169 yards passing on 23-of-36 attempts, with two touchdowns. Cody Hawkins, in relief, hit on 7-of-11 for 69 yards and one score. Neither Colorado quarterback threw an interception. "It's real frustrating," said Hansen of the Buffs' near miss in Stillwater. "Some of it's experience, some of it's people doubting themselves because of what has happened in the past."

And what of the main topic of conversation revolving around the Colorado football program - the future of head coach Dan Hawkins? "We always hear that Coach Hawkins is solid right now and his job is pretty certain, and he's going to be here", said Tyler Hansen. "We're playing for ourselves and for the team and for some pride right now." Pride was also the word of choice for running back Brian Lockridge, whose 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was the first for Colorado since Josh Smith scored in a similar fashion in the 2008 opener against Colorado State. "Even though we're not getting the wins, we still have plenty of pride," said Lockridge. "We still want to go out there and perform at a high level. We want to do our best and play to win."

At 3-8, with a chance at a bowl bid - a source of conversation just a week ago - now long gone, all the Buffs have left in the 2009 season is the rivalry game against Nebraska. Colorado will have two extra days to prepare for the Cornhuskers, who face Kansas State in a de facto Big 12 North title game on Saturday. The Buffs will finish the year at either 3-9 or 4-8. Not much difference to those outside of Boulder. The nation's attention hasn't focused on Colorado in over four years. Colorado - another losing season. One game won't make that much difference.

When there is nothing else left to play for, pride has to take the leading role ...

Game Notes -

- Junior college transfer wide receiver Andre Simmons started his first game at Colorado.

- The linebacking crew had a new look. Out were usual starters Jeff Smart (pinched nerve) and B.J. Beatty (concussion), replaced by Shaun Mohler and Tyler Ahles. Both Mohler and Ahles contributed fourth down stops during the game.

- Senior punter Matt DiLallo had ten punts on the night, the most for Colorado since punting 11 times in the 55-10 loss to Missouri in 2007.

- Wide receiver Markques Simas tied two school records on the night, and came up just short of a third. The sophomore wide receiver had 11 catches against Oklahoma State, tying a school record held by three others (including Scotty McKnight, who had 11 catches earlier in 2009, against Toledo). Simas also collected at least seven catches for the third straight game, only the fourth Buff to pull off that feat - latest: D.J. Hackett in 2003). The record almost had was a third consecutive game with over 100 yards - Simas fell just short, gaining 90 yards in the game.

- Scotty McKnight, who had seven catches for 71 yards, moved into second place on the all-time receptions list, with his 158 career catches passing the 152 catches by Phil Savoy (1994-97). Only Michael Westbrook, with 167, had more. With 69 catches on the season, McKnight has the opportunity, with one game to play, to set the all-time single season record. Only Michael Westbrook's 76, in 1992, and D.J. Hackett's 78, in 2003, are ahead of McKnight's 69.

- Think the Colorado defense wore down in the second half? The numbers bear that out. Oklahoma State's total yardage increased each quarter, going from 48 to 78 to 111 to 163. Time of possession also shifted throughout the game. Colorado's time of possession, by quarter: 9:44; 8:11; 7:09; and, in the decisive fourth quarter, 5:19. Oklahoma State started the game 0-for-8 on third down conversion attempts, but finished 5-of-15, meaning the Cowboys were successful on five of their last seven third down attempts.

- Running back Rodney Stewart had only 21 yards rushing against Oklahoma State, but his new career total of 1,316 moves him up two spots on the career chart, to No. 32, passing Erich Kissick, 1,297, 1986-89) and John Tarver (1,300, 1970-71).

- Quarterback Tyler Hansen had 169 yards passing against the Cowboys, moving the sophomore into the top 20 in career passing yards. Hansen now has 1,640 career yards, passing Sal Aunese (1,526, 1987-88) and Robert Hodge (1,554, 2001-02).

If you are going to win only one game ...

Bill McCartney and I have at least one thing in common.

Both of us came to Boulder in the early 1980's wondering, "Who is Colorado's rival?".

McCartney came to Colorado from Michigan, where the Wolverines had multiple rivals, including Michigan State, Notre Dame, and, of course, Ohio State. The Buffs, when McCartney came to Boulder in 1982, were lacking in that department. Colorado had not played Colorado State since 1958, and was still a year removed from the state legislature mandated renewal of the rivalry. Colorado had beaten Nebraska only once in 20 years, and was on a 14-game losing streak to the Cornhuskers (with exactly zero of those games being within two scores at the final gun). The Buffs final game of the season was usually against hapless Kansas State. Colorado had a successful college football history - but no rival.

I was in a similar quandry when I arrived in Boulder. Growing up in Bozeman, Montana, home of Montana State, there was no question who was the rival - Montana. The Bobcat/Grizzly game was always a war, and for the better part of my formative years, the Bobcats were on the winning side. MSU won seven of ten games in the 1970's, and the most successful decade in school history included a Division II national champioship in 1976. To the winner of the "Brawl of the Wild" (a more recent moniker which has yet to really catch on) got the spoils. Some of my favorite early sports memories involve calling out "Pooooooor Griz-zlies! Poooooooor Griz-zlies!" at football and basketball games when the results were no longer in doubt.

So it was surprising to me that Colorado did not really have a rival.

Of course, Bill McCartney changed all that, nominating Nebraska as Colorado's rival, and spending the better part of his 13-year stint as the Buffs' head coach trying to raise the bar in Boulder to the level seen for decades in Lincoln. It is safe to say that, if it were not for McCartney's challenge, Colorado would not be playing Nebraska the last regular game of every season, which has been the case since the Big 12 was formed in 1996.

Which brings us back to 2009. Nebraska and its fans, taking the lead of former head coach Tom Osborne, refuse to acknowledge Colorado as its rival. Still, the Buffs have won four games against the Cornhuskers this decade, the best ten year span for the program since the Buffs went 6-3-1 against the Cornhuskers in the 1950's. Colorado fans see red when Nebraska comes to Boulder, and the Buffs would like nothing more than to derail the Cornhuskers' season with a victory next week.

Would a win over hated Nebraska be enough to save Dan Hawkins' job. Now 16-32, Hawkins is setting all kinds of records at Colorado - all bad. Over the past two seasons, Colorado has lost more consecutive road games - and more consecutive conference road games - than any other team in Colorado history. The Buffs are awful against teams in the Big 12 North (1-2 against Kansas; 1-2 against Kansas State; 0-3 against Missouri; 1-2 against Iowa State; 1-1 against Nebraska) - in an era when the Big 12 North is down. (Anyone want to pit the Buff teams from the late 80's to mid-90's against the North teams of today? No question: Colorado would be a regular in the title game).

When Colorado was ahead of Oklahoma State - a ranked team, on the road - there were signs of what could be. The defense (granted, it was against backup quarterbacks) was playing well, while the offense showed glimmers of possibility. Then penalties, missed opportunities, and poor play calling shook us back into reality.

Another loss. 3-8.

Would a win over Nebraska mean that all is forgiven? ESPN's Chris Fowler, a CU alumnus who was calling the Oklahoma State game said, both at the beginning and at the end of the game, that "the money is there" for a Dan Hawkins' buyout. With the loss to the Cowboys, even the defenders of the program are growing silent.

But ....

Never underestimate the power of a win over a hated rival.

Back to Montana State/Montana. By the time Sonny Lubick left (yes, that Sonny Lubick) after the 1981 season, the Bobcats had fallen on hard times. Doug Graber lasted a year as head coach, with assistant Dave Arnold taking over in 1983.

Dave Arnold went 1-10 as Montana State's head coach in 1983, the worst record for the Bobcats since the 1969 team went 1-8.

But Arnold kept his job.

His one win? You guessed it. Over Montana. The Bobcats, who were held under 20 points by every other team on the 1983 schedule (and who didn't score a touchdown in five of those games, averaging less than ten points per game on the season), beat the Grizzlies, 28-8.

Dave Arnold kept his job.

And, for you Dan Hawkins' loyalists still out there, I give you this happy ending ...

In 1984, a year after going 1-10, head coach Dave Arnold led the Bobcats to a 12-2 record - and the Division 1-AA national championship.

So, coach Hawkins, if you are going to win only one game ...

Read more Colorado Buffaloes Football news on BleacherReport.com

“T.I.P.S.” For Colorado Against Oklahoma State

Stuart Whitehair — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:57:30 -0500

This season was supposed to be the Cowboys’ year. The stars were aligned in Stillwater for Oklahoma State to break the stranglehold of Texas and Oklahoma in the Big 12 South and be a serious contender for the national championship.

Oklahoma State had a great quarterback in Zac Robinson, a great running back in Kendall Hunter, and a great wide receiver in Dez Bryant. The season opened with Oklahoma State ranked No. 9 in the nation—the highest pre-season ranking ever for the Cowboys—and, after a 24-10 opening day victory over Georgia, the sky was the limit.

Then, a week later, reality crept back onto the Oklahoma State campus. The Cowboys were upset by Houston, 45-35, to recede back into the backwater of the nation’s consciousness.

A five-game winning streak brought back new hope, but a 41-14 home loss to Texas ended any national title aspirations, along with the hopes for the the first football championship in Stillwater since the 1976 team finished in a three-way tie with Colorado and Oklahoma atop the Big Eight (Colorado earned the Orange Bowl berth. Oklahoma State went to the Tangerine Bowl—since Oklahoma State joined the Big Seven to form the Big Eight in 1960, the Cowboys have never won an outright title).

Still, there is no pity party going on for the Cowboys in Boulder. Oklahoma State is still 8-2, 5-1, and ranked No. 12 in the nation. The Cowboys will be prohibitive favorites to defeat Colorado on national television Thursday night.

Let’s see if there are any reasons to believe the experts will not be proven correct. Here are this week’s “T.I.P.S.”

T —Talent

You don’t get to be the No. 12 team in the nation without putting a great deal of talent on the field. Still, the 2009 season has not worked out the way Cowboys’ fans envisioned for quarterback Zac Robinson, running back Kendall Hunter, and wide receiver Dez Bryant.

Let’s start with the player who won’t be on the field Thursday. Wide receiver/kick returner/future NFL star Dez Bryant was ruled ineligible to play until September, 2010, as a result of his lying to NCAA investigators about his off-season contact with former NFL player Deion Sanders. Upon hearing of the one-year suspension, Bryant opted to declare himself eligible for the 2010 NFL draft, where he is expected to be a first round draft choice.

Another future NFL draft choice who has not had the 2009 season he planned on is running back Kendall Hunter . The junior tailback has been injured for much of the season, missing five games after playing in the first two.

Hunter is slowly returning to form, however, which is bad news for Colorado. Hunter had only one carry against Texas, then had nine carries for 47 yards against Iowa State, then 17 carries for 68 yards last weekend against Texas Tech. Look for Hunter to increase his carries against the Buffs, going out in search of his first 100-yard game of the season.

Oklahoma State might rely on Hunter more than it had anticipated due to an injury sustained by the third member of the OSU trio of offensive stars. Late in the Texas Tech game last weekend, quarterback Zac Robinson was hit hard by Red Raider Jamal Wall, and it was feared that Robinson had sustained a concussion.

“As of now, we expect him to play,” said Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy on Monday, indicating that Robinson had been “very responsive” to tests administered to him Sunday.

Gundy also said (and, Buff fans, you can read into the statement what you will about what Gundy was saying—between the lines—about how happy he is that Colorado is his opponent this weekend, and not Oklahoma), “If he’s not ready to play, then we’re not going to play him. Just sitting him because of the opponent we are playing, we’re not in a position to do that, especially with a guy that means as much as he does to our football team.” Ouch.

This is not to say that Oklahoma State has to rely on out-scoring opponents to win. Far from it. Oklahoma State has a veteran defense, often lining up with as many as nine seniors on the field. The Cowboys are seventh in the nation in rushing defense; 25th in scoring defense.

Oklahoma State may start Robinson, but the guess here is that the Cowboys will look to put away the Buffs quickly, so that their star quarterback can be fully healed for the Bedlam Series showdown with Oklahoma next weekend.

I —Intangibles

What does Colorado have going for it this weekend in this category? Well, not much. Gone with the loss to Iowa State are any remnants of hope for a winning season, a bowl bid, and a Big 12 North title.

What is there left to play for?

The coaches’ jobs? If that were the case, the Buffs would have been in hyper drive since the Toledo loss.

For the seniors? There is a very small class of seniors this year, with only tight ends and linebackers seeing much playing time amongst those playing their last two games. Anyone think the Buffs can put together two games of “Win one for ….”?

To avoid new negative records? The Buffs tied a school record with their 10th consecutive road loss last weekend (actually 12, if you count the neutral site games against Alabama and Florida State), and set a new school record with their eighth consecutive road loss in conference games (funny, Dave Plati forgot to mention these new records in his “Game Notes” for the press this weekend—perhaps because both records date back to the “blue” period in Colorado history).

How about this: The Buffs will play well because they have everything to play for and have nothing to lose, while the Cowboys will not play well because they have nothing to play for Thusday and everything to lose?

It would not be hard to speculate that the players at Oklahoma State are looking past Colorado. Up next is their grudge game against Oklahoma. The Sooners are wounded, suffering through a 6-4 season in which Oklahoma started the season ranked No. 3 in the nation.

A win over Oklahoma gives the Cowboys a second place finish in the Big 12 South and likely a New Year’s Day bowl. Not a national championship game, but still, if Oklahoma State can finish above Oklahoma in the standings, it will be a good season.

The Buffs need the Cowboys to be looking at the CU game as a mere warmup, and wanting to keep it vanilla in order to better prepare for the Sooners.

It’s a long shot. For the Buffs to be successful in this gambit, it will require not only Oklahoma State to be indifferent, but for Colorado to come out with success from the opening gun.

To date, the Buffs have not yet proven they have the ability to do that—the Buffs have been out-scored 78-27 in the first quarter this season.

P —Preparation / Schedule

As noted, the biggest game of the season lies ahead for Oklahoma State. That is about the only scheduling factor that works in favor of the Buffs.

It’s a five-day week for both teams, but Colorado played on the road last weekend; Oklahoma State played at home.

Colorado, you may have heard, lost last weekend; Oklahoma State won.

It’s senior day for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have 23 seniors on their roster—it’ll take awhile for the cheering to subside during introductions. The Buffs will be able to stand around and watch, listening as the Cowboy crowd goes nuts for its seniors.

The game will be on ESPN. Think the Cowboys and their fans will want to make an impressive showing to the nation’s poll voters and bowl representatives?

Yuck. Yuck. And Yuck.

S —Statistics

First of all, if you have gotten this far, I would like to thank you. You are truly a Buff fan.

But if you are a regular in reading the “T.I.P.S.”, you know that this section is not for the weak willed.

Colorado remains mired in the 100’s in six statistical categories, including vital categories of rushing offense (112th), total offense (105th), and sacks allowed (117th—actually one spot higher than last week, after the Buffs gave up only two sacks to Iowa State).

Colorado is near the bottom in the nation in the most important numbers, scoring offense (94th, with 21.9 ppg.) and scoring defense (86th, 28.7 ppg.). There are only a handful of categories in which Colorado is even in the top half, with only passing offense (at 59th) being a statistic of significance.

Oklahoma State, though, suffers no such maladies. The Cowboys are in the top 25 in the nation in eight categories, including rushing offense and scoring offense; as well as rushing and scoring defense.

The Cowboys are weak in passing defense (92nd, giving up 244.3 ypg.), but that is more than offset by OSU’s 7th-ranked rushing defense.

For Colorado to win, the Buffs must control the ball, keeping it away from the Cowboys’ explosive offense. When on offense, the Buffs must have their most productive passing game of the season.

(Not giving up three turnovers and 110 yards in penalties would probably help as well).

Read more Colorado Buffaloes Football news on BleacherReport.com

This Day in History: Nov. 19th

Stuart Whitehair — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:53:52 -0500

This Day in History: November 19^th

Colorado record on November 19^th : 8-3

- 1892 – Denver Athletic Club – L 42-6;

- 1921 – Colorado State – W 10-0;

- 1927 – Colorado State – L 39-7;

- 1949 – Nebraska – L 25-14;

- 1955 – Iowa State – W 40-0;

- 1960 – Oklahoma State – W 13-6;

- 1966 – Air Force – W 10-9;

- 1977 – Kansas State – W 23-0;

- 1983 – Kansas State – W 38-21;

- 1988 – Kansas State – W 56-14;

- 1994 – Iowa State – W 41-20.

November 19^th : Colorado: best game on this date

#7 Colorado v Iowa State: November 19, 1994

A game between a 9-1 team and an 0-9-1 to finish off the regular season would normally not merit much attention nationally. The 41-20 final score, after the 7^th -ranked Buffs nursed a 20-13 lead into the fourth quarter, would not have merited much notice on ESPN. For local writers, though, the game presented a year’s worth of headlines. “Christian Fauria snares six catches; becomes Big Eight all-time tight end reception leader” would have been apropos. As would have been “CU posts 576 yards of offense, sets team record for season average: 495.3,″ or perhaps “Kordell Stewart becomes Big Eight all-time leader for total offense." All worthy events, but not on this day. These headlines were overshadowed, first by Rashaan Salaam, then by the team’s head coach for the past thirteen seasons.

Salaam was effective against Iowa State, rushing for almost 200 yards and a touchdown in the game’s first three quarters. The Buffs, though, could not put away the winless Cyclones, leading only 20-13 at the start of the fourth quarter. Salaam was still 13 yards shy of the 2000-yard mark as the Buffs, leading 27-13 after a 23-yard run by Kordell Stewart to open the quarter, faced a first-and-ten at the CU 33-yard line. Salaam took the handoff from Stewart, cut to his right, and raced down the sideline in front of his teammates for a 67-yard touchdown and into front-runner status for the Heisman trophy. Salaam’s run gave him 2,055 yards on the season, and also gave him the titles of the nation’s leading rusher, scorer, and all-purpose runner. Salaam’s final run of the day also gave CU its first real lead of the day, 34-13.

The remainder of the game was a celebration. The 10-1 Buffs were heading for the Fiesta Bowl and a yet-to-be-named opponent. Salaam was given a ride off of the field by his teammates, as 46,113 frigid fans (37 degrees at kickoff) kept themselves warm by cheering the third 10-win team in school history. All in all, the fourth quarter heroics concluded a successful game and magical regular season. Fans piled out of the stadium and into the late-afternoon sunshine, cold but content with the day.

But it wasn’t over yet.

Back from the store

In Bozeman, I received updates from ABC and ESPN throughout the afternoon on the win over Iowa State. Frustration with the Buffs inability to put away ISU was quickly forgotten when the highlight of Salaam’s touchdown run flashed across the screen. The play made for perfect theater. Salaam reached the 2,000 mark in just the right fashion—at home, running right in front of the CU bench, on a long touchdown run to clinch the win. If Salaam had not already clinched the Heisman, that highlight alone may have sealed the deal. It would be replayed numerous times in subsequent weeks as college football analysts debated the issue.

Content with the afternoon’s events, I went to the store with my wife, Lee. Some time later, we returned to find the answering machine blinking. It was Charlie, a roommate from our CU days, calling from Tennessee. “What is McCartney thinking?” Charlie asked me by way of tape. “What is going on?”

Not understanding the message, and assuming Charlie was merely upset about McCartney’s play-calling on the day, I returned Charlie’s call. It was then that I learned the reason for Charlie’s consternation. I quickly clicked on the television, turned to ESPN, and quickly had confirmed for me what Charlie was telling me.

Colorado head football coach Bill McCartney had announced his resignation.

Press Conference

Shortly after the Iowa State game had come to an end Bill McCartney came to the post-game press conference, something he had done 162 times before. His opening remarks were standard fare: “I want to celebrate all of these things that happened out there today …. Rashaan’s tremendous abilities and the support he had was just extraordinary …. And I felt really good about Kordell getting that record in the Big Eight because he hasn’t really received his due in my opinion.”

Then Coach Mac dropped his bombshell.

“I have an announcement to make. Lindi (McCartney’s wife), would you come up here? I have a lot of family here, and I’m resigning effective this year. I’m going to see us through the bowl game, if I’m permitted, and through the school year. But, we really need to get a new coach named prior to going out and recruiting.”

The questions from the astounded and unprepared press were predictable:

Why? “It’s time. I’ve been here 13 years and I just feel it’s time.”

Going to another school? The NFL? “There’s going to be rumors, or whatever. I’m not going anywhere.”

When did you decide? “Recently. Recently. I didn’t know how it would work out today, but I knew that today was the day to announce this.”

Colorado fans and players were shell-shocked. McCartney had been given a “lifetime” 15-year contract after the 1989 season. As it turned out, though, the contract was for five years with extensions. The first term of the contract expired January 1, 1995, and that was when Bill McCartney was to step down.

In his book, “From Ashes to Glory ," McCartney explained his decision:

“On the field I had succeeded beyond my wildest dreams. But on the home front, as a husband and father, I often felt like a failure. I was so busy pursuing my career goals that I was missing out on the Spirit-filled life that God wanted me have.”

McCartney caught a great deal of flak from the media because of the timing of the announcement. Rashaan Salaam had just a few minutes earlier capped perhaps the greatest single season in Buff history, Kordell Stewart had just concluded perhaps the best-ever CU career. But the headlines the morning after the Iowa State game were all about McCartney and his announcement. McCartney’s explanation: “I’d already told so many people that I knew the news would get out soon, and I wanted to be the one to tell the players.”

Marolt’s Bold Move

Colorado Athletic Director Bill Marolt was now faced with a difficult decision. Replacing a head coach is always difficult, but in most instances the team needing new leadership is one in disarray, suffering from a string of losing seasons. McCartney was going out on top, ten wins already posted with a bowl game still to play. Marolt received letters and faxes from “too many applicants to count,” and while several former CU assistants who were now head coaches (Illinois’ Lou Tepper, Northwestern’s Gary Barnett, and Vanderbilt’s Gerry DiNardo included) were considered, there were only four official candidates for the job. All four were in-house.

Four existing CU assistants were considered, each bringing different assets to the table. Defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz had seniority, with ten seasons in Boulder. Offensive coordinator and guards and centers coach Elliot Uzelac had the distinction of being the only candidate with head coaching experience (Western Michigan, 1975-80 and Navy, 1987-89). Assistant head coach and defensive line coach Bob Simmons already had the title of assistant head coach on his resume. Only Rick Neuheisal, the 33-year old quarterback and receivers coach, did not possess at least the title of coordinator.

Marolt chose Neuheisal.

"The thing I like about him is that he’s got a tremendous competitive background,” said Marolt of the 21st head coach in Colorado football history. “He’s been very successful at every level, but the thing that impressed me is that he didn’t accomplish those things as a celebrated athlete coming out of high school. He was somebody that walked on, somebody that took the challenge.” Marolt’s reference to Neuheisal’s upbringing would become a familiar story to Buff fans.

After leading his Tempe, Arizona, high school team to the state championship, Neuheisal walked on at UCLA, only to lead the Bruins to a Rose Bowl win his senior year (with Neuheisal being named MVP of the game). Brief stints in the USFL and NFL led to a job as an assistant at UCLA before being named to the CU staff February 28, 1994.

Nine months later, Neuheisal was the Buffs’ head coach.

Head coach Bill McCartney, who had endorsed Bob Simmons for the post, was nonetheless supportive of the choice: “He’s a very gifted young man who is equipped to do what is necessary.” All that was left was for Neuheisal to head out on the recruiting trail, convincing 18-year-olds that the winning tradition established by Bill McCartney would continue.

No small task.

Picking up the Hardware

Oh, by the way…

After the nine-day whirlwind which struck Boulder on November 19th with McCartney’s announcement and Neuheisal’s hiring, CU players and fans had the opportunity to turn their attention to matters more immediate, like the awarding of the Heisman and other year-end awards.

Salaam’s 2,055 yards rushing seemingly guaranteed the Heisman, but there were other candidates. Penn State’s tailback Ki-Jana Carter and quarterback Kerry Collins led the undefeated and second-ranked Nittany Lions, while quarterback Steve McNair was putting up gaudy numbers for Division 1-AA Alcorn State. In the week leading up to the presentation, the media was convinced the race would be close.

When the announcement was made, however, it was a landslide. Salaam tallied 400 of 792 first-place votes, totaling 1,743 points. Carter was a distant second with 115 first-place votes, 901 points overall. Salaam, media-shy from his first days at CU, tried to downplay the honor. “Everybody is always singling me out. I don’t like that. I just want to be part of the group.”

Salaam, though, was no longer part of a group. In addition to becoming the first-ever Buff to be awarded the Doak Walker Award (to the nation’s top running back) and the Walter Camp Award (to the national player of the year), Salaam was now to be forever linked to the Heisman. From his performance in the Fiesta Bowl to his position in the NFL draft, he would forevermore be referred to as: “Rashaan Salaam, Heisman Trophy Winner.”

Speaking of the NFL draft, speculation immediately began as to whether Salaam would return for his senior year. Only Archie Griffin of Ohio State had ever won two Heismans. Would Salaam attempt to become the second? Fans would have to wait, as all Salaam would say was that he would announce his intentions on January 6th, after CU’s battle with Notre Dame in the Feista Bowl.

Meanwhile, as Salaam was recording frequent-flyer miles receiving numerous national awards, the Buffs were again honored when senior defensive back Chris Hudson was presented with the Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back. Winning out over Auburn’s Chris Shelling and Colorado State’s Greg Myers, Hudson followed former teammate Deon Figures as the second Buff to win the Thorpe in three years.

“He’s the best I’ve ever coached,” said secondary coach Chuck Heater. “He’s the best production guy, the best overall player, one with real smarts for the game.” Still, Hudson could not believe he had won. “I really couldn’t believe I won it,” said a choked up Hudson. “But it’s a dream come true.”

The Buffs would go on to thump Notre Dame, 41-24, in the Fiesta Bowl, to conclude the 1994 season with an 11-1 record, ranked 3^rd in the polls. The win was the 93^rd of Bill McCartney's career.

Best Games in College Football History - November 19th

1966 - No. 1 Notre Dame 10, No. 2 Michigan State 10 : Five years before Nebraska and Oklahoma squared off in the “Game of the Century,” the label belonged to the game played on November 19, 1966, between #1 Notre Dame and #2 Michigan State. The field was littered with future NFL stars. Michigan State featured wide receiver Gene Washington and defensive end Bubba Smith, while Notre Dame fielded linebacker Jim Lynch and quarterback Terry Hanratty. On the grey afternoon in East Lansing, neither team was able to muster much offense, and both teams played conservatively towards the end.

While Michigan State did little with the ball after taking over at their 20-yard line after a missed field goal by Notre Dame with 4:39 to play, most fans remember Notre Dame running out the clock with conservative play calling at the end. Irish head coach Ara Parseghian was forced to defend the tie the remainder of his career, but the move was effective, as Notre Dame finished first in the final polls a few weeks later, with Michigan State relegated to a second-place role.

1977 - Colorado State 25, No. 12 Arizona State 14 : One of the biggest wins in the history of the CSU program witnessed the Rams' upset of 12^th ranked Arizona State. Defeating the Sun Devils for the first time in 16 tries in the series, the Rams rallied from a 14-3 second quarter deficit for the win. Led by all-American defensive end Mike Bell (17 tackles, six for losses), the Rams shut out the Sun Devils in the second half to run their record to 8-2-1. While both teams won their final games, 9-2-1 CSU stayed home, while 9-2 Arizona State was rewarded with a home game in the Fiesta Bowl. The Sun Devils could not take advantage of the home field, however, falling to Penn State, 42-30, finishing the season ranked 18^th .

1983 - UCLA 27, USC 17 : Washington had the Rose Bowl in its sights. A win over Washington State would give the Huskies the Pac-10 title and a ticket to Pasadena. Apple Cup rival Washington State, though, had different ideas, taking down the Huskies, 17-6. Buoyed by news that Washington was losing, UCLA, down 10-6 to rival USC, took the second half kickoff down for a touchdown and a lead they would not relinquish. Led by names familiar to Buff fans, quarterback Rick Neuheisal hit wide receiver Karl Dorrell on a seven-yard score, and the Bruins never looked back. UCLA was awarded the Rose Bowl bid based upon its 6-1-1 Pac-10 record, not upon its 7-4-1 overall record, the worst-ever for a Rose Bowl participant. Undaunted, UCLA took down heavily-favored 4^th -ranked Illinois, 45-9, with Rick Neuheisal named the game’s MVP.

1 988 – No. 7 Nebraska 7, No. 9 Oklahoma 3 : The game was not an offensive showcase, but a touchdown on the game’s opening drive proved sufficient for the Cornhuskers, as No. 7 Nebraska defeated No. 9 Oklahoma, 7-3. The Cornhuskers won the 1988 Big Eight title with defense, holding Oklahoma without a touchdown for the first time in 62 games. The Sooners mustered only 137 yards of total offense, and, in the fourth quarter, with the game in the balance, OU netted zero first downs and minus 11 yards of offense in four fourth quarter possessions. Both teams earned January 2^nd bowl bids, but neither was successful, as both teams continued to struggle on offense.

Oklahoma fell to Clemson in the Citrus Bowl, 13-6, finishing a 9-3 season ranked 14^th (and behind 11^th ranked Oklahoma State), while Nebraska was thumped, 23-3, by Miami in the Orange Bowl to conclude the 1988 campaign 11-2, ranked 10^th .

1994 – No. 22 Ohio State 22, No. 15 Michigan 6 : Ohio State head coach John Cooper, who had been 0-5-1 against Michigan since taking over for Earle Bruce, finally beat the Wolverines. Buckeye running back Eddie George was largely held in check, but his 71 yards and a score was good enough to take down Michigan. The Wolverine offense, which had its chances to score behind quarterback Todd Collins, was held without a touchdown for the first time since 1985.

Both schools finished behind Penn State in the conference, but both earned bowl bids. Ohio State went to the Citrus Bowl, but ended the season on a sour note, falling to Alabama, 24-17, to finish 9-4, 14^th in the nation. Michigan traveled to San Diego, where the Wolverines took out Colorado State in the Holiday Bowl, 24-14. Michigan, which had suffered through the “Miracle in Michigan” loss to Colorado earlier in the season, concluded the 1994 campaign with a 9-3 record, finishing 12^th in the nation.

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Iowa State-Colorado: Buffaloes Squander Opportunities in 17-10 Loss to Cyclones

Stuart Whitehair — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:23:27 -0500

November 14th - @ Iowa State Iowa State 17, Colorado 10

Colorado had it's opportunities, but four trips inside the Iowa State red zone netted three points, as the Buffs fell in Ames, 17-10. Falling to 3-7 on the season, the Buffs guaranteed themselves a fourth straight losing season for only the second time in school history. Colorado out-gained Iowa State, 390 yards to 310, but three turnovers, 110 yards in penalties, and missed opportunities doomed the Buffs to a third straight loss in Ames for - you guessed it - only the second time in school history (1979, 1981, 1983).

A low scoring game was certainly in the offing early, as both teams generated negative yardage in their opening drives. On Iowa State's second drive, the Buffs had the Cyclones backed up, facing a third-and-15 at the ISU 12-yard line. A face mask penalty on the Buffs, though, kept the drive alive - and set the tone for the day. Iowa State took advantage, piecing together a nine-play, 83-yard drive to take a lead the Cyclones would not surrender. Quarterback Austen Arnaud hit Marquis Hamilton from seven yards out as Iowa State scored in the first quarter for the first time in five games (take a second to re-read that - the Buffs allowed Iowa State to gain momentum by allowing the Cyclones to score a first quarter touchdown for the first time in five games!).

A 55-yard punt by Matt DiLallo on the Buffs' next drive pinned the Cyclones back inside their five yard line, and the Colorado defense gave the Buffs' offense a golden opportunity. Jimmy Smith intercepted an Arnaud pass at the Iowa State 15-yard line, returning the pick to the Cyclone five. The Buffs, though, could not take advantage, as, on fourth-and-goal at the one yard line, Demetrius Sumler was stopped for no gain.

Buffs' first trip inside the Iows State red zone - turnover on downs.

Things looked bleak for Colorado and their fans as Iowa State took off on what had the makings of a 99-yard drive. Assisted by the Colorado defense, which was guilty of defensive holding on third-and-five at the ISU six and a pass interference penalty on third-and-eight at the ISU 41 (not to mention giving up an 18-yard completion on third-and17), Iowa State looked to take control of the game. The Buffs' defense, though, made one more stand, as Anthony Perkins forced a fumble by Cyclone receiver Darius Darks, with the ball recovered by freshman defensive lineman Nate Bonsu at the Colorado 30-yard line. The Colorado offense responded with its only productive drive of the first half, covering 65 yards in 12 plays. A 12-yard completion from Tyler Hansen to Markques Simas on third-and-seven at the ISU 21-yard line set up the Buffs with a first-and-goal at the ISU nine. Three plays, though, netted four yards, and the Buffs settled for a 22-yard field goal by Aric Goodman with 5:34 left to play in the first half. Iowa State 7, Colorado 3.

Buffs' second trip inside the Iowa State red zone - field goal.

Defenses took over the rest of the second quarter, as four combined drives between the teams netted 19 yards. Two punts by Colorado's Matt DiLallo (34 and 32 yards), though, gave Iowa State field position, and the Cyclones took advantage. Taking over at the Colorado 48-yard line with 1:17 to play, Austen Arnaud maneuvered the Cyclones into field goal range, with Grant Mahoney connecting from 25 yards out on the last play of the quarter.

Halftime score: Iowa State 10, Colorado 3.

With the chances of a winning season, a bowl game, and the Big 12 North title on the line, the Buffs came out fired up, and, with the first drive of the second half - turned the ball over. On the second play of the third quarter, Tyler Hansen was intercepted by Cyclone Nate Frere, who gave the ball to the Iowa State offense at the CU 43. The Colorado defense, though, held, forcing a three-and-out. The Buffs' offense, given new life, responded by - turning the ball over. This time it was Rodney Stewart, who fumbled, with Iowa State recovering at the CU 33 yard line.

This time, the Cyclones took advantage of the Buffs' largess, taking only six plays to score. On third-and-nine at the Colorado 20 yard line, Austen Arnaud hit Alexander Robinson for a touchdown to give Iowa State a 17-3 advantage. As there was still 9:09 left to be played in the third quarter, the 43,208 on hand had no way of knowing that they had just witnessed the winning points being scored.

The Buffs' ensuing drive stalled at the Iowa State 46, but, after an exchange of punts, the Buffs took over at the Iowa State 36 yard line. Colorado was down, 17-3, but there was still over 20 minutes of football to be played. A 16-yard pass from Hansen to Markques Simas got the ball to the 20, and, on fourth-and-one at the Cyclones' 11, Rodney Stewart ran for two yards.

First-and-goal, Colorado, at the Iowa State nine yard line.

A moment later, it was first-and-goal at the Iowa State 39-yard line.

A personal foul call on red-shirt freshman offensive tackle Bryce Givens was doubled after Givens was given a second penalty, this time for unsportsmanlike conduct. "Obviously, Bryce freaked out on us a little bit. That killed us," said Tyler Hansen after the game. "We all know that he's an emotional guy and his emotions got the best of him." A 20-yard pass from Hansen to Simas got some of the yardage back, but on fourth-and-goal from the 24, Aric Goodman missed from 42 yards out, his first missed field goal since the West Virginia game.

Buffs' third trip inside the Iowa State red zone - missed field goal.

The Colorado defense once again held, forcing a punt on the first play of the fourth quarter. And, once again, the Colorado offense launched an impressive drive, only to come up empty. A Tyler Hansen 14-yard run was quickly followed by 12- and 15-yard completions to Scotty McKnight. A personal foul on Iowa State was offset a few plays later by a personal foul on sophomore right guard Ryan Miller, giving the Buffs a 2nd-and-22 at the ISU 38. A 23 yard Hansen-to-McKnight completion, though, gave the Buffs new life, with a first-and-ten at the Cyclones' 15-yard line.

There was still 12 minutes to be played when Rodney Stewart gained seven yards on first down. Instead of second-and-three at the ISU eight yard line, though, it was first-and-ten, Iowa State, as Stewart, who had only one fumble all season coming into the game, fumbled for the second time on the afternoon.

Buffs' fourth trip inside the Iowa State red zone - turnover.

After the Stewart fumble, the Colorado defense, for the seventh time on the afternoon, forced a three-and-out (Colorado came into the game tied for 14th nationally in that obscure category, forcing 4.11 "three-and-outs" per game). The Colorado offense responded with three incompletions and a punt of their own. Still, after another ISU punt, the Buffs took the field at their own 20-yard line, putting together their only touchdown drive of the game. A total of 69 yards of the 80 were in completions from Tyler Hansen to Markques Simas, including a 36-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-three.

With 3:17 to play, the score was now Iowa State 17, Colorado 10.

A comeback was still possible.

And then it wasn't.

Taking over at their 40 yard line after Aric Goodman's kickoff went out of bounds, Iowa State demonstrated why it had the 29th-ranked rushing offense in the nation entering the contest. On-third-and-three at the ISU 47 (and with 3:01 still to play), Alexander Robinson gained 16 yards and a first down. By the time Colorado got the ball back, only 23 seconds remained. One completion to Simas for 11 yards was all the Buffs could muster before time on the clock - and the hopes of a winning season - expired.

Final score: Iowa State 17, Colorado 10.

Tyler Hansen hit on 18-of-38 passes for 258 yards, but his 36-yard touchdown pass to Markques Simas to pull the Buffs within a touchdown was too little, too late, coming with only 3:17 left to play. Markques Simas, with 128 receiving yards, became the first Buff to have back-to-back 100-yard receiving games in a decade (Javon Green was the last, gaining 133 against Oklahoma and 139 against Kansas in 1999). Joining Simas in the century club against Iowa State was Scotty McKnight, who had eight catches for 107 yards. The Colorado rushing game was led by Rodney Stewart, who had 85 yards on 19 carries - but two costly fumbles by Speedy contributed to the loss.

Overall, the Buffs had more total yards (390-310) and more first downs (21-19), but did not have the final score in their favor. Iowa State was perfect in red zone offense on the day, while Colorado went one-for-four. As to the first failed effort, a fourth-and-goal at the one in the first quarter, when Demetrius Sumler was stopped for no gain, Colorado head coach Dan Hawkins said, "It's a statement play for your offense and your offensive line. Nine times out of ten if you don't get it, it will help you in the field position game, and we didn't get either one of those (Iowa State took the ball from its own one yard line to the Colorado 30-yard line before fumbling)".

As to the Buffs' failure in the red zone against Iowa State, Hawkins had no answers. "It was a little bit of both (lack of execution and good defense)," said Hawkins. "One score in four trips combined with turnovers is what kills you."

Now 3-7, 2-4 on the season, all of the talk about a winning season, a bowl bid, and a Big 12 North title has officially come to an end. What is left for the Buffs is two games, on the road in five days against a ranked Oklahoma State team, and a finale at home against a Nebraska team which is a win over Kansas State (next Saturday) from winning the Big 12 North. Iowa State, on the other hand, is now 6-5, bowl-eligible for the first time since 2005. The six wins under Paul Rhoads are the best for a first year head coach in Ames since Charles Mayser went 6-2 in 1915, besting teams from Ellsworth, Simpson, Morningside, and (damn those "blue" references!) Drake. It took Paul Rhoads, who took over a 2-10 team (with a ten-game losing streak), 11 games to get to six wins. It took Dan Hawkins, taking over a team with four Big 12 North titles in five seasons, 18 games to get to the six win mark.

Is there anything standing in the way of a 3-9 finish?

Just pride.

"Football is similar to life. You need to battle back and finish strong," said Scotty McKnight. " We need to bounce back and win the next two games. You have to have pride." Senior linebacker Marcus Burton, who now has two games left in his Colorado career, agreed. "Basically we came in with a lot of heart and we can't look forward to a bowl game anymore," said Burton, who had eight tackles against Iowa State, "but hopefully we can finish the season with a good record."

- Game Notes -

- Three players got their first career starts against Iowa State. On the Buffs' first offensive play, junior Corey Nabors lined up in the backfield, with senior running back Kevin Moyd lining up at wide receiver (The Buffs' first play was a Kevin Moyd run, which lost two yards). On defense, linebacker Tyler Ahles was in for his first career start (the usual starter, B.J. Beatty, did not see action as he recovers from a concussion).

- Markques Simas has had back-to-back 100-yard receiving games (135 v. Texas A&M; 128 v. Iowa State). Only two Buffs have had three such games - Charles E. Johnson (who did it twice, in 1992 and 1993), and Michael Westbrook (in 1992).

- Scotty McKnight, with eight catches and 107 yards, continues to make inroads on the Colorado record books. His 1,715 receiving yards ranks him 7th all time in that category; his 151 catches is 3rd all-time (just one behind Phil Savoy's 152). McKnight has 62 catches on the season, only the fourth Buff to have that many catches in a single year.

- Rodney Stewart, who had two costly fumbles against Iowa State (one lead to a Cyclone score; the other was on the ISU eight yard line), but his 85 rushing yards moved him up to 34th on the all time list, with 1,295. The former #34 on the list was Kordell Stewart, who had 1,289 rushing yards in his career as a Buff.

- In just eight starts, quarterback Tyler Hansen has made great strides in making a name for himself in the Colorado career passing charts. With 258 yards against the Cyclones, Hansen now has 1,471 career yards, good enough to move from 25th to 22nd on the list. Hansen will likely finish the season in the top 20, with Sal Aunese (1,526) and Bobby Pesavento (1,554) just in front of him.

Reality Check

No sense beating a dead horse here.

I have been in the disillusioned, disenfranchised, disappointed, and disgusted camp since being a first-hand witness to the meltdown in Toledo.

I'm ready to get past the "how the Buffs can still win the North" scenarios. I'm over the "the Buffs can win out and go bowling" dreams.

It's time for the Buffs and their fans to face reality. Colorado is one of the worst programs in Division 1-A football, certainly one of the worst in the six BCS conferences. What teams are worse? Perhaps Virginia (3-7) or Maryland (2-8) from the ACC? Syracuse (3-7) from the Big East? Illinois (3-7) or Indiana (4-7) from the Big Ten? Vanderbilt (2-9) from the SEC? Washington State (1-9) from the Pac-10? Certainly, Colorado is better than some, if not all, of these teams - but them's slim pickin's, folks. There are 65 teams in BCS conferences. It would be tough to make an argument that Colorado is in the top 55.

How can the Buffs recover? How does the University of Colorado rebound from four straight losing seasons?

Let's look for a bright side ...

How's this? Colorado does not have a large senior class. Almost all of the offense generated this year, save the catches by tight ends Riar Geer and Patrick Devenny, has been by from underclassmen. Quarterback Tyler Hansen is a true sophomore, and, over the past few weeks, has shown glimmers of what he can bring to the table, not only with his feet, but with his passing arm. The running back and wide receiver corps will return virtually in tact. The offensive line, for all of its penalties and sacks given, remains a unit with potential.

On the defensive side of the ball, there are a few losses, but mostly in the linebacking corps. Senior Jeff Smart leads the team in tackles, with fellow senior Marcus Burton seventh. Still, if there is one unit which the Buffs have had adequate depth in the past, it is the linebackers. In the secondary, cornerback Cha'pelle Brown will be missed, as will Benjamin Burney. The remaining play-makers, though, return (there has been talk about junior cornerbacks Jalil Brown and Jimmy Smith leaving early for the NFL draft, but I don't see their draft stock being high enough to warrant giving up another year of perfecting their craft in the collegiate ranks).

We will go through the depth chart in great detail during the "Doldrums" - the period in December when football teams with winning records are preparing for bowls, while Colorado, for the third time in four years, is putting in that extra time in the weight room, staring at motivational posters about getting ready for CSU next September. For now, Buff fans, it's enough to know that the Buffs are showing marginal signs of improvement (more total yards on offense, fewer points on defense). Colorado has only been blown out of a game twice (Toledo and Missouri), and has hung tough against better opposition.

Let's hope for more of the latter, and less of the former, come Thursday's game against Oklahoma State, and next week's game against Nebraska.

The pressure of trying to win out is gone. The pressure of trying to cling to false hopes has dissipated.

The remaining two games only have relevance to the Buff players - and their coaches.

There is no reason not to try some trick plays, and go for broke. No one would be surprised if Colorado is blown out by Oklahoma State and Nebraska, so there is nothing left to lose.

That's Colorado's 2009 reality.

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