2009 Colorado Buffaloes College Football Predictions

2009 Colorado Buffaloes Predictions
2008 Record: (5-7, 2-6)
Coach: Dan Hawkins, 4th year (13-24 at Colorado, 66-35 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Eric Kiesau (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Ron Collins (4th year)
Returning Starters: 16 (10 offense, 4 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Cody Hawkins)

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Offense: Dan Hawkins had to replace his offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich, who left for Oregon. Eric Kiesai takes over after having served as passing coordinator. Hawkins might have to replace his son at quarterback-Cody Hawkins-who is feeling the heat from Tyler Hansen. The offense will remain the spread, but they will huddle more instead of going no-huddle and all shotgun. The good news is that the Buffs return 10 starters on offense. Several of those starters were injured last year, so competition remains and the depth should be strong. The receiving corps is led by junior Scotty McKnight, who missed most of the spring with a partially torn biceps. The quarterbacks may be rotated and so will the running backs. The top back is sophomore Darrell Scott, one of the nation’s top recruits in 2008.

Defense: The defense returns just four starters as they lost six of their top 10 tacklers from a team that led the Big 12 in pass defense and finished fourth in total defense. On the line, the Buffs lose all three of their top guys (they play a 3-4 scheme). The two leading tackles from last season, Jeff Smart and Shaun Mohler are both listed at the weakside linebacker spot. That means they’ll have new starters at the other three positions. Fortunately they have tremendous speed and the size the team is looking for, especially on the outside. The secondary will be the strength led by senior CB Cha’pelle Brown, along with Jalil Brown and Jimmy Smith, who are starting to emerge as playmakers.

Outlook: Hawkins needs to start producing this season. The spread offense worked great in the WAC, but unless you have all the tools (quarterback), you are not going to produce in the Big 12. The defense has potential, even with a new line, but if Hawkins can’t find a consistent quarterback, they will be stuck in mediocrity.

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