Billy Clyde Puckett
08-17-2005, 10:15 AM
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=tb-big12preview081605&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Just posting the CU section.
1. Colorado Buffaloes
With all the off-field distractions last year and a team that wasn't ranked in the top 50 in offense or defense, Colorado incredibly managed to go 8-5, win the Big 12 North and beat UTEP in the Houston Bowl. Although coach Gary Barnett had two division championships in the previous three years, last season was his best job of coaching in six years at Colorado. This year, with 17 starters returning and only 15 lettermen lost, Colorado has the most experienced team in the Big 12. Although not one of these offensive or defensive returners are preseason first-team all-conference selections, there is strength in numbers. So while no one really thought the Buffs would get to last year's Big 12 championship game, this year Colorado expects it.
Third-year starter Joel Klatt returns at quarterback and leads the offense more with his head and his heart than with great athletic ability. However, with a nice group of experienced wide receivers returning along with top pass catcher Joe Klopfenstein at tight end, improvement in the passing game is not only imperative but likely. With unknown quality at tailback, the patented power running game of a Barnett-coached football team is not a certainty. But the offensive line has a fine nucleus with three returning starters, led by guard Brian Daniels. If the receivers can improve their pass-catching skills from last season, the passing game should be able to spread out defenses in order to open up the running game.
With 10 starters back on defense, Colorado just needs to get a little better in every phase of the game. The Buffaloes were 69th in Division I-A in rushing defense, 105th against the pass and 61st in scoring defense. That ain't real good. Maturity alone should make the Buffs better.
So where is the advantage that puts Colorado on top of the Big 12 North? The secret weapon is the best kicking duo in America. Mason Crosby had five field goals from 50 yards or longer, and John Torp's 44.6-yard average is the best among active punters. Add the fact that Gary Barnett gets more out of his players than any other coach in the conference, and what you have is the favorite in the Big 12 North.
Just posting the CU section.
1. Colorado Buffaloes
With all the off-field distractions last year and a team that wasn't ranked in the top 50 in offense or defense, Colorado incredibly managed to go 8-5, win the Big 12 North and beat UTEP in the Houston Bowl. Although coach Gary Barnett had two division championships in the previous three years, last season was his best job of coaching in six years at Colorado. This year, with 17 starters returning and only 15 lettermen lost, Colorado has the most experienced team in the Big 12. Although not one of these offensive or defensive returners are preseason first-team all-conference selections, there is strength in numbers. So while no one really thought the Buffs would get to last year's Big 12 championship game, this year Colorado expects it.
Third-year starter Joel Klatt returns at quarterback and leads the offense more with his head and his heart than with great athletic ability. However, with a nice group of experienced wide receivers returning along with top pass catcher Joe Klopfenstein at tight end, improvement in the passing game is not only imperative but likely. With unknown quality at tailback, the patented power running game of a Barnett-coached football team is not a certainty. But the offensive line has a fine nucleus with three returning starters, led by guard Brian Daniels. If the receivers can improve their pass-catching skills from last season, the passing game should be able to spread out defenses in order to open up the running game.
With 10 starters back on defense, Colorado just needs to get a little better in every phase of the game. The Buffaloes were 69th in Division I-A in rushing defense, 105th against the pass and 61st in scoring defense. That ain't real good. Maturity alone should make the Buffs better.
So where is the advantage that puts Colorado on top of the Big 12 North? The secret weapon is the best kicking duo in America. Mason Crosby had five field goals from 50 yards or longer, and John Torp's 44.6-yard average is the best among active punters. Add the fact that Gary Barnett gets more out of his players than any other coach in the conference, and what you have is the favorite in the Big 12 North.