So yesterday Woodrow and I took part in the Mile High Music Festival and I personally was dying of the heat. I think some said it got to 105 degrees yesterday. Some good shows but man was it hot...we will be braving the elements today for some good tunes and Dave Matthews. That being said, this will be a quick post today as the morning events will require more sleep and hydrating!
According to 7 news Denver, Riar Geer was found guilty of assault while having his felony charge thrown out. The good news is that he will still have a chance to play because he was not found guilty of a felony but the bad news is that it will be hard for Colorado not to suspend him for the entire year especially since the Buffs usually side with the Office of Judicial Review on the CU campus. We fully expect Geer not to be in a Buffs uniform which means Devree and a couple of Buffs freshmen will be thrown into the fire quickly. Another story that just continues the tumultuous offseason of off the field issues
Neil Woelk has written the most obvious article so far this year. The article pretty much says the Buffs will need and use more RB's than Darrell Scott. I just hope he didn't put the hex on Scott with the whole, "Remember Purify was in the shadow of a great recruit - Marcus Houston - and Purify turned out to be the better of the two." No more talk of Marcus Houston...thats the last thing we need.
You have to make sure that you read every Oklahoman article with a level of scrutiny after the UT fan made up a fake web page that said two OU players, including QB Sam Bradford, were arrested on cocaine charges! But here is another ranking done by the Oklahoman, this time about DL, that once again states OU has the best talent in the Big 12. It must be fun for the Oklahoman to write all of these articles considering OU is on top of them all. One day, the Daily Camera will be able to do the same thing...one day.
The Oklahoman also shows the salary breakdown of assistant coaches in the Big 12 and how they have "sky rocketed" over the past couple of years. They have 7 or so charts on the main page, as well, showing some interesting stats regarding assistant coaches and their salaries.
I do have to say that The Oklahoman (OU and OSU) and the Columbia Tribune (Mizzou) are really good in terms of reviewing the Big 12 and its talent, not just their respective teams.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Football News... In Case You Missed
-- The media made their Big 12 picks on Wednesday. See the their predicated finish here (behind Nebraska...? ) and the All-Big 12 1st Team here (Hypolite is the only Buff). Our one and only Darrell Scott was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the year.
-- This write up from The Bleacher Report compiles all of the preseason mags picks.
-- Here's a good write-up from the Camera on the effect that the football team's success (separate discussion, what will it take to call the upcoming season a success?) is having on other Buff sports and their facilities.
-- Blue Ribbon usually does some pretty lengthy (not sure if I would go as far as good...) season previews (must be an ESPN Insider to read).
-- This write up from The Bleacher Report compiles all of the preseason mags picks.
-- Here's a good write-up from the Camera on the effect that the football team's success (separate discussion, what will it take to call the upcoming season a success?) is having on other Buff sports and their facilities.
-- Blue Ribbon usually does some pretty lengthy (not sure if I would go as far as good...) season previews (must be an ESPN Insider to read).
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Early Over/Under Odds for Wins
At The Ralphie Report, we love to look at the odds and if the deal seems sweet enough, we will throw down some coin...all legally of course in Vegas. Lets just say Kansas against the spread was very friendly to one of us last year. Throughout the year, we will definitely have our Friday odds analysis for the Buffs and other teams. With that being said, if any of you listened to the Herd on ESPN Radio yesterday, he was stoked, like us, about the release of win over/unders and a bunch of other gambling related material. Now we get to see what the experts in the casinos think!
I was excited until I saw that Vegas Insider predicts the Buffs to be 10th in the Big 12 and winning only 5 1/2 games. Only Baylor and Iowa State have lower expectations. Even Kansas State is picked to be better than the Buffs. Looking at Kansas State's schedule, they are only guaranteed 4 wins in my opinion - North Texas, Montana State, Louisiana-Lafayette and Iowa State but they are slated to win 6 1/2 games? Vegas must be very worried about the Buffs schedule. We will still predict seven wins with some light at the end of the tunnel towards the end of the year. I think the Kansas and/or Florida State games are going to be pivotal in getting to that 7 or 8 win season. Oklahoma is picked to win 10 games behind only USC with 10 1/2 and tied with Florida and Ohio State. Vegas is holding Georgia at 9 wins which is most people's National Champion. Below is the wrap up of the win expectations for the Big 12.
In terms of favorites to win the National Title, USC is the top choice at 3:1, Florida is 5:1 and Oklahoma is 6:1. Colorado is 100:1 along with Kansas State and Oklahoma State. Baylor and Iowa State were not on the board.
If I were a betting man and I am, I would take the over on the Buffs. I am guessing that the line will move to 6 1/2 due to all of the optimistic press the Buffs have been getting over the past 6 months. I would take the under on Kansas State at 6 1/2 games (see above), under on Baylor at 3 1/2 (probably a harder schedule than the Buffs), over 9 for Texas Teach (nice cupcake non- conference and home vs. Texas), Kansas on the under 8 (I have a hunch), under on Oklahoma State winning 7 games and I would probably layoff Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska and Texas A&M as those look pretty legitimate. Most confident picks would probably be Baylor, Kansas State and Colorado in that order. And at 50:1, don't you have to put down a hundo on Texas Tech? I was just talking to a work buddy and said, "Tech always finds a way to blow a couple of games that they shouldn't (see CU and OSU last year)" but they also beat...I mean manhandled Oklahoma last year (the game was never close as the score seems to show). It will probably come down to the game in Norman next year but still at 50:1 and that spread offense, thats a good value.
I was excited until I saw that Vegas Insider predicts the Buffs to be 10th in the Big 12 and winning only 5 1/2 games. Only Baylor and Iowa State have lower expectations. Even Kansas State is picked to be better than the Buffs. Looking at Kansas State's schedule, they are only guaranteed 4 wins in my opinion - North Texas, Montana State, Louisiana-Lafayette and Iowa State but they are slated to win 6 1/2 games? Vegas must be very worried about the Buffs schedule. We will still predict seven wins with some light at the end of the tunnel towards the end of the year. I think the Kansas and/or Florida State games are going to be pivotal in getting to that 7 or 8 win season. Oklahoma is picked to win 10 games behind only USC with 10 1/2 and tied with Florida and Ohio State. Vegas is holding Georgia at 9 wins which is most people's National Champion. Below is the wrap up of the win expectations for the Big 12.
| Team | Expected 2008 victories |
| Oklahoma | 10 |
| Missouri | 9 1/2 |
| Texas | 9 |
| Texas Tech | 9 |
| Kansas | 8 |
| Texas A&M | 7 |
| Oklahoma State | 7 |
| Nebraska | 7 |
| Kansas State | 6 1/2 |
| Colorado | 5 1/2 |
| Baylor | 3 1/2 |
| Iowa State | 3 1/2 |
In terms of favorites to win the National Title, USC is the top choice at 3:1, Florida is 5:1 and Oklahoma is 6:1. Colorado is 100:1 along with Kansas State and Oklahoma State. Baylor and Iowa State were not on the board.
| Team | Odds |
| Oklahoma | 6:1 |
| Missouri | 10:1 |
| Texas | 10:1 |
| Kansas | 25:1 |
| Texas Tech | 50:1 |
| Texas A&M | 75:1 |
| Nebraska | 75:1 |
| Colorado | 100:1 |
| Kansas State | 100:1 |
| Oklahoma State | 100:1 |
If I were a betting man and I am, I would take the over on the Buffs. I am guessing that the line will move to 6 1/2 due to all of the optimistic press the Buffs have been getting over the past 6 months. I would take the under on Kansas State at 6 1/2 games (see above), under on Baylor at 3 1/2 (probably a harder schedule than the Buffs), over 9 for Texas Teach (nice cupcake non- conference and home vs. Texas), Kansas on the under 8 (I have a hunch), under on Oklahoma State winning 7 games and I would probably layoff Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska and Texas A&M as those look pretty legitimate. Most confident picks would probably be Baylor, Kansas State and Colorado in that order. And at 50:1, don't you have to put down a hundo on Texas Tech? I was just talking to a work buddy and said, "Tech always finds a way to blow a couple of games that they shouldn't (see CU and OSU last year)" but they also beat...I mean manhandled Oklahoma last year (the game was never close as the score seems to show). It will probably come down to the game in Norman next year but still at 50:1 and that spread offense, thats a good value.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Saturday Quick Hits
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Last week, Rocky Mountain Showdown tickets went on sale last week and single game tickets go on sale for season ticket holders on Tuesday.
- One of the major concerns for the Buffs this year is trying to replace Jordan Dizon. Lets be honest, the Buffs will probably never have a more productive linebacker but the Buffs may have gotten a step closer to filling the hole as JUCO transfer Shaun Mohler has passed seven classes in the last six months to wear the gold and black this year. If you have any access to some of the recruiting sites, check Mohler out. I think he could be a special player in the middle of the Buffs D.
- Here are a few articles about how the summer football sessions and how they are progressing. The first one takes a look into the influx of TE youth especially with Riar Geer's season up in the air. The next two talk about the RB play of Sophomore Brian Lockridge and incoming Freshman Ray Polk, both of whom are taking a back seat to Darrell Scott in terms of publicity but players to definitely watch this year. Polk, who LB Brad Jones thinks is extremely *expletive* fast, is making some noise early in Boulder.
-This is an interesting article/blog about the inexperience of the Buffs. Phil Steele's rankings on team experience shows that the Buffs are the 117th team out of 119th team in terms of experience meaning there are only two teams with less experience. Those two teams are Florida and fellow Big 12 team, Texas. Inexperience and a tough schedule...things should be interesting in Boulder.
-And in case you have been in a hole, the big news of the last week is not about any player, coach or the first game of the season, but it is about the new collegiate Victoria Secret line. I cannot believe the amount of press this has gotten with people's opinion on whether the University should have allowed this. All I know is that Victoria Secret will make a killing on this.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The Quotable Dan Hawkins
So Rivals.com has jumped on the story of all of these arrests in college football and of course, CU had a big spot in that article. Hawkins had some great quotes and even pulled out some statistics. Rivals starts out the article calling for new football stats when talking about returning players- starters lost, returning starters and starters arrested. The article goes on to list prominent player arrests in college football this offseason and then states:
The NCAA tries to ensure that athletes aren't treated differently than ordinary college students. Yet ordinary college students often drink too much, smoke marijuana and get in fights.
Hawkins begins to chime in -
"I don't mean to get on a high horse, but 82 percent of college freshmen get drunk once a week. I guarantee you 82 percent of athletes aren't getting drunk. Show me an era in history where young men don't fight.''
He then goes on to say:
"There are way more kids that don't get in trouble than do. If you put every citizen that's arrested for DUI on ESPN.com, you could read that for 10 hours."
It may sound like Hawkins is making some excuses here but we all know that he is tough on his players (ask Jake Duren and Michael Sipili). He is absolutely right with his sentiments but the golden rule is that it is a privilege to play college sports. You can't have all the athletic success and praise and not get criticized for off the field incidents. Still gotta love Hawkins' colorful commentary.Good Things Come in Pairs
Just a day after Richard Roby signed a summer contract with the New Jersey Nets, Former Buffs forward Marcus Hall has also gotten his chance to show his ability for the summer with the New York Knickerbockers. Hall, who measures in at a lean 6'2" 175 lbs, will have to show he can take the wear and tear of a 82 game NBA season. Hall will see action along with eight other rookies for the Knicks July 14 - July 20 in
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Ex Buff Roby To Sign With New Jersey Nets
It took a little longer than expected but Richard Roby has gotten his chance to audition for an NBA roster spot with the New Jersey Nets. Roby will not only have to impress the coaches with his play on the court but also fully demonstrate that his hand has healed which most likely resulted in him not getting drafted. The Nets will offer Roby a contract only for the Rocky Mountain Revue, according to the Rocky Mountain News, which runs from July 18th - July 25th. After the Revue, Roby can once again sign with any team.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Get Pumped!
Its video day at the Ralphie Report. Just some Buffalo fireworks for your fourth of July celebration. Below are the Buffs opening and walkout videos. The music needs some help but still, we are getting closer! I know Woodrow is going to hate this first opening video because it sounds like "Coming to Your City" the video ESPN continues to play at 10 am every Saturday morning. Also, we have a posted a highlight tape of recent Buff signee Clark Evans. The title on YouTube says "The Next Tim Tebow?" I would'nt go that far but a few observations. The Blue team he is playing is not very good. Evans looks like the biggest player on the field. He definitely has the tools to be a starting QB at the collegiate level. Happy 4th of July!!!
OPENING VIDEO
WALKOUT VIDEO
CLARK EVANS HIGHLIGHT TAPE
OPENING VIDEO
WALKOUT VIDEO
CLARK EVANS HIGHLIGHT TAPE
Barringer Qualifies for Olympics, Other Buff News
--Jenny Barringer, the star of the CU Track & Field time, has qualified for the Olympics and will be off to Beijing. Last night at Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus, Barringer finished third in the 3,000 meter steeplechase. Barringer was expected to win the event as she set the fastest time in America this year during her collegiate season and won the World Championships two years ago. Expect Barringer to compete for a medal next month. The good thing for the Buffs is that Barringer is back next year to dominate the Big 12.
--The West Virginia Charleston Gazette has previewed the Colorado and West Virginia game coming up in Boulder. It seems to me that West Virginia is a little worried about this game. Whether it be new coach Bill Stewart, the Colorado recruiting class, the Boulder altitude or the thought of Oklahoma last year at Folsom field getting upset, the Mountaineers are very cautious of this game. This is a CU Blog and I am 100% pulling for the Buffs but if the Mountaineers return the same speed I saw them live put on the field versus OU in the Fiesta Bowl, the Buffs are going to be in for a very long day.
--Note to Bruce Feldman, Toledo and Miami of Ohio are not powerhouses! How in the world does CU not get on the top 10 list for the hardest non-conference schedule. I am not so much disappointed on the Buffs missing the list, its teams like Michigan making the list. Look at the adjectives he uses to describe the opponents for the Wolverines. "A very underrated Utah team, Miami of Ohio "a team projected to be in the hunt for a MAC title," Notre Dame (come on, I love the Irish but they sucked last year and they will be really young) and then he says Toledo and tries to validate it with "they beat Iowa State last year." Ridiculous. I can't even laugh at this. How does CU not beat this! So they play Eastern Washington but FSU and West Virginia run circles around all of these teams and probably beat Notre Dame handedly. Also on the list include Troy, East Carolina and Marshall
--The West Virginia Charleston Gazette has previewed the Colorado and West Virginia game coming up in Boulder. It seems to me that West Virginia is a little worried about this game. Whether it be new coach Bill Stewart, the Colorado recruiting class, the Boulder altitude or the thought of Oklahoma last year at Folsom field getting upset, the Mountaineers are very cautious of this game. This is a CU Blog and I am 100% pulling for the Buffs but if the Mountaineers return the same speed I saw them live put on the field versus OU in the Fiesta Bowl, the Buffs are going to be in for a very long day.
--Note to Bruce Feldman, Toledo and Miami of Ohio are not powerhouses! How in the world does CU not get on the top 10 list for the hardest non-conference schedule. I am not so much disappointed on the Buffs missing the list, its teams like Michigan making the list. Look at the adjectives he uses to describe the opponents for the Wolverines. "A very underrated Utah team, Miami of Ohio "a team projected to be in the hunt for a MAC title," Notre Dame (come on, I love the Irish but they sucked last year and they will be really young) and then he says Toledo and tries to validate it with "they beat Iowa State last year." Ridiculous. I can't even laugh at this. How does CU not beat this! So they play Eastern Washington but FSU and West Virginia run circles around all of these teams and probably beat Notre Dame handedly. Also on the list include Troy, East Carolina and Marshall
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Buffs Sign Big QB
Cody Hawkins has to be in Peru right now saying, "Dad, what are you doing?" The Buffs signed their third recruit in the 2009 season and the second QB. The first signee was Jordan Wynn, an athletic 185lb QB from California, similar in size to Cody Hawkins who will be entering his sophomore season and second year as Buffs starting QB. Although most Buffs fans would like to see Cody be a little more consistent and throw less interceptions, for a red-shirt freshman, most thought he did a great job leading the Buffs from a 2 win season to playing Alabama in the Independence Bowl last year. Today, the Buffs went away from the smaller QB mold and signed Clark Evans, a three star 6'5", 225 lb QB from Los Alamitos, CA. From all accounts, Evans' seems like a pretty solid player with rivals.com ranking him in the top 25 of dual threat QB's and garnering over 3,000 all purpose yards last year in his junior year. Evans might be more athletic than Wynn with even more size. More to come from this signing but I hope the Buffs find some players on the defensive side of ball especially at DL and in the secondary. Evans was also considering Kansas State, Boise State, UCLA, Arizona State and San Diego State.