What in the world has happened to the Colordao Buffaloes?
One of the elite programs of the 1990s which also won a Big 12 Championship and four Big 12 North titles the first half of this decade has had two losing seasons out of three during the Dan Hawkins regime. After drubbings at the hands of mid majors Colorado State and Toledo, the Buffs appear to be headed to another dismal campaign. Before heading into the teeth of their conference slate, the Buffs need to find a way to survive a trip tonight to Morgantown and a game with West Virginia.
The Buffs have experience on offense, but still have not developed any identity under Hawkins. This was the year they were supposed to find some balance and power running success with a stable of touted backs and a beffy offensive line. Through three games, Colorada ranks 111th in the nation in rushing yards. The passing attack has only been so-so, and an inability, and at times it seems a lack of interest, in running the football has led the program to taking a couple steps back at this stage in Dan Hawkins tenure.
On one hand, early deficits to Colorado State and Toledo forced the playcalling hand a bit. But, in both games, the Buffs seemed to panic and ignored the rushing attack in those games. Most power programs would have steadied the ship by running the football down the throats of those mid major programs, but Colorado instead turned the game over to its quarterback and passing attack, a move that in both games led to more offensive mistakes and more scoring chances for their opposition.
They do have some issues on the coaching staff. Remember, CU lost their offensive coordinator in the spring to Oregon and had to spend the summer transitioning a new offensive staff. Perhaps thats been too much a burden to overcome during the early portion of the season? Others think its time for the wide recievers to step up. Maybe the offensive line shuffling heading into tonight’s game will make everything click. Me? I wonder if there isnt a better opition at QB than the coach’s son. Just E-pinion.
The Buffs got back on track in Week 3 by flexing their muscles and shutting out Wyoming. Was the game a cure all for Colorado? While there are some myths hidden behind that success, at least a feature back in Rodney Stewart emerged and WR Scotty McKnight is looking more and more the part of a #1 wideout. We’ll see if either of those developments continue to evolve positively for CU as they take a big step up in class tonight against the Mountaineers in Morgantown.
West Virginia fans feel confident, with some even a little disinterested, about this matchup. With the Buffs ranking in the triple digits in several defensive categories, one corner of the ‘Neer Blogosphere feels WVA should be favored by even more points. Gotta love the couch burning confidence the locals have. I wonder if they have forgotten this man is their head coach. Nevertheless, the locals feel a lot of matchups favor West Virginia tonight. After being too conservative in their loss in Boulder last year, the Mountaineers promise to be aggresive tonight and showcase their new found aerial attack with QB Jarrett Brown.
I am supposed to like the Buffs tonight. After all, they are on Phil Steele’s Most Improved Team list. And, if you’ve been following this blog, you know we love taking those teams when catching points. It’s put us on some bets that made us uneasy, but we’ve been more than profitable with a 16-9 ATS record doing it through the first month of the season. Frankly, we would not even be on the positive side of the ledger for season overall if we weren’t following this strategy. And, hey, the two big gaffes by the Buffs this year have taken place in the role of solid to heavy chalk. Technically, they have not failed the Steele Dog Strategy yet. They are, however, the most disappointing team on Steele’s list that is not named Illinois.
Can I concoct a scenario where the Buffs hang tonight and stay within the number? Sure. WVA has been sloppy all season and have a terrible turnover margin. Their O-Line is in a state of flux and they could have trouble with CU’s stable of blitzing linebackers. And, if you recall a couple of weeks ago, Auburn sliced and diced them all game with a short, hurry-up passing game. Maybe the Buffs can get that rolling and find a way to score enough points to stay under the two TD, one FG number.
The Pick: CU +18….and Over 53. Consider the total bet a hedge of sorts in case WVA blow their doors off 44-14.
Looking goodt so far, 28 – 17 WVU 6 minutes to GO!!!!!!
I put down $0 on it. No cash left in the account.
Jamiemac,
I see your often gambling-related posts on MGoBlog all the time and I had a question for you:
I'm looking to start betting regularly, but am having a difficult time finding a legit online sportsbook. Do you have any recommendations as to how to approach it all and, potentially, where to go? Thanks, man.
sportsbook.com is goodt. they take most debit/credit cards. If you are a big winner they can send you a check for free once a month. Usually shows up in a few days too.
E-BOOKED