Again, huge thanks to Bob Bell of the Ralphie Report for being our guest this week- he’s really popular! If you haven’t already, check out his thoughts in this week’s tBBC Radio Hour as well as Eric’s visit to the Ralphie Report podcast.
What are the initial impressions of Jon Embree so far? How big was the win over in state rival Colorado State for him?
Ultimately, the Buffs have had a chance to win the two games they lost, especially California who beat the Buffs 52-7 last season. So that is an improvement. I think offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has done a solid job calling plays in his first stint at running an offense. The thing we at the Ralphie Report are judging this year on is game over game improvement which we have seen. Some of the things that are still frustrating fans after three games are the mental mistakes and penalties. Colorado continues to be one of the highest penalized teams in the nation, something that carried over from the Dan Hawkins era apparently.
The Buffs are lacking in depth and overall talent which is something Embree will have to improve over time. If Embree can get that talent, I think this coaching staff has the ability to be a good one.
As for getting his first win, It is certainly better than losing to Colorado State and going into the game 0-3 with absolutely no momentum. The good news for Buff fans is the team progressed from the game against Hawaii to the game against California. We saw some flashes of brilliance but still plenty to improve. And while many are still uneasy about this team after the Colorado State game, getting a win was still a positive step forward.
While the Colorado passing game is extremely dangerous, the running game seems to be nearly non-existent, despite having a Senior at running back. Is this a cause for concern, or do you expect the running game will play second fiddle to the passing game during Jon Embree’s tenure? How much do you think getting David Bakhtiari back will change that philosophy?
When Jon Embree arrived at Colorado, he preached that he wanted an offense that was smashmouth with a run first mentality. That hasn’t happened to say the least. The running game improved last week but it is certainly a concern. Colorado has not been healthy on the offensive line. Against, California and Colorado State, they played without their starting right tackle and left tackle. LT David Bakhtiari, arguably the best offensive linemen on the team, should return against Ohio State. RT Jack Harris is out indefinitely after breaking a bone in his leg. So far this season, the Buffs have averaged just 2.87 yards per carry which puts CU at 103rd in the nation, not good enough to win games consistently. The Buffs aren’t good enough to throw the ball 50 times a game so as fans, we hope to see the running game continue to improve.
This team won’t win many games with a throw first mentality. The Buffs have some talent at receiver in Paul Richardson but Colorado isn’t going to be an offense that can win shoot outs against Oregon, Stanford, USC and Arizona.
At the moment, Quarterback Tyler Hansen is directly responsible for all of Colorado’s touchdowns (7 passing, 2 rushing). What does Colorado need to do to help Hansen out more?
Developing a consistent running game would be a start. Also, against California, the Buffs went 0-4 in the redzone scoring touchdowns so there needs to be improvement when Colorado gets inside the 20 yard line.
The Buffaloes seem to have struggled on defense this year on third down.They held Colorado state to a 5/13 conversion rate but had less success against Hawaii( 8/16) and California (7/13). Where does the improvement on 3rd down start… The secondary or up front?
It always starts up front on third down. The Buffs have been able to get to the quarterback when they have brought an extra pass rusher but still have yet to find a consistent groove getting to the quarterback with the front four. The Buffs definitely improved against Colorado State but getting more pressure on whoever lines up at quarterback for Ohio State will make a big difference.
How do you feel about Colorado joining the PAC-12? Is this a significant improvement over the Big 12, or did the move leave something to be desired? Any thoughts on additional programs coming aboard, and what that might look like in terms of scheduling?
So far, we like the Pac-12 a ton. The road trips will certainly be better and the University of Colorado is much more like Pac-12 schools than Big 12 programs (academic reputation, quality of life, alumni base, etc). Throw in the fact that the Big 12 is still on shaky ground even with the Pac-12 announcing they will not expand, CU fans are excited we got out when we did. As fans, although it will be a tough year, we will get to see first hand Oregon, USC and Arizona at home which is a heck of a lot better than last year’s home slate that included Iowa State, Kansas State, Baylor…you get the picture.
Finally- Do you personally know of anyone who’s finished the Beau Jo’s Challenge?
It makes my stomach hurt just watching that. I have seen someone try to do that in person and it is not enjoyable to watch.
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