The 2012 season was such a disaster for the Buffaloes, that even last year’s four wins can be looked upon with a sense of guarded optimism. While 2013 was certainly nothing to write home about, CU did almost everything better on both offense and defense. Their defense cut down on the amount of points and yards allowed, and even forced a few turnovers. On offense, the running game was better, and the Buffs may have even found a quarterback. Coach Mike MacIntyre certainly had an impact in his first season, but can he build on it going into 2014?
Offense
Quarterback Connor Wood started the season well, beating up on Colorado State and Central Arkansas, but when he entered conference play it was evident a change was needed. While Sefo Liufau could have done with a season on the bench, the Buffs didn’t really have another option than the true freshman, and he actually showed he could play. While he only led the team to two more victories, he still completed 59.4% of his passes for 1779 yards and 12 TDs, with 8 interceptions. Liufau has made significant strides in spring camp, and could be ready for a breakout year.
Of course, last season, Liufau had the outstanding Paul Richardson to throw to, but the receiver took his 83 receptions, 1343 yards and 10 TDs to the NFL. In Richardson’s absence, reliable junior Nelson Spruce will be leaned on a little more, and he should be able to produce. Also looking for extra work is DD Goodson, who started a couple of games, finishing with 22 receptions for 306 yards and 2 scores. In the mix is redshirt freshman Bryce Bobo, a tough, rangy receiver who may lack speed, but he can the catch the ball with the best. Sophomore Sean Irwin (1-7-0) and senior Kyle Slavin (9-68-1) will split the tight end chores.
The offensive line loses a couple of decent players in Jack Harris and Gus Handler, but neither are irreplaceable. Last season’s unit was excellent in pass protection, allowing just 20 sacks, but lacked much push in the run game. Left guard Kaiwi Crabb, right guard Daniel Munyer and right tackle Stephane Nembot all return at their 2013 positions, while Marc Mustoe comes back from a season-ending injury to take the left tackle spot. Sophomore Alex Kelley was a reserve last season, and looks to be the new center. They need to get the running attack going to balance their passing game.
There’s (at least) a quartet of decent running backs vying for carries this season, and they would appreciate better blocking up front. Christian Powell was the leading rusher last season with 562 yards and 3 scores on 147 carries. He’s a powerful runner who will do most of his work between the tackles. Michael Adkins II will bring the speed. He gained 535 and 6 scores on 103 carries, and can punish a defense softened up by Powell. He’s also a threat as a receiver. Also in the mix are Tony Jones (73-249-1) and redshirt freshman Phillip Lindsay.
Defense
The defensive line lost a decent performer in defensive end Chidera Uzo-Diribe, who had 10.5 tackles for loss and forced 5 fumbles, but the rest of the unit returns. Expect some changes though, as end Juda Parker moves inside to tackle to join 325-pound Josh Tupou, who will contend for all-conference honors. The new ends will be former reserve tackle Tyler Henington and Derek McCartney, a redshirt freshman who was outstanding in spring camp.
Derrick Webb was a decent weakside linebacker last season, and he needs to be replaced, but super-sophomore Addison Gillam returns as a force in the midde. He led the team with 107 tackles, 9.5 for loss, broke up 5 passes and picked one off. At times, he looked like the only man on the Colorado defense. Sophomore Kenneth Olugbode will replace Webb, and looked greatly improved in the spring. Senior Woodson Greer was the strongside linebacker last season when the Buffs used one, but he’s been getting a push from Pittsburgh-transfer Deaysean Rippy.
The secondary needs to replace strong safety Parker Orms, but Tedric Thompson did a solid job as his injury replacement last season, and will get the chance to replace Orms in a full-time role this season. Greg Henderson returns at corner after making 58 tackles, breaking up 10 passes and intercepting 4 (1 TD). Opposite him will be Kenneth Crawley, who also picked off a couple of passes. Strong safety Jered Bell broke up 5 passes and intercepted 3, and was third on the team with 71 tackles. When the team needs a nickelback, Chidobe Awuzie will be the man.
Special Teams
Will Oliver is a reliable placekicker, at least inside the 40, and made 17 of 24 field goals last year. He also hit almost half of his kickoffs through the endzone. Punter Darragh O’Neill didn’t have his best year, but he’s still one of the best in the conference. Ryan Severson was a solid-but-not-spectacular kick returner, but Spruce wasn’t much of a threat on punt returns. The coverage units were mediocre at best and need to be improved.
Prediction
The Buffaloes need to show more improvement this season, as the once-proud program has been down for too long. A bowl game is within reach, but the question is, where do the wins come from? In non-conference play CU gets Colorado State (grudge match), Massachusetts and Hawaii, and all three games are in Colorado. League play will decide whether Colorado play a thirteenth game this season. California is a must win, as is Utah in Boulder, while they have to pick off one or both of down-but-not-out Arizona or Washington. Can they win seven? Possibly, but five wins and better play against the conference giants will be a big step forward.
