I'm on a short week, due to an upcoming trip to New York. That means, for the first time in a while, this weekly feature is actually dropping on a Monday! Huzzah! It also means that, with time crunched, I'm straight to the action...
Today in the bag, I'm talking the attrition-heavy effort in Ann Arbor, some Saturday success from the Soccer and Volleyball teams, and the how the upcoming schedule fared in football.
Click below for the bag...
Showing posts with label volleyball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volleyball. Show all posts
Monday, September 19, 2016
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Tuesday Grab Bag: #TheRise Explodes Onto National Television
Before I get to the bag, celebrating a strong start to the new football season, I would like to take a moment to admonish those of you removing the brakes from the hype train as it begins to leave the station. Yes, the Buffs looked good Friday night, and, yes, the rest of the Pac-12 South looked suspect throughout the remainder of Week 1. However, anyone insinuating (or out-right stating) that the Buffs, after just one game against weak competition, are suddenly players in a league and a division they have routinely played whipping-boy to has lost their damn mind.
I don't want to throw cold water on a performance that certainly deserves recognition and excitement - this is, after all, the best Colorado has looked after a game against FBS competition, such as it is, since... what, Wyoming in 2009? The 2010 RMS? - but let's keep some perspective. This team was never going to be defined by the way it performed in this game; it will be defined by how they take to the conference slate, something that is still far from known. Basically, on this happy Tuesday, my message is this: call me after that trip to Oregon at the end of the month.
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking the Rocky Mountain Beat-down, notable action around the world of college football, and how the rest of the CU Athletic Department fared.
Click below for the bag...
I don't want to throw cold water on a performance that certainly deserves recognition and excitement - this is, after all, the best Colorado has looked after a game against FBS competition, such as it is, since... what, Wyoming in 2009? The 2010 RMS? - but let's keep some perspective. This team was never going to be defined by the way it performed in this game; it will be defined by how they take to the conference slate, something that is still far from known. Basically, on this happy Tuesday, my message is this: call me after that trip to Oregon at the end of the month.
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking the Rocky Mountain Beat-down, notable action around the world of college football, and how the rest of the CU Athletic Department fared.
Click below for the bag...
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Tuesday Grab Bag: Game Week
While everyone was distracted by the looming spectacle of college football's opening day, Tad Boyle was hard at work, adding talent to the CU Men's Basketball program. Seemingly out of nowhere, the Daily Camera reported on Saturday that the Buffs have added 6-7 Dutch swingman Alexander Strating to the roster as a preferred walk-on for the 2016-17 season, with an eye towards putting him on scholarship for 2017-18. A brief internet search for young Alexander, who I will be calling 'the Flying Dutchman,' returned few results, but did unearth this brief highlight film:
I'm always cautious, in regards to game film, but I do see a wiry player comfortable with a jump shot. What comes after that - the ability to defend, the ability to score in traffic, the ability to play a number of positions - will be far more telling, yet not discernible from the tape at hand. The offer list (UC Riverside, DU, and Loyola) is not very impressive, but those kinds of things aren't always telling when they pertain to an international recruit. For now, a default to 'In Tad we Trust' will have to suffice, and it is telling that Coach Boyle spent one of his precious 2017 scholarships on this veritable unknown; he has to have a good feeling here.
While Alexander's on the roster this fall, there's no doubt in my mind that he will be redshirting. He'll need time to adjust to the American game, as well as put on a few pounds. So, until the fall of 2017, we'll just have to wait in anticipation.
Welcome to the program, Alexander!
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking my annual football goals, the first results from the world of football, and the fortunes of the soccer and volleyball teams.
Click below for the bag...
I'm always cautious, in regards to game film, but I do see a wiry player comfortable with a jump shot. What comes after that - the ability to defend, the ability to score in traffic, the ability to play a number of positions - will be far more telling, yet not discernible from the tape at hand. The offer list (UC Riverside, DU, and Loyola) is not very impressive, but those kinds of things aren't always telling when they pertain to an international recruit. For now, a default to 'In Tad we Trust' will have to suffice, and it is telling that Coach Boyle spent one of his precious 2017 scholarships on this veritable unknown; he has to have a good feeling here.
While Alexander's on the roster this fall, there's no doubt in my mind that he will be redshirting. He'll need time to adjust to the American game, as well as put on a few pounds. So, until the fall of 2017, we'll just have to wait in anticipation.
Welcome to the program, Alexander!
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking my annual football goals, the first results from the world of football, and the fortunes of the soccer and volleyball teams.
Click below for the bag...
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Tuesday Grab Bag: Conquering the Fort
I'm out and about on business this week (in Mississippi... don't ask), so scant time for pleasantries. Straight to the action!
Today in the bag, I'm talking the big win up in Fort Collins, taking a look a look at how the rest of the Pac-12 is dealing with the non-conference slate, and discussing some coaching moves on campus.
Click below for the bag...
Today in the bag, I'm talking the big win up in Fort Collins, taking a look a look at how the rest of the Pac-12 is dealing with the non-conference slate, and discussing some coaching moves on campus.
Click below for the bag...
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Tuesday Grab Bag: Snubbed by the NCAA
Pour a quick one out for the women's volleyball team, who got straight hosed by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. The team who finished 5th in the toughest conference in America, beat six top-25 opponents, and who finished the year on a roll by winning five of their last six was left on the side of the road by a committee who seemed (unsurprisingly) over-impressed by RPI. Consider that three teams that finished below them in the Pac-12 standings made the dance, and understand how royally they were screwed.
I especially feel bad for seniors Alexis Austin and Nicole Edelman. They deserved to go out with another trip to the tournament, not the heartbreak of a truly indefensible snub. For that, I have only one word for the committee:
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking the hoops win over Northern Colorado, the end of the football season, and an uncomfortable anniversary.
Click below for the bag...
I especially feel bad for seniors Alexis Austin and Nicole Edelman. They deserved to go out with another trip to the tournament, not the heartbreak of a truly indefensible snub. For that, I have only one word for the committee:
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking the hoops win over Northern Colorado, the end of the football season, and an uncomfortable anniversary.
Click below for the bag...
Monday, November 16, 2015
Monday Grab Bag: A Rough Friday Night
On Friday Night, University of Colorado Athletics dominated ESPN2. Between the basketball game tipping off at 3pm and the football game kicking off a little after 7pm, various forms of the Buffs were on the Deuce for about six hours. Suck it, rest of the country! Unfortunately for our purposes, what the nation saw when they tuned in was a pair of rough losses for our heroes. It always nice to see the Ralphie logo on the national air waves, but damnit if I don't wish we could win a few of these every now and then. But, hey, at least they weren't blowouts?
--
Today in the bag, I'm recapping the first men's basketball game of the year, closing the book on the football team's home schedule, and checking in with the women's basketball and volleyball teams.
Click below for the bag...
--
Today in the bag, I'm recapping the first men's basketball game of the year, closing the book on the football team's home schedule, and checking in with the women's basketball and volleyball teams.
Click below for the bag...
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Tuesday Grab Bag: *fist-pump, nod* Onto the Next One
You've probably already heard, but CSU's mascot, CAM 24, died Saturday morning. I do not bring this up to be humorful. Certainly this kind of behavior is inexcusable, and reeks of Husker-dom (C'mon, don't be that guy) -- I know how I would feel if either living Ralphie had died Saturday (God forbid). I'm just honestly concerned for our state's foremost aggie school, and how they can't seem to keep their mascots alive.
See, Rambouillet Sheep (CAM's breed) generally live about 6-8 years. I've heard more, but we'll go with the conservative estimates for the sake of argument. #24 had lived to be six, which is still on the young-ish side for the breed, but what about numbers 1-23? The CAM program was instituted in 1947, meaning the 24 CAMs have reigned for an average of about 2.8 years per; some have held the title for much shorter tenures. There's some overlap here, as one sheep dies/retires and another ascends well into their life-span, but what are they doing to these guys that they are only lasting a few years? Doesn't that seem a little weird to anyone else? I don't know, but maybe feed the next one a few fewer Doritos...
See, Rambouillet Sheep (CAM's breed) generally live about 6-8 years. I've heard more, but we'll go with the conservative estimates for the sake of argument. #24 had lived to be six, which is still on the young-ish side for the breed, but what about numbers 1-23? The CAM program was instituted in 1947, meaning the 24 CAMs have reigned for an average of about 2.8 years per; some have held the title for much shorter tenures. There's some overlap here, as one sheep dies/retires and another ascends well into their life-span, but what are they doing to these guys that they are only lasting a few years? Doesn't that seem a little weird to anyone else? I don't know, but maybe feed the next one a few fewer Doritos...
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking the win over little brother, a look at the upcoming schedule, and a check-in with the soccer and volleyball teams.
Click below for the bag...
Today in the bag, I'm talking the win over little brother, a look at the upcoming schedule, and a check-in with the soccer and volleyball teams.
Click below for the bag...
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Tuesday Grab Bag: Football takes the stage
Site note: This week's schedule is a little weird, due to the Thursday kickoff. I 'hope' to have the Hawai'i preview up tomorrow afternoon, but more than likely Thursday noon-ish. The FridayThursday Beer Post will be up Thursday afternoon. Stay tuned...
--
Coach MacIntyre decided to give us all a GameWeek gift by releasing an early depth chart. I can't help but notice that the release came the day after the BDC's Brian Howell posted the paper's projections (mostly correct), but that's less important than the information contained therein. Of key note:
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking my wish list for the football season, some sparkling results from the volleyball court, and the action from the soccer pitch.
Click below for the bag...
--
Coach MacIntyre decided to give us all a GameWeek gift by releasing an early depth chart. I can't help but notice that the release came the day after the BDC's Brian Howell posted the paper's projections (mostly correct), but that's less important than the information contained therein. Of key note:
- There's depth everywhere; 38 returning letter-winners among the 50 available spots on the two-deep.
- Still, only five positions list seniors on the top line -- Nelson Spruce (WR), Stephane Nembot (OT), Christian Powell (RB), Justin Solis (DT), Ken Crawley (DB).
- Of the three positions featuring non-lettered designated starters (all on defense), all are incoming transfers, and, theoretically, were brought in for just such a purpose -- Jordan Carrell (DE), Leo Jackson (DE), and Jaleel Awini (LB).
- Former walk-on Ryan Moeller (!) earned the starting spot at Free Safety. Cool-cool-cool.
- The kicking game is still a mystery, with the 'OR' tag noted at both punter and placekicker.
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking my wish list for the football season, some sparkling results from the volleyball court, and the action from the soccer pitch.
Click below for the bag...
Monday, December 8, 2014
Monday Grab Bag: Forever
If you haven't seen it yet, the latest from @CU_Video - "Forever" - is fantastic, and worth your time. Give it a look:
FOREVER from CU Football Video on Vimeo.
Lawrence Vickers is the best!
--
Today in the Bag, I'm talking another disappointing road trip for the basketball team, the volleyball team making us all proud in Ft Collins, and the college football playoff.
Click below for the bag...
Lawrence Vickers is the best!
--
Today in the Bag, I'm talking another disappointing road trip for the basketball team, the volleyball team making us all proud in Ft Collins, and the college football playoff.
Click below for the bag...
Monday, November 17, 2014
Monday Grab Bag: Off and Running
Whooo, it was good to get back into the CEC Friday night! It may not have had the feel of a big game night, but it certainly felt like basketball season; a long overdue return. I'm excited to get back in there this evening for the CU hoops sleep over against Auburn. I'm bringing my blanket and pillow, you bring the s'more fixings.
Today in the bag, I'm talking the opening win over Drexel, a fantastic weekend across the entire athletic department, and a quiet signing day.
Click below for the bag...
 |
| The Keg is open for business. From: the BDC |
Click below for the bag...
Monday, November 10, 2014
Monday Grab Bag: Game Week
Congratulations, BuffNation, it's finally a basketball game week! You've survived the over 230 days between the last time we saw the men's basketball team and the start of this new campaign. I hope it wasn't too rough on you. I, personally, can't wait for the season to start. I've had that counter on the upper-right side of this page ticking down since March 21st, and it's finally almost down to nothing. I couldn't be more excited.
Luckily, the football team is on a bye week, so it's all about hoops this week on the blog. I'll be finishing up my annual Massive Basketball Preview this evening. Expect it to be released tomorrow at about 8:30 AM - just in time for you not to be able to enjoy it since you're at work. But, that's sort of the point with those things, they're not meant to be consumed in a single sitting. Much like Thanksgiving dinner, the leftovers are just as part of the experience as the initial sitting.
Later this week, I'll be releasing my first basketball preview of the year: a teaser of opening night against Drexel. Remember, I don't do full previews for all of the non-conference games, just those that are of utmost importance. For this season, that means full previews of Auburn, Wyoming, Georgia, and CSU.
After that, it'll be time to sit back, relax, and take in the first real basketball action of the season. The Dragons are going down!
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking the late collapse in Tucson, discussing the latest from the non-revenue sports, and previewing tomorrow's Massive Preview.
Click below for the bag...
Luckily, the football team is on a bye week, so it's all about hoops this week on the blog. I'll be finishing up my annual Massive Basketball Preview this evening. Expect it to be released tomorrow at about 8:30 AM - just in time for you not to be able to enjoy it since you're at work. But, that's sort of the point with those things, they're not meant to be consumed in a single sitting. Much like Thanksgiving dinner, the leftovers are just as part of the experience as the initial sitting.
Later this week, I'll be releasing my first basketball preview of the year: a teaser of opening night against Drexel. Remember, I don't do full previews for all of the non-conference games, just those that are of utmost importance. For this season, that means full previews of Auburn, Wyoming, Georgia, and CSU.
After that, it'll be time to sit back, relax, and take in the first real basketball action of the season. The Dragons are going down!
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking the late collapse in Tucson, discussing the latest from the non-revenue sports, and previewing tomorrow's Massive Preview.
Click below for the bag...
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Tuesday Grab Bag: Bye week musings
Really glad to have the bye week in the rear view. I've grown accustomed to watching the Buffs play every Saturday, and my weekend was pointedly missing something with them on the break. Yes, I, the football denier, have become seduced by the young Buffs and their continuing climb to relevancy.
To date, it's been a story of near misses and should-woulda-coulda. I'm looking for the next step - a genuine, statement win in a game they aren't supposed to be competitive in. I'm not yet ready to call my shot for this weekend, but, given an extra week to prepare, I'm really interested to see what they bring to the table this weekend in Los Angeles...
--
Today, I'm talking a shocker from the basketball recruiting trail, a really nice Sunday in soccer and volleyball, and a peek at the upcoming football schedule.
Click below for the bag...
To date, it's been a story of near misses and should-woulda-coulda. I'm looking for the next step - a genuine, statement win in a game they aren't supposed to be competitive in. I'm not yet ready to call my shot for this weekend, but, given an extra week to prepare, I'm really interested to see what they bring to the table this weekend in Los Angeles...
--
Today, I'm talking a shocker from the basketball recruiting trail, a really nice Sunday in soccer and volleyball, and a peek at the upcoming football schedule.
Click below for the bag...
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Tuesday Grab Bag: So... Punting? *balances hands*
Sit tight, but the revolution's years away
I'm losing faith and I'm running low on things to say
So, I guess I have no choice but to regurgitate
The tired anthem of a loser and a hypocrite
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking Friday night, CU's upcoming opponents, and some soccer and volleyball.
Click below for the bag...
I'm losing faith and I'm running low on things to say
So, I guess I have no choice but to regurgitate
The tired anthem of a loser and a hypocrite
- Streetlight Monifesto, A Moment of Silence
Ugh, that turned ugly quickly. All the hope and optimism developed over the offseason dissolved into outright panic somewhere in the middle of Friday night's third quarter at Sports Authority Field. All that's left is a long, hard look in a mirror that shows nothing but reflections of every lost season spent since 2010.
Honestly, what else is there to say? If CU couldn't put up a fight in the season opener, how do they have a hope in hell of improving against quality Pac-12 competition? November seems a whole lot farther away then it did Friday morning. *sigh*
Honestly, what else is there to say? If CU couldn't put up a fight in the season opener, how do they have a hope in hell of improving against quality Pac-12 competition? November seems a whole lot farther away then it did Friday morning. *sigh*
Of course, I can't hold any of that against @Phyltopia and @LovelyCorrin, who shared the gameday experience with me on Friday. Thanks to the incomparable @JennBerg (and a 'deal' struck with @SkyeSnowBuff), the three of us had the best seats in the house Friday night. A perfect view to an imperfect performance. While I can't say that I 'enjoyed' the game, Phil and Corrin at least made it palatable. Thanks all!
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking Friday night, CU's upcoming opponents, and some soccer and volleyball.
Click below for the bag...
Monday, December 9, 2013
Monday Grab Bag: Askia's Miracle
I have to give BuffNation credit, they did their job in keeping the CEC Black and Gold on Saturday. There were some patches of KU fans, even a small block in one corner, but nothing even close to years past when the split between Buffs and Jayhawks was 50-50 (or worse). If you pressed me for a number, I'd put it slightly over 1,000, or about 10% of the stadium, which is just fantastic when you consider the university is contractually obligated to give them 250 seats to start with. It was a Colorado crowd on Saturday. Allen Fieldhouse West is now dead and forgotten.
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking Askia's Miracle, some women's hoops, and wrapping up the women's volleyball campaign.
Click below for the bag...
 |
| My view. Note the lack of blue dots. |
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking Askia's Miracle, some women's hoops, and wrapping up the women's volleyball campaign.
Click below for the bag...
Monday, December 2, 2013
Monday Grab Bag: Cruising through Colorado Springs
A hearty congratulations to the Volleyball team for their well-deserved selection to the NCAA tournament. It was a program-defining season for ladies that saw them upset three ranked teams and finish seventh in a league that sent 75% of its members to the dance. For their efforts, they were awarded the equivalent of an 11-seed, and will play old Big XII rival Iowa State in Minneapolis on Friday at 3:30 MT. Not too shabby.
Go Buffs! Beat those Cyclones!
--
Today in the bag, I'm recapping the basketball win over Air Force, putting the 2013 football season to bed, and taking a look around the nation of football.
Click below for the bag...
Go Buffs! Beat those Cyclones!
--
Today in the bag, I'm recapping the basketball win over Air Force, putting the 2013 football season to bed, and taking a look around the nation of football.
Click below for the bag...
Monday, October 28, 2013
Monday Grab Bag: Bowl hopes dashed
Late in the third quarter, with the game against Arizona quickly slipping away, CU faced a must-convert fourth-and-goal from the Wildcat four yard line. Down 14 at the time, the Buffs needed the conversion just to stay within reach.
True freshman QB Sefo Liufau walked up to the line to survey his options before the critical play, announcing to the crowd CU's intention to forego the field goal try. Suddenly, out of the stands in the south end of the stadium, came an obnoxious blare - the band had started playing. Somehow, wires had been crossed, and the drum major had called a tune prior to this critical play. Now, CU had a freshman QB trying to bark out signals to his teammates through a wall of unnecessary noise. It was a major breach of band protocol.
After a frantic series of cutoff signals, the band eventually stopped playing before the snap. The resulting play, an incomplete pass from Liufau to D.D. Goodson, put the Buffs only further behind the eightball, and CU soon fell apart in the final quarter.
Now, did the band playing cause the resulting incompletion? No, it did not. In all honestly, the team was probably so focused they didn't even notice, but the band needs to be smarter than that. There was no reason to even have something called, let alone actually start playing. As a band nerd, sitting amongst other band nerds, it was probably the most heated I got all game.
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking the football loss against Arizona, the volleyball team's weekend sweep, and the walk-off obstruction.
Click below for the preview...
True freshman QB Sefo Liufau walked up to the line to survey his options before the critical play, announcing to the crowd CU's intention to forego the field goal try. Suddenly, out of the stands in the south end of the stadium, came an obnoxious blare - the band had started playing. Somehow, wires had been crossed, and the drum major had called a tune prior to this critical play. Now, CU had a freshman QB trying to bark out signals to his teammates through a wall of unnecessary noise. It was a major breach of band protocol.
After a frantic series of cutoff signals, the band eventually stopped playing before the snap. The resulting play, an incomplete pass from Liufau to D.D. Goodson, put the Buffs only further behind the eightball, and CU soon fell apart in the final quarter.
Now, did the band playing cause the resulting incompletion? No, it did not. In all honestly, the team was probably so focused they didn't even notice, but the band needs to be smarter than that. There was no reason to even have something called, let alone actually start playing. As a band nerd, sitting amongst other band nerds, it was probably the most heated I got all game.
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking the football loss against Arizona, the volleyball team's weekend sweep, and the walk-off obstruction.
Click below for the preview...
Monday, October 14, 2013
Monday Grab Bag: ... only 24 days till basketball...
GOOD NEWS, BUFFNATION! Basketball season is just around the corner, meaning that the ugliness that is football should fade into the background over the coming weeks.
In fact, this Saturday marks the first opportunity to see Coach Boyle and the boys take the court. They're throwing open the doors, and hosting an intra-squad scrimmage at 9am at the Coors Event Center. If you don't think I'm more interested in the scrimmage than the CU/Charleston Southern football game taking place that afternoon, you're kidding yourself.
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking the pasting in Tempe, Sefo Liufau's ascension, road struggles from the volleyball and soccer teams, and my weekly look around the nation of football
Click below for the bag...
In fact, this Saturday marks the first opportunity to see Coach Boyle and the boys take the court. They're throwing open the doors, and hosting an intra-squad scrimmage at 9am at the Coors Event Center. If you don't think I'm more interested in the scrimmage than the CU/Charleston Southern football game taking place that afternoon, you're kidding yourself.
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking the pasting in Tempe, Sefo Liufau's ascension, road struggles from the volleyball and soccer teams, and my weekly look around the nation of football
Click below for the bag...
Monday, October 7, 2013
Monday Grab Bag: Volleyball team continues to shock the world
No intro today, straight to the bag. I'm talking the monster upset on the volleyball court, wrapping up the football loss to Oregon, and taking my semi-weekly trip around the nation of football.
Click below for the bag...
Click below for the bag...
Monday, September 30, 2013
Monday Grab Bag: Ah, I remember this feeling!
I'm fighting the urge to go back to dismissing the football team after this weekend's result. They're still exceeding expectations on the season, even though they missed a good opportunity to make a statement. Next weekend isn't going to be much better, but I remain hopeful that CU can creep up on a team or two once the calendar slips past the first weekend of October.
Apropos, the first basketball practice of the season started at 7am this morning. Tad and the boys are back in business... #IsItNovemberYet?
--
Today in the bag, I'm recapping the rough afternoon in Corvallis, celebrating the volleyball upset over UCLA, and saying goodbye to Lane Kiffin.
Click below for the bag...
Apropos, the first basketball practice of the season started at 7am this morning. Tad and the boys are back in business... #IsItNovemberYet?
--
Today in the bag, I'm recapping the rough afternoon in Corvallis, celebrating the volleyball upset over UCLA, and saying goodbye to Lane Kiffin.
Click below for the bag...
Monday, September 9, 2013
Monday Grab Bag: That winning feeling
This weekend marked the first full football weekend of 2013. Between a normal slate of college action and the NFL's opening week, there was absolutely no reason to leave your couch. I'm sure I'll be sick of it, and ready for basketball by the end of the month, but, for now at least, it's good to have football back in my life.
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking a perfect 2-0 start in football, continued success in soccer and volleyball, and my weekly trip around the world of football.
Click below for the bag...
--
Today in the bag, I'm talking a perfect 2-0 start in football, continued success in soccer and volleyball, and my weekly trip around the world of football.
Click below for the bag...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)