It's cold and rainy today in Boulder Valley... figures... CU remains winless in the new conference; not just football, the whole athletic department is 0-for-the-Pac-12. *sigh*
But, there's just 26 days left til basketball season starts... so we've got that going for us... which is nice.
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As promised, today's grab bag carries the title "Winless in Seattle." I just wanted to get out in front of the Daily Camera sports staff who predictably went with "Defenseless in Seattle" in their wrap-up article. Boulder Colorado: where the hack headlines are as predictable as the losing football.
Are you ready recap the weekend?!
Click below for the bag...
Monday, October 17, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Quick Post: The official start of basketball season
Today will mark the start of CU's 2011-12 basketball campaign as the first practice gets underway in the new practice facility. While I'm hard at work getting my bball preview ready (look for it in about 2 weeks), check out the first teaser articles from the main news sources:
Daily Camera
CUBuffs.com
Denver Post
Daily Camera
CUBuffs.com
Denver Post
Friday Beer Post: 2011 Gameday Beer-o-the-week - Washington Edition
Each week throughout the football season I'm going to suggest a good beer for the ubiquitous pre-game tailgate. Let's be honest, with tailgates it's not always top quality that you're looking for. To steal a phrase from the heinous beer terrorists at Budweiser, you want "drinkability." (or what a real beer connoisseur calls "a session beer") So, be warned, these may not be "the best" beers around. But, in the words of Dave Chappelle as Samuel L. Jackson "IT'LL GET YOU DRUNK!"
When I think the State of Washington, the first thing that pops into my head is apples. Weird, I know, but those Washington apple commercials I saw as a kid must've made on hell of an impression. Unfortunately, that means my thought process this week has veered straight off the beer cliff and into cider territory. I'm so very sorry. Slightly confused, yet unbowed, I'm naming Woodchuck's Amber Draft Cider as my tailgate "alternative alcaholic beverage"-o-the-week.
Hard cider's have gotten a bad wrap in modern days. They used to be a core booze in the country, from the earliest colonial days on up to prohibition. If it's good enough for the Founders (except for Burr, that dude was a pussy), then it's good enough for me.
Having tasted exactly no other brands, I can safely say that Woodchuck produces the best American hard cider I've ever tried. It's sweet and apple-y, with a knowing kick to it. Hey, it's what you would expect. If you think it's too girly for your manly tailgate, just remember that it probably contains more alcohol than your lame-ass Keystone Light. Just, whatever you do, don't play beer pong with it.
One other thing I've noticed is that women love this shit. Seriously, put a 6-pack of Woodchuck out, and watch how quickly you're surrounded. It's the alcohol equivalent of taking a puppy to a park. You're welcome.
Happy Friday! Go Buffs, Beat Washington!
When I think the State of Washington, the first thing that pops into my head is apples. Weird, I know, but those Washington apple commercials I saw as a kid must've made on hell of an impression. Unfortunately, that means my thought process this week has veered straight off the beer cliff and into cider territory. I'm so very sorry. Slightly confused, yet unbowed, I'm naming Woodchuck's Amber Draft Cider as my tailgate "alternative alcaholic beverage"-o-the-week.
Hard cider's have gotten a bad wrap in modern days. They used to be a core booze in the country, from the earliest colonial days on up to prohibition. If it's good enough for the Founders (except for Burr, that dude was a pussy), then it's good enough for me.
Having tasted exactly no other brands, I can safely say that Woodchuck produces the best American hard cider I've ever tried. It's sweet and apple-y, with a knowing kick to it. Hey, it's what you would expect. If you think it's too girly for your manly tailgate, just remember that it probably contains more alcohol than your lame-ass Keystone Light. Just, whatever you do, don't play beer pong with it.
One other thing I've noticed is that women love this shit. Seriously, put a 6-pack of Woodchuck out, and watch how quickly you're surrounded. It's the alcohol equivalent of taking a puppy to a park. You're welcome.
Happy Friday! Go Buffs, Beat Washington!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wasington Preview: Call of the Wild
By this point in the season, while the previews always pose interesting challenges, I could almost write a wrap-up before the game starts. In fact, I've already started my Monday Grab Bag for next week; it's called "Winless in Seattle." Here's a preview:
"Blah blah special teams disaster, blah blah penalties, blah blah screen game, blah blah team doesn't know how to win, blah blah blah. "
It's been the same for every weekend that CU isn't playing within it's comfort zone (whupping lil brother in Denver), and the whole thing is starting to get old. I'm having trouble discerning genuine improvement anymore; maybe that's just the cynic in me, but I've reached a critical stage in watching the team this season. Don't get me wrong, I'm still on board with Coach Embree and crew, but my heart is catching up to what my brain knew all along would be a long rebuilding process
Hell, I'm probably lashing out because of the helpless nature of being a fan, but my eyes are starting to glaze over whenever the football program is brought up. I'm desperate for a bright spot, but as I said last week, I'm not sure that there's one on the horizon until October passes us all by.
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Making their fist trip to the Pacific Northwest since that dreadful 2004 affair with Washington St, CU takes on the Washington Huskies, looking to somehow, someway halt the road losing streak in its tracks. Kickoff is set for 1:30 MT, and the game can be seen on Root/FSN if you're so inclined.
Click below for the preview...
"Blah blah special teams disaster, blah blah penalties, blah blah screen game, blah blah team doesn't know how to win, blah blah blah. "
It's been the same for every weekend that CU isn't playing within it's comfort zone (whupping lil brother in Denver), and the whole thing is starting to get old. I'm having trouble discerning genuine improvement anymore; maybe that's just the cynic in me, but I've reached a critical stage in watching the team this season. Don't get me wrong, I'm still on board with Coach Embree and crew, but my heart is catching up to what my brain knew all along would be a long rebuilding process
Hell, I'm probably lashing out because of the helpless nature of being a fan, but my eyes are starting to glaze over whenever the football program is brought up. I'm desperate for a bright spot, but as I said last week, I'm not sure that there's one on the horizon until October passes us all by.
--
 |
| Balto, the most famous Husky of all time. That's all I got today. |
Click below for the preview...
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Artis vs Wallace
Since this is a lazy Wednesday, and I have no shame, I'm going to steal a topic of discussion from AllBuffs.
The word on the street is that the CU basketball program, already boasting a recruiting class ranked by many in the current top-20, has its eyes set on at least one more top-100 caliber player. This focus has fallen on two exciting point guards from, of course, California: Dominic Artis and Tyrone Wallace.
Ty Wallace has been a primary target for CU for quite some time now. He's grabbed interest from a litany of West Coast basketball powers, including the likes of Gonzaga, UNLV, and most of the Pac-12. He's a taller guard, coming in at 6-4, 185, and might develop into a 'tweener', which is not necessarily a bad thing. He's currently ranked in the lower quarter of the top-100 by all the major services.
Dominic Artis, after originally committing to UCLA back in July, backed out earlier this month to re-open his recruiting. According to @YungCoach from Buffscoop, CU jumped on the opportunity provided by his decommitment, and began recruiting him hard. Artis is an electric point guard who has shot up close to the top-50 in many recruiting lists. The 5-11 distributor from Richmond, CA is considered the best PG in the West and is garnering national interest, which is not surprising when you get a look at this tape:
Obviously, as a Buff Basketball junkie, I'm just happy CU is being considered by these kids. It's not every year that CU lands a top-level hoops prospect, let alone a possible trio of top-100 players. I'd be beyond ecstatic if Coach Boyle was able to land either of these guards to round out the class.
That said, I'll take a stab at guessing what will happen. The depressing possibility remains that neither could end up in black and gold, but I'll work under the assumption that Coach Boyle will be able to cap off his already sterling 2012 recruiting class with one of these two outstanding point guards. Artis looks like a phenomenal talent, but I don't see us being able to swoop in and land him; just too late in the game. My best guess is that CU will be able to lock-in Ty Wallace. Not only has CU been in on Wallace longer, but Ty is still scheduled to visit CU (his last scheduled visit) on October 23rd, just two weeks before NLI-day.
The addition of Wallace should be enough to solidify CU's status in the final top-25 recruiting classes, and send shock waves through basketball circles on the west coast. This program is announcing its presence with authority; you're on notice, Pac-12.
The word on the street is that the CU basketball program, already boasting a recruiting class ranked by many in the current top-20, has its eyes set on at least one more top-100 caliber player. This focus has fallen on two exciting point guards from, of course, California: Dominic Artis and Tyrone Wallace.
Ty Wallace has been a primary target for CU for quite some time now. He's grabbed interest from a litany of West Coast basketball powers, including the likes of Gonzaga, UNLV, and most of the Pac-12. He's a taller guard, coming in at 6-4, 185, and might develop into a 'tweener', which is not necessarily a bad thing. He's currently ranked in the lower quarter of the top-100 by all the major services.
Dominic Artis, after originally committing to UCLA back in July, backed out earlier this month to re-open his recruiting. According to @YungCoach from Buffscoop, CU jumped on the opportunity provided by his decommitment, and began recruiting him hard. Artis is an electric point guard who has shot up close to the top-50 in many recruiting lists. The 5-11 distributor from Richmond, CA is considered the best PG in the West and is garnering national interest, which is not surprising when you get a look at this tape:
Obviously, as a Buff Basketball junkie, I'm just happy CU is being considered by these kids. It's not every year that CU lands a top-level hoops prospect, let alone a possible trio of top-100 players. I'd be beyond ecstatic if Coach Boyle was able to land either of these guards to round out the class.
That said, I'll take a stab at guessing what will happen. The depressing possibility remains that neither could end up in black and gold, but I'll work under the assumption that Coach Boyle will be able to cap off his already sterling 2012 recruiting class with one of these two outstanding point guards. Artis looks like a phenomenal talent, but I don't see us being able to swoop in and land him; just too late in the game. My best guess is that CU will be able to lock-in Ty Wallace. Not only has CU been in on Wallace longer, but Ty is still scheduled to visit CU (his last scheduled visit) on October 23rd, just two weeks before NLI-day.
The addition of Wallace should be enough to solidify CU's status in the final top-25 recruiting classes, and send shock waves through basketball circles on the west coast. This program is announcing its presence with authority; you're on notice, Pac-12.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The return of the Big Sky
They're baaack. The Big Sky Conference, responsible for two of the more embarrassing days of the Dan Hawkins error (er, era), will once again send one of it's members into Boulder, looking for a paycheck, and an upset. It's all part of a two-year dive back into D1-AA football, sending shivers up my spine as FCS teams, at least one of which will come from the Big Sky, will once again grace the CU football schedule.
On the surface, it seems like an easy proposition. Schedule some weak opponent from the lower league, beef up your win-loss record with some extra "W's." Texas Tech and Kansas State do it all the time; it's part and parcel of the modern non-conference schedule. Especially considering the state of the program, CU could probably use some easier dates to ease the burden on Coach Embree and crew.
But, it's not that easy. First, there's the anticipated loss in ticket revenue. The leading assumption in the past has been that CU fans will only show up to see 'name,' or at least BCS, opponents. While I think that's crap, it should become expected to show up regardless of the opponent, it's been the standard coming from Dal Ward for some time now. Point in fact, these two FCS teams popping up on the schedule in 2012 and 2013 will mean CU will go two years without playing a major conference opponent in non-con play for the first time since 1948.
Second, there's always the chance the Buffs could lose.
What Buff fan doesn't remember the '06 and '08 dates with Big Sky opponents Montana State and Eastern Washington State? The '06 home loss to MSU sits like a black stain on the history of the program, and the entirety of Buff Nation flirted with jumping off the 3rd Flatiron when EWU took a 21-7 lead into halftime in '08. While those performances, or lack there of, can easily be attributed to the anti-football ways of Coach Hawk, I'd rather just avoid that conference of Buffalo-killers entirely.
(BTW, Hawk's series of appearances on the ESPN show 'the Experts' chaps my ass. He is the Matt Millen of coaching. How do you take anything he says seriously? "Well, when I was a coach..." Shut the fuck up, program destroyer.)
I have to figure that the only reason that CU AD Mike Bohn is going through with scheduling another FCS opponent (after saying he would avoid it after the dueling Big Sky fiascoes) is that the rebuilding process is shaping up to be longer and more difficult than previously imagined, and that the financial flexibility afforded by the increase in conference revenues will allow him to spike a few home dates on the schedule to keep with the 6 home-game commitment.
Regardless, I approach the return of FCS squads, and those from the Big Sky in particular, to future CU schedules with trepidation.
 |
| Please let it be any Big Sky team other than Montana State. From: CUBuffs.com |
But, it's not that easy. First, there's the anticipated loss in ticket revenue. The leading assumption in the past has been that CU fans will only show up to see 'name,' or at least BCS, opponents. While I think that's crap, it should become expected to show up regardless of the opponent, it's been the standard coming from Dal Ward for some time now. Point in fact, these two FCS teams popping up on the schedule in 2012 and 2013 will mean CU will go two years without playing a major conference opponent in non-con play for the first time since 1948.
Second, there's always the chance the Buffs could lose.
What Buff fan doesn't remember the '06 and '08 dates with Big Sky opponents Montana State and Eastern Washington State? The '06 home loss to MSU sits like a black stain on the history of the program, and the entirety of Buff Nation flirted with jumping off the 3rd Flatiron when EWU took a 21-7 lead into halftime in '08. While those performances, or lack there of, can easily be attributed to the anti-football ways of Coach Hawk, I'd rather just avoid that conference of Buffalo-killers entirely.
 |
| I'd also like to avoid EWU if possible. From: CUBuffs.com |
I have to figure that the only reason that CU AD Mike Bohn is going through with scheduling another FCS opponent (after saying he would avoid it after the dueling Big Sky fiascoes) is that the rebuilding process is shaping up to be longer and more difficult than previously imagined, and that the financial flexibility afforded by the increase in conference revenues will allow him to spike a few home dates on the schedule to keep with the 6 home-game commitment.
Regardless, I approach the return of FCS squads, and those from the Big Sky in particular, to future CU schedules with trepidation.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Quick Post: Guy on a Buffalo Pt 4 - GoaB Strikes Back
I usually save these until Friday, or at least until EDSBS alerts me to a new episode, but I couldn't resist. Buff Nation needs a pick-me-up, and what better than the continuing adventures of our hero, the Guy on a Buffalo.
Check out the 4th, and apparently final, installment of the series that has swept the inter-tubes:
HE RODE THE BUFFALO INTO A SALOON! I totally didn't see that coming.
Ride on, GoaB... Ride on...
--
Previous episodes:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Check out the 4th, and apparently final, installment of the series that has swept the inter-tubes:
HE RODE THE BUFFALO INTO A SALOON! I totally didn't see that coming.
Ride on, GoaB... Ride on...
--
Previous episodes:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
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