2016-17 CU vs Arizona Basketball Preview

Ouch, this one stings.  Locked in a seesaw battle with nemesis Arizona State, the Colorado Buffaloes were playing some of their best offensive basketball of the season.  Shooting 46% from the field for the game, and scoring about 1.15 ppp on the road, CU was putting the points up that you should against a mediocre defense.  The problem was, they were also surrendering points at a roaring clip. ASU was allowed to shoot 47%, including 5-12 from deep in the final frame.  The result? a game where the last team with a full possession would probably win.  The Sun Devils enjoyed that privilege here, and, while their last shot from the field went wanting, they were able to secure the short rebound, got some help from a home whistle, and rode a pair of final free throws to the win. 78-77, more than deserving of a heartfelt *sigh*.

The final possession by the Sun Devils will stick in my craw for some time. Clinging to a one-point lead with the clock ticking towards zero, Colorado did well to force a long three from wing Torian Graham.  It's a shot the transfer scorer can make (and had made earlier in the evening), but, given the circumstance, it's a shot I was comfortable with, coming some 24' from the basket.  It went long, which should've meant victory for CU.  The Buffs, however, failed to box out the smallest dude on the court -- Tra Holder.  The 6-1 junior point guard knifed his way to the ball, and was awarded a foul call for his efforts on the put-back.  That he went on to hit his free throws was perfunctory, at that point.  Colorado, in effect, lost by one rebound.  For a program that prides itself on defense and rebounding, it's a knife to the heart.

DWhite was on fire in the second half.  From: AZCentral.com

The worst part is that the loss covers up an ethereal performance from Derrick White.  The senior point guard went wild in Tempe, dropping 35 points on 20 shots, buoyed by a perfect 12-12 night from the stripe.  His final line, 35/5/5/3/1 in 36 minutes, is incredible, but still belies what he meant to the team Thursday night. Derrick was the primary defensive specialist, rotating around to put a hand in the face of whatever Sun Devil guard wanted to shoot in a given possession, and was the primary offensive focus for the entire second half (25 points scored after the break). His layup with 16 seconds to play almost earned the team a much-needed win, and, even with turnover issues rearing their head again (six for the game, half of CU's total), White deserved to get carried off for carting the team on his back all evening.  Unfortunately, it wasn't to be.

The Buffs needed Derrick's efforts because of a dust-up in the first half, one that cost them the services of star forward Xavier Johnson for the majority of the game.  After a whistle, XJ tried to finish a dead play at the rim.  ASU freshman forward Jethro Tshisumpa wasn't interested in seeing that, and put a hard challenge on Johnson well after the ref had blown the play dead.  The pair tumbled to the ground, locked together, eventually colliding into the stanchion.  As they each tried to right themselves, words were exchanged, Tshisumpa threw a shove into XJ, and a minor tussle broke out.  No punches were thrown that I could see, but the refs still awarded both players a flagrant-II ejection.  How they came to that conclusion, I have no idea, since this was miles from a 'fight,' and there are other remedies in the rule book for frustrated arguments between players.  For the Sun Devils, losing Tshisumpa wasn't that big of a deal; he's a reserve forward who rarely gets minutes, even with ASU managing a short bench these days.  For CU, however, losing XJ for the second half was injurious, gutting the Colorado front court, and depriving the team of a primary scoring and rebounding threat.  Johnson was even enjoying a good performance Thursday prior to the ejection, putting up 13 points in just 15 minutes.

Buffs could've used XJ in the second half. From: AZDesertSwarm

Regardless, I think CU did well in playing without their senior swing forward.  Early in the second half, it was a little rocky, with the Sun Devils expanding their lead to nine points at the 16-minute mark, but the Buffs continued to fight on through to the finish.  There's no room for moral victories, but I still slept easier that evening having seen Colorado battle for 40 minutes.  While a defeat in the books, it's probably the most 'heart' the team has shown since the Xavier game.

Attention now turns to the Tucson leg of the Arizona road trip... and that's the underlining circumstance behind the loss to ASU -- the losing streak isn't likely to end at just two headed into McKale.  Colorado is, in all likelihood, headed for a beatdown this evening. Prepare yourself accordingly.

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Hype Music for the evening: "Brick House" by Commodores

*clang* I'll cop to getting a little tired of all the open threes flying off the cylinder for the Buffs this season. When the rims start ringing out, all I can hear in my head is this classic funk anthem by the Commodores.  Yes, I know that's not what the song is about, but CU could build a whole neighborhood with their bricks from the last month.  Enjoy!

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Tip-off from the very shiny McKale Center is set for 7:30pm on Saturday.  Coverage can be found on Pac-12 Networks, with the radio call on 850 KOA.

Click below for the preview...

2016 CU vs Arizona Football Teaser

The Buffaloes enter this game in an awkward position.  They are the undisputed, heavy favorite in a road conference game for the first time in... essentially forever.  There is no reason, on paper, that they should fall victim to the Wildcats, having shown to posses superior talent and execution throughout the year.  Arizona even enters a largely broken team, having lost every Pac-12 game this year.  Yet, the game still needs to be played.  Colorado still needs to go on the road, in what will surely be a dead environment, and play-out the 60 minutes against their 'inferior opponent.'  It's enough to make a serial worrier like myself nervous.  Yep, despite everything to the contrary, I smell a... what's the word?

Ah, yes.  A trap.  Thank you, Admiral.

Gird you loins, people.  This one could get weird.

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Hype Music for the Week: "Ride On" by ACDC

If you really appreciate ACDC, like I do, you know the power of Bon Scott.  The late, second lead singer of the everlasting metal heavyweight gave that band a soulful, blues-hearted sound, simply not replicable.  That is not to disparage current singer Brian Johnson, just that this was a different group, with a different vibe before Bon's untimely death in 1980.

I chose 'Ride On' from the 'old' ACDC to highlight the depth of the group.  Soul-searching and powerful.  If this doesn't hit you, make you feel something... I don't know, man.

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Kickoff from Arizona Stadium in Tucson is set for 8pm Saturday evening.  Should be clear and cold after sunset in the desert.  If you're down in the Grand Canyon State for the game, be mindful of the temperature drop when the sun dips.  For those stuck at home, coverage can be found on FS1, with the radio call on 850 KOA.

Click below for the teaser...

2015-16 CU vs Arizona Basketball Preview: Tad Still Wants to Fight Somebody

Before the preview, a few required readings/listenings for your Wednesday...

First, if you haven't already done so, do yourself a favor and spend some time consuming Ted Chalfen's piece on Colorado Basketball's attendance rollercoaster.  It's a well thought out ride through the last few years of the program, examining the hows and the whys of a successful program with a suddenly absentee fanbase. Very much deserving of your time and attention.

Secondly, I was on a podcast!  Pachoops.com's Adam Butler and Spencer Smith had Ryan Koenigsberg and myself on their always excellent Podcast of Champions Monday night, and the resulting hour-plus of content is a great listen.  The four of us cover topics ranging from thoughts on the CU/Arizona game to the role of 'Blackout' games in college sports.  I even get a White Sox mention in, cause I'm weird like that.  Once you're done reading Ted's piece, give it a listen.

Now, with the plugs done (both shameless and otherwise), let's get to it!

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Hype Music for the Evening: "Paint it Black" by The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones have a great idea of how to properly prepare for a Blackout game (or, a 'wear black game,' if you're lame -- as if the kids aren't going to drink anyways, LOL).  Enjoy!

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Tip-off from the CEC is set for 7pm this evening. Get your ass to the gym before tip, and remember to WEAR BLACK!  Coverage for those lost souls not able to attend can be found on the Deuce, ESPN2, with the radio call on AM 760.

Click below for the preview...

2015 CU vs Arizona Football Preview

It's going to be right to the action today, as the work week from hell has left me precious little time to muse on things outside of the boundaries of the standard preview fare.  Without further adieu, let's kick it off!

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Hype Music for the Week: "Hey Ya!" by Outkast

In honor of Homecoming, a throwback to my college days. 'Shake it like a Polaroid picture,' HAHA! Seriously,  I hated this song in every way imaginable.  Outkast had a number of interesting tracks, but this hit strikes my ears like nails on a chalkboard.  It's a blight, an honest to goodness blight on the auditory system. But, who am I to judge; enjoy!

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Kickoff from a suddenly chilly Folsom Field is set for 7pm tomorrow evening.  If you're going to the game, might I suggest a coat?  Temps should be in the low 50s by the game's end.  Hopefully, that drop in temperature will help cool off the 'Cats red-hot offense.  Coverage can be found on FOX Sports 1 and 850 KOA.

Happy Homecoming!

Click below for the preview...

Tuesday Grab Bag: Brackets!

This weekend was just too busy.  From travels to and from the Pac-12 Tournament to news breaking across the basketball landscape, I'v never had so much to throw in one grab bag.  It's so stuffy in here that I even had to leave a couple of important items on the cutting board.

For example, did you know CU is scheduled to play a non-conference basketball game with Iowa State in South Dakota this November?  They are!  In a tiny-ass gym, no less.  That's pretty cool and newsworthy. Arielle Roberson isn't returning for her senior year.  Also newsworthy, but far more sucky.  Or, what about the Spring Game? Didn't watch, didn't care, but I know a lot of people do.  There was so much breaking news this weekend that I don't even have time to halfheartedly struggle through three paragraphs on that!

The point is, there's a lot of stuff after the jump, each item worthy of its own, dedicated column.  Please, bear with me as I dive through everything from an insane weekend. I'm talking the Pac-12 finale, bracket snubs, the CBI, a pair of new basketball recruits, and the Frozen Banana Stand winning number 20.  *whew*, let's get started.

Click below for the bag...

2014-15 CU vs Arizona Basketball Preview #2 - The Final Homestand

I've been a writing fool the last few days, posting my Askia Booker retrospective, and participating in a Q&A with Pachoops.com's Adam Butler.  The extra word-smithing, as fun as it was, has left me precious little time to complete the preview of tonight's tilt with Arizona.  So, without further adieu, onto business...

Tip-off from snow-covered Boulder is set for 7pm this evening.  Once again, ESPN needs to figure out this whole 'scheduling too early' thing, as they've tabbed this one for the mothership.  At least out of region CU fans have no excuse to miss the broadcast, as ESPN's market penetration is about the same as breathable air.  The radio call will be on 850 KOA.

For reference, my preview of the first game can be found here.

Click below for the preview...

2014-15 CU vs Arizona Basketball Preview #1 - ... and now to Tucson

Take a deep breath.  Have a seat.  Relax.  I just want you calmed before presenting the possibility that Xavier Johnson and Josh Scott, two critical legs of CU's big three, might be out of the action tonight.

*wince*

Of course, as I talked about on Tuesday, XJ is dealing with a high ankle sprain suffered in game against the Utes.  I didn't expect him back tonight, but, at the dawn of the annual march to Tucson, it's a little daunting to realize Colorado's bubbly leader, the straw that stirred the rivalry stew last year, will be MIA.

Scott's story is a little more complicated.  His return to action in Utah after missing two games with back spasms seems to have been a little premature, as he struggled to fight through the pain, only attempting three shots (all missed) in the game.  Apparently, in the wake of that effort, Josh has been left out of practices, leaving his availability for tonight up in the air.  As the Daily Camera reported, he's been fighting his back since before Honolulu (the plane flights couldn't have helped), so more time away from the court could be needed.

Colorado is already facing an uphill battle entering the valley of the beast.  If the Buffs have to play tonight without either Big X or Jelly, it's going to get rough in a hurry.  I just have a hard time picturing where the scoring will come from in their absence.  I've been wrong before, but, pending a surprise roster announcement this afternoon, I'm pretty pessimistic headed into this one.

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Tip off from the newly renovated McKale Center is set for 7pm this evening.  Proving that broadcast schedules shouldn't be chosen in August, television coverage can be found on ESPN: the Mothership. On the call are Walton, Pasch and Jay Bilas... well, if it's going to be a blowout, at least it'll be a well-covered one. If, however, you hate the World of Walton (most likely because you hate freedom), Mark Johnson will have the impassioned descriptions on 850 KOA.

Click below for the preview...

2014 Arizona Football Preview

I'll cop to being a little distracted this week.  Basketball season looms large (next Friday, btw), my HEAVILY ANTICIPATED hoops preview is demanding the majority of my attention, and, with the football team on the road this week, it's almost a case of out-of-sight, out-of-mind.

Almost.  I'm still mostly invested in this group as they embark on a rough final quarter of the season schedule. While I don't expect any surprises over the next three games, this team has proven to have a ton of fight in them, and I'm interested to see how they perform when everyone is back to expecting the bare minimum from them.  Certainly this week, a road trip to a top-25 opponent, does not appear to be a great opportunity to see the Buffs at their best, but they've been traditionally competitive in the Arizona series, and a good game wouldn't exactly shock me.

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Kickoff from recently renovated Arizona Stadium is set for 6pm on Saturday (finally a night game, and it's on the road, *smh*).  Pac-12 Network has the television rights for this one, with the radio call, as always, on 850 KOA.

Click below for the preview...

2013-14 Arizona Preview #2

Earlier this week on WANE, the Pachoops.com podcast, I mentioned that Arizona State has an uncanny ability to drag the game and their opponent down to their level.  Contests with the Sun Devils are invariably gritty, physical affairs, more reminiscent of the old wars CU used to wage with Kansas State than anything usually found in the Pac-12.  As Coach Boyle said, "They’re a physical team and you’d better buck up and be physical back, otherwise they’ll punk you." Wednesday night, with postseason hopes on the line, Colorado came prepared for this style of ball, and brought a warrior mindset to bear against the visitors.  It worked, and CU out-muscled a team that has recently had their way with the Buffs, earning a vital 61-52 win in the process.

A huge win for Ski and the boys.  From: the BDC

This was a program win, both in execution and result - if this were on the football side of campus, we'd be talking about bricks.  It meant something to the team, from Coach Boyle on down.  You could see as much from the intensity Colorado brought to the court, and the reaction from everyone after the game.  The Buffs wanted this win, bad, and would not accept defeat.  A month after a game with ASU marked the low-point of the season, it was good to see the team play with this kind of intensity and passion to make the statement that Colorado is back(!).

The tilt was defined by the play down low between heavyweight post-men Josh Scott and Jordan Bachynski. These two share a brutal history, and I could tell from the opening possession that Scott was out for revenge. The Young Fundamental gave no quarter to the ASU center, routinely going toe-to-toe in the paint with the hulking brute. For all but a handful of instances in the first half, Scott got the better of the fight, controlling the game with a 13/13/2/1 line that towers over Bachynski's 4/4/1.  Further, while Josh played 35 minutes without a foul, his counterpart battled foul trouble for most of the second half, and left the arena with a bum ankle and a black eye.  All things considered, the judges scored it 12 rounds to 0: utter domination. While Josh can't remember the last time these two met in Boulder, he came up with a performance on Wednesday that will be hard to forget.

Scott dominated Lurch.  Wasn't even close.  From: the BDC

If Scott's dismantling of Bachynski wasn't enough, CU controlled all other phases of the interior game.  They finished +21 on the boards (+20 in the second half alone), shut out the Sun Devils 12-0 in second chance points, and finished +8 in paint scoring.  Add in a level of defense not seen from the Buffs in weeks, and there was no chance ASU was going to steal this one.

In victory, CU now leap-frogs the Sun Devils into 3rd place in the Pac-12, and takes a major step forward in the chase for their third-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.  It also marked their 20th win on the season, making the fourth 20-win campaign in as many tries for the great Tad Boyle.  That's pretty good value for a late-Wednesday evening.

... of course, it also sets the stage for tomorrow's titanic matchup with Arizona.  On a day when the marquee roadshow event in the sport comes to town, CU has a chance to erase all doubts that the late-January hiccup is behind them.  The stadium will be packed, the crowd will be electric, and the Buffs will look to send senior Ben Mills and Beau Gamble out in style.  Whatever it takes, get it done.

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Tip-off from the CEC is set for 7pm on Saturday.  This is it, your last chance to see Colorado in Boulder this season. The Keg should be foaming over for this one, so make sure you give yourself enough time to get to the stadium.  No one wants to be stuck in weekend traffic when the ball goes up...  Oh, and remember to WEAR BLACK for the blackout.  Coverage for those without tickets can be found on ESPN: Mothership, with Mark Johnson and the radio call on 850 KOA.

For reference, my preview from the first game can be found here.

Click below for the preview...

2013-14 Arizona Basketball Preview #1

As far as I can tell, CU has never beaten a team ranked #1 in the AP poll.  I've looked through the record book, which only goes back through the 1950s, and count 15 attempts and zero victories. The closest, of course, was the overtime thriller with Kansas in 2010.  Beyond that and a couple of close-ish calls in the 50s, however, CU has rarely been a challenge for the #1 team in the land.

It won't be easy to break that history this evening.  Arizona is more than worthy of their '1,' and McKale is one of the best home court advantages in the country.  To pull off the upset CU will need to play near-perfect basketball.  Stranger things have happened, but the odds are stacked against them...

Tip-off from the McKale Center in Tucson, AZ is set for 7pm this evening.  Televised coverage can be found on ESPN2, with the radio call on 850 KOA.

Click below for the preview...

Quick Post: CU/Arizona Q&A at Pachoops.com

As is tradition, friend of the blog Adam Butler from Pachoops.com reached out to BuffNation for some answers on the eve of the CU/Arizona game. @JGIsland, @CUGoose and myself were more than happy to oblige, and our answers have been posted.  I highly encourage you to pop over and get informed prior tomorrow's showdown in Tucson.

A small sample:

"Most important player: Askia Booker, Josh Scott, other?

(Me): Tough one. Both are vital to the Buffs without Dinwiddie, and both have stepped up in his absence (Scott – 39 points, 16 rebounds last weekend; Booker – 34/8/8; combined – 61% from the field). Both are team leaders, and a quiet night from either severely limits Colorado’s ceiling. 

In reality, the answer is Scott, if only because there are few players in the conference that can actually guard him. He demands a double-team on the block, which opens up opportunities for others, and his 15-18 foot jumpers make him a very difficult assignment. Askia’s transition into a more efficient player will be very important, but the offense (and, to an extent, defense) now runs through Jelly. 

It must be said, however, that they can’t do it alone. Just look at last Thursday’s game against UCLA. The pair had a fantastic game (40 points combined), but CU rarely threatened in the second half. The culprit was the 16 point, 13 turnover, 22% shooting effort from the rest of the roster. Whether it be Xavier Johnson, Jaron Hopkins, or the rare assertive offensive night from Wes Gordon, someone else has to contribute for CU to compete."

Thanks, as always, to Adam for the forum!

On Ed Rush, Pac-12 officiating, and how to fix the situation

... and suddenly, it all makes sense.

Late in the Arizona/UCLA semifinal at the Pac-12 tournament, Wildcat Mark Lyons was called for a suspect double-dribble, turning momentum in a game that had been trending Arizona's way.  UofA head coach Sean Miller was livid, repeatedly saying 'he (UCLA guard Jordan Adams) touched the ball, he touched the ball,' to any official he could find.  One ref, Michael Irving, took offense to the rather demure argument, and awarded Miller his first technical of the year.

It was a weird situation, and, apparently, it was all a setup.

Jeff Goodman at CBS Sports reported yesterday that Ed Rush, the Pac-12s Coordinator of Basketball Officials, had instructed his crews to go after Miller that week, even going so far as to offer $5,000 or a trip to Cancun to the ref who 'ran him.'

That report, if true, is tantamount to Rush fixing one of the league's semi-finals... in Vegas... a stone's-throw from a sports book.

Oh my.

Officiating has long been a problem spot for one of the nation's premier hoops leagues - a fact of life that CU fans are all too familiar with - but this takes the cake.  No longer is this a quirky little issue that fans across the West wryly discuss over adult beverages.  No, this is now an embarrassment that needs immediate addressing.

So, here's my two-fold prescription.

1) Fire Ed Rush

This should go unsaid, as, whether in jest or not, officials, especially the damn Coordinator of Basketball Officials, cannot be allowed even a whiff of impropriety.  Integrity is non-negotiable; he needs to be fired, forced to resign, whatever.  So far, it seems that the only punishment has been a stern talking to, which is grossly insufficient.

Get it done, fire his ass.

2) Shake up the system by hiring and maintaining an exclusive stable of officials.

While we're at it, why not actually do something to improve the on-court performance of the league's officials.

Currently, college basketball referees operate as independent contractors, officiating across the region, for as many games as they can schedule.  They work for multiple leagues, with multiple partners, and are largely overworked.  This system breeds inconsistent officiating, with communication, comfort, and fatigue often being a hurdle both within the crew, and between the crew and the players.

So, why not do away with this failing system?  Why not hire and maintain a stable of Pac-12 exclusive crews, that do nothing but officiate Pac-12 games?  Pay them well, expect the best.  Use a grading system like the NBA uses, and hold them accountable.  Replace those that can't hack it.

Yes, it'll be expensive, with the league having to pay the equivalent of 4-5 games per week for only two actually worked, but, if that's the price of a well officiated game, I'll happily pitch in to help defer the cost.  Maybe partner with the Mountain West to both open up spots for more crews, and to defer costs, but the point is: create consistent crews, hold them accountable, and don't overwork them.

C'mon, El Jefe!  You and the Pac-12 are better than this.

 

2013 Arizona Basketball Preview #2

In honor of it being Valentine's Day, I've written this romantic poem about tonight's CU/Arizona clash

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Those are their colors,
I prefer black and gold,
Let's go kick the shit out of the Wildcats!

... well... I was never very good at poetry.  It's heartfelt, though.

Maybe a song?

Hey, we just met you,
And this is crazy,
But we need a rival,
So hate us maybe?

Hrmmmm.  Better, but I probably need to stick to basketball.

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Get fired up!  We have a big one tonight!

Tip-off from the SOLD OUT and BLACKED OUT CEC is set for 8pm.  Those without tickets to the madness better hope that their local watering hole doesn't have DirecTV, because coverage will be on Pac-12 Networks.  Of course, there's always Mark Johnson on 850 KOA to tide you over if TV isn't an option.

For reference, my preview from the first game can be found here.

Click below for my preview of the rematch...

2013 Arizona Basketball Preview #1

Happy New Year!  I hope everyone enjoyed their break.  I certainly did, but it's time to refocus, and welcome Pac-12 play into our lives.

The Buffs have been lounging for too long, feasting on fatty fare like Northern Arizona and Hartford.  The meat of the season is now upon us, and the challenges will come fast and heavy for Coach Boyle and the boys.  I like to think the brutally tough non-conference schedule as steeled the young Buffs for this day, but only time will tell just how ready CU is for the road ahead.

The Pac-12 schedulers certainly didn't make it easy, handing the Buffs a mountainous challenge right off the bat.  The defending conference champions are tasked with marching into Arizona to take on the vaunted #3 Wildcats in a rematch of the 2012 Pac-12 title game.  Compared to what the team has faced the last two weeks, we've gone straight from rookie to All-Madden.

In preparation for the action, I was tasked by Pac-12 hoops aficionado Adam Butler with helping to preview the game over at PacHoops.com.  Along with well known BasketBuffs gurus James Lucas and Jason Gilligan, I think I made a good showing in the ramp-up for the game.  I highly suggest you click on the link, and soak in the dialogue that covers everything from Spencer Dinwiddie's mustache to my Bulls-fan homerism for Steve Kerr.

After clicking on that, come on back for my preview, which is typically exhaustive and exhausting.

Tip-off from the McKale Center is set for 6pm MT this evening.  Televised coverage can be found on ESPNU, with Mark Johnson hitting the airwaves on 850 KOA.

Click below for the preview...

2012 Arizona Football Preview: Some assembly required

This is the Buffs final road trip of the season; a fact only made notable by the implication that this death march of a season is finally drawing to a close. 

Maybe getting out of Boulder will do the team some good.  Maybe the 2nd and 3rd options at QB will prove more capable now that Jordan Webb has lost confidence.  Maybe the sieve that is the Arizona defense will ignite a fire in the beleaguered CU offense.  If I cared at all, those points might have been enough for me to plan on tuning in Saturday.  As it is, I don't, so I won't.

If you care - and I am by no means saying I think you should - kickoff from the desert is set for 11:30AM.  FX is, once again, ready and willing to submit your eyes to the horror of CU football should you be interested in watching the proceedings.  Radio coverage is on 850 KOA.

Click below for the preview...