How long have you been following the Buffs?
Since I was old enough to. Born and raised in Denver, Co my whole life.

Best memory you have as a Buffs fan?
Tough one here…there is a lot of good ones. I was at the 62 – 36 game which was awesome. Probably everyone’s answer. So I will go with when I was a kid we snuck into Memorial Stadium the day before the Buffs played Nebraska and played a full football game on the Nebraska field. The field was turf back them which made it even cooler when you were a kid. We then got interviewed on 850 KOA news team and were featured on countdown to kickoff! It was awesome as a kid.

What team do you want to beat this year more than any other and why?
Texas. So sick of all there talk about how Darrell Scott made the wrong choice and all the arrogance that they have shown about the whole ordeal. I have lost a lot of respect for the Longhorns.

How would you grade Coach Hawkins thus far in his CU career?
B. About the best grade you could get after how Barnett left the program. Jury is still out but we have got some talent now…just need it to translate to playing complete games and better the top echelon in the Big 12.

Who is public enemy #1 (I know Nebraska) so who is public public enemy #2…doesn’t have to be big 12?
Never really thought about who public enemy #2 is…I really dislike Texas.

After two weeks of games, the Buffs are 2 – 0…At the beginning of the year, what did you have the Buffs record at and what do you think it will be now?
At the beginning of the year, I had the Buffs pegged at 7 – 5 and I still think they get their with wins against FSU, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Texas A&M. Swing games are Texas and Nebraska.

Biggest weakness on the 2008 team? Biggest strength?
Thought it would be the corner backs but now I have a bone to pick with the offensive and defensive line. I am going to say that offensive line figures it out because the defensive line is the same cast of characters so dline is the weakest part of this team right now. Strength of the team right now is between wide receiver and linebackers. I will go with the wide receivers based on Patrick Williams performance so far this season. And who can argue with the way JFly and McKnight have played.

Who will be the offensive MVP and defensive MVP at year’s end?
Cody Hawkins for Offensive MVP and Ryan Walters for Defensive MVP (picking a defensive MVP is tough…if LB Shaun Mohler keeps playing the way he did last game, he may be my pick.

Who would you rather have Josh Smith or Scotty McKnight?
Mr Consistent or Mr Electric? Tough, tough, tough. Right now, until JFly develops as a consistent threat as a wide receiver like McKnight has, I have to go with Mr Consistent.

How long have you been following the Buffs?

Off an on throughout my life…you can probably tell by name I’m a KU fan, but I’ve always been a BIG 8 fan except Missouri as well. I always felt CU fans were a good group and since moving to Denver in 2003 have payed more attention to them. The Hiring of Dan Hawkins has increased my interest because I think he is a great guy, a bit of an odd duck, but going to do big things with CU.

What team do you want to beat this year more than any other and why?

I would like you guys to beat Missouri for selfish reasons

How would you grade Coach Hawkins thus far in his CU career?

I’ll give him a B in terms of the program with an A+ for personality and Charisma

Who is public enemy #1 (I know Nebraska) so who is public public enemy #2?

Sounds like you guys would vote Texas but to be the best you’ve got to beat the best and again I’ll say everyone should hate Misery.

After two weeks of games, the Buffs are 2 – 0…At the beginning of the year, what did you have the Buffs record at and what do you think it will be now?

Quick Glance I thought 6-6 after the first game probably bumped it up but last game dropped it back down and i’ll stand by 6-6 that w the additional loss coming from K-State/Ok State/F State…but there are a lot of swing games on this schedule after the inconsistency in weeks 1 and 2

Biggest weakness on the 2008 team? Biggest strength?

Only saw the first game but weakness I would say the line play, strength, I thought the DB’s and LB’s looked pretty solid in game 1 but again I didn’t see Eastern Washington

Who will be the offensive MVP and defensive MVP at year’s end?

I would agree it will probably be Cody Hawkins and Ryan Walters…Walters really impressed me in the first game and with a running back by committee Cody is going to be the most impactful statistically on offense.

Who would you rather have Josh Smith or Scotty McKnight?

Josh Smith…higher ceiling

How long have you been following the Buffs?
Since 1999 when I got accepted to CU and almost came up here for school. I am Sooner alumnist, but the Buffs have always been #2.
What team do you want to beat this year more than any other and why?
WVU/Florida State. It seems like we have always played well, but never been able to come up with a win in these tough OOC games the last few years. We need one, I want both.
How would you grade Coach Hawkins thus far in his CU career?
I think if we are just looking at what he has done so far he gets a B-. He has significantly upgraded the talent of the squad and while we’re still a year or two away, I feel like we will be a top the North very soon.
Who is public enemy #1 (I know Nebraska) so who is public public enemy #2?
Mizzou. We want to own the North, we have the beat the teams at the top.
After two weeks of games, the Buffs are 2 – 0…At the beginning of the year, what did you have the Buffs record at and what do you think it will be now?
8-4. Seeing as they are 2-0 (barely as it might be), I will keep my prediction the same.
Who will be the offensive MVP and defensive MVP at year’s end?
For our sake I had better be Hawk or Scott on offense, otherwise I would be worried…
Defense, I hope it’s Hypolite. D-line needs to step it up BIG TIME.
Who would you rather have Josh Smith or Scotty McKnight?
Anyone with a nickname like Jfly automatically gets my vote.

Best memory you have as a Buffs fan?

I had a good answer for this one too

1. For as long as I can remember. My first game was Chcuk Fairbanks debut in 1978. Needless to say I was hooked even though the team blew
2. The NU game in 1986 when CU ended the 19 year losing streak, and a close 2nd is beating ND in 1991 for the Natl Championship while in the middle of the Persian Gulf
3. Texas and NU
4. Coach Hawk gets a B
5. Nebraska sucks, and I guess #2 would be OU (I hate all Big 8 teams)
6. 2-0
7. Weakness is defense, and youth. Strenght maybe RB’s
8. I would say Cody, and I am not sure yet on defense
9. Smith

How long have you been following the Buffs?

Since I was old enough to care about sports. I was born and raised in Boulder and went to CU.

Best memory you have as a Buffs fan?

Again, not the most original answer but it isn’t even close: the 62-36 game and I can’t imagine anything ever topping that to be honest. I hate Nebraska so much and we had that horrible string of close loses leading up to that year. Our seats were perfect (40 yard line, about 10 rows up in the student section), and I was with my good buddy who was also a Boulder native and lifelong CU fan. The first quarter of that game was absolutely euphoric for us (maybe the numerous adult beverages we consumed before the game had something to do with it), the offense just played perfect and our D was putting big hit after big hit on the #1 Huskers. It was also so great because that game sent Nebraska on a downward spiral that they still haven’t recovered from (maybe their fans wouldn’t agree, but it sure seems that way).

What team do you want to beat this year more than any other and why?

Nebraska, even if they aren’t that good it is always the biggest game of the year for me. I was really excited about the WVU game at the beginning of the year and even though our poor play and them getting blasted by ECU might have taken a little luster off it, beating them on national TV would be HUGE and hopefully get us on track for the rest of the season.

How would you grade Coach Hawkins thus far in his CU career?

As a recruiter: A
As the leader of the team/face of the program in the media: A
As a game day coach: C
I like coach Hawk, I really do, and I still think he can build CU back into an elite football program, but while it seems he can do no wrong in the off-season and every Sunday-Friday during the season, I haven’t been that impressed with his actual game day coaching and that needs to improve if we really are going to step up to the next level.
Overall: B

Who is public enemy #1 (I know Nebraska) so who is public public enemy #2?

I guess K-State. Never liked coach Snyder and their fans are like slightly less annoying versions of Nebraska fans. I hate Texas but we don’t play them every year.

After two weeks of games, the Buffs are 2 – 0…At the beginning of the year, what did you have the Buffs record at and what do you think it will be now?

I’m assuming you mean for the whole season, right? I definitely thought we would be 2-0 now (certainly on paper our two easiest game) and my prediction of 7-5 for the season stands for now. Next year no more excuses though, I will be mad if we don’t at least go to the Big 12 title game and be ranked at the end of the year.

Biggest weakness on the 2008 team? Biggest strength?

Our biggest weakness so far has been the offense that we run. I think our biggest strength is our RBs, although their stats wouldn’t indicate it so far.

Who will be the offensive MVP and defensive MVP at year’s end?

Darrel Scott will be offensive MVP if he ever gets some blocking and some good running plays. Ryan Walters on D. Not because he is the “best player” on the D, but because he is the leader of an inexperienced secondary who will hopefully have a good year.

Who would you rather have Josh Smith or Scotty McKnight?

Good question, Scotty McKnight is our best receiver right now, but Josh Smith is so explosive and has so much potential. Maybe just for this year I would say McKnight, but for the next 2 or 3 years it has to be Smith. He will become a better receiver and (I hope) stop fumbling kicks.

How long have you been following the Buffs?
Almost 50 yrs, since my Dad, a CU Alum, started taking my brothers & I to games when I was 4 yrs old, thus the Black & Gold blood.

Best memory you have as a Buffs fan?
#1 – 62-36, something I waited and suffered for all of my life. #2 – Watching Salaam go over 2000 yards right in front of my 20-yd line, east stands, Row 10 seat, holding up my “2000” sign, as he went for 63 yards around the right end against Iowa State.

What team do you want to beat this year more than any other and why?
Texas, as payback for cheap-shotting Klatt & running up the score in ‘05, and for slandering Scott’s family when he chose CU over UT in ’08.

How would you grade Coach Hawkins thus far in his CU career?
I love the breath of fresh air and strong morals/ethics he has brought to the program. He’s clearly a great recruiter and excellent motivator, but the jury’s still out on his game-day coaching and choice of assistants (due to Helfrich). He truly cares about CU and his players more than any coach I’ve seen. I would give him a B+.

Who is public enemy #1 (I know Nebraska) so who is public public enemy #2?
Texas – See Above

After two weeks of games, the Buffs are 2 – 0…At the beginning of the year, what did you have the Buffs record at and what do you think it will be now?
8-4 initially, now think 7-5.

Biggest weakness on the 2008 team? Biggest strength?
Offensive coaching is the weakness. Overall talent generally and, surprisingly, defense specifically are the strengths.

Who will be the offensive MVP and defensive MVP at year’s end?
Cody Hawkins and Ryan Walters, respectively.

Who would you rather have Josh Smith or Scotty McKnight?
I would rather not choose. I would give the slight edge to J-Fly for his potential, but Scotty is the consistent one, week-in & week-out.

How long have you been following the Buffs?
Born and raised in Aurora, both parents graduated from CU. Have the 1991 ND game on tape, but I wasn’t quite 4 when it happened, so it wasn’t really the beginning of m fandom. Salaam was my first favorite player, so let’s say during his career.

Best memory you have as a Buffs fan?
Surprised it hasn’t shown up yet, but the Michigan game. I’ve always had a secret love for the Wolverines (their helmets, tradition, and stadium are the draw), but I wanted to win that game so badly. It’s amazing to see all of the NFL-caliber talent on that team now, and how none of those guys became a legit NFL star. The Nebraska trouncing was definitely another great memory, seeing as how my English teacher was a HUGE Nebraska fan (he went there), and when I saw him after the game, he bowed to me and gave me extra credit.

What team do you want to beat this year more than any other and why?
I’ve been living in Houston for about 9 years now, and my girlfriend’s mom is an enormous UT fan, like so many here are. Naturally, we’re watching that game together on a 72 inch TV with a big bet on it, so I’d say beating UT is my biggest priority this season (other than embarrassing Nebraska, of course).

How would you grade Coach Hawkins thus far in his CU career?
I think he’s a fantastic leader, recruiter, and face of a major program. He’s done a wonderful job of recruiting real talent to the program, but so far he has yet to really develop it very well. Josh Smith is an outstanding young player, but Hawk hasn’t been able to coax a consistent performance out of the kid yet. Same goes with some of the other guys. Ryan Miller played in a run-dominant system in high school, so I expected his pass-blocking to be a bit behind his run-blocking, but I didn’t expect his run-blocking to be as average as it is. He’s still young, as is most of this team, so there’s still a lot of time to let it develop, but bringing in the talent is only step one. He needs to start developing it into a cohesive winner. And yes, I echo other’s sentiments about his gameday ability. I love his willingness to go for it in a clutch situation, but sometimes I think that maverick attitude gets in the way of smart decisions. Can’t be all Tin Cup, but you certainly don’t wanna be David Simms.

Who is public enemy #1 (I know Nebraska) so who is public public enemy #2?
I think I’ll go with Kansas State. I never liked losing to purple wildcats (how wild can you get when you’re purple and hail from anti-metropolis Manhattan??) and their field is ugly to look at. Snyder might have been a great coach, but I couldn’t stand that old dude.
 
After two weeks of games, the Buffs are 2 – 0…At the beginning of the year, what did you have the Buffs record at for the season and what do you think it will be now when things are all said and done?
I’m not really one for making predictions because we don’t know who is going to progress at certain positions and the injury situations from the beginning of a season to the end. For example, look at the NFL and everyone’s Golden Boy. Brady blows out his knee, and the AFC landscape has apparently been thrown into a state of chaos with nearly ALL of the favorites losing in Week 1. There are just too many invariables to make a real prediction. That said, my optimism says we win 8 games.

Biggest weakness on the 2008 team? Biggest strength?
I think the biggest weakness isn’t necessarily a position, but rather maturity. A well-focused team wouldn’t have let EWU walk into their house and put a smackdown on them like that. I don’t think an experienced, mature team would allow something like that to happen. It can happen to anyone, too true, but I think it’s a telling sign of a team that doesn’t have the mental aspect of the game under control when it does. We’re young, and I think that shows when we play down to a team like that. That being said, I think our biggest strength is all the talent we have. After a couple of lean years, this team looks absolutely loaded to me. With all that talent, great things can happen. If the right buttons are pushed in the right way, that talent can be translated into great, great things. The potential is there, and I think that makes this Colorado team very dangerous to everyone who is thinking this is the same team from two years ago.

Who will be the offensive MVP and defensive MVP at year’s end?
A short answer in comparison to my others, no doubt, but I think offensive MVP will end up being the kid himself, Cody Hawkins, whereas the defensive MVP looks like it’s going to be Shaun Mohler. We should just change his name to “Mauler” because he’s a freaking animal out there.

Who would you rather have Josh Smith or Scotty McKnight?
That’s like looking at the Broncos Super Bowl winning teams and saying “Rod Smith or Ed McCaffrey?” They have a symbiotic relationship. Josh Smith’s inconsistent electricity helps Scotty McKnight shine with his clutch, consistent play. Without each other, they wouldn’t look quite the way they do. The big-play ability of one is the perfect counter to the other’s solid, unspectacular role. All of that said, if you put a gun to my head and made me pick one, I’d take Smith, solely for his versatility as a kick/punt returner.

I’ve really enjoyed the responses fellas…Looking forward to checking out the WVU Game

I agree with the Freudian slip about 62-36 being #1. I was at the National Championship game with my whole family, it was my first bowl game, and the whole environment was electric…yet…

I watched Nebraska kick CU’s butts in person through the 60’s, 70’s, and most of the 80’s(was, VERY unfortunately, not at the ‘86 game). I missed seeing the ’89 victory in person, then suffered through all of those close losses in person in the latter part of the millennium. I can remember the sea of red that invaded Folsom Field, Harvest House, the Hill, etc. every other year, and the almost-arrogant cloud of confidence that darkened the air every time a Nebraska fan walked by. I inherited the hatred of the red from my Dad, who put up with it even longer than I had. I felt the stain of red that Coach Mac put on the schedule every year, and while satisfaction came with the McCartney years, that satisfaction receded and the hatred remained, deepened by the utter disappointment and trauma of watching with my family the televised travesty of a clearly superior CU team going wide-eyed in Lincoln and losing in 1994. It refreshed another memory of CU’s finest moment – a National Championship – being cut in half by a jealous and arrogant Tom Osborne refusing to vote a team from his own league ahead of the Georgia Tech team that beat his in a meaningless bowl game.

While I consider myself a moral man and a Christian, I couldn’t help but feel the healing satisfaction of ultimate revenge when I watched my beloved Buffs completely dismantle not just that 2001 Nebraska team 62-36 but the entire football program. I even stretched that satisfaction further by attending the next two away games in Lincoln, watching the Buffs further exert their clear superiority by humiliating the Huskers on their own field twice, each time denying the Huskers a bowl game and a winning record.

So yes, the rankings for me have to be as follows:

#1 – CU 62 – NU 36

#2 – CU 10 – ND 9 for the National Championship.

#3 – Salaam rushes past 2000 yds against Iowa St. in 2004, which we all knew secured the 1st Heisman for a CU player.

#4 – “The Pass” from Kordell to Anderson to Westbrook against Mich. in 2004 – always thought it should be called that instead of “The Catch” considering the ball was in the air for 70 yards and right where it needed to be.

Thanks for the chance to vent, Ralphie Report.

I remember vividly the 5 games from 1996-2000 and each of them was like getting stabbed in the heart. Every one of those games we could of won, even should of won.

How long have you been following the Buffs? Since 1988 (sophmore in High School)

Best memory you have as a Buffs fan? (Comeback in Lincoln in 1990, won two cases of beer and got to watch fellow dowm mate from Nebraska almost cry)

What team do you want to beat this year more than any other and why? Always Nebraska and Texas, I can’t stand Nebraska and Texas is due for the 70-3

How would you grade Coach Hawkins thus far in his CU career? B+, Showing great promise a recruiter, I like him, Ithink he will be great for the program long term, honestly I wasn’t sold on him at first (though they should of hired Logan), but I think he has the program moving in the right direction.

Who is public enemy #1 (I know Nebraska) so who is public public enemy #2? Enemy number #2, I would say Texas, but I could go for Oklahoma also

After two weeks of games, the Buffs are 2 – 0…At the beginning of the year, what did you have the Buffs record at for the season and what do you think it will be now when things are all said and done? I had them at 2-0, pretty much what I predicted, I think they will probably end up with three losses (West Virgina, FSU, and Missouri), but should make a good bowl game and be primed for next year.

Biggest weakness on the 2008 team? Biggest strength? Weakness CB, Strength RB and QB

Who will be the offensive MVP and defensive MVP at year’s end? Offensive MVP-Cody Hawkins, Defensive MVP-Shaun Mohler

Who would you rather have Josh Smith or Scotty McKnight? Smith

How long have you been following the Buffs?
 I started following them in about 1996, but after i got accepted to cu in 2005, i fell in love with the buffaloes. Now, naturally i bleed silver, gold and black.

Best memory you have as a Buffs fan?
My first game at folsom as a student (Montana State unfortunatly). But the first time i was standing with that crowd and watched Ralphie run out, i got chills.

What team do you want to beat this year more than any other and why?
KU. I hate the jayhawks with just about the same intensity as i hate the CornHuskers. No one comes into my house, beats us and do that stupid cheer. Thats why i will be in lawrence this year, doing my own stupid cheer.

How would you grade Coach Hawkins thus far in his CU career?
This one is a hard one for me. Ive seen coach Hawk speak at many events, and i really like the guy. I think brings something good to the school that we need. And he is an absolut beast on the recruiting trail. However he does things, like make a 4 play gameplan (eastern washington cough cough). I have faith in him, so B.

Who is public enemy #1 (I know Nebraska) so who is public public enemy #2?
The Kansas Jayhawks of course. i really do hate them

After two weeks of games, the Buffs are 2 – 0…At the beginning of the year, what did you have the Buffs record at for the season and what do you think it will be now when things are all said and done?
At the begining of the season, i legitimatly believed 10-2. But of course, im the biggest homer on the face of the earth. Im going to have to drop that prediction down to 8-4.

Biggest weakness on the 2008 team? Biggest strength?
Our secondary. Ive seen waaay to many broken tackles and dropped coverage already this year and its scaring me.

Who will be the offensive MVP and defensive MVP at year’s end?
The little hawk man, Cody. And the Rabid Goldfish on D.

Who would you rather have Josh Smith or Scotty McKnight?
Kendrick Celestine anyone?I have a soft spot for the ol’ #5, but if the game is on the line, Scotty McKnight. Or at least untill simas learns how to read…