Post Game Reaction: Colorado Buffaloes Lose to Iowa State Cyclones 17 - 10

by irish1611 on Nov 14, 2009 3:20 PM MST in Football Post Game Stories Comment 36 comments

Once again, the Colorado Buffaloes failed to show up on the road. How many times have we used that line the last four years? But it is the best way to describe the team after yet again another poor performance and a performance that has become all too familiar.

The Buffs continue to shoot themselves in the foot when given the opportunity to excel. This team lacks a killer instinct and that starts at the top.

Whether it is getting 30 yards of penalties on first and goal from the nine yard line that resulted in zero points, kickoffs out of bounce late in the game, missing field goals or the Buffs failure to score on first and goal from the five yard line, this team continues to play poor in key situations.

Another way to gauge how well a team responds in key moments: play in the red zone and third down conversions. Today, the Buffs were 1 - 4 in the red zone, while the Iowa State Cyclones were 3 - 3. On third down, Colorado was 2 - 14. Those are absolutely pathetic numbers.

And don't forget turnovers and those mental breakdowns called penalties. Colorado turned the ball over three times today and had another turnover on downs in the red zone. In total, Colorado came up empty three times in the red zone. Add 11 penalties and 110 yards into the mix as well. Colorado ranked 117th in the nation coming into the game and that may get worse when it is all said and done. And today, the penalties were especially damaging. Two ruined a chance at points and two other ones kept Iowa State's first touchdown drive alive after the Buffs initially stopped Iowa State on third down.

Tyler Hansen finished the game 18 - 38 for 258 yards, one touchdown, one interception. Anyone who listened to the Buffs' broadcast heard the word "flushed" more than any other word spoken today. He was rushed all day and continued to get harassed as the offensive line continues to be a major disappointment in 2009. Rodney Stewart has had better days as well. He ran the ball 19 times for 85 yards but fumbled twice, once in the red zone. Markques Simas and Scotty McKnight both had over 100 yards receiving but the Buffs only attempted two passes to Markques Simas in the first half, something that had to be confusing to Colorado fans as he continues to be a big threat.

The Buffs have now lost 11 games straight on the road and are officially eliminated from postseason play for the third time in four years. Under Dan Hawkins, the Colorado Buffaloes have not beaten a Big 12 North team on the road. They are now 0 - 10. His team continues to make the mental mistakes that will prohibit them from ever excelling as a football team. They continue to show that they haven't progressed and have not shown that they can be counted on to play with any consistency.

Colorado will play at Oklahoma State next Thursday on a short week. I can hear the excuses now about the scheduling from Dan Hawkins. Instead I think we should hear from him that his team's play in key situations and his team's propensity to commit mental mistakes is inexcusable. His team has not executed for four years.

Bottom line, this team isn't getting better and they aren't fixing anything that continues to make them an unsuccessful squad.

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Ridiculous

1st and goal from the 5 after the Smith pick—-no points.

1st and goal from the 9—Givens meltdown—no points

missed field goal

We can’t finish and we have no discipline. Too many penalties. I hate getting used to this sick feeling.

by BuffsCrock on Nov 14, 2009 3:35 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

4th down. Hmm, I think I'll go for it...

WTF!? Hawkins not knowing when he should go for it comes back to haunt us again in Ames. On the road you take the points when they are presented to you and you only go for it when you absolutely have to. Especially when your offense has had difficulty scoring points. Hawkin’s inability to know when to go for it on 4th and when to kick either a punt or FG has been a hallmark of his coaching since he arrived in Boulder. He happened to make the 2nd 4th down that made it 1st and G from the 9, but that was still a bad decision. If he kicks both of those, it completely changes the complexion of the game. Bad, bad coaching.
BTW, I wonder if any of Given’s “personal issues” that kept him off the field had to do with anger management. Inexcusable.
It’s not like ISU played well. We just happened to be the more inept team. We’ve hit bottom. We can’t afford another season of this.

by DC_Buff on Nov 14, 2009 4:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

If I've learned anything watching CU football the last few years is....

that if he kicks field goals odd are we walk away with no points due to the kicker shanking it. Horrid kicking game we have…

"Fans like home runs. And we have assembled a pitching staff to please our fans."
Clark Griffith - Washington Senators owner

by RockyNuggets on Nov 15, 2009 6:44 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

From inside of 30 yards, which both of those kicks would have been, I bet even Goodman has a pretty high percentage, especially this year.

by DC_Buff on Nov 15, 2009 8:09 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

"A statement play for the offense"

I read that in post game interviews, Hawkins called the 4th and 1 in the first half a “statement” play for the offense. So what kind of statement does it make when you don’t make it? I think this became a defensive statement play, and 3 points would have made a much better statement for the offense. 7-3 with some positive momentum is infinitely better than 7-0 with negative momentum.

by DC_Buff on Nov 15, 2009 8:16 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

We are a bad football program. I don’t care how many athletes we do or don’t have, we just aren’t good. That’s all on coaching. These kids are 18-22, they should be having fun. I know a good number of these kids and they don’t care. Hawkins doesn’t allow these kids to not except losing. There is always an excuse for the loss so the kids don’t feel bad about these horrible losses. F**k Hawkins for ruining these kids College football experience.

1990 National Champions- Colorado Buffalo's
1913,1957,2004 National Champs- Auburn Tigers

by trayrenfro on Nov 14, 2009 3:41 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

That's the saddest thing...

I just heard Chappelle Brown’s postgame conference. He will regret this experience for the rest of his life! He just kept repeating, “We’re not going to a bowl again.” Your program sucks if you ask your players if they’d change anything about their decision out of high school, and they say YES.

by legendarywalton on Nov 14, 2009 3:47 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Great write up

Any goodwill the team and staff enjoyed from the ATM game is gone. Another embarrassing performance by a team just simply not willing to put in the work and apparently has no sense of pride in themselves or the program as a whole. The entire program continues to have their collective heads in the sand and ignore issues that have plagued this team for the past for years. I have to believe that the complete lack of accountability from the athletic director down through the coaching staff has permeated the players at this point and will continue to be a road block until changes at the top are made.

There was much made about the removal of “the sign” at Dal Ward by program alums and I am sorry to say that adjectives like timid and weak are spot on in describing the current state of CU football. We all deserve better.

by NYCskibum on Nov 14, 2009 3:46 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Post game interview same as half time one

“Oh my gosh!”

by nebraskasux on Nov 14, 2009 3:46 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Nothing positive hearing Hawkins Post Game locker room report.

But on the bright side I think I’ve solved the mystery to Dan Hawkins new slicked back hair dew.

The pride and tradition of the Colorado Buffaloes will not be entrusted to the timid or the weak.
"All coaching is, is taking a player where he can't take himself" Bill McCartney

by TraderJesse on Nov 14, 2009 3:47 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

How do you defend this?

It would take Hawkinsthree years of undefeated play on the road to go .500 in his tenure at Colorado. Three years. Undefeated.

by legendarywalton on Nov 14, 2009 3:48 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

seriously

This has to be the end of the Hawkins era at CU, right? If I’m Mike Bohn, I meet with Hawkins tomorrow morning and fire his ass and put in Crebal as interim head coach for the final two games. Eating the contract money will be tough on the department, but to keep having season like this is inexcusable. It has to end now.

by CleBUFFS on Nov 14, 2009 4:04 PM MST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

No doubt about it, but don't see it happening

by NYCskibum on Nov 14, 2009 4:05 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I was at a friends wedding last night...

and happened to be sitting at a table with a couple of large donors to our program. They indicated that there is a movement amongst our large donor base to find a solution and that something will definitely happen at the end of the year. But, they also admitted that they haven’t yet found the one individual to wirte the biggest check….

by Buff-in-IL on Nov 15, 2009 7:17 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

We're doomed!

People keep trying to tell me that Hawkins will be relieved of his duties soon, perhaps after the Oklahoma State game or at latest after the Nebraska game. I just don’t see it happening….and shouldn’t Bohn be taking a major paycut for rewarding Hawkins with an extension last year after losing 6 of our last 8 games?

by BuffFiend87 on Nov 14, 2009 4:12 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

paycut?

he should be fired

by NYCskibum on Nov 14, 2009 4:15 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Hawkins

I just wrote AD Mike Bohn AGAIN – must be the fourth or fifth time this year – about getting rid of Hawkins. I just laid out my problems w/ Hawk and who I thought would be a good replacement – Bienemy and Dorell as Head coach and Offensive coordinator respectively. Let’s bring in some fire!
We’ll see what he has to say

by CleBUFFS on Nov 14, 2009 4:43 PM MST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Fans rioting on Pearl Street

probably would not make a difference. Only a scandal of some kind will prevent Hawkins from returning next year as head coach. The administration has made it clear, Dan is there guy, they feel the program is headed in the right direction. Unfortunately in this case, there is no light at the end of the tunnel, not even an oncoming train.

I applaud your tenacity, just wish the team had as much.

The pride and tradition of the Colorado Buffaloes will not be entrusted to the timid or the weak.
"All coaching is, is taking a player where he can't take himself" Bill McCartney

by TraderJesse on Nov 14, 2009 4:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

you very well may be right

but I do think if we lose bad the next two games there is a pretty decent chance he will be fired. Of course the administration is gonna say they support him, and they will keep saying that right until the day they fire him. That’s what administrations do.

by nebraskasux on Nov 14, 2009 5:15 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't we expect this?

How many of us are shocked by another pathetic, embarrassing defeat? The only two conference wins we’ve had have been followed up by clunkers on the road. Serious lack of mental discipline. Maybe Givens has more personal issues to work out. Time to secure the ball with two hands, and take points in the red zone whenever you can, even though with Goodman it’s far from a sure thing.

by swflbuffsfan on Nov 14, 2009 4:49 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

There is No Way a Competent Person Would Keep Hawkins as the HC

His record sucks, he has players saying they regret coming to CU, they don’t have inspiration, he says the same things over and over again, I could go on and on… When will the madness stop? Hawkins should have packed his bag 2 weeks ago! It is so bad, but it is like the AD is not even watching the games… how do you not see this. I can see if maybe he had a couple of bad seasons, but he has not had a winning season since he got here. Where is the glimmer of hope that will change? It is not there, that is where it is.

Fans should stop going to the games and buying merchandise if Dan Hawkins remains as coach. Hit the school in the pockets, and they will eventually get the message. Yes, they may have to pay him a $3 million + buyout, but that is their fault for extending him without even having a winning record. This whole situation is completely pathetic, and Bohn should lose his job for supporting it too

by KnoxVegas on Nov 14, 2009 5:11 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Not sayin...

just saying.. http://footballcoachscoop.com/Scoop.html

Colorado:
Our source has confirmed that Head Coach Dan Hawkins will be given a buyout and not retained at the end of the season.

the source appears to be a little less than credible as i’ve never heard of it but… we can all dream.

The Slipper Still Fits - SB Nation's home for the Gonzaga Bulldogs!

by Zach Bell on Nov 14, 2009 5:14 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

same site that said we were interested in Brett Venables

lets see if the Louisville rumor comes true as well. that might be a sign about how legitimate this site is

The Ralphie Report - Go Buffs!...All Colorado Buffaloes on SBNation - http://www.ralphiereport.com/

by irish1611 on Nov 14, 2009 5:16 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

hmm

never seen that site before. those two colorado stories sound OK to me…

by nebraskasux on Nov 14, 2009 5:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't tease me

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman

by Broncoman on Nov 14, 2009 5:29 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds Hokie

You can’t be given a buyout unless you want it. If he is fired they essentially buy him out by paying what is owed in the agreement if terminated before end of the contract.

You can offer a buyout, for what is less than owed over the life of the contract but Hawkins does not have to accept. He says no and then he can be fired then collect the full amount.

The pride and tradition of the Colorado Buffaloes will not be entrusted to the timid or the weak.
"All coaching is, is taking a player where he can't take himself" Bill McCartney

by TraderJesse on Nov 14, 2009 5:42 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Coach

I want Bienemy. He now has the experience and he can recruit.
Here is my email to Bohn:
Mr. Bohn,

Please step up to the plate and end the pain that us CU faithful are feeling right now by firing Dan Hawkins tomorrow. He has had enough time in Boulder to prove something of his abilities and yet he has not. His teams have continually regressed whereas most teams progress during the season. Hawk talks a big game but here are a few points about Dan Hawkins that I have become accustomed:
He cannot win out of state.
He cannot stop the penalties and/or sloppy play.
He cannot develop players.
He cannot develop a offense.
He cannot develop a defense.
He cannot develop, well, let’s be frank, the special teams are just terrible.
He cannot give answers to problems and instead offers up excuses – we’ve been young for four years!
He cannot use players appropriately – see, Simmons, Simas, Cody Hawkins, DARRELL SCOTT.
And finally!
He cannot win.
If your smart you’ll look for a new coach that understands CU Football. How about Eric Bienemy and Karl Dorell as head coach and offensive coordinator, respectively?
Thanks,
CleBuffs
Class of 1999

by CleBUFFS on Nov 14, 2009 5:40 PM MST via mobile reply actions 0 recs