Happy Fourth of July everyone.

Rivals.com College Football - Rivals.com Preseason 120: No. 41 Colorado
In one of the higher rankings we have seen, rivals.com has slotted the Buffs at #41 in their annual countdown to #1. Same old story as most of the previews: good potential at offensive line, linebackers, running back and cornerback. Concern over quarterback, wide receiver and defensive line. Here was rivals' overall outlook:

Colorado appears equipped to finish in the upper half of the North Division. The biggest key is the rushing attack; if the Buffs can run effectively, it takes a ton of pressure off the quarterbacks, who – truth be told – don't engender that much confidence. If opposing defenses know Colorado must pass, the Buffs will be in trouble. But if the running game gets cranked up and the Buffs can use a lot of play-action, the offense will be fine. When Hawkins arrived from Boise State, much was made about his powerful offenses. Those powerful offenses haven't been seen in Boulder and this offense won't be all that powerful, either. But it definitely can be effective, and an effective offense gets the Buffs to seven or eight wins and into a bowl.

Hawk viewing: CU coach to open 10 practices to public : Top Stories : Boulder Daily Camera
In good news for everyone, Dan Hawkins and the CU coaching staff has agreed, tentatively, to allow fans watch the first ten practices of spring ball, a smart decision to get the fan base excited about the 2009 season as well as a get a first look at some players like Nick Kasa, Edward Nuckols, Andre Simmons, Terdema Ussery, Jarrod Darden, Jack Harris and Clark Evans to name a few.

If you remember correctly, Coach Hawkins became perturbed that he was being "scouted" by internet sites this spring so he shut down practices.

Colorado football fans will be allowed once again to watch their beloved Buffaloes during the first week — 10 practices total — of fall camp in August. Coach Dan Hawkins and his assistants have approved a tentative schedule that could still be adjusted in the next month leading up to the first practice on Aug. 7. It will allow fans an early look from the sidelines at the team, including approximately 30 newcomers.

Coaching rivalries put aside at All-Poly Camp
Brian Cabral took place in the annual All-Poly Camp in Hawaii as one of the coaches leading the three day camp. This camp to Cabral is more than just getting in quality recruiting time for the Colorado Buffaloes in a quality football state:

But since its inception eight years ago, with only eight coaches and about 40 athletes attending the inaugural event, the All-Poly Camp is not so much about "who will go to what college" but more about all of them continuing their education, period. "The bottom line is we want all of these kids to go to college," said Colorado associate head coach Brian Cabral, a former standout at Saint Louis School who played eight seasons in the NFL. "We'll pass names around, a lot of it is finding a place for all of them. Division I is not for everybody, but there can be a college for anybody ... We want them to leave this camp a better football player and understand the importance of academics."

Big 12 Football: What the experts are saying. | Upon Further Review
The Kansas City Star takes a look at the preseason magazines and where every has the Big 12 teams ranked. Kansas just can't get over the fact that Phil Steele has them outside the top 50 while Colorado is ranked ahead of them. On an aggregate level, the consensus for the Buffs is third in the North.

more CU links after the jump...

The Doc's All-Up-and-Coming Team: Offense - Dr. Saturday - Yahoo!Sports
Matt Hinton takes a stab at naming a team that is made up of sophomores and juniors that we should see emerge this year. Darrell Scott (honorable mention) and Ryan Miller were mentioned.

Running Through the Big 12 Runningbacks | Fantasy College Blitz
FantasyCollegeBlitz.com runs through the Big 12's top runningbacks going into the 2009 season. Darrell Scott has come in at #9 and Rodney Stewart at #15. They also mention that while they like Colorado's potential at runningback, the lack of playmakers on the outside causes concern on how productive the running game could be: "Colorado has talent at the RB position and a creative coach who can design plays to open up the field… but star receiver Josh Smith is transferring, and with him go the Buffs’ ability to stretch the field."

2009 Colorado Buffaloes Preview - AthlonSports.com
Althon looks at every position on the 2009 team and gives their take.

Fairview standout Bell mulls offer from Colorado - Boulder Daily Camera
Do-it-all Fairview senior Kenny Bell recently received a football scholarship offer from the hometown Colorado Buffaloes but right now, Colorado might not be on top of his list.

CU-South Carolina meet in No. 7 battle in Big 12-SEC series - Big 12 - ESPN
Tim Griffin continues on his mythical Big 12 vs. SEC series. The Buffs hold down the #7 spot in the Big 12, matched up against the #7 SEC team in South Carolina. Griffin picks Colorado to win the game because of the Buffs running game and the lack of playmakers on the defensive side for South Carolina. Griffin also hasn't bought into the offense for the Gamecocks.