Tim Griffin of ESPN.com has put out a decent synopsis of every Big 12 team's spring practice dates as well as a few things to look for as practices starts up. Texas starts their spring drills in 12 days! We thought no one would start later than the Buffs this spring but Kansas State will get under way April 6th, a full week after CU starts. Our excuse is injuries, I wonder what Kansas State's is? Doesn't it seem more advantageous to start this spring practice process later like the Buffs and Wildcats? As long as you give ample time to study for finals, it seems to me that would be the best case scenario.
Is it too early to talk 2010 recruiting? I don't think so. Greg Biggens of ESPN.com continues to turn out some good information and most of his write-ups show that Dan Hawkins and the rest of the coaching staff are getting a head start on next year. CU is known to have over 20 offers out there right to 2010 prospects.. Here are some snippets from Greg Biggens recruiting blog:
Corona, California RB Jordon James is going to be a highly sought out back in the 2010 recruiting cycle and it looks like the Buffs are in a good position to impress James. Jordon is on the early watch list for both the ESPN150 and the rivals.com250. Here is what Jordon James said about his top three in Biggens most recent post:
"Right now, my top three are Colorado, Arizona and Cal," James said. "I'm going to camp with Colorado and I also plan to take my official visits during the football season.
James, who is 5'10" 190 pounds, is recovering from an ACL injury he suffered his junior season but most teams are not too worried about him being able to produce on the field next year as a senior.
James also has a teammate in safety Demetrius Wright that looks to be on his way to getting an offer from the Buffs. Wright is 6'1" 200 pounds according to his coach. For more information on other prospects, read the rest of Biggens blog.
And the tough reviews of yesterday's game against Texas are prevalent this morning. The most common words used are in reference to being competitive in most of their Big 12 games and when are the Buffs going to get over the hump. Still, as I pointed out yesterday in my post, their has been progress made this year after losing to Montana State and Vermont early in the year. Yes, Colorado has had some bumps in the road that would negate my statement about "progression" but no way after a loss to Montana State did we think Colorado could possibly pull upsets against Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. A break here or there and the Buffs could have won all three of those games. You don't hear Jeff Bzdelik offer a ton of praise but he was right to do so yesterday:
"I'm really proud of my basketball team," Buffs coach Jeff Bzdelik said. "We've had one bad half against Iowa State in the Big 12 . . . but we're working hard to improve, and our competitive spirit is great."
Here are some breakdowns from the major news sources:
Victory Remains Elusive For Buffs - The Denver Post
The Dallas Morning News Chimes In - Dallas Morning News
Buffs Vow to Press on After Loss - Longmont Times
Buffs Drop Heartbreaker in OT - CUBuffs.com
ESPN/ABC has announced it's first cut at what games will be televised this year. Most of the dates already locked in are Thursday night contests. The Buffs have two of those spots and the Big 12 has a total of four. Unfortunately for the Buffs they play both on the road. The first game against West Virginia shouldn't be bad as they have 12 days to prepare after a Sept 19th date with Wyoming. The game that has me confused and really makes me question the scheduling is against Oklahoma State. The Buffs will have five days to prepare for the Cowboys after being on the road against Iowa State. If CU had a bye before Nebraska I would be fine with it but that five day stretch with two games so late in the season really could impact the Buffs for a big game against Nebraska. Also, how about Oregon vs. Oregon State being on a Thursday night?
Thu., Sept. 3 South Carolina at N.C. State
Mon., Sept. 7 Miami at Florida State
Thu., Sept. 10 Clemson at Georgia
Sat., Sept. 12 USC at Ohio
Thu., Sept. 17 Georgia Tech at Miami
Sat., Sept. 19 Texas Tech at Texas (on ABC)
Thu., Sept. 24 Mississippi at South Carolina
Thu., Oct. 1 Colorado at West Virginia
Thu., Oct. 8 Nebraska at Missouri
Thu., Oct. 22 Florida State at North Carolina
Thu., Oct. 29 North Carolina at Virginia
Thu., Nov. 5 Virginia Tech at East Carolina
Thu., Nov. 19 Colorado at Oklahoma State
Thu., Nov. 26 Texas at Texas A&M
Thu., Dec. 3 Oregon State at Oregon
Buff OT Ryan Miller has been given permission by Dan Hawkins to throw shot on the track team this offseason. I really would have liked to see a full rehab continue on Miller's injury and make sure he is fully ready to go after a season ending injury but if you got the talent, you might as well do it.