CU’s offense was one of the worst in the Pac-12 last year. There I said it. The Buffs were bottom third in basically all offensive categories. The offense struggled to score points in arguably the most prolific offensive conference in the FBS. The line allowed more sacks than any other team in the conference, and in all honesty the red zone offense last year was often painful to watch. Ok I got all of the negativity out of my system, and to most Buffs fans I’m just beating a dead horse at this point. So forget the past, and let’s look to the present and future.
Here’s a number for you, 2; that’s the number of offensive starters Colorado is losing from last year’s team. The line is mostly intact, and surely will improve from last season’s effort thanks to another year of experience under their belt. All signs point to a full recovery from Sefo as he enters his crucial senior season, and they need him to be the rock of the offense this year (which he is more than capable of doing). But what really has me optimistic over this year’s offense is the skill positions. This squad is absolutely stacked with talent in the backfield and at wide receiver. Even with Patrick Carr’s departure, they still have Phillip Lindsay, a vastly underrated Michael Adkins, an absolute mauler in George Frazier, an extremely versatile Donovan Lee, and 2016 recruit Beau Bisharat, who could contribute in some short yardage situations (not to mention Dino Gordon depending on how his legal situation works out). The talent and depth there makes this group one of the best backfields in the conference.
Now looking to the receivers, they return rock solid Shay Fields, and the likes of Devin Ross, Bryce Bobo among others. Let’s not forget about JUCO transfer Juwann Winfree, who could easily be the number one option on the outside, and newcomers such as Johnny Huntley either. All of that spells a recipe for a deep and dangerous receiving corps. It would be unfair to not include Sean Irwin to this list either. He is just an embodiment of what an offense wants out of their tight end with his sturdy run-blocking and route running. This group has the skills required to be a legitimate Pac-12 offense, and I think they will prove that next season.
The hope for improvement for the offense goes beyond the personnel too. The addition of Darrin Chiaverini as co-OC, and new running backs coach and Buffs legend Darian Hagan will provide significant upgrades in recruiting. The new air raid scheme Chev brings will be electric and extremely exciting to watch as a fan (and an offense that will have blue chip quarterbacks salivating). All things considered, it seems that there is nowhere to go but up for the Buffs offense this year and beyond. I’m not much of a stock market person, but if I were I’d be bullishly buying stock in this offense.
What you need to know about The Basketball Tournament title game - Men's College Basketball Blog- ESPN
Team Colorado is a significant underdog heading into the title game. Marcus Hall is playing with a broken bone in his wrist as well as plantar fasciitis, but managed to score 25 points in the semifinal win over Always A Brave, a team that featured five players from Bradley’s Sweet 16 team of a decade ago. Colorado will be without one of its top players, former Buffs standout Richard Roby, who injured his knee a couple of weeks ago while trying out for the Korean basketball league.
CU Buffs Fall Camp Preview: Offensive Line - BSN Denver
CU Buffs Fall Camp Preview: Defensive Line - BSN Denver
Jake Shapiro of BSN Denver previews how the Buffs will fair this season in the trenches, on both sides of the ball.
The Quest for "Six" - CU at the Game
Check out a preview of the first six opponents CU will face, as they try to reach the six win mark and a bowl game this season.
California LB commits to CU - Buffzone
Brian Howell provides an overview of the Buffs newest recruit Nate Landman, an outside linebacker from Monte Vista High School in California.
Michigan Football: Colorado Represents Toughest Non-Conference Foe - GBM Wolverine
A Michigan blog gives a preview of the Buffs game, and the reason why Colorado is their toughest non-conference foe this year.
Pac-12 offseason storylines: Cal could produce the national player of the year - CBS Sports
CBS Sports provides some headlines during the basketball offseason (Buffs fans should really be interested in number 5 on the list).
2016 Pac-12 preseason top players: No. 25-21 - College Football Nation Blog- ESPN
21. Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado While Awuzie might be underappreciated nationally, coaches in the Pac-12 know what he’s all about, which is why they named him to the second-team all-conference squad for 2015. How important is he to the Buffaloes? Between corner and nickel, he was on the field for 897 snaps and posted 90 tackles (78 solo). The Colorado coaches are also creative with the way they use him. He led the team with 13 tackles for a loss and also posted four sacks to go with a pair of interceptions.