Photo Courtesy: John Martinez Pavliga
I can remember the Colorado Buffaloes running wild in the late 80’s and mid 90’s prior to joining the Big 12. They had exciting players like Eric Bienemy, Koy Detmer and Cordell Stewart. I can remember the “5 Down” play to beat Missouri in 1990. That game is stuck in the minds of fans on both sides of the ball. Colorado for the last second touchdown to win and shares the National Championship with Georgia Tech and Missouri which felt like it was the ultimate screw job.
Last year the Buffaloes had only 2 wins and 10 loses overall but there’s a silver lining! The Buffs have beefed up on both sides of the ball with 12 starters returning. Let’s take a look at the depth chart on both sides of the ball.
Buffs Defense
With the addition of Jaleel Awini who played quarterback for the Air Force Academy will start at outside linebacker. One would think, “A quarterback? Starting at outside line backer? Whose idea was this?” Remember, he was the heart and soul of that office and is as tough as they come. Kenneth Olugbode (inside lb), Jordan Carrell and Leo Jackson anchors and really deep defensive line coached by former All-Pro Jim Jeffcoat of the Dallas Cowboys. Free Safety Ryan Moeller, cornerback Ken Crowley and strong safety Tedric Thompson patrol the backside of the defense that boasts of speed and heavy hitting in the secondary.
Buffs Offense
Keep an eye on TBs Mike Adkins and Christian Powell who will be their one -two punch behind starting Quarterback Sefo Liufau. WRs Shay Fields and Nelson Spruce will flank and offense that has fire power but went through some growing pains last year. But, this spring was different. Both wide outs along with the younger guys worked diligent on pass catching skills. Way too many dropped balls last year. In 2015, sophomore QB Sefo Liufau wiped out the previous CU mark for consecutive games with a touchdown. Activated from a potential redshirt year in the fourth game in 2013, he has thrown for at least one TD in every game he’s played in – 20.
My Prediction: I believe the Buffaloes will win 6 games this season which would make them bowl eligible.
2015 Season Schedule
9/4 @Hawaii
9/12 vs UMass
9/19 vs Colorado State
9/26 vs Nicholls State
10/3 vs Oregon
10/10 @Arizona State
10/17 vs Arizona
10/24 @Oregon State
10/31 @UCLA
11/7 vs Stanford
11/13 vs USC
11/21 @Washington State
11/28 @Utah
