2009 Colorado Buffaloes Football Preview
2009 Colorado Buffaloes season preview from Maddux Sports. Below you can find our official Colorado Buffaloes football preview as well as the 2009 Colorado Buffaloes Football Schedule. If you dont know how to beat the odds, give Maddux's winning NCAA picks a shot.
Coach: Dan Hawkins (4th year at Colorado)
Team Name: Buffaloes
2008 Overall Record: 5-7
Returning Starters: 13
In 2008, the Buffaloes of Colorado (5- 7 overall, 2- 6 Big 12) finished tied for third in the Big 12 North. Despite a losing record, the club earned its third straight bowl invite. The Buffaloes played the Crimson Tide of Alabama in the Independence Bowl, losing 24- 30. This year, Colorado possesses the potential to be in the mix at the top of their division.
After deciding to use a spread offense last season, Colorado was unable to score points. They averaged just 20.2 PPG. The plan this season is to set up the pass with the run. Junior QB Cody Hawkins (320 ATT, 183 COMP, 1,892 YDs, 10 INTs, 17 TDs) needs to make better decisions and be more accurate. If he doesn’t come through, sophomore Tyler Hansen, who is a better rusher and more mobile, may get a shot. Last season, two freshmen saw time at the running back spot—Rodney Stewart (132 ATT, 622 YDs 2 TDs) and Darrell Scott (87 ATT, 343 YDs, 1 TD). It’s hoped that Stewart, who battled injuries, will be healthy this year. In a receiving unit that lacks depth, junior Scotty McKnight (46 REC, 519 YDs, 5 TDs) is the best. The offense line looks stable.
The Buffaloes’ 86th ranked defense gave up an average of 29.3 PPG. On the offensive line squad, there are a dozen new starters available. Incoming freshman Nick Kasa is a premium end. This group must pressure opposing QBs much more than they did in 2008. The linebacking unit welcomes back three starters with the best of them being senior Jeff Smart ((118 TKLs, 1 SK, 1 TFL). LB Shaun Mohler (97 TKLs, 4 TFL, 2 INTs), another senior, is tough and smart. The defensive backs have shown a lot of potential and could be a real asset in 2009.
The placekicking position is iffy at best. Last season as a sophomore Aric Goodman went 5- 14 on field goals with his longest being 37 yards. If he can’t punch them through at the top of the season, someone else will get a chance. Senior Mike DiLallo (41 Punts, 1,660 YDs, 40.5 YPP, 12 In20) is back as the punter. Freshman kicker/punter Zach Grossnickle could see action. Last season, Josh Smith (50 Kick RET, 1,276 YDs, 25.1 YPR, 1 TD) ably handled both kickoff and punts. This year, he’ll focus on kickoffs.
Last season, head coach Dan Hawkins (13- 24 in three years at Colorado) had to deal with a myriad of injuries. This season, success is partly predicated on a healthy Buffalo team. Although there are many variables, including the potential performance of QB Hawkins, the defensive line and the running back spot, there’s good news when it comes to the schedule, which includes seven home games. The October 17 game against Kansas is big. The Buffaloes have dropped three straight to the Jayhawks. If they can win this home contest, it’ll send a message concerning this team’s ability to contend. This team looks to finish in second or third place, earning their fourth bowl invite in a row.
Colorado Buffaloes Football Schedule
| Date | Team | Opponent | Site | Line | Total | Points | Opp Points |
| 9/6/2009 | Colorado | Colorado St. | home | ||||
| 9/11/2009 | Colorado | Toledo | away | ||||
| 9/19/2009 | Colorado | Wyoming | home | ||||
| 10/1/2009 | Colorado | West Virginia | away | ||||
| 10/10/2009 | Colorado | Texas | away | ||||
| 10/17/2009 | Colorado | Kansas | home | ||||
| 10/24/2009 | Colorado | Kansas St. | away | ||||
| 10/31/2009 | Colorado | Missouri | home | ||||
| 11/7/2009 | Colorado | Texas A&M | home | ||||
| 11/14/2009 | Colorado | Iowa St. | away | ||||
| 11/19/2009 | Colorado | Oklahoma St. | away | ||||
| 11/27/2009 | Colorado | Nebraska | home |
For more info on the 2009 Colorado Buffaloes football program, view the Buffaloes website or read up on the rest of the Big 12 ncaa football teams below.
