BlackNGold
Club Member
I thought I would give my own take on the 2010 team -
Offense:
Quarterback - to me everything starts with the play of the QB. The Buffs need big improvement from this position. Neither QB was all that effective last year but Hansen was way more effective than Hawkins - his mobility does create problems for the defense. Hansen needs to greatly improve his passing game to move up in the QB ratings...which is why I was totally shocked to see the coaching staff split the snaps in spring ball. The future is in getting Hansen ready for next season not horsing around with Hawkins.
Anyway I see CU passing the ball 60 to 65 % of the time next year so the offense will go the way of the QB.
My rating C-/D+
Offensive Line - In some ways this unit is the most frustrating. There is definitely talent on this line but it is inconsistent, penalty prone, and seems to be poorly coached. The group seems to not be very cohesive. Gave up a lot of sacks and run blocking was so-so. Givens seems to miss a lot of time for "personal reasons", Miller is playing out of position, IMO. Maybe Richter can shore up one of the guard positions.
My rating C - ; If some of these guys play to their potential they could be dominant.
TE - Lost 2 with a lot of experience. Thornton is suppose to be a real pass catching threat. Deehan is solid. CU does not use the TE as much as they should, IMO.
My rating C+
Running backs:
A position of real need. Stewart is a nice back that can break one with his quickness. Lockridge is very similar to Stewart. Neither seems to be much of a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield. Last year Colorado was ranked 113th in rushing offense (lots of yards lost to sacks). But even without the sacks the CU rushing game was not giving opponents fits.
Overall rating D. (I down rate this area due to a poorly designed running attack and lack of depth).
Wide Receivers: The one area of the offense that has some real difference makers. Once Hansen was the QB, Simas showed his ability, Celestine played well last time he was with the Buffs - older and more mature should enhance his value, Clemons should be the real deal, McKnight is an outstanding slot receiver, I really hope the Simmons can show the ability that had him so highly rated. Add Jefferson and Darden to the mix and this position has depth and talent. Concerns - will Simas stay out of trouble.
Overall rating A-/B+
Place Kicking - I don't want to touch this one. It looks like Grossnickle will be a punter so maybe the new frosh can do something. If Goodman is the kicker he will need to improve.
Overall Rating F.
Offensive Coaching...Don't know about the new WR coach but the all the other areas need to step it up. I give coaching a D and that is probably generous.
Offense overalll - Under Dan Hawkins the offense has struggled. Over the last two seasons, CU has lost several games because they simply could not score points against even mediocre teams (CSU, KSU, and ISU last year) - they ranked 92nd in scoring offense. I believe this trend will continue. I did not think the offensive game planning was very good. If Cody Hawkins is the starting QB, I think things could be very Ugly on offense for the Buffs. The best hope is for Hansen to improve in his passing and for the WRs to create some problems for defenses. I do not expect much of a run game.
Overall Offense Rating - C- if Hansen is the QB/D- if Hawkins is the QB. IMO, Hawkins will not be able to take advantage of the WRs talent.
Feel Free to disagree - give your ratings etc.
Offense:
Quarterback - to me everything starts with the play of the QB. The Buffs need big improvement from this position. Neither QB was all that effective last year but Hansen was way more effective than Hawkins - his mobility does create problems for the defense. Hansen needs to greatly improve his passing game to move up in the QB ratings...which is why I was totally shocked to see the coaching staff split the snaps in spring ball. The future is in getting Hansen ready for next season not horsing around with Hawkins.
Anyway I see CU passing the ball 60 to 65 % of the time next year so the offense will go the way of the QB.
My rating C-/D+
Offensive Line - In some ways this unit is the most frustrating. There is definitely talent on this line but it is inconsistent, penalty prone, and seems to be poorly coached. The group seems to not be very cohesive. Gave up a lot of sacks and run blocking was so-so. Givens seems to miss a lot of time for "personal reasons", Miller is playing out of position, IMO. Maybe Richter can shore up one of the guard positions.
My rating C - ; If some of these guys play to their potential they could be dominant.
TE - Lost 2 with a lot of experience. Thornton is suppose to be a real pass catching threat. Deehan is solid. CU does not use the TE as much as they should, IMO.
My rating C+
Running backs:
A position of real need. Stewart is a nice back that can break one with his quickness. Lockridge is very similar to Stewart. Neither seems to be much of a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield. Last year Colorado was ranked 113th in rushing offense (lots of yards lost to sacks). But even without the sacks the CU rushing game was not giving opponents fits.
Overall rating D. (I down rate this area due to a poorly designed running attack and lack of depth).
Wide Receivers: The one area of the offense that has some real difference makers. Once Hansen was the QB, Simas showed his ability, Celestine played well last time he was with the Buffs - older and more mature should enhance his value, Clemons should be the real deal, McKnight is an outstanding slot receiver, I really hope the Simmons can show the ability that had him so highly rated. Add Jefferson and Darden to the mix and this position has depth and talent. Concerns - will Simas stay out of trouble.
Overall rating A-/B+
Place Kicking - I don't want to touch this one. It looks like Grossnickle will be a punter so maybe the new frosh can do something. If Goodman is the kicker he will need to improve.
Overall Rating F.
Offensive Coaching...Don't know about the new WR coach but the all the other areas need to step it up. I give coaching a D and that is probably generous.
Offense overalll - Under Dan Hawkins the offense has struggled. Over the last two seasons, CU has lost several games because they simply could not score points against even mediocre teams (CSU, KSU, and ISU last year) - they ranked 92nd in scoring offense. I believe this trend will continue. I did not think the offensive game planning was very good. If Cody Hawkins is the starting QB, I think things could be very Ugly on offense for the Buffs. The best hope is for Hansen to improve in his passing and for the WRs to create some problems for defenses. I do not expect much of a run game.
Overall Offense Rating - C- if Hansen is the QB/D- if Hawkins is the QB. IMO, Hawkins will not be able to take advantage of the WRs talent.
Feel Free to disagree - give your ratings etc.
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