Some of my thoughts on the upcoming game against ASU....
Normally a big improvement between game 1 and game 2. Our offense no longer has the element of surprise (lets be honest, CU did whatever they wanted on the first two drives against CSU, and I'll claim a bit of that success was from the element of surprise). We're a young team, so you would think that there should be vast improvement from week to week, especially from week 1 to week 2.
Both teams won their opener, but in totally different fashion. ASU killed San Jose St at home, whereas CU fought and clawed to get a victory over an always highly motivated CSU team (at least when they're playing CU) on a neutral site. The ASU game was never in doubt. The CU/CSU game was a constant back and forth battle. I'm hoping last weeks game prepared CU more than it prepared ASU for the upcoming game.
Will CU experience an emotional letdown after beating CSU in overtime? I think as much of the emotional letdown (if it comes) would be from putting so much emphasis on winning the 1st game, considering how last season went. I hope the team isn't spent and is instead more focused and determined to keep winning and getting better, but I am somewhat worried about CU coming out a bit flat.
How will we deal with the heat? I heard last week's ASU game was also a night kickoff and was 101 degrees at kickoff. I would assume that without the sun beating down on our guys, and the fact it should (hopefully) cool down as the game goes on, that this will be a non-factor, but it is a bit of a concern, given that our depth is somewhat lacking in a few positions.
CU did not wilt in the 4th quarter on Saturday, a total opposite of what happened to us almost every game last year. Was that a one-time thing against a "lower tier MWC team" like CSU? Or, can we expect a full 4 quarter effort week in and week out from this team? I think our conditioning and offseason work played a huge part in winning against the Rams.
Will Hugh be back in the lineup? We could definitely use his speed and talent to alternate with Sumler. Additionally, getting back one of the d-linemen along Sipili (hopefully!! I think we'll find out tomorrow?) should help infuse the defense with some more depth and talent.
I think it'll be a good game, and CU will give ASU everything they can handle, and hopefully CU pulls it out in the 4th again!
GO BUFFS!
Normally a big improvement between game 1 and game 2. Our offense no longer has the element of surprise (lets be honest, CU did whatever they wanted on the first two drives against CSU, and I'll claim a bit of that success was from the element of surprise). We're a young team, so you would think that there should be vast improvement from week to week, especially from week 1 to week 2.
Both teams won their opener, but in totally different fashion. ASU killed San Jose St at home, whereas CU fought and clawed to get a victory over an always highly motivated CSU team (at least when they're playing CU) on a neutral site. The ASU game was never in doubt. The CU/CSU game was a constant back and forth battle. I'm hoping last weeks game prepared CU more than it prepared ASU for the upcoming game.
Will CU experience an emotional letdown after beating CSU in overtime? I think as much of the emotional letdown (if it comes) would be from putting so much emphasis on winning the 1st game, considering how last season went. I hope the team isn't spent and is instead more focused and determined to keep winning and getting better, but I am somewhat worried about CU coming out a bit flat.
How will we deal with the heat? I heard last week's ASU game was also a night kickoff and was 101 degrees at kickoff. I would assume that without the sun beating down on our guys, and the fact it should (hopefully) cool down as the game goes on, that this will be a non-factor, but it is a bit of a concern, given that our depth is somewhat lacking in a few positions.
CU did not wilt in the 4th quarter on Saturday, a total opposite of what happened to us almost every game last year. Was that a one-time thing against a "lower tier MWC team" like CSU? Or, can we expect a full 4 quarter effort week in and week out from this team? I think our conditioning and offseason work played a huge part in winning against the Rams.
Will Hugh be back in the lineup? We could definitely use his speed and talent to alternate with Sumler. Additionally, getting back one of the d-linemen along Sipili (hopefully!! I think we'll find out tomorrow?) should help infuse the defense with some more depth and talent.
I think it'll be a good game, and CU will give ASU everything they can handle, and hopefully CU pulls it out in the 4th again!
GO BUFFS!