2009 Colorado College Football Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on July 24, 2009

colorado 72409 After winning their first three games last season, the Colorado Buffaloes went just 2-7 the rest of the way. While injuries played a big role in the Buffs’ struggles, a 5-7 season likely didn’t afford head coach Dan Hawkins anymore rope as he enter his fourth year on the job. Find out where I have Colorado finishing in the Big 12 North in this 2009 college football betting preview. Colorado is listed at +8,000 to win the 2009 BCS title at BetUS.

Offense – The Buffaloes tried out a no-huddle attack in 2008, similar to one that their Big 12 rivals have been torching them with, but it did not work out very well. Colorado averaged just 20.2 points per game (100th nationally) and gained just 318.5 yards per contest (95th nationally). Both tallies were good for last place in the Big 12. The coaching staff had already started to scrap the no-huddle approach by season’s end and the new scheme appears to be a more traditional offense utilizing the running game to set up the pass. While scoring production may not go up a ton, this scheme figures to serve the Buffs better for the personnel they have available. The backfield is deep and the offensive line is big and athletic. Rodney Stewart and Darrell Scott form a formidable running back duo. Stewart led the way last season, rushing for 622 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Both players were hit with the injury bug in 2008 and we should see their production go way up if they are blessed with good heath in 2009. The offensive line looks pretty solid up and down with left tackle Nate Solder leading the unit. It’s going to take much better quarterback play before Colorado’s offense will scare anyone. If the Buffs are able to establish the running game, Cody Hawkins will likely benefit from some easy play action opportunities. Hawkins threw for 1,892 yards and 17 touchdowns against 10 interceptions in 2008.

Defense – The Buffs bring back only three starters from a unit which allowed 29.3 points per game (86th nationally) and 381.6 yards per game (78th nationally). The play of the defensive line will likely make or break the Buffs this season. Three starters up front have moved on and that puts a lot of pressure on the guys stepping in. Players like true freshman defensive end Nick Kasa will likely be asked to play right away. He might not show it this season, but Kasa is a name to listen for in the coming years. He is the state’s top recruit and had actually committed to Florida at one time. The strength of the defense is the linebacker corps led by senior Jeff Smart. Smart is coming off a spectacular 118-tackle season. The coaching staff wants to bring the heat more often with blitz packages to make up for what was lost on the defensive line. That will put a lot of pressure on the secondary to limit big plays when the blitzers miss their mark and the coaching staff is confident that the defensive backfield is good enough to hold down the fort.

Prediction: 4th Big 12 North – Staying healthy is critical for the Buffaloes in 2009 after losing 121 player games to injury a season ago. The defense will be young up front, but it has the potential to be pretty good with solid secondary and linebacker units. If the offense can find a way to put points on the board more often than it did in 2008, the Buffs could surprise in the North. That’s what head coach Dan Hawkins is hoping for as he is just 13-24 in three seasons in Boulder and his rope is getting shorter. Colorado is listed at +500 to win the Big 12 North Division.

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