Pac-12: Colorado Buffaloes
Something about Pac-12 recruits just like 
June, 14, 2013
Jun 14
2:00
PM ET
By
Tom Luginbill | ESPN.com
Recruiting is the lifeblood of every program in the country, and every conference has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to landing top prospects. We've spent a week examining the BCS conferences plus Notre Dame to find each's strength, the biggest obstacle each faces and the overall view of the conference. The final conference we'll look at is the Pac-12.
Biggest obstacle: Defense, defense, defense. While this conference is never short on skill, weapons, quarterbacks and big-play offenses, finding playmakers on the defensive line is a whole lot tougher. It is staggering to see that from the top 40 players we've graded from the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Utah and Nevada since 2006, there are only three defensive linemen. That is well over 3,000 players graded and just three defensive linemen. Unlike Florida, which borders several states that are loaded with prospects, California does not have this luxury surrounding it in numbers and quality. The Pac-12 has the juice and player pool to be good enough to play for the national championship with a few teams, but can they win it without being loaded up front on defense?
Biggest strength: Explosive skill, tradition, cool factor (Oregon!) and great locations. Some of the toughest places to play in America reside in the Pac-12, including Eugene, Ore., and Seattle. It can be very difficult for national recruiters to steal kids out of Pac-12 territory because in this era today's prospects identify with USC, Oregon and Stanford. However, the recent sanctions placed on USC have opened the door for programs on USC's level in terms of national perception to get their foot in the door. This has put pressure on UCLA, Stanford and Oregon to keep the prospects from Pac-12 country at home.
Overall view of the conference: USC is still USC, but it is going to get worse before it gets better in terms of on-field results, which provides the opportunity for UCLA and others to state their case to top West Coast prospects. Oregon is under new leadership and we don't yet know how this will affect the Ducks in recruiting, and others as a result. Washington is the team that has the hot hand lately. The Huskies are improving and just upgraded an already great stadium facility. It is imperative with the increase in talent we have seen the last few years from the state of Arizona that the Wildcats and Sun Devils keep those kids at home and not allow them to go further west or to Notre Dame, etc. This conference is viewed as an exciting one, but not necessarily one that is a national recruiter outside of Oregon and USC. Outside of the state of Texas, there is not much Pac-12 presence in other recruiting pools.
Biggest obstacle: Defense, defense, defense. While this conference is never short on skill, weapons, quarterbacks and big-play offenses, finding playmakers on the defensive line is a whole lot tougher. It is staggering to see that from the top 40 players we've graded from the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Utah and Nevada since 2006, there are only three defensive linemen. That is well over 3,000 players graded and just three defensive linemen. Unlike Florida, which borders several states that are loaded with prospects, California does not have this luxury surrounding it in numbers and quality. The Pac-12 has the juice and player pool to be good enough to play for the national championship with a few teams, but can they win it without being loaded up front on defense?
Biggest strength: Explosive skill, tradition, cool factor (Oregon!) and great locations. Some of the toughest places to play in America reside in the Pac-12, including Eugene, Ore., and Seattle. It can be very difficult for national recruiters to steal kids out of Pac-12 territory because in this era today's prospects identify with USC, Oregon and Stanford. However, the recent sanctions placed on USC have opened the door for programs on USC's level in terms of national perception to get their foot in the door. This has put pressure on UCLA, Stanford and Oregon to keep the prospects from Pac-12 country at home.
Overall view of the conference: USC is still USC, but it is going to get worse before it gets better in terms of on-field results, which provides the opportunity for UCLA and others to state their case to top West Coast prospects. Oregon is under new leadership and we don't yet know how this will affect the Ducks in recruiting, and others as a result. Washington is the team that has the hot hand lately. The Huskies are improving and just upgraded an already great stadium facility. It is imperative with the increase in talent we have seen the last few years from the state of Arizona that the Wildcats and Sun Devils keep those kids at home and not allow them to go further west or to Notre Dame, etc. This conference is viewed as an exciting one, but not necessarily one that is a national recruiter outside of Oregon and USC. Outside of the state of Texas, there is not much Pac-12 presence in other recruiting pools.
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Who's on the spot at Colorado? Everybody. Because everybody needs to be on the same page for the Buffaloes to inch forward to respectability.
The Pac-12 has published its official 2013 media guide, which means each team has provided its official tally of returning starters.
What is a "returning starter"? Typically, it means a player who started at least five games in 2012, though in some cases it might include a 2011 starter who missed last season due to injury.
As a conference, 187 total starters are back from a possible 288, including punters and kickers. That's an average of 15.6 per team, which is well above the 10-year average of 14.9 returning starters. Last year, 173 starters -- 14.4 per team -- were coming back.
Washington returns the most with 20 starters, followed by Colorado with 19. Utah returns the fewest, with 12.
Here are the numbers:
That's an average of 7.1 players on offense and 7.3 players on defense. Last year, the numbers were 6.3 for offense and 6.8 for defense. The numbers are slightly down for specialists (1.2 versus 1.3).
Of the returning starters, 12 were first-team All-Pac-12.
Of course, returning starters don't mean everything.
USC was widely celebrated for its 19 returning starters in 2012, which earned it the No. 1 ranking in the preseason Associated Press poll. Things didn't go so well thereafter. Meanwhile, Arizona State went a surprisingly sound 8-5 with just 10 returning starters, fewest in the conference in 2012.
What is a "returning starter"? Typically, it means a player who started at least five games in 2012, though in some cases it might include a 2011 starter who missed last season due to injury.
As a conference, 187 total starters are back from a possible 288, including punters and kickers. That's an average of 15.6 per team, which is well above the 10-year average of 14.9 returning starters. Last year, 173 starters -- 14.4 per team -- were coming back.
Washington returns the most with 20 starters, followed by Colorado with 19. Utah returns the fewest, with 12.
Here are the numbers:
That's an average of 7.1 players on offense and 7.3 players on defense. Last year, the numbers were 6.3 for offense and 6.8 for defense. The numbers are slightly down for specialists (1.2 versus 1.3).
Of the returning starters, 12 were first-team All-Pac-12.
Of course, returning starters don't mean everything.
USC was widely celebrated for its 19 returning starters in 2012, which earned it the No. 1 ranking in the preseason Associated Press poll. Things didn't go so well thereafter. Meanwhile, Arizona State went a surprisingly sound 8-5 with just 10 returning starters, fewest in the conference in 2012.
The Pac-12 teams have been busy, with more than half of the squads adding at least one commit in the last two weeks. Here's where things stand.
Arizona
2014 verbal commitments: 4
Spotlight: Running back Jonathan Haden (Washington, D.C.) is the latest to commit after passing up offers from more than 10 schools, including Ohio State. Here's his highlight reel. (Some pretty good-looking runs).
ESPN 150 members: 1 (Athlete Cameron Denson, Tucson, Ariz.)
Arizona State
2014 verbal commitments: 3
Spotlight: Defensive end Korey Rush (Salt Lake City) gave his commitment earlier this month. He's an undersized defensive lineman with an explosive first step. That should sound familiar to Sun Devils fans.
ESPN 150 members: 0
California
2014 verbal commitments: 3
Spotlight: Running back Tre Watson (Corona, Calif.), who gave a verbal commitment last week, passed up offers from Washington State, Utah and BYU in favor of the Bears.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Colorado
2014 verbal commitments: 1
Spotlight: The Buffaloes got on the board last week with their first commit for the 2014 class -- offensive tackle Isaac Miller (Longmont, Colo.). Washington State also offered the 6-foot-7, 255-pounder, who has some room to grow.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Oregon
2014 verbal commitments: 3
Spotlight: No commits from the Ducks in the past couple of weeks, but dual-threat quarterback Morgan Mahalak (Kentfield, Calif.) is intriguing. He backed up Jared Goff while playing wide receiver.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Oregon State
2014 verbal commitments: 1
Spotlight: Quarterback Nick Mitchell (Snoqualmie, Wash.), is still the lone commit for the Beavers. Typical Mike Riley pro-style quarterback. Tall and accurate. Here's his scouting report.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Stanford
2014 verbal commitments: 3
Spotlight: No commits from Stanford since the last roundup, but safety Brandon Simmons (Arlington, Texas) returns punts and -- from his highlight reel -- has pretty good instincts reacting to the ball.
ESPN 150 members: 0
UCLA
2014 verbal commitments: 2
Spotlight: Wide receiver Dionte Sykes (Chandler Ariz.), who committed last week, is a good-sized target at 6-2 who could emerge as a solid possession and red zone target. Here's his highlight reel, with a pretty good catch at the 41-second mark.
ESPN 150 members: 0
USC
2014 verbal commitments: 5
Spotlight: Four-star defensive tackle Tashon Smallwood (Fresno, Calif.), sought after by the likes of Alabama and Oklahoma, is a space-eater with room to grow in his 6-foot, 290-pound frame. He looks like he could be a 3-4 nose, but you can see from his highlight reel that he's also got a good first step and pursues well.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Utah
2014 verbal commitments: 5
Spotlight: Wide receiver Raelon Singleton (Crosby, Texas), who committed earlier this month, fits the mold of wide receiver Utah is going to want as it moves fully into the spread offense. Tall, can stretch the field and has tremendous upside.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Washington
2014 verbal commitments: 4
Spotlight: Cool fact about tight end Chase Blakley (Coeur D'Alene, Idaho) -- it's been more than 15 years since someone from his school has played at the Pac-12 level, per the Coeur D'Alene Press. You can see his highlight reel here.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Washington State
2014 verbal commitments: 5
Spotlight: The Cougars have picked up two commits in the past couple of weeks, including a verbal commitment Tuesday from wide receiver Zaire Andre (Inglewood, Calif.). He's a quick, elusive receiver who could fit in nicely as a slot receiver/kick returner. Had offers from Nebraska, Nevada and San Jose State.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Arizona
2014 verbal commitments: 4
Spotlight: Running back Jonathan Haden (Washington, D.C.) is the latest to commit after passing up offers from more than 10 schools, including Ohio State. Here's his highlight reel. (Some pretty good-looking runs).
ESPN 150 members: 1 (Athlete Cameron Denson, Tucson, Ariz.)
Arizona State
2014 verbal commitments: 3
Spotlight: Defensive end Korey Rush (Salt Lake City) gave his commitment earlier this month. He's an undersized defensive lineman with an explosive first step. That should sound familiar to Sun Devils fans.
ESPN 150 members: 0
California
2014 verbal commitments: 3
Spotlight: Running back Tre Watson (Corona, Calif.), who gave a verbal commitment last week, passed up offers from Washington State, Utah and BYU in favor of the Bears.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Colorado
2014 verbal commitments: 1
Spotlight: The Buffaloes got on the board last week with their first commit for the 2014 class -- offensive tackle Isaac Miller (Longmont, Colo.). Washington State also offered the 6-foot-7, 255-pounder, who has some room to grow.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Oregon
2014 verbal commitments: 3
Spotlight: No commits from the Ducks in the past couple of weeks, but dual-threat quarterback Morgan Mahalak (Kentfield, Calif.) is intriguing. He backed up Jared Goff while playing wide receiver.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Oregon State
2014 verbal commitments: 1
Spotlight: Quarterback Nick Mitchell (Snoqualmie, Wash.), is still the lone commit for the Beavers. Typical Mike Riley pro-style quarterback. Tall and accurate. Here's his scouting report.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Stanford
2014 verbal commitments: 3
Spotlight: No commits from Stanford since the last roundup, but safety Brandon Simmons (Arlington, Texas) returns punts and -- from his highlight reel -- has pretty good instincts reacting to the ball.
ESPN 150 members: 0
UCLA
2014 verbal commitments: 2
Spotlight: Wide receiver Dionte Sykes (Chandler Ariz.), who committed last week, is a good-sized target at 6-2 who could emerge as a solid possession and red zone target. Here's his highlight reel, with a pretty good catch at the 41-second mark.
ESPN 150 members: 0
USC
2014 verbal commitments: 5
Spotlight: Four-star defensive tackle Tashon Smallwood (Fresno, Calif.), sought after by the likes of Alabama and Oklahoma, is a space-eater with room to grow in his 6-foot, 290-pound frame. He looks like he could be a 3-4 nose, but you can see from his highlight reel that he's also got a good first step and pursues well.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Utah
2014 verbal commitments: 5
Spotlight: Wide receiver Raelon Singleton (Crosby, Texas), who committed earlier this month, fits the mold of wide receiver Utah is going to want as it moves fully into the spread offense. Tall, can stretch the field and has tremendous upside.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Washington
2014 verbal commitments: 4
Spotlight: Cool fact about tight end Chase Blakley (Coeur D'Alene, Idaho) -- it's been more than 15 years since someone from his school has played at the Pac-12 level, per the Coeur D'Alene Press. You can see his highlight reel here.
ESPN 150 members: 0
Washington State
2014 verbal commitments: 5
Spotlight: The Cougars have picked up two commits in the past couple of weeks, including a verbal commitment Tuesday from wide receiver Zaire Andre (Inglewood, Calif.). He's a quick, elusive receiver who could fit in nicely as a slot receiver/kick returner. Had offers from Nebraska, Nevada and San Jose State.
ESPN 150 members: 0
The return of wide receiver Paul Richardson gives the Colorado Buffaloes an explosive player in the passing game.
Mike Bohn's sudden resignation as Colorado's athletic director Tuesday is a bit of a surprise. Apparently it was even to Bohn himself, who texted Denver sportscaster Vic Lombardio that he was "floored."
Mark Johnson of 850 KOA first reported Bohn's departure.
So resignation or firing -- semantics! -- the end-result is Colorado is looking for a new athletic director after: 1. Colorado gave Bohn a five-year contract extension in 2011 that ran through 2017; 2. Bohn fired coach Jon Embree after just two seasons and hired Mike MacIntyre away from San Jose State to replace him; 3. The school announced a $50 million facilities fundraising campaign for a $170 million multiyear upgrade of the school's -- read: football's -- athletics facilities.
So a lot is going on at Colorado as it concludes its second year in the Pac-12.
“Mike Bohn led CU-Boulder athletics in a time of great transition and change,” Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano said in a statement released by the school. “We are grateful to him for his vision, passion and commitment, and for his key role in revitalizing men’s and women’s basketball, helping us to join the Pac-12 Conference, and in taking important steps to upgrade athletic facilities at CU-Boulder. We wish him well.”
Bohn's resignation is effective June 3. DiStefano said he will in the coming days appoint a search committee to conduct a national search for Bohn’s successor.
What will Colorado be looking for? Here's a guess, inferring a subtext within the school's official release, is there's a major sense of urgency about fundraising.
From the release:
A couple of take-aways here.
First, football rules. While Bohn made a seemingly savvy hire of Tad Boyle to resurrect a poor-to-middling men's basketball program, his two football choices before MacIntyre -- Embree and Dan Hawkins -- produced a 23-60 record.
Second, now MacIntyre will be working for an athletic director who didn't hire him. Most coaches find that worrisome, though that connection failed to help Embree. And winning solves everything.
The timing here, of course, feels strange. Perhaps there's more to the story that will come out in the next few days.
Mark Johnson of 850 KOA first reported Bohn's departure.
So resignation or firing -- semantics! -- the end-result is Colorado is looking for a new athletic director after: 1. Colorado gave Bohn a five-year contract extension in 2011 that ran through 2017; 2. Bohn fired coach Jon Embree after just two seasons and hired Mike MacIntyre away from San Jose State to replace him; 3. The school announced a $50 million facilities fundraising campaign for a $170 million multiyear upgrade of the school's -- read: football's -- athletics facilities.
So a lot is going on at Colorado as it concludes its second year in the Pac-12.
“Mike Bohn led CU-Boulder athletics in a time of great transition and change,” Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano said in a statement released by the school. “We are grateful to him for his vision, passion and commitment, and for his key role in revitalizing men’s and women’s basketball, helping us to join the Pac-12 Conference, and in taking important steps to upgrade athletic facilities at CU-Boulder. We wish him well.”
Bohn's resignation is effective June 3. DiStefano said he will in the coming days appoint a search committee to conduct a national search for Bohn’s successor.
What will Colorado be looking for? Here's a guess, inferring a subtext within the school's official release, is there's a major sense of urgency about fundraising.
From the release:
DiStefano said the university will be seeking “a dynamic leader” as athletic director -- someone who, he said, “can focus on our key goals of fundraising, building a dynamic organization, and creating long-term sustainability in the athletics mission.”
A couple of take-aways here.
First, football rules. While Bohn made a seemingly savvy hire of Tad Boyle to resurrect a poor-to-middling men's basketball program, his two football choices before MacIntyre -- Embree and Dan Hawkins -- produced a 23-60 record.
Second, now MacIntyre will be working for an athletic director who didn't hire him. Most coaches find that worrisome, though that connection failed to help Embree. And winning solves everything.
The timing here, of course, feels strange. Perhaps there's more to the story that will come out in the next few days.
While it feels like Connor Wood is going to be Colorado's starting quarterback in 2013, due to a good spring as well as attrition at the position, the Buffaloes haven't quit looking for help behind center.
The Buffs announced Monday the signing of Jordan Gehrke, a second-team all-region performer at Scottsdale Community College as a freshman last fall. He becomes the 21st recruit in the first class signed by coach Mike MacIntyre.
Gehrke, who won’t turn 19 until late July, will have four years to play three.
Last fall, Gehrke helped Scottsdale CC lead the nation in passing yards (355.2 per game), completing 174 of 366 passes for 2,388 yards and 22 touchdowns. He completed 51.8 percent of his passes and threw 14 interceptions. His top game came in the season finale, a 71-29 win over Phoenix College, when he was 29-of-43 for 384 yards and seven touchdowns with three interceptions.
“He’s very athletic, extremely accurate, can make all the throws and is a bright young man in regards to football and in the classroom,” MacIntyre said in a statement released by the school.
At Scottsdale’s Notre Dame Prep, Gehrke was a second-team all-state and a first-team All-II Section III performer as a senior, when he completed 134 of 250 passes for 2,012 yards and 23 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 133 yards and scored twice.
The Buffs were looking to add depth at QB after Nick Hirschman opted to transfer to Akron, despite being in a dead heat with Wood after spring practices, according to MacIntyre, and a knee injury to Jordan Webb. Webb's situation is further complicated by an off-field fight in tandem with offensive lineman Alex Lewis, who is transferring to Nebraska.
Also in the mix at QB are redshirt freshman Shane Dillon and touted incoming freshman Sefo Liufau.
The Buffs announced Monday the signing of Jordan Gehrke, a second-team all-region performer at Scottsdale Community College as a freshman last fall. He becomes the 21st recruit in the first class signed by coach Mike MacIntyre.
Gehrke, who won’t turn 19 until late July, will have four years to play three.
Last fall, Gehrke helped Scottsdale CC lead the nation in passing yards (355.2 per game), completing 174 of 366 passes for 2,388 yards and 22 touchdowns. He completed 51.8 percent of his passes and threw 14 interceptions. His top game came in the season finale, a 71-29 win over Phoenix College, when he was 29-of-43 for 384 yards and seven touchdowns with three interceptions.
“He’s very athletic, extremely accurate, can make all the throws and is a bright young man in regards to football and in the classroom,” MacIntyre said in a statement released by the school.
At Scottsdale’s Notre Dame Prep, Gehrke was a second-team all-state and a first-team All-II Section III performer as a senior, when he completed 134 of 250 passes for 2,012 yards and 23 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 133 yards and scored twice.
The Buffs were looking to add depth at QB after Nick Hirschman opted to transfer to Akron, despite being in a dead heat with Wood after spring practices, according to MacIntyre, and a knee injury to Jordan Webb. Webb's situation is further complicated by an off-field fight in tandem with offensive lineman Alex Lewis, who is transferring to Nebraska.
Also in the mix at QB are redshirt freshman Shane Dillon and touted incoming freshman Sefo Liufau.
With the news breaking late Friday that Colorado offensive lineman Alex Lewis will transfer to Nebraska, and the subsequent news of Lewis' arrest on Saturday along with quarterback Jordan Webb, new Buffs coach Mike MacIntyre finds himself needing to replace another former starter on the offensive line.
Lewis started 12 games last year at left guard, and the Buffs had already lost David Bakhtiari to the NFL a year early -- meaning the left side of the offensive line will have to be replaced.
So be it. This is just another among the challenges MacIntyre has to overcome at Colorado.
Lewis missed all of spring ball after having shoulder surgery in November. The Buffs were certainly looking forward to getting him and his experience back in the fall, but in his absence others were able to work in at the position -- meaning they won't be starting completely from scratch when fall camp comes around. Still, Lewis was all-league honorable mention last year, so his departure isn't an insignificant one by any means.
Just another obstacle Mac & Co. will have to deal with moving forward.
So where does this leave the Buffs up front?
The Buffs also have five linemen coming in -- most of them with good size already (Gunnar Graham, 6-foot-5, 305 pounds; Jonathan Huckins, 6-3, 310; Sam Kronshage, 6-5, 275; John Lisella, 6-4, 240; and Colin Sutton 6-5, 295).
It's likely one or more will have to, at the very least, crack the two-deep and help provide some depth.
[+] Enlarge
David Dermer/Getty ImagesAlex Lewis' decision to transfer leaves a hole to fill on Colorado's offensive line.
So be it. This is just another among the challenges MacIntyre has to overcome at Colorado.
Lewis missed all of spring ball after having shoulder surgery in November. The Buffs were certainly looking forward to getting him and his experience back in the fall, but in his absence others were able to work in at the position -- meaning they won't be starting completely from scratch when fall camp comes around. Still, Lewis was all-league honorable mention last year, so his departure isn't an insignificant one by any means.
Just another obstacle Mac & Co. will have to deal with moving forward.
So where does this leave the Buffs up front?
- Left tackle: Jack Harris moves over, and he has some experience after starting 11 games last year -- six at right guard and five at right tackle. He finally got some consistent playing time after missing the majority of 2011 with an ankle injury. Depth is a huge issue, here, however.
- Left guard: Vacated by Lewis, junior Kaiwi Crabb sat atop the post-spring depth chart while Lewis was rehabbing his shoulder. Sophomore Jeromy Irwin will also be in the mix and sits second on the depth chart.
- Center: Gus Handler is solid and will probably be on the Rimington watchlist again. He started the final 10 games of 2011 and started five games last year before suffering ankle and knee injuries. Other than learning a new system and adjusting to a new set of starters on the line, the Buffs are set in the middle. Brad Cotner sits behind Handler on the depth chart, and Daniel Munyer also has some experience at center after filling in for Handler last year.
- Right guard: Munyer, who missed most of spring with a fractured fibula, was an all-league honorable mention last year and should be 100 percent by August. He started all 12 games last year, six at right guard and the remaining six at center filling in for Handler. He's probably Colorado's most consistent performer on the line. Alex Kelley will back him up.
- Right tackle: Stephane Nembot played in 10 games last year, starting seven. Injuries forced him into action during his redshirt freshman season, so the sophomore has some experience. Marc Mustoe is No. 2 on the depth chart.
The Buffs also have five linemen coming in -- most of them with good size already (Gunnar Graham, 6-foot-5, 305 pounds; Jonathan Huckins, 6-3, 310; Sam Kronshage, 6-5, 275; John Lisella, 6-4, 240; and Colin Sutton 6-5, 295).
It's likely one or more will have to, at the very least, crack the two-deep and help provide some depth.
Inspired by Florida's "#ComePlayWRFortheJoker" campaign, our recruiting writers looked at other ways schools can sell themselves on the trail. Here's a look at recruiting pitches for the Pac-12:
Arizona Wildcats
What they're selling: Rich Rodriguez's offensive system worked wonders at West Virginia and introduced the nation to Denard Robinson at Michigan. In 2012, the explosive offense scored at least 34 points in 10 of the Wildcats' 13 games.
What they're missing: The Wildcats don't have the Territorial Cup, which went to Arizona State following a 41-34 victory last season. If Arizona is going to climb the Pac-12 ranks, it'll need to win at home and lock up local talent over the Sun Devils.
Arizona State Sun Devils
What they're selling: There's a new attitude at Arizona State, as Todd Graham took the Sun Devils from the most penalized team in the country to one of the least penalized in just one year. Installing that discipline and accountability has been a major selling point for recruits signing up to play with Graham.
What they're missing: The Sun Devils won their final three games of the season for the first time in more than three decades, but losses to UCLA and USC leave them looking up at the Pac-12 South leaders in the battle for national prominence.
California Golden Bears
What they're selling: One of the top public universities in the world, Cal will always be able to pitch its strong academics to recruiting. The new facilities and revamped California Memorial Stadium will help accentuate the package with a pretty bow.
What they're missing: Coach Sonny Dykes has recent Pac-12 experience, but his three years at Louisiana Tech took him completely out of the minds of West region recruits. In-state recruits, essential to Cal's recruiting success, are unfamiliar with what Dykes' systems look like in game action, although the Golden Bears will have a chance to make several statements this fall.
Colorado Buffaloes
What they're selling: The Buffaloes need playmakers at a multitude of position on both sides of the ball. Playing time and the ability to make an instant impact are certainly on the table for Colorado recruits.
What they're missing: Colorado was two points away from a winless season in 2012 and has very little on-field momentum heading into 2013. The Buffs have just four wins in two years in the Pac-12, and until that changes, it'll be difficult to win significant recruiting battles.
Oregon Ducks
What they're selling: The noisy uniforms and noisier Autzen Stadium provide the flash, but there is plenty of substance in the fast-paced offense the Ducks run. It's unlikely that will slow down under new coach Mark Helfrich.
What they're missing: Mostly obviously, they're missing Chip Kelly, which has left a slight cloud over how the program might change direction or continue unaltered under the new staff. But the possibility of looming NCAA sanctions means the Ducks can't sell completely smooth sailing to recruits in this class.
Oregon State Beavers
What they're selling: The Beavers can sell credibility, not just on the field, but with the coaching staff as well. Mike Riley and his staff have proven they can win in Corvallis and year after year, the Beavers' coach comes across as incredibly genuine to recruits.
What they're missing: In state, Oregon State is the decided underdog when it comes to flash and national appeal. The Beavers aren't often referred to as a "dream school" by recruits, so there is rarely a sure-fire commitment for coaches when they go out of state.
Stanford Cardinal
What they're selling: Arguably no school in the country has the combination of academics and athletics of Stanford. When you're recruiting student-athletes, that's a good place to start.
What they're missing: Despite the recent success, Stanford is never going to be able to put together the game-day atmosphere of some of its Pac-12 competition, including Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.
UCLA Bruins
What they're selling: Jim Mora's staff has Southern California buzzing about the new direction UCLA is headed. That's a good thing for the Bruins, who have climbed out of the shadow of USC.
What they're missing: The Bruins had a chance to completely pass USC, but dropped their final three games of the season. There is still a question about whether they've jumped the Trojans for good and until that is settled on the field this season, the Trojans will likely get the benefit of the doubt, regionally and nationally.
USC Trojans
What they're selling: No Pac-12 program can fall back on tradition like USC. And now with the John McKay Center, old school meets new school in a much-needed facility upgrade.
What they're missing: Rumblings about Lane Kiffin's job security began after a 10-point loss to UCLA, grew louder after a loss to Notre Dame and became deafening after a Sun Bowl loss to Georgia Tech. Despite athletic director Pat Haden throwing his full support behind the coach, recruits and their families are having difficulty believing Kiffin and his staff are there for the long haul.
Utah Utes
What they're selling: Offensively, there is plenty of intrigue as to how co-offensive coordinators Dennis Erickson and Brian Johnson direct the attack. Overall, there is still the memory of what Utah was able to accomplish as a BCS spoiler in 2008, and Kyle Whittingham hopes to spark some of that magic in the Pac-12.
What they're missing: In two years, the Utes are below .500 in the Pac-12 and missed out on a bowl game last season. At this point, it's still an uphill climb in terms of convincing recruits they can cause an upheaval in the conference standings.
Washington Huskies
What they're selling: It's tough to find a coaching staff with more energy on the field or recruiting trail, starting with head coach Steve Sarkisian and moving to every assistant coach on the staff. It's a young group that relates incredibly well to recruits.
What they're missing: The Huskies have yet to win eight games in Sarkisian's three years in Seattle, so hitting that number would be a big step toward proving there is some growing on-field momentum.
Washington State Cougars
What they're selling: Mike Leach is still one of the most interesting personalities in college football, and despite some stumbles in his first year at Washington State, recruits are still interested to see what the Cougars can do this fall in his second year.
What they're missing: The Cougars need wins and they need them now. Washington State hasn't posted a winning record since 2003 and when it comes to on-field performance, it simply can't compete with a majority of Pac-12 teams.
Arizona Wildcats
What they're selling: Rich Rodriguez's offensive system worked wonders at West Virginia and introduced the nation to Denard Robinson at Michigan. In 2012, the explosive offense scored at least 34 points in 10 of the Wildcats' 13 games.
What they're missing: The Wildcats don't have the Territorial Cup, which went to Arizona State following a 41-34 victory last season. If Arizona is going to climb the Pac-12 ranks, it'll need to win at home and lock up local talent over the Sun Devils.
Arizona State Sun Devils
What they're selling: There's a new attitude at Arizona State, as Todd Graham took the Sun Devils from the most penalized team in the country to one of the least penalized in just one year. Installing that discipline and accountability has been a major selling point for recruits signing up to play with Graham.
What they're missing: The Sun Devils won their final three games of the season for the first time in more than three decades, but losses to UCLA and USC leave them looking up at the Pac-12 South leaders in the battle for national prominence.
California Golden Bears
What they're selling: One of the top public universities in the world, Cal will always be able to pitch its strong academics to recruiting. The new facilities and revamped California Memorial Stadium will help accentuate the package with a pretty bow.
What they're missing: Coach Sonny Dykes has recent Pac-12 experience, but his three years at Louisiana Tech took him completely out of the minds of West region recruits. In-state recruits, essential to Cal's recruiting success, are unfamiliar with what Dykes' systems look like in game action, although the Golden Bears will have a chance to make several statements this fall.
Colorado Buffaloes
What they're selling: The Buffaloes need playmakers at a multitude of position on both sides of the ball. Playing time and the ability to make an instant impact are certainly on the table for Colorado recruits.
What they're missing: Colorado was two points away from a winless season in 2012 and has very little on-field momentum heading into 2013. The Buffs have just four wins in two years in the Pac-12, and until that changes, it'll be difficult to win significant recruiting battles.
Oregon Ducks
What they're selling: The noisy uniforms and noisier Autzen Stadium provide the flash, but there is plenty of substance in the fast-paced offense the Ducks run. It's unlikely that will slow down under new coach Mark Helfrich.
What they're missing: Mostly obviously, they're missing Chip Kelly, which has left a slight cloud over how the program might change direction or continue unaltered under the new staff. But the possibility of looming NCAA sanctions means the Ducks can't sell completely smooth sailing to recruits in this class.
Oregon State Beavers
What they're selling: The Beavers can sell credibility, not just on the field, but with the coaching staff as well. Mike Riley and his staff have proven they can win in Corvallis and year after year, the Beavers' coach comes across as incredibly genuine to recruits.
What they're missing: In state, Oregon State is the decided underdog when it comes to flash and national appeal. The Beavers aren't often referred to as a "dream school" by recruits, so there is rarely a sure-fire commitment for coaches when they go out of state.
Stanford Cardinal
What they're selling: Arguably no school in the country has the combination of academics and athletics of Stanford. When you're recruiting student-athletes, that's a good place to start.
What they're missing: Despite the recent success, Stanford is never going to be able to put together the game-day atmosphere of some of its Pac-12 competition, including Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.
UCLA Bruins
What they're selling: Jim Mora's staff has Southern California buzzing about the new direction UCLA is headed. That's a good thing for the Bruins, who have climbed out of the shadow of USC.
What they're missing: The Bruins had a chance to completely pass USC, but dropped their final three games of the season. There is still a question about whether they've jumped the Trojans for good and until that is settled on the field this season, the Trojans will likely get the benefit of the doubt, regionally and nationally.
USC Trojans
What they're selling: No Pac-12 program can fall back on tradition like USC. And now with the John McKay Center, old school meets new school in a much-needed facility upgrade.
What they're missing: Rumblings about Lane Kiffin's job security began after a 10-point loss to UCLA, grew louder after a loss to Notre Dame and became deafening after a Sun Bowl loss to Georgia Tech. Despite athletic director Pat Haden throwing his full support behind the coach, recruits and their families are having difficulty believing Kiffin and his staff are there for the long haul.
Utah Utes
What they're selling: Offensively, there is plenty of intrigue as to how co-offensive coordinators Dennis Erickson and Brian Johnson direct the attack. Overall, there is still the memory of what Utah was able to accomplish as a BCS spoiler in 2008, and Kyle Whittingham hopes to spark some of that magic in the Pac-12.
What they're missing: In two years, the Utes are below .500 in the Pac-12 and missed out on a bowl game last season. At this point, it's still an uphill climb in terms of convincing recruits they can cause an upheaval in the conference standings.
Washington Huskies
What they're selling: It's tough to find a coaching staff with more energy on the field or recruiting trail, starting with head coach Steve Sarkisian and moving to every assistant coach on the staff. It's a young group that relates incredibly well to recruits.
What they're missing: The Huskies have yet to win eight games in Sarkisian's three years in Seattle, so hitting that number would be a big step toward proving there is some growing on-field momentum.
Washington State Cougars
What they're selling: Mike Leach is still one of the most interesting personalities in college football, and despite some stumbles in his first year at Washington State, recruits are still interested to see what the Cougars can do this fall in his second year.
What they're missing: The Cougars need wins and they need them now. Washington State hasn't posted a winning record since 2003 and when it comes to on-field performance, it simply can't compete with a majority of Pac-12 teams.
Pac-12 post-spring power rankings
May, 8, 2013
May 8
7:00
PM ET
By
Ted Miller and
Kevin Gemmell | ESPN.com
1. Stanford: The Cardinal have no obvious holes. Unlike last season, Stanford is set at quarterback, and the defense looks as if it will be even better in 2013. It's always nice to have the nation's most talented offensive line.
2. Oregon: While Stanford and Oregon feel like 1A and 1B, you have to account for the uncertainty of the Ducks' changing coaches, particularly when it's one with as big a presence as Chip Kelly. The returning talent, including Heisman Trophy hopeful Marcus Mariota at quarterback, is strong on both sides of the ball.
3. Arizona State: The Sun Devils and UCLA feel like 3A and 3B as the South Division favorites, but the Sun Devils welcome back 16 starters compared with 13 for the Bruins. The biggest question is at receiver, where incoming players are being expected to immediately compete for starting spots.
4. UCLA: There's a lot to like on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Brett Hundley and outside linebacker Anthony Barr. There are questions at running back and in the secondary. Answer those, and get better play out of the offensive line, and the Bruins could be sniffing the top 15.
5. Washington: The Huskies welcome back 20 starters for the re-opening of a renovated Husky Stadium. It's fortuitous that this looks like coach Steve Sarkisian's best team. The biggest question was whether quarterback Keith Price would bounce back from a poor 2012 season. His strong spring, as well as improved play from the offensive line, hints that this could be a Top-25 team.
6. Oregon State: The Beavers are held back, at least in terms of perception, by two things: (1) Uncertainty at quarterback; (2) A worrisome crossing of the fingers at defensive tackle. Neither Cody Vaz nor Sean Mannion separated himself at quarterback, and the Beavers are counting on junior college transfers to fill their two voids at defensive tackle. Still, there's enough here to merit a preseason Top-25 ranking.
7. USC: This low power ranking has nothing to do with talent or potential. The Trojans have enough talent, if things come together, to play in the Rose Bowl. But coach Lane Kiffin sits on the hottest seat in the conference, the Trojans are adopting a new defense under Clancy Pendergast, and there are questions at quarterback and in the secondary. The Trojans might be the most volatile team in terms of predictions. They could win 10 games. Or six.
8. Arizona: Arizona's two main questions are about absence (replacing quarterback Matt Scott) and presence (essentially the entire two-deep returning from a bad defense). It's difficult to believe the Wildcats' quarterback play will be as good as it was last season, but it's also difficult to believe the defense won't be vastly improved. Off-field issues for running back Ka'Deem Carey seem as though they will be resolved, but there is no escaping receiver Austin Hill's knee injury.
9. Utah: The best news for the Utes this spring was improved play from the offensive line and the seeming maturation of quarterback Travis Wilson. There are, however, plenty of questions on defense at all three levels, and it will be interesting to see how Dennis Erickson operates as a co-offensive coordinator.
10. California: Cal also is a volatile stock. A gander through the depth chart has a lot of "what if." As in: What if the Bears get good quarterback play in 2012? What if running back Brendan Bigelow stays healthy? What if the offensive line improves? What if the defense is as good as the recruiting stars suggest it should be? Answer those "what ifs" positively, and this is a bowl team.
11. Washington State: There is every reason to believe the Cougars will be better in Year 2 under Mike Leach, starting with the seasoning all those young players received the hard way in 2012. But it's difficult to see the Cougs eclipsing too many other teams in the conference pecking order. The No. 11 spot here could come with five wins.
12. Colorado: Colorado will be better in coach Mike MacIntyre's first season than it was in 2012, mostly because it can't get any worse. The Buffs were one of the nation's youngest teams last season, and it showed. They figure to be bigger, stronger and smarter this fall. But probably not so much as to escape the basement here.1. Quarterback competitions (mostly) unresolved: Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon State and USC entered spring with straight-up QB competitions, and none arrived at any clarity at the position, though some seemed to hint at a front-runner. B.J. Denker looked like the Wildcats' best healthy QB, while Cal's Zach Kline seemed to assert himself slightly for the Golden Bears. At Colorado, Connor Wood's case was helped by attrition. USC's and Oregon State's battles were too close to call.
Further, returning veteran starters with something to prove, including Washington's Keith Price, Washington State's Connor Halliday and Utah's Travis Wilson seemed to assert themselves to varying degrees, though Austin Apodaca could push Halliday in the fall.
2. New coaches, new ways: Sonny Dykes took over at California as did Mike MacIntyre at Colorado. Both, as could be expected, brought changes. Mark Helfrich replaced Chip Kelly at Oregon and, as could be expected, he changed almost nothing. The most obvious change at Cal was open practice, which former coach Jeff Tedford's abandonment of curiously coincided with the Bears gradual decline. The Bears will adopt a no-huddle, spread offense, replacing Tedford's pro-style scheme, and switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense, a reverse of the overall Pac-12 trend. MacIntyre arrived preaching relentless optimism and a pistol offense, while defensive coordinator Kent Baer will retain a 4-3 scheme, but hopefully get better results with his version.
3. Defense, line play look strong: The Pac-12 heads into 2013 poised for a banner year. Oregon and Stanford look like national title contenders -- both are likely preseason top-five teams -- while as many as seven conference teams seem like top-25 candidates. Some of the reasons for the promise are typical: returning QBs and skill players. But what's potentially a bigger reason for improved national standing is the physical side of the game: Offensive line and defense. Nine teams have at least seven starters coming back on defense, while seven teams welcome back four starters on the offensive line. Only one team, Utah, doesn't have at least three starters back on the O-line. Further, there's as much, if not more, star power coming back on the lines and on defense than at the skill positions.
COLORADO BUFFALOES
2012 record: 1-11
2012 conference record: 1-8 (Last in South Division)
Returning starters: Offense 9; Defense 7; Kick/punt 2
Top returners: WR Paul Richardson, WR Nelson Spruce, LB Derrick Webb, RB Christian Powell, C Gus Handler, DE Chidera Uzo-Diribe, CB Kenneth Crawley.
Key losses: TE Nick Kasa, OL David Bakhtiari, LB Jon Major, DB Ray Polk.
2012 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Christian Powell* (691)
Passing: Jordan Webb* (1,434, out indefinitely with knee injury)
Receiving: Nelson Spruce* (446)
Tackles: Derrick Webb* (88)
Sacks: Chidera Uzo-Diribe (7)
Interceptions: Jered Bell*, Jon Major, Marques Mosley* (1)
Spring answers
1. He's back: After missing all of 2012 with a torn ACL, wide receiver Paul Richardson is back and healthy. This is a huge boost for an offense that was lacking an explosive playmaker. In four Colorado scrimmages this spring, he had eight catches for 294 yards and three touchdowns. It's not the greatest barometer, but the fact he's on the field and running by defenders is a very positive sign.
2. Starting from scratch: Colorado has an entirely new coaching staff for the first time since 1979. So a good chunk of spring was spent reading name tags. It was also spent getting the team used to running a no-huddle offense. New coach Mike MacIntyre noted that the 15 practices were simply about introducing concepts -- which was accomplished. Translating those concepts into progress on the field will be a bigger task this fall.
3. Filling holes: Obviously, nothing is set in stone. A new coaching staff means a complete evaluation of every position. But there were some names that jumped out as candidates. D.D. Goodson made the move from tailback to wide receiver -- giving them a little more speed and depth at the position. January enrollee Addison Gillam jumped to the top of the depth chart at linebacker and cornerback John Walker made a big push in the secondary -- probably Colorado's deepest and most hotly contested position group.
Fall questions
1. QB questions: Last year there were three -- Jordan Webb, Nick Hirschman and Connor Wood. This year there are three -- Wood, Shane Dillon and incoming freshman Sefo Liufau. There are rumblings Webb might make it back by October -- but even then you have to wonder if he'll be close to 100 percent. Still, there are lots and lots of question about who will be running the new offense.
2. Sorting out the line: Just when it seems like the Buffs are starting to get a little continuity on the offensive line, right guard Daniel Munyer breaks his fibula during a fumble drill. It's not all completely up in the air -- and they do have a solid returning center in Gus Handler -- who should again be on the Rimington Trophy watch list. But there is still a lot of evaluation to be done.
3. Time to grow up: By now we all know about Colorado's youth in the secondary. A lot of freshmen played last year (1,476 snaps between a trio of freshmen defenders) and they learned the hard way what it's like to guard Pac-12 receivers. The maturation of this group is critical because improved secondary play will trickle down and take some of the pressure off of the front seven. This group has the athleticism and potential to be very good. The question is, will they?
2012 record: 1-11
2012 conference record: 1-8 (Last in South Division)
Returning starters: Offense 9; Defense 7; Kick/punt 2
Top returners: WR Paul Richardson, WR Nelson Spruce, LB Derrick Webb, RB Christian Powell, C Gus Handler, DE Chidera Uzo-Diribe, CB Kenneth Crawley.
Key losses: TE Nick Kasa, OL David Bakhtiari, LB Jon Major, DB Ray Polk.
2012 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Christian Powell* (691)
Passing: Jordan Webb* (1,434, out indefinitely with knee injury)
Receiving: Nelson Spruce* (446)
Tackles: Derrick Webb* (88)
Sacks: Chidera Uzo-Diribe (7)
Interceptions: Jered Bell*, Jon Major, Marques Mosley* (1)
Spring answers
1. He's back: After missing all of 2012 with a torn ACL, wide receiver Paul Richardson is back and healthy. This is a huge boost for an offense that was lacking an explosive playmaker. In four Colorado scrimmages this spring, he had eight catches for 294 yards and three touchdowns. It's not the greatest barometer, but the fact he's on the field and running by defenders is a very positive sign.
2. Starting from scratch: Colorado has an entirely new coaching staff for the first time since 1979. So a good chunk of spring was spent reading name tags. It was also spent getting the team used to running a no-huddle offense. New coach Mike MacIntyre noted that the 15 practices were simply about introducing concepts -- which was accomplished. Translating those concepts into progress on the field will be a bigger task this fall.
3. Filling holes: Obviously, nothing is set in stone. A new coaching staff means a complete evaluation of every position. But there were some names that jumped out as candidates. D.D. Goodson made the move from tailback to wide receiver -- giving them a little more speed and depth at the position. January enrollee Addison Gillam jumped to the top of the depth chart at linebacker and cornerback John Walker made a big push in the secondary -- probably Colorado's deepest and most hotly contested position group.
Fall questions
1. QB questions: Last year there were three -- Jordan Webb, Nick Hirschman and Connor Wood. This year there are three -- Wood, Shane Dillon and incoming freshman Sefo Liufau. There are rumblings Webb might make it back by October -- but even then you have to wonder if he'll be close to 100 percent. Still, there are lots and lots of question about who will be running the new offense.
2. Sorting out the line: Just when it seems like the Buffs are starting to get a little continuity on the offensive line, right guard Daniel Munyer breaks his fibula during a fumble drill. It's not all completely up in the air -- and they do have a solid returning center in Gus Handler -- who should again be on the Rimington Trophy watch list. But there is still a lot of evaluation to be done.
3. Time to grow up: By now we all know about Colorado's youth in the secondary. A lot of freshmen played last year (1,476 snaps between a trio of freshmen defenders) and they learned the hard way what it's like to guard Pac-12 receivers. The maturation of this group is critical because improved secondary play will trickle down and take some of the pressure off of the front seven. This group has the athleticism and potential to be very good. The question is, will they?
Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre talks about the college football playoff, his quarterback competition and young players growing up.
Every game counts. But some games count more. Or tell us more.
We're going through the Pac-12 and picking out one game that seems most important -- or potentially most revealing -- for each team from our vantage point today.
And then we'll let you vote from a list of potential options.
We're going in reverse alphabetical order.
Colorado
Most important game: Sept. 1 vs. Colorado State
Why it's important: This will be the first game of the Mike MacIntyre era. It will be played in Denver's Mile High Stadium against a state rival, one that is undeniably the little brother in the Rocky Mountain Showdown.
And it's against a little brother who humiliated the Buffaloes last year, a 22-17 Rams victory that set a horrible trajectory for perhaps the worst season in Colorado history.
The Buffs never recovered from the opening-day defeat. The next week, while Colorado State was losing to North Dakota State on its way to a 4-8 finish, Colorado lost to Sacramento State, an FCS team. The next week, it was bludgeoned into submission at Fresno State, 69-14, a quintessential white-flag performance from a team that didn't seem to want to play football anymore.
You probably can trace a 1-11 finish and the firing of Jon Embree to the woeful performance against the Rams. Ergo: In order to move on and up, the program needs to win this eminently winnable game.
It needs to win for its beleaguered fans. It needs to win for MacIntyre to get off to a good start. It needs to win so the Buffs develop confidence. It needs to win because it's a Pac-12 team and Colorado State is a Mountain West Conference bottom-feeder (no offense intended, Rams).
If Colorado loses? Wait. Let's start with the good side of things.
If Colorado beats the Rams, it gets to celebrate a win for the first time since Sept. 22, 2012. It also likely would start 2-0 with Central Arkansas coming to Boulder the next week. That means it could double its 2012 win total two games into the season, which is a good thing.
Then Fresno State comes to town. There should be a revenge angle there fueling the Buffs, though the Bulldogs look like a tough out, with 16 starters back from a crew that went 9-4 last year.
So the number is 2-0. It gives a program that has been miserable something to enjoy and build on. On a less scintillating note, it's possible that those will be the Buffs' only two wins in 2013. At this point, they figure to be underdogs over the entirety of the remaining schedule, with the first three Pac-12 games being particularly tough: at Oregon State, Oregon and at Arizona State.
But the path to three or four wins only starts with 2-0.
If Colorado loses? Well, that would be bad. Fans would throw up their hands, "Same lousy team." Players would lose confidence, "Man, we stink." And that would be no fun for MacIntyre and his staff as they try to reverse the course of this once-proud but now sagging program.
MacIntyre and Colorado need a good start. They won't get one without winning the opener. So the date with the Rams is circled in red.
We're going through the Pac-12 and picking out one game that seems most important -- or potentially most revealing -- for each team from our vantage point today.
And then we'll let you vote from a list of potential options.
We're going in reverse alphabetical order.
Colorado
Most important game: Sept. 1 vs. Colorado State
And it's against a little brother who humiliated the Buffaloes last year, a 22-17 Rams victory that set a horrible trajectory for perhaps the worst season in Colorado history.
The Buffs never recovered from the opening-day defeat. The next week, while Colorado State was losing to North Dakota State on its way to a 4-8 finish, Colorado lost to Sacramento State, an FCS team. The next week, it was bludgeoned into submission at Fresno State, 69-14, a quintessential white-flag performance from a team that didn't seem to want to play football anymore.
You probably can trace a 1-11 finish and the firing of Jon Embree to the woeful performance against the Rams. Ergo: In order to move on and up, the program needs to win this eminently winnable game.
It needs to win for its beleaguered fans. It needs to win for MacIntyre to get off to a good start. It needs to win so the Buffs develop confidence. It needs to win because it's a Pac-12 team and Colorado State is a Mountain West Conference bottom-feeder (no offense intended, Rams).
If Colorado loses? Wait. Let's start with the good side of things.
If Colorado beats the Rams, it gets to celebrate a win for the first time since Sept. 22, 2012. It also likely would start 2-0 with Central Arkansas coming to Boulder the next week. That means it could double its 2012 win total two games into the season, which is a good thing.
Then Fresno State comes to town. There should be a revenge angle there fueling the Buffs, though the Bulldogs look like a tough out, with 16 starters back from a crew that went 9-4 last year.
So the number is 2-0. It gives a program that has been miserable something to enjoy and build on. On a less scintillating note, it's possible that those will be the Buffs' only two wins in 2013. At this point, they figure to be underdogs over the entirety of the remaining schedule, with the first three Pac-12 games being particularly tough: at Oregon State, Oregon and at Arizona State.
But the path to three or four wins only starts with 2-0.
If Colorado loses? Well, that would be bad. Fans would throw up their hands, "Same lousy team." Players would lose confidence, "Man, we stink." And that would be no fun for MacIntyre and his staff as they try to reverse the course of this once-proud but now sagging program.
MacIntyre and Colorado need a good start. They won't get one without winning the opener. So the date with the Rams is circled in red.
The Colorado Buffaloes started spring ball on March 7 with six quarterbacks competing for one starting job. Since then, two of their most experienced have been taken off the depth chart.
Nick Hirschman announced via twitter Friday that he intends to transfer after he graduates this semester. Coupled with Jordan Webb's ACL tear that will keep him out of the 2013 season, the Buffs two most experienced quarterbacks are no longer an option for new head coach Mike MacIntyre.
MacIntyre said Hirschman and Connor Wood were tied atop the depth chart when the Buffs broke camp earlier this week and a source close to the program said that there had been no change in Hirschman's status before he met with MacIntyre mid-morning on Friday to tell the coach his plans.
Both had separated themselves from the pack this spring. In four main scrimmages, Hirschman was 32-of-50 for 433 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception. Wood was 36-of-56 for 589 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions.
However, it was ultimately that lack of separation between the two that led to Hirschman's decision.
“I felt at this time that it has been three years, a great three years, but with no decision made at the end of spring ball, it was personal choice that it was time for me to move on,” Hirschman said in a statement released by the school Friday afternoon. “I am hoping for the best for each and every teammate, and each and every coach. It’s been a wonderful experience here, I’m still really happy about my choice to come to Colorado and I made a lot of good friends here. I will never regret my decision coming out of high school to become a Buff and I’m hoping everything will work out for everyone.”
Last year the bulk of the snaps went to Webb, but Hirschman also made two starts and eight appearances. He completed 55 of 93 passes for 589 yards with two touchdowns and seven interceptions. The junior will have two years of eligibility left.
“Nick’s a phenomenal young man, a great team player, and I was looking forward to watching him mature this fall and to see how he would do in the battle for starting quarterback job," MacIntyre said. “We hate to lose him, but we do wish him the best.”
MacIntyre granted him a release from his scholarship to all schools other than any other Pac-12 Conference school or an opponent on CU’s 2013 or 2014 schedules.
With Hirschman's departure, Wood becomes the lone frontrunner. He appeared in six games last year and was 21-of-42 for 265 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions.
Chasing him will be redshirt freshman Shane Dillon -- a highly-touted recruit who was hit-and-miss during the spring as the Buffs adjust to the pistol offense. Another highly-ranked recruit, Sefo Liufau, is also to compete immediately when he arrives in the fall. ESPN.com ranked Liufau, from Tacoma, Wash., as the No. 19 dual-threat quarterback nationally.
Nick Hirschman announced via twitter Friday that he intends to transfer after he graduates this semester. Coupled with Jordan Webb's ACL tear that will keep him out of the 2013 season, the Buffs two most experienced quarterbacks are no longer an option for new head coach Mike MacIntyre.
MacIntyre said Hirschman and Connor Wood were tied atop the depth chart when the Buffs broke camp earlier this week and a source close to the program said that there had been no change in Hirschman's status before he met with MacIntyre mid-morning on Friday to tell the coach his plans.
Both had separated themselves from the pack this spring. In four main scrimmages, Hirschman was 32-of-50 for 433 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception. Wood was 36-of-56 for 589 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions.
However, it was ultimately that lack of separation between the two that led to Hirschman's decision.
“I felt at this time that it has been three years, a great three years, but with no decision made at the end of spring ball, it was personal choice that it was time for me to move on,” Hirschman said in a statement released by the school Friday afternoon. “I am hoping for the best for each and every teammate, and each and every coach. It’s been a wonderful experience here, I’m still really happy about my choice to come to Colorado and I made a lot of good friends here. I will never regret my decision coming out of high school to become a Buff and I’m hoping everything will work out for everyone.”
Last year the bulk of the snaps went to Webb, but Hirschman also made two starts and eight appearances. He completed 55 of 93 passes for 589 yards with two touchdowns and seven interceptions. The junior will have two years of eligibility left.
“Nick’s a phenomenal young man, a great team player, and I was looking forward to watching him mature this fall and to see how he would do in the battle for starting quarterback job," MacIntyre said. “We hate to lose him, but we do wish him the best.”
MacIntyre granted him a release from his scholarship to all schools other than any other Pac-12 Conference school or an opponent on CU’s 2013 or 2014 schedules.
With Hirschman's departure, Wood becomes the lone frontrunner. He appeared in six games last year and was 21-of-42 for 265 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions.
Chasing him will be redshirt freshman Shane Dillon -- a highly-touted recruit who was hit-and-miss during the spring as the Buffs adjust to the pistol offense. Another highly-ranked recruit, Sefo Liufau, is also to compete immediately when he arrives in the fall. ESPN.com ranked Liufau, from Tacoma, Wash., as the No. 19 dual-threat quarterback nationally.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Ted Miller
Miller has been covering college football since 1997, starting with Auburn and then heading West to Washington and the Pac-12. His columns for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer won first place in the 2007 APSE Best Writing contest. The Atlanta native and University of Richmond graduate presently lives with his wife in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Kevin Gemmell
Gemmell covered San Diego State and the Mountain West Conference for three years before joining ESPN.com. As a Santa Clara graduate, his hope is that the Broncos will one day re-institute football. Until then, he lives vicariously through his readers. Gemmell lives in California with his wife and son.
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