The Ralphie Report

SB Nation Survey + Chance to donate $500 to a charity of this community's choice

2010-03-20T00:48:05Z

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Report - Buffaloes Leading Receiver Scotty McKnight Suffers A Broken Fibula

2010-03-19T16:33:52Z

More photos » Sue Ogrocki - AP

4 months ago: Colorado wide receiver Scotty McKnight carries the ball against Oklahoma State in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. Oklahoma defender Donald Booker is at right. Oklahoma State won the game 31-28. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

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ESPN's new Big 12 blogger, David Ubben, is reporting that Scotty McKnight told Tyler Hansen that his fibula was broken and he would be out of practice for the rest of the spring.

Buffaloes coach Dan Hawkins and other team officials had no update on McKnight's status, but quarterback Tyler Hansen said after practice that McKnight told him the injury was a broken fibula that would keep him out for the remainder of the spring. Team trainer Miguel Rueda told reporters on Thursday there was nothing peculiar in McKnight's MRI, and he would be further evaluated on Friday morning. Before the injury, McKnight had three catches for 31 yards and a 14-yard score.

As much as we don't need any of our Buffaloes going down this spring, if there was one guy with the experience to sit out the spring and not miss a beat, it would be McKnight. This may even allow our younger receivers to get some more reps and hopefully continue to develop with Hansen (fine, or Hawkins). Either way, it hurts to to see Scotty go down and we wish him a quick and full recovery.

NCAA Tournament - Friday Thread

2010-03-19T14:46:00Z

Day 2 of this year's tournament kicks off at 10:15 this morning. It's going to be extremely hard to top the amazing day that yesterday became.

I'm hoping that Sienna and Houston can pull off the upsets. Anyone else think that Xavier/Minnesota line is interesting? This will be the thread for all the games today, as opposed to multiple threads like yesterday. Drop your comments below.

Launch MMOD Player

Friday March 19, 2010
Time	Away	Home	National	Line
10:15 pm	Morgan St. #15	West Virginia #2	CBS - HD (Regional)	West Virginia -17.5
10:25 pm	Minnesota #11	Xavier #6	CBS - HD (Regional)	Pick Em
10:30 pm	Cornell #12	Temple #5	CBS - HD (Regional)	Temple -3.5
12:30 pm	Siena #13	Purdue #4	CBS - HD (Regional)	Purdue -4
12:35 pm	Missouri #10	Clemson #7	CBS - HD (Regional)	Clemson -1.5
12:45 pm	Oakland #14	Pittsburgh #3	CBS - HD (Regional)	Pittsburgh -9.5
12:50 pm	Wofford #13	Wisconsin #4	CBS - HD (Regional)	Wisconsin -10
2:45 pm	Utah St. #12	Texas A&M #5	CBS - HD (Regional)	Texas A&M -3
5:10 pm	Florida St. #9	Gonzaga #8	CBS - HD (Regional)	Florida State -1.5
5:15 pm	Georgia Tech #10	Oklahoma St. #7	CBS - HD (Regional)	Oklahoma State -1
5:20 pm	New Mexico St. #12	Michigan St. #5	CBS - HD (Regional)	Michigan State -13
5:25 pm	Ark.-Pine Bluff #16	Duke #1		Duke -23
7:30 pm	Vermont #16	Syracuse #1	CBS - HD (Regional)	Syracuse -15.5
7:35 pm	UC Santa Barb. #15	Ohio St. #2	CBS - HD (Regional)	Ohio State -17
7:40 pm	Houston #13	Maryland #4	CBS - HD (Regional)	Maryland -9.5
7:45 pm	Louisville #9	California #8	CBS - HD (Regional)

Buffaloes Thursday (3/18) Scrimmage Report

2010-03-19T02:29:50Z

Bumped from the Fan Posts. Great scrimmage report, thanks for the write up! - JW

Firstly, Scotty McKnight went down with an apparent lower leg injury. I don't know the extent of it, so we'll see if it gets announced at some point. And now that the bad news is out of the way...

OK, onto the things people requested I watch:

Yes, some of the QBs have mustaches. Coach Hawk, Hansen and Hirchman, however, do not. Probably a good thing too...

Next, Tight Ends: Blocking-wise, Deehan and Walters seemed a bit stronger and stouter at the POA. Catching passes, Thornton and Evans looked superb. If those two guys can get a little bigger and stronger, they will both be impact players there. They were only asked to block a little, and neither one was awful, but they've both got some technique stuff to clean up. Running routes, however, they both looked pretty smooth and natural at catching the ball.

Orms in the secondary: He's the real deal. He was everywhere, and I only saw one pass completed on him. It looks like he's basically replaced C. Brown as the nickel corner. He filled in nicely against the run, and made it to the QB on a couple of blitzes. He's definitely not a huge guy, but he is a football player. He looks like he'll be hard to keep off the field.

Hildreth and the other backs: This was tough. The D was playing well, and there wasn't much running room. Hildreth, Nabors and Lockridge all looked okay, but they didn't run that much. Lockridge had one really impressive, explosive run, while Nabors and Hildreth were solid and made a couple of catches out of the backfield. Hildreth actually had a TD catch out of the slot. I'm looking forward to adding the new recruits to the mix this summer.

Punting (and kicking, while we're at it): Grossnickle is still struggling a bit with consistency, but he was mostly good. His first one was a bit weak, but the rest of them were either solid, or really impressive. He had one that just didn't seem to come down. More than half of the coverage team were at or past the returner by the time he fair-caught the ball, and it was of solid length, too. He's got a big leg, and I think he'll definitely be an improvement in the punting game. He also (I believe) went 4-4 in FGs and looked better there than Goodman and Kirkwood.

And now, on to the other stuff:

I love watching the battles in the trenches. It was interesting watching our lines battle it out. The defense was pretty regularly beating the offense, but I don't think that's necessarily a negative statement about our Offensive line. The defensive line looked really, really good. All of the guys down there were quick, active and using their hands well. In the run game, guys like Kasa and Pericak were standing up the guys that were blocking them. And the LBs were quite active. It looks like Sipili, Major, Ahles, Beatty, Rippy and Mahnke are the guys that are ahead right now. They all blitzed at various times, and all looked good in coverage (Major and an Int and Sipili had at least one big deflection). Webb is definitely a thumper who loves contact, and they brought him and Ahles in at Fullback a few times on offense.

And outside, we have a bunch of stuff to be excited about. Obviously our two starting corners are both as solid as they come. And the receivers that were running with the first team are fun to watch. Of course, this depends on Scotty's injury (they had him in the slot, where he's most effective) and whether Simas gets to see the field after his recent incident. Clemons should help us all sleep a little better at night. Will Jefferson also seems to make big plays whenever he's on the field. He's another guy that they'll have a hard time keeping on the sidelines. And speaking of receivers, Coach Prince definitely brings an energy to the sidelines that wasn't there before. He's got all the coaches yelling with him, too. Players seemed more excited and energetic at the scrimmage than any of the practices I attended last summer. And for down the road, Darden is a huge target. He made a couple of plays where he completely walled off defenders with his body to make a tough catch.

Behind J. Brown and Smith, are a bunch of athletic, pretty good looking guys. I know it's not a huge concern for this season, but I think we shouldn't worry about replacing them too much when it gets to be that time. Guys like Olatoye, Vigo, J. Hawkins and Moten all looked pretty good most of the time. They all got beat from time to time, but they all hit hard and made plays. I think they've all got bright futures. And at safety, the top two were Polk and Perkins. Both have good range, and only seem to be getting better.

And if you want to know anything else. Just ask. I'll probably start to forget it all in a couple of days, though, so ask quickly!

-David

NCAA Tournament - Thursday Evening Thread

2010-03-18T22:11:25Z

Launch MMOD Player

Your Thursday evening session games:

5:10 p.m MST

(8) UNLV
(9) Northern Iowa

Vegas: PICK

KenPom: UNI, 58-57

PB: UNI 60-58

5:15 p.m. MST

(1) Kentucky
(16) E. Tennessee St.

Vegas: Kentucky -18.5

KenPom: Kentucky 77-60

PB: Kentucky 75-54

5:20 p.m. MST

(6) Marquette
(11) Washington

Vegas: Marquette -1

KenPom: Marquette 72-71

PB: Washington 74-69

5:25 p.m MST

(3) Georgetown
(14) Ohio

Vegas: Georgetown -13.5

KenPom: Georgetown, 78-66

PB: Georgetown, 72-57

7:30 p.m. MST

(1) Kansas
(16) Lehigh

Vegas: Kansas -25.5

KenPom: Kansas 90-63

PB: Kansas 84-54

7:40 p.m. MST

(3) New Mexico
(14) Montana

Vegas: New Mexico -9

KenPom: New Mexico 72-65

PB: New Mexico 69-60

7:45 p.m. MST

(6) Tennessee
(11) San Diego St.

Vegas: Tennessee -3.5

KenPom: Tennessee 65-64

PB: Tennessee 69-66

NCAA Tournament - Thursday Afternoon Thread

2010-03-18T20:30:03Z

Launch MMOD Player

Your afternoon session Thursday games:

12:30 p.m MST

(4) Vanderbilt
(13) Murray State

Vegas: Vandy -2.5

KenPom: Vandy, 73-70

12:50 p.m. MST

(7) Richmond
(10) St. Mary's

Vegas: Richmond -1.5

KenPom: SMU 68-67

12:55 p.m. MST

(3) Baylor
(14) Sam Houston St.

Vegas: Baylor -10

KenPom: Baylor 83-69

H/T to PB for the threads

NCAA Tournament - Thursday Early Thread

2010-03-18T15:11:22Z

10:20 a.m MST

(7) BYU
(10) Florida

Vegas: BYU -5

KenPom: BYU 78-71

10:25 a.m. MST

(6) Notre Dame
(9) Old Dominion

Vegas: ND -2

KenPom: ODU 65-64

10:30 a.m. MST

(2) Villanova
(15) Robert Morris

Vegas: Villanova -18.5

KenPom: Villanova 86-67

Watch the games live: March Madness On Demand

NIT Brackets Released, Buffs Missed Opportunity Evident

2010-03-15T04:00:26Z

NIT Brackets Released, Buffs Missed Opportunity Evident

As expected, Texas Tech at 17 - 15 is playing in the NIT this Tuesday night against Seton Hall. If Colorado would have beaten Tech in the first round of the Big 12 tournament, like they did in the last game of the season, it probably would have been Colorado in that spot. CU would have caught the eye of the NIT committee winning 4 of 5 if you believed they would have lost to Kansas in the second round. Instead, CU finished the year 15 - 16, under the .500 mark which disqualified them from NIT consideration.

Texas Tech will play Seton Hall from the Big East, a team that was on the bubble for the NCAA tournament.

How Did Colorado Fare Against NCAA Tournament Qualifiers in 2010?

2010-03-15T01:50:18Z

More photos » David Zalubowski - AP

2 months ago: Colorado guard Alec Burks reacts near the end of Colorado's 78-71 victory over Baylor in an NCAA college basketball game in Boulder, Colo., on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Oh how I long for the Buffs to play in the NCAA tournament again. Ever since I was a little kid, the Sunday before the the tournament started was like a national holiday, hanging on every team CBS announced. It is truly the best week in sports in my mind. This next Thursday through Sunday is something special, checking your brackets during work, hanging on gamecast score updates...you know the drill and it's fantastic. One thing has been missing for the most part: the Colorado Buffaloes. CU's last appearance in the big dance was 2002 - 2003 and no one will forget when Chauncey Billups played for Colorado in 1996 - 1997. Since 1969, those are the only two years Colorado made it to the tournament.

The program made some strides this year behind guards Alec Burks, Cory Higgins and Marcus Relphorde. There is reason for optimism but unless Jeff Bzdelik finds a few good big men who can rebound and this team figures out how to win on the road, more .500 seasons are likely. One thing is for sure: the window of opportunity is closing. Cory Higgins will be a senior next year. Alec Burks, if he keeps his progression going and adds some pounds, the NBA will be calling next year.

But enough about next year. Colorado was 2 - 10 against teams who qualified for the NCAA tournament this year. They could have easily been 5 - 7 with wins against Kansas, Texas A&M and Gonzaga. Their best win of the year was against the Baylor Bears, who enter as a #3 seed in this year's tournament and a team that many believe will go far. We will see. Before this win against Baylor, Colorado hadn't beaten a ranked team in three years. Seven Big 12 teams made the NCAA tournament, CU finished 8th in the conference during the regular season.

Below is how the Buffs fared against the other teams in the tournament:

Opponent	Result	Game Notes
Arkansas-Pine Bluff	W 88-72	APB started 0 - 11, ended up 17 - 15 winnin the SWAC, 16 Seed Play In Game. This was the first game of the year for both teams.
vs. Gonzaga*	L 76-72	#8 seed. Buffs led this game 56 - 45 before Gonzaga won late in Maui. Zags lost their conference tournament, but have made the tournament 12 straight times. Could be a dangerous team depending on which team shows up.
at No. 2 Texas	L 103-86	Texas handily beat the Buffs in Austin to go 15 - 0 but after that, went 9 - 9. Texas is an #8 seed and comes into the tournament with some confidence issues.
No. 24 Baylor	W 78-71	Baylor seems like everyone's darling this year and gained a #3 seed. I keep telling myself, this Bears team lost to the Buffs. A Buffs team that hadn't beaten a ranked team in three years. Buyer beware.
No. 12 Kansas State	L 87-81	Colorado played the Wildcats very tough in Boulder, jumping within four points with just over a minute to play. The refs ruined this game as they called a whopping 67 fouls. The #2 seed Wildcats are going to be a tough out in the tournament
at Oklahoma State	L 90-78	The #7 seed Oklahoma State Cowboys proved too much for the Buffs in their only meeting of the year in Stillwater. If Big 12 player of the year James Anderson gets hot, this is a team that can play the spolier...just ask #1 ranked Kansas, who was beaten by this Cowboy team two weeks ago
at Texas A&M	L 67-63	Coulda. Shoulda. Woulda. The Buffs were tied with A&M in College Station 59 - 59 with 32 seconds left but ended up losing to the #5 seed. The Buffs were outrebounded by 13 and the road issues continued.
No. 1 Kansas	L 72-66	Colorado took this #1 ranked Kansas team to overtime without top freshman Alec Burks. Yes without 17 points a game in Burks. CU had the last shot in regulation to win but a poorly executed play allowed Kansas to escape in OT.
Missouri	L 84-66	Is there any team who has had the Buffs number more than Missouri the past few years? The answer is no. The #10 seed lost to a bad Nebraska team in the 2nd round of the Big 12 tourney.
at No. 9 Kansas State	L 68-51	Kansas State flexed their muscle in Manhattan, KS after the Buffs stuck with the Wildcats through the first half. Could be a great final four matchup with Kansas
at No. 1 Kansas	L 94-74	#1 team beat up the Buffs in Lawrence. Many people in their brackets will have the Jayhawks cutting down the nets in April.
at Missouri	L 92-63	See the first matchup with the Tigers

Former Buff RB Darrell Scott Visits the University of Cincinnati

2010-03-14T20:26:04Z

Former Buff RB Darrell Scott Visits the University of Cincinnati

According to Cincinnati.com, former Buff RB Darrell Scott was visiting the University of Cincinnati this past weekend. The Bearcats did not sign a running back in the 2009 and 2010 recruiting classes so running back is an area of need.

Buffs WR Markques Simas Reinstated, Now Practicing

2010-03-13T02:29:37Z

More photos » David Zalubowski - AP

5 months ago: Colorado wide receiver Markques Simas, front, pulls in a pass for a long gain as Kansas safety Chris Harris comes in to cover in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Label me shocked. Junior WR Markques Simas, who was suspended in February following his DUI arrest, took part in spring practice today for the Colorado Buffaloes, according to Patrick Ridgell of the Longmont Times. Simas was held out of the Buffs' first three practices this spring.

Simas played in 10 games a year ago, recording 43 receptions for 585 yards and three scores. Towards the end of last year, though, Simas emerged as one of the most productive receivers in the country and the threat many Buff fans have heard about.

Just in the month of November '09, Markques Simas had 25 receptions and 355 yards. If he kept that production up over a full season, he would total 100 receptions, 1,412 yards and 8 touchdowns. Simas ranked 10th in the nation for yards/game in the month of November among all receivers in the nation.

The University of Colorado is still considering a punishment for Simas in the fall so missing a couple games at the beginning of the season may be possible but for now, it looks like the talented receiver won't be kicked off the team, something that many feared immediately after the news broke of Simas' most recent incident. Simas redshirted his freshman year at CU, was ineligible for his entire redshirt freshman year, missed two games his sophomore season after violating team rules and most recently, the DUI infraction this spring.

Initially, I certainly thought Hawkins and Co. would hold Simas out for all of spring and most of the season, if not kick him off the team. When I saw Markques in a jersey out watching his teammates' practice this Saturday, I thought it was a good sign and that he may be back sometime this year. I still feel their will be some missed games when the regular season rolls around but all signs point to Simas being fully reinstated.

It's still up to Markques Simas to keep himself eligible, out of trouble, in the film room to become the dominant receiver he can be. The player who should be smiling most from this news is WR Toney Clemons. With Clemons, Simas and McKnight out there, no one is an easy cover. No question, this team is better with Markques on the field. Hopefully, Simas has finally learned.

Former Buff S Ben Burney Impresses at Colorado Pro Day

2010-03-11T04:17:45Z

Former Buff S Ben Burney Impresses at Colorado Pro Day

Ben Burney may have worked his way into the NFL draft this coming April. In a year that no Buffs were expected to be drafted, Burney may have found some interest from teams wanting a smart safety who can run.

At today's pro day for the University of Colorado, Burney ran a 4.38 forty and put up a 39 inch vertical.

Burney moved from cornerback to safety last year to help stabilize the position. He finished fourth on the team in tackles with 73.

Last year, LB Brad Jones was not on the NFL radar until he ran a 4.54 forty at Colorado's pro day. Jones was drafted in the seventh round by the Green Bay Packers and had a very strong rookie campaign. He played in 14 overall games, garnered 33 tackles and four sacks.

If history repeats itself, Burney might get a look in the late rounds as well.

Live Game Thread - Colorado Buffaloes vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders

2010-03-10T17:00:42Z

15-15, 6-10
NR (AP)
NR (Coaches Poll)

March 10th, 2010
10:30 am MT
Who: Colorado Buffaloes vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Where: Sprint Center - Kansas City, Mo
TV: Altitude, ESPN 360
Radio: 760 AM
Line: Colorado -1.0

16-14, 4-12
NR (AP)
NR (Coaches Poll)

Welcome to the Ralphie Report as the Colorado Buffaloes take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first game of the Big 12 Tournament.

OG Ryan Miller Breaks Plate in Arm, Will Miss the Rest of Spring Practice

2010-03-10T12:57:46Z

OG Ryan Miller Breaks Plate in Arm, Will Miss the Rest of Spring Practice

According to Buffzone.com:

Colorado offensive lineman Ryan Miller will miss the rest of spring ball after breaking a plate in his arm during the first session of spring practices Saturday.

Coach Dan Hawkins said Miller, CU`s right guard, had the plate installed in his forearm after last season. Hawkins said Miller is expected to be healed and ready to go by the beginning of training camp in August.

Alec Burks, Cory Higgins Receive Big 12 Conference Awards

2010-03-07T21:10:59Z

More photos » David Zalubowski - AP

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A day after beating Texas Tech to grab the eight seed in the upcoming Big 12 tournament, the conference honored two Buffs after their superb 2009 - 2010 regular seasons. Freshman G Alec Burks was named Big 12 Rookie of the Year and junior G Cory Higgins was named All - Big 12 Third Team.

Burks was fantastic in his first year at Colorado, leading all freshmen in scoring with 16.8 per game and was seventh overall in the conference. He also led the conference in field goal shooting percentage, shooting 53.6% from the field. His scoring and field goal percentage numbers are fourth nationally among all freshmen according to Big12sports.com. One of the more amazing accomplishments this year was certainly Burks' efficiency. Rarely did Burks force and take bad shots, clearly shown by his top ranked field goal percentage. He is wise beyond his years.

Burks scored in double digits every game this year except one, a game against Iowa State where he left injured in the opening minutes of the game. He also led the team in rebounds per game as a guard. Saturday against Texas Tech, the freshman capped off a great regular season with 24 points on 8 of 12 from the field, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Burks also was named to the All Rookie Team and Honorable Mention All Big 12, a little surprising as fellow freshman guard Tommy Mason-Griffin was named Third Team All Big 12 even though Burks was named top freshman. The Big 12 was loaded with freshmen talent which makes Burks' accomplishments even more impressive.

For the second year in a row, Cory Higgins was named Third Team All Big 12. Higgins, who finally received some help this year from Burks and Marcus Relphorde, led the Buffs in scoring with 19.0 per game which ranks him third in the conference overall. He was also exceptional from the free throw line shooting 83.2%. In one of the deepest conferences in the nation, being named third team on a squad that finished eight in the league is a great accomplishment.

Higgins, knowing that the Buffs needed to win their last three games to have a shot at postseason play, rose to the occasion to lead Colorado in scoring averaging 27.3 per game to put the team in position for a potential CBI or NIT bid.

Congratulations to Higgins, Burks and the rest of the team for a year that showed improvement. If the Buffs can win against Texas Tech Wednesday in the first round of the Big 12 tournament, they have a chance to make it into a postseason tournament.

Sunday Buff Bites - Colorado Will Face Texas Tech Again in Big 12 Tournament

2010-03-07T15:59:59Z

More photos » David Zalubowski - AP

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A lot of information today. The Boulder Daily Camera is really breaking down the PAC 10 move today with three articles on the subject. Some other quick news pieces:

-WR Andre Simmons missed yesterday's practice for personal reasons. He is expected to be at practice Tuesday.

-The Buffs basketball team has finished the regular season on a three game win streak to even their record at 15 - 15 and nab the #8 seed. Yesterday, they took care of Texas Tech 101 - 90 behind another impressive effort from the big three - Marcus Relphorde, Alec Burks and Cory Higgins. The trio combined for 72 of the 101 points and shot an amazing 24 of 35 from the field. Burks also grabbed nine boards to lead the Buffs. Colorado will face Tech again on Wednesday in the first round of the Big 12 tournament. The game will be televised on Altitude, 10:30 am.

It wasn't a flawless performance for the Buffs. After being up 18 at halftime, Texas Tech outscored Colorado 55 - 48 in the second half with Nick Okorie scoring a career high 34 points. Tech shot 50.8% from the field and surprise, surprise; the Red Raiders outrebounded the Buffs 36 - 29 with 14 offensive rebounds.

Links after the jump...

PAC 10 TALK

Get to know the Pac-10 - Buffzone
A look at the schools of the Pac-10 conference

Woelk: If invitation sent, Buffs can`t turn down Pac-10 again - Buffzone

Finances wouldn`t be the only hurdle. CU would have to consider travel costs, time difference and scheduling issues, just to name a few. The list would be lengthy. But the overall benefits would far outweigh the negatives. Academically, athletically -- you name it -- the Pac-10 is a better fit for Colorado.

Conference conundrum - Buffzone

Moving to the Pac-10 would be expensive, but it could be worth the price for Colorado

BASKETBALL

Big 12 Conference Bracket - 2010

Buffs topple Texas Tech, set up rematch - The Denver Post

"We have to win that game on Wednesday," Higgins added. "(But) we have to stop somebody. We can't let them score 90 points again and expect we are going to score 100."

Woelk: Now, Buffs must avoid stumble in Tech rematch - Buffzone

After three consecutive seasons of at least 20 losses, the Buffs have by most accounts turned the corner. Picked to finish last in the Big 12, they instead finished eighth, with the seven teams ahead of them all likely ticketed for the NCAA Tournament. For the first time in four years, they have a shot at postseason play. For the first time in even longer, they have a foundation that doesn`t hinge on just one player.

Burks secures CU freshman mark - Buffzone

The 6-6 guard from Grandview, Mo., is now the leading freshman scorer in school history with 488 points. Burks passed Chauncey Billups (465 points, 2005-06) and Richard Roby (480, 2004-05) on the list Saturday. "To me, he should be the Freshman of the Year in the Big 12," Jeff Bzdelik said of his prize recruit. "That just says it all."

CU Buffs head into Big 12 tourney on high note - Buffzone

The Buffs (15-15, 6-10) have rallied down the stretch to get back to .500 and finish eighth in a conference that will likely send seven teams to the NCAA Tournament. Jeff Bzdelik`s team is in position for a possible postseason bid with another win next week at the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City.

Colorado, Texas Tech Notes - CUBuffs.com

CU is 6-10 in Big 12 Conference play and will be the No. 8 seed at the Big 12 Championships next Wednesday in Kansas City. The Buffaloes will play Texas Tech at 10:30 a.m. (MST) in the first round televised by Altitude Sports & Entertainment.

Buffs Rip Red Raiders In Home Finale, 101-90 - CUBuffs.com—Official Athletics Web site of the University of Colorado

Burks finished with 24 points - second on the Buffs to Cory Higgins' 30 - and became CU's all-time leading freshman scorer (488), surpassing Richard Roby (480). Marcus Relphorde chipped in 18, including a personal season-high 15 in the first half, and Levi Knutson came off the bench to add 11. Senior Dwight Thorne II, playing his final regular-season home game, hit eight points, collected five rebounds and dished out two assists. Burks, who also contributed nine rebounds, three assists and two steals, said breaking the freshman scoring record "means a lot. It means a great freshman performance, so it means a great deal to me to break that record."

FOOTBALL

Brooks: Kiesau's Goal Is To Keep It Simple - CUBuffs.com

Hirschman, a January enrollee, "has done a phenomenal job of fitting in," Kiesau said. "I've done this mid-year deal a couple of times at Cal, and I think he's handled it the best of all the guys I've seen. He doesn't have that big-eyed look, so I'm excited." He's also big (6-4, 220), "is not slow-footed and has a big arm," Kiesau added. But for now, the spring plan is not to rush Hirschman's development. Kiesau wants to see "how much offense he can grasp. He's had such a whirlwind here - new environment, new friends, college classrooms - so I don't say, 'Learn all this in 15 practices.' "With him, I want to go very, very slow. I don't want to freak him out, I don't want to shatter his confidence."

Battle for starts puts players on equal terms - The Denver Post

"They've told me I have to compete, but it's my job to lose," Hansen said. "Probably the key to going into the spring is to not throw picks (interceptions). I think I'm making strides toward gaining the leadership qualities to make this my team. One of my goals is to gain separation between me and the other guys. I want to be so good that they can't help but put me on the field."

Buffs plan to simplify offense - The Longmont Times-Call

Colorado offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau wants to simplify things this spring. How simple? "I almost feel like we don’t have enough in," Kiesau said. The Buffs started spring drills Saturday looking to improve an offense that finished last in yards and 10th in points last season in the Big 12. The Buffs averaged a league-low 2.8 yards a carry and allowed a league-most 44 sacks. In short, statistics show CU did little well. Now, CU is going to try to do a few things very well.

CU linebackers in need of new leader - Buffzone

Cabral said he believes Sipili is ready to shine in 2010 after a lot of ups and downs. Sipili drove home the point near the end of the first practice by intercepting a pass and returning it for a touchdown.

Spring football Big 12 breakdown

Buffs amp intensity as spring play gets rolling - The Longmont Times-Call

Not Good: OL Assistant Coach Brad Bedell Leaving For UNC Job

2010-03-06T23:48:45Z

Not Good: OL Assistant Coach Brad Bedell Leaving For UNC Job

According to the Greeley Tribune:

University of Northern Colorado head football coach Scott Downing confirmed Saturday that he has hired hired former University of Colorado assistant coach Brad Bedell as as his new offensive line coach.

Bedell has spent the past three seasons as a technical intern after ending his six-year journeyman career as an NFL offensive lineman with the Houston Texans (2006), Green Bay Packers (2004-05), Miami Dolphins (2003) and Cleveland Browns (2000-01).

An All-American guard at CU, Bedell helped lead the Buffaloes to a victory over Oregon in the 1998 Aloha Bowl and a win over Boston College in the 1999 Insight.com Bowl.

Colorado Buffaloes Spring Practice Observations

2010-03-06T20:24:52Z

More photos » Jack Dempsey - AP

3 months ago: Colorado quarterback Tyler Hansen looks to pass during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska in Boulder, Colo., Friday, Nov. 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

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One of my favorite things to do is take in some early season football practice, even if it is a big tease as the regular season which is still many months away. It was a beautiful day in Boulder, 55 degrees and sunny. The University hosted their annual junior day so many high school recruits were in attendance and they couldn't have picked a better day to visit Boulder in early March.

The first practice the players were just in shorts and helmets, no contact. The drills, as expected for the first time out this year, were pretty simple and routine. A good amount of special teams work, 7 on 7, fumble drills, form tackling drills (every player participated even the quarterbacks), defensive back drops, etc. Very similar to what we have seen at prior spring practices. Certainly nothing ground breaking.

Without much contact, it is hard to give breakdowns other than "this player looked good, or that player really stood out" but here are a few things I took away from the first day:

-Two players caught my eye all morning: WR Toney Clemons and TE DaVaughn Thornton. By far, they are the two most athletic looking players on the offense. Clemons looks great. He has a very athletic build, taller than I expected, is quick and made plenty of catches. He is an instant upgrade for the position. Thornton just looks gifted. Both Jon and I went to practice and I kept saying to him, "I can't believe how big Thornton is."He runs well, is built and I believe still has room to add on weight. He and Clark Evans, now at tight end, seemed to have developed a friendship. Thornton looks like a power forward playing football at 6'4" 235 pounds. He was in the mix a lot today. Both Evans and Thornton bring athleticism to the tight end position. Hopefully Thornton's development continues because he sure looks the part of a big time player

-WR Andre Simmons was nowhere to be found today. I haven't heard anything regarding his status. More to come on that when we hear something. WR Markques Simas was out on the field, not practicing but him being out there is a good sign, certainly better than him not being present. It was frustrating seeing Simas, Clemons and Thornton standing together and realizing that could be a pretty powerful trio out there on Saturdays. Hopefully, Simas earns his way back so we can see what the two receivers could do together.

-DT Nate Bonsu is a horse. He was on crutches but he is a monster of a man and will be a big part of this defense for the next three years in the middle. DE Nick Kasa looks huge, as usual. He sticks out on the defensive side of the ball. Forrest West certainly added some weight from last year, at least 10 pounds. I think he is going to explode in 2010. These three players can bring some stability to the defensive line.

-Patrick Mahnke was practicing with the linebackers today, something that is a welcomed move. I think he is a better fit there. As always, Doug Rippy steals the "wow" factor when you watch the linebackers. It was good to see Jon Major out there injury free. This unit looks a little thin after losing Shaun Mohler, Jeff Smart and Marcus Burton from a year ago. You have to imagine now is the time for Major to make his mark. Michael Sipili, Douglas Rippy and B.J. Beatty are three players who should receive a lot of time but players like Major, Derrick Webb, Tyler Ahles and Liloa Nobriga need to step up and contribute.

-Speaking of thin, that is the best word to describe the running backs. The Buffs have four running backs total, three on scholarship and all under 5'9". Just hope Rodney Stewart doesn't get hurt. If any incoming freshman have the opportunity to play in 2010, it will be at running back, especially the two bigger backs in Cordary Clark and Justin Torres

-DB's Jimmy Smith, Jalil Brown and Ray Polk all look the part on defense. Another year of experience for Polk will do wonders for him back at safety. Polk, Anthony Perkins and Tyler Sandersfield were on the field together a lot, similar to last spring where the Buffs featured three safeties early in camp.

-The offensive line is full of monsters, nothing new here. Without pads on, it is hard to get a gauge. The first offensive line group in team drills was OT Bryce Givens, OG Ethan Adkins, C Keenan Stevens, OG Ryan Miller and OT Nate Solder. Coach Brad Bedell was spending a lot of time with Bryce Givens. You never know about the offensive line until that first game. Max Tuioti-Mariner is sporting a shaved head, different from the long hair we are used to. OT Sione Tau was practicing after taking a leave from the team last year.

-Tyler Hansen was the first quarterback in the team drills. He looked pretty solid today. Cody Hawkins has already taught true freshman Nick Hirschman how to roll his sleeves up on his jersey. For a player who is supposed to be in his second semester of high school, Hirschman looked pretty good. Didn't get a lot of reps. The reps were given in this order: Tyler Hansen, Cody Hawkins, Seth Lobato, Nick Hirschman with Hansen and Hawkins understandably receiving the bulk

-Kickers Zach Grossnickle and Aric Goodman took turns kicking both field goals and punting. Both were inconsistent on their punts and both looked decent, from what I saw on field goals.

Let me know if you have any questions about the practice and I will answer them below in the comment section.

Live Game Thread - Colorado Buffaloes vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders

2010-03-06T21:00:23Z

14-15, 5-10
NR (AP)
NR (Coaches Poll)

March 6th, 2010
2:00 pm MT
Who: Colorado Buffaloes vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Where: Coors Event Center - Boulder, Co
TV: Altitude, ESPN 360
Radio: 760 AM
Line: Colorado -4.5

16-13, 4-11
NR (AP)
NR (Coaches Poll)

Welcome to the Ralphie Report as the Colorado Buffaloes play in one of their most important games in recent memory against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Boulder. Why is this game important? A win gets the Buffs a 15 - 15 record in the regular season heading into the Big 12 tournament, which would lock up the #8 seed and the opportunity to play either Tech or Oklahoma in the first round. A win in Kansas City at the Big 12 would make the Buffs eligible for the NIT and the CBI postseason tournaments, something that would be a huge step in the right direction for this program. Their is good chance Colorado will play Texas Tech the next two games. Tech comes in struggling, losing six straight and eight of their last ten. Texas Tech is 3 - 8 on the road this season and 1 - 7 away from Lubbock in the Big 12.

Throw all your comments about today's game below and let's get this thing rolling. If you don't have an account, sign up here for free and enjoy all that our site has to offer.

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Alec Burks needs 17 points to break Richard Roby’s program scoring record for freshmen at 480. Cory ...

2010-03-06T15:43:34Z

Alec Burks needs 17 points to break Richard Roby’s program scoring record for freshmen at 480. Cory Higgins needs 23 points to move into CU’s top 10 career scoring list.

Colorado takes on Texas Tech today 2:00 pm at the Coors Event Center