Skinny - Colorado has a lot more potential than Kansas State does, thus why they're ranked higher than Kansas State. Cody Hawkins has been a less than desirable quarterback in a conference that feeds off of big time offense. Ranking 100th in the nation in offense in the Big 12 is a very bad thing. The offensive weapons are there though. Rodney Stewart showed glimpses of stellar play early last season as a freshman and the other back Darrell Scott was one of Colorado's biggest recruits in years. Hawkins will be challenged for the starting job if he struggles by Tyler Hansen, a more physically gifted player, and it will interesting to see how long daddy sticks with his son at quarterback. Markquest Simas is the supposed to be the target at receiver after being ineligible to play last season. The defense is starting over with just a couple starters returning, but that probably isn't a bad thing as the defense was less than stellar last season. Colorado won't be world beaters this season, but they should return to a bowl game.
Strength - Running Back
For a position that only ranked 86th, the running backs have dangerous potential. Rodney Stewart was not the one who was supposed to emerge as the starter. Knowing that Stewart is a reliable first option, after averaging a solid 4.7 ypc as a freshman behind an okay line. Darrell Scott has and incredible amount of potential after being the number 1 running back in the nation coming out of high school. Scott struggled through his freshman campaign and also had to battle the injury bug, so he should only be better this season as he gets to start over fresh and healthy. The line should be better this season with the return of a player just as coveted as Scott in Ryan Miller from the injury bug last season.
Weakness - Quarterback
Cody Hawkins has constantly been criticized in the starting role and the criticism is pretty great considering his dad being the coach makes people question the priorities of the lead man. Tyler Hanson has a year of experience. He had 261 rushing yards last season but also had 4 picks in only 65 pass attempts. Dan Hawkins will have a tough decision to make this year. Hanson was being reshirted last season before he had to be called into duty. After struggling the job returned to Hawkins, who player better. Maybe the competition will help Hawkins and he'll begin to excel or maybe Hanson's experience will be good for him going into his second year in the system.
Key Game - 10/31/09 Missouri
This will be the pivotal game in a stretch that figures to have a shot at a few Big 12 conference wins for the Buffaloes. Kansas Stat, Missouri, Texas A&M, and Iowa State all present winnable games and Colorado should finish non-conference play either 3-1 or 4-0, depending on the result of the West Virginia game. Colorado struggled in games they managed to win last season, so they really need to play better. The offense is good enough to put up points, but they need to actually do it.
Key Player - Taj Kaynor/Eugene Goree
Football starts in the trenches and where better to repair a defense but at the defensive tackle position. Colorado is planning on using a mix between 3-4 and 4-3 formations. Although one tackle is needed for a 3-4, 4-3 alignments will be present too. Goree and Kaynor didn't get much experience last season and the run defense wasn't very good with the previous starters, and the pass defense wasn't much better. Attacking the center of the line will be key to let the linebackers knock the running backs back, and give the defensive ends a chance at 1 on 1's in passing situations. If Kaynor and Goree can be the stronghold, the job will be easier for the rest of the defense and Colorado's win total may increase in return.
Impact Freshman - Nick Kasa
Predicted Big 12 finish - 4th (North)
Top 5 Players
1. CB Cha'pelle Brown
2. LB Jeff Smart
3. RB Darrell Scott
4. RB Rodney Stewart
5. LB Shaun Mohler
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