CU Buffs off to a good start...

The CU Buffs got off on the right foot Sunday night in a 38-17 victory over the instate CSU Rams. After a shaky start and a few early mistakes, the Buffs jumped to a 21-7 lead on an electrifying kickoff return for a TD by sophomore WR Josh Smith (his 1st collegiate touchdown). The Buffs fell asleep on the ensuing kickoff as CSU returned the kick for a TD to pull within 21-14 heading into halftime. The second half started with another solid kickoff return by Josh Smith who was one break away from another kickoff return for a TD. The Buffs never looked back.

This was the last scheduled game between the two schools at Mile High. CU took their option to play the 2009 game in Boulder while CSU returned the favor and chose to have the 2010 game in Fort Collins, making it the first time the two schools will meet their in at least 12 years. There are no future games scheduled at this time, likely a good situation as this game benefits CSU much more than CU when it is played in Denver, both financially and fan wise. CU has won 5 of the past 6 matchups and appears to be headed in a positive direction with the potential to be a perennial top 20 program. Coach Hawk has assembled some great young talent and has begun to implement his coach style and philosophies on the team. He has also taking a no-nonsense approach in taking quick and harsh discipline to any players not living up to the high standards and expectations he has laid out for the Buffaloes.

This is a great blog entry by Coach Hawk. http://www.cubuffs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=600&ATCLID=1571048&DB_OEM_ID=600&ATCLID=1571048 Please note there is a link to Coach Hawk's blog on the right sidebar on Musings from Boulder.

CSU appears to be in a down year as the overall talent, team speed and athleticism was lacking from this team compared to what we've seen in years past. The new coach seems to be pretty competent, it's just going to take him a while to get CSU to a respectable level (there fans were, as usual, completely classless and out of control prior to the kickoff this year).

The picture below to the right is another reason this game should not be at Mile High. A good 1/4 of CSU's section of the stadium (which is split in half for each school) was empty the entire game as they failed to sell their allotment. In fact, CU sold out their allotment and bought up tickets in the CSU section - see all the black and gold in the picture. This revenue actually falls into CSU's pockets, as Neil Wollk points out in a recent column.

http://www.buffzone.com/news/2008/aug/30/rams-pay-big-price-for-a-little-pride/

Go BUFFS!!

Gameday! CU vs CSU at Mile High

We went to our first Pearl Street Rally on Friday night and watched the team parade down Pearl with the band and cheerleaders. It was actually quite an event and impressed up with in both size and scope of what it entailed. Definitely a great way to kick off the weekend and get excited for the start of BUFF FOOTBALL!! I can't wait to see the 75,000+ flooded into Mile High today. We are now headed to the game for some tailgating and can't wait for the rest of the day!

Here's to a big Buff victory!!

Coach Carter

It would make sense to have the innaugural movie review about a big blockbuster, like the new Batman movie (definitely see it if you haven't yet). However, I am going to dig into a movie we rented (Melissa chose and I begrudingly watched) from Netflix that is a mix of Boyz in the Hood with Hoosiers: Coach Carter

The movie stars Samuel L. Jackson, who gives a strong (and standard) Samuel L. performance with typical Samuel L. rage, tone and delivery. I had reservations about the overall quality of the movie prior to watching and the ads I remember when it was in theatres didn't leave much of an impression on me, however I was very happy with the overall moral of the story and the directors ability to reach out to the viewers and connect. Some reviews said Mr. Jackson gave his best performance ever. I'm not convinced it was his best, but it at least deserves to be in the conversation.

This is the type of movie that can inspire kids to go to college, or just as easily get you to go home, type up that resume, and apply for a better job. You don't need to be a fan of the game to appreciate this tale of troubled youths being pushed to succeed and treat themselves with respect; all you have to be is human. A definite must see if you enjoy motivating movies involving life lessons. A very cool movie based on true life.

The movie also offers one of the best and most inspiring quotes I have heard in a long time, which fits in the theme of the movie and answers a deeply profound question Coach Carter offers to one of his trouble youth: "What is your deepest fear?"

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone, and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

College football opening weekend predictions...

It's quickly becoming the best time of the year: College football is starting tonight! Here are some (brave) picks for the weekend:

Thursday:
1) South Carolina over NC State: only game of value on tonight and I like Spurrier winning - even if his kid is calling the plays

Friday:
1) SMU over Rice: Hello June Jones!

Saturday:
1) Missouri over Illinois: look for a close first half, then say goodnight Juice.

2) Clemson over Alabama: 'Bama has 3 true freshmen starting? I don't like Clemson that much, muss less at #9, however they should be able to handle 'Bama.

3) Michigan over Utah: Ugly start to this game, but Michigan pulls through. I think RichRod will surprise many folks in the Big 10 this year. Look for Michigan to finish 3rd in conference.

4)USC easily over Virginia.

5) LSU over App State: this could be a fun game to watch as LSU has a Harvard transfer starting at QB (?)

6) California over Michigan State: I'm not sure how the incumbent, Sr QB can lose his job to a sophomore, which leads me to believe Riley is the real deal. Cal at home, in a close one.

7) Kansas State over the Mean Green of North Texas

Sunday:

1) CU over CSU: All Buffs, all day long!

Monday:

1) Fresno State over Rutgers

2) Tennessee over UCLA (welcome to Westwood Rickie-Poo)

Let's hear some feedback. What do you think? Are there other games of consideration this weekend?