CUs horrible home record since joining Pac12.
From todays NewsStand:
https://sportspac12.com/scouting-the-pac-12-venues-colorados-folsom-field/
Like most fans, I can fall prey to sipping the Kool-Aid, even tho I never liked the stuff. I am also a card-carrying curmudgeon, so I am sometimes mystified by the rosey spin that often appears on this board. This article really illuminates the futility CU has produced since joining the PAC12. Moreover, this only shines the light on the Buffs putrid performance in home games; we all know about our wretched record on the road.
While the article - like many- does point out some notable successes in 2016 & 2020, I have always had muted exuberance over those season records. I suspect most here will disagree, but IMO the Buffs were supremely lucky in 2016. Overall, the conference was even weaker than usual, and CU drew a pretty favorable schedule.
Many point to defeating Oregon in Eugene as evidence of championship caliber play, but that Duck team was bad (I think they finished 4-8?). I was at that game and yes it was really exciting, especially for the number of critical overturned refs calls in our favor, finger tip receptions and last minute heroics. But I doubt anyone left Autsen Stadium thinking " Gee, the Buffs should win the conference". Yes, we also beat UCLA & Stanford (barely) but that those teams were less than impressive too in 2016. Of course, you just play the games on the schedule and no need to apologize for the shortcomings of your opponents. That said, we saw what happened against a mediocre USC team and the debacle at the end of the season against quality teams when the Buffs were obliterated by both UW and OkSt.
Last season was interesting too: new coaching staff, pandemic uncertainty, etc. Again many here will disagree, but IMO way too much was, and continues to be made of the 4-0 start. Buffs did beat UCLA (barely, after jumping to large lead) to start the delayed COVID shortened season, but consider how badly the local health restrictions impacted the Bruins' ability to launch practices at all. A strong case can be made that the impediments UCLA faced had more to do with their first half performance in the game than did the Buffs prowess; the second half was a much different story if you recall. Similarly, Stanford was in total turmoil heading into the game due to the false negative COVID sidelining of QB Davis Mills, ensuing uncertainty over whom would start, and ultimately playing with no ability to practice ahead of the game. Yes, CU jumped out again and barely held on and a win is a win. Again, you just play the games on the schedule and no need to apologize for the shortcomings of your opponents but the Buff's sorry performance against Utah and Texas (well, those few Longhorn starters who didn't opt out) once again put things in perspective IMO. And no I don't think Nate Landman or Noyer's shoulder would have appreciably changed the outcomes.
BUT, there are absolutely many reasons for optimism heading into what is truly the first real season under HCKD, my only point in this lengthy post is that this article is fair and factual and highlights just how much baggage from the past decade must be shed for things to change. Yes, we fans can muse and debate over recruiting, coaching, scheduling, and public health politics, but it all comes down to performance on the field. Our Buffs must be much better, and it has to start at Folsom.
From todays NewsStand:
https://sportspac12.com/scouting-the-pac-12-venues-colorados-folsom-field/
Like most fans, I can fall prey to sipping the Kool-Aid, even tho I never liked the stuff. I am also a card-carrying curmudgeon, so I am sometimes mystified by the rosey spin that often appears on this board. This article really illuminates the futility CU has produced since joining the PAC12. Moreover, this only shines the light on the Buffs putrid performance in home games; we all know about our wretched record on the road.
While the article - like many- does point out some notable successes in 2016 & 2020, I have always had muted exuberance over those season records. I suspect most here will disagree, but IMO the Buffs were supremely lucky in 2016. Overall, the conference was even weaker than usual, and CU drew a pretty favorable schedule.
Many point to defeating Oregon in Eugene as evidence of championship caliber play, but that Duck team was bad (I think they finished 4-8?). I was at that game and yes it was really exciting, especially for the number of critical overturned refs calls in our favor, finger tip receptions and last minute heroics. But I doubt anyone left Autsen Stadium thinking " Gee, the Buffs should win the conference". Yes, we also beat UCLA & Stanford (barely) but that those teams were less than impressive too in 2016. Of course, you just play the games on the schedule and no need to apologize for the shortcomings of your opponents. That said, we saw what happened against a mediocre USC team and the debacle at the end of the season against quality teams when the Buffs were obliterated by both UW and OkSt.
Last season was interesting too: new coaching staff, pandemic uncertainty, etc. Again many here will disagree, but IMO way too much was, and continues to be made of the 4-0 start. Buffs did beat UCLA (barely, after jumping to large lead) to start the delayed COVID shortened season, but consider how badly the local health restrictions impacted the Bruins' ability to launch practices at all. A strong case can be made that the impediments UCLA faced had more to do with their first half performance in the game than did the Buffs prowess; the second half was a much different story if you recall. Similarly, Stanford was in total turmoil heading into the game due to the false negative COVID sidelining of QB Davis Mills, ensuing uncertainty over whom would start, and ultimately playing with no ability to practice ahead of the game. Yes, CU jumped out again and barely held on and a win is a win. Again, you just play the games on the schedule and no need to apologize for the shortcomings of your opponents but the Buff's sorry performance against Utah and Texas (well, those few Longhorn starters who didn't opt out) once again put things in perspective IMO. And no I don't think Nate Landman or Noyer's shoulder would have appreciably changed the outcomes.
BUT, there are absolutely many reasons for optimism heading into what is truly the first real season under HCKD, my only point in this lengthy post is that this article is fair and factual and highlights just how much baggage from the past decade must be shed for things to change. Yes, we fans can muse and debate over recruiting, coaching, scheduling, and public health politics, but it all comes down to performance on the field. Our Buffs must be much better, and it has to start at Folsom.
