The Colorado Buffaloes started the season with a great 7-2 record, but were then humiliated by Iowa State, Nebraska, and then Texas in the Big 12 Championship Game. In their last game of the year the Buffaloes lost their fourth straight when all time career passing leader, quarterback Joel Klatt, was injured in the Champs Sports Bowl.
Head Coach Gary Barnett was let go and was replaced by Dan Hawkins who is the former Boise State head coach. Dan Hawkins is expected to reshape the entire program which has been tainted with negative press, labeling the program dirty. Coach Hawkins offenses usually put up superb numbers, and this year takes on an offense that is returning five starters, so look for the Buffaloes offense to at least match or better their 23.5 PPG.
Both the defense and special teams of the Buffaloes is very good this year with eight starters returning. Last season's defensive line allowed 2.8 yards per carry and had a total of 27 sacks on opposing quarterbacks. The back seven is also solid, and the secondary returns seven of eight contributors.
Coming back for his senior finale is kicker Mason Crosby, and this year hopes to get some award recognition, as he has been spectacular throughout his career and boasting a touchback percentage of 67 last year.
The squad got to the Big 12 Conference Championship Game for the second consecutive year and to the conference big game in four of the last five years. They will get better as the season goes, and be in top shape come October when they play the majority of their divisional games.
