What is happening in Boulder?
Colorado football is coming off a 4-2 record last season with a 3-1 mark in conference play, finishing just behind USC in the Pac-12. It was promising and they looked to build on that in 2021, but it just hasn’t happened for them.
It began with a win at Folsom Field against Northern Colorado where they mauled the Bears 35-7. They followed that game with a 10-7 loss against Texas A&M. It was a huge defensive game but the offense could not hold off the Aggies for a victory. The three games following were anything but heartbreakers, losing 30-0 against Minnesota at home accompanied by losing 35-15 against the Sun Devils of Arizona State. They hit the bottom of the barrel, losing to USC 37-14. However, in Week 7, Colorado bounced back with a 34-0 win against Arizona at home.
Colorado is coming into Week 8 with a 2-4 record up against California’s 1-5 mark. Will the streak continue for the Buffaloes in Berkeley?
The quarterback situation in Boulder is not a strong one even though Brendon Lewis threw for 248 yards and two touchdowns against Arizona. He got his team a win finally but against a team one was expected. On a team with a whole slew of tight ends, not one had any receptions. If this team is going to be successful, they have to get these guys more involved. However, it was a promising performance from Lewis and we hope this catapults him into a great finish this season. He now has 723 yards and four touchdowns this year. He’s hungry for more in The Golden State.
The talent level is not lacking on this team. The Buffalos have a slew of tight ends, more than most teams in the FBS. For head coach Karl Dorrell it’s time to start using the assets you have because this team is not getting it done in big games.
Brenden Rice now leads all receivers with 11 receptions for 172 yards. Brady Russell follows him with nine catches and 124 yards — he’s the only other receiver with over 100 yards. Still, it’s not impressive considering how many games we are into the season. Also known as Brady Hustle, he is also the best lead blocker and has been the best tight end since he stepped onto the field in Boulder.
Now if he can be that great I’m sure he has taught wisdom to his other tight ends. We know there is no lack of options with the 11 tight ends behind him. There is Caleb Fauria, son of NFL tight end Christian Fauria. Alec Pell is one of the many talented freshmen, a linebacker turned tight end. Kannan Turnbull is a walk-on from Loveland. C.J. Schmanski is another walk-on highly touted for the special teams.
Luke Stillwell is a quarterback turned tight end so it may be some time before he’s ready. Nick Fisher is a senior and the largest of the tight ends who you will see primarily on special teams. Jared Poplawski who some say is the most talented but has been plagued by injuries. Nico Magri is another walk-on who has only played for special teams. Louis Passarello was a three-star recruit so we should be seeing him soon.
Erik Olsen, who Dorrell is very high on, was the Buffs’ top recruit in 2021 so they expect big things from him in the future. Matt Lynch is a senior, originally a three-star quarterback. Coming in at 12 is Austin Smith, a heavily recruited tight end from Elmaton, Texas. He always played receiver and has the confidence to boot.
Smith on his style of play, per 247Sports: “I feel like whenever I step on the field, I am the most athletic player, and I am one of the biggest. It gives me a great advantage. I’m not just a big guy that can’t run. I am a great route runner. I can jump for the ball, and I have great ball skills. I think those are my greatest attributes.”
That is the kind of confidence and athleticism the Colorado Buffalos need to have on the field. Give these players a chance to show what you recruited them for.
Why are there so many tight ends?
It’s a team of tight ends who are experienced in so many levels of play. You have a few tight ends who are natural receivers. Some turned tight end from linebacker who are going to be great blockers and a quarterback’s best friend. Others who are quarterbacks turned tight ends which allows them to read defenses well and have a cohesive relationship with the quarterback. Is 12 too many? Not if they’re utilized right. That is an area Colorado needs to work on.
Use your strengths and watch your team rise. It will happen.
The pride of Boulder matchup at home Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET against Cal on the Pac-12 Network. The Buffaloes look to get one step closer to .500 and turn this season around. They’ll still be riding high on last week’s win expect the Buffs to lead early and bring a ‘W’ back to Boulder.