August 28th 2024.
As the CU Buffs gear up for the start of their season, questions linger about their ability to overcome past challenges. The team's penalty problems have been a major concern, but with a new season comes new hope. Geoff Schwarz, FOX Sports analyst and former NFL lineman, believes that this year could be different for the Buffs, especially if their penalty issues have been resolved.
Fine margins matter in football, and it's the little things that can make or break a game. However, there's one topic that hasn't been talked about enough in CU circles: the team's self-inflicted wounds from last season. Safety Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig emphasized the importance of discipline and character within the team, which is something that the coaches strive to instill in their players.
One of the most memorable moments of last season was when then-CU defensive coordinator Charlie Kelly had a meltdown on the sideline during a game against Stanford. The Buffs were penalized four times for illegal substitutions, ultimately contributing to the Cardinals' comeback win. These self-inflicted errors were a common occurrence for the Buffs, who led the Pac-12 in penalties and penalty yards per game. It's clear that this is an area that needs improvement.
With a new season comes a new coaching staff, and it's not just head coach Deion Sanders leading the way. Of the 10 full-time assistants on Sanders' staff, seven are in new roles and some are new to the college level. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and defensive coordinator Robert Livingston bring strong NFL experience, but they both face challenges in their first season at CU. The team's success may depend on how quickly they can adapt to their new roles.
Last season, the Buffs let several close games slip away, with a record of 3-5 in games decided by eight points or less. In conference play, they were 1-5 in one-possession games. Penalty problems also plagued the team in these close matchups, with CU going 0-3 in games where they committed 10 or more penalties. In order to improve their record and reach their potential, the Buffs will need to focus on minimizing self-inflicted errors.
Sanders knows the importance of discipline, both on and off the field. In a close loss to Arizona last season, he emphasized the impact of small penalties adding up and costing the team in the end. The Buffs may have won the time of possession, but their mistakes ultimately cost them the game. As they enter a new season with new coaches and a fresh start, it's important for the Buffs to maintain a high level of discipline and focus on the little things that can make a big difference.
While it may take time for the team to fully adapt to their new coaches and playing style, analyst Geoff Schwarz believes that this year could be a turning point for the Buffs. He sees them as contenders for a bowl game in their second season under Sanders, and potentially reaching 10 wins by their third year. With the over/under for CU's wins set at 5.5, Schwarz predicts they will win six games this season.
As the Buffs prepare for their season opener against North Dakota State, fans are eager to see how the team will perform under Sanders' leadership and with a new coaching staff. Will they be able to overcome their past challenges and reach their full potential? The answer remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the Buffs are ready to prove themselves on the field.
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