Colorado got off to a slow start last season, going just 1-9 over their first ten games. You have to give them credit, though, they hung in there and ended up winning two of their last three games. They went just 3-10 overall and 2-7 in conference play, but head coach Jon Embree's team has a little momentum heading into his second season.
The Buffaloes had two games that they could've won when they lost to Cal in overtime and to Washington State by four. However, all their other losses came by way of a blowout, losing by 17 points or more. To follow the betting odds on Colorado this season, plus get picks and more, head to College Football Free Picks.
The team has now suffered six consecutive losing seasons, and it seems like ages since Rick Neuheisel and Gary Barnett led the school to 10-win campaigns in the Big 12.
Offense
The team had the unfortunate distinction of having one of the worst offenses in college football last year. Colorado ranked last in the PAC-12 in scoring with 19.8 points/game. It also finished 11th in the conference in total offense with 346.3 yards/game.
The Buffaloes need to have better production from the quarterback position if they hope to improve from last year's pathetic numbers. Sophomore Connor Wood, a Texas transfer, and sophomore Nick Hirschman, who has suffered foot injuries, could fight for the starting position this fall. It is possible that former Kansas starter Jordan Webb could end up getting the job in the end.
Webb is expected to spend his last two seasons of eligibility with the Buffaloes. He went just 4-12 as a starter for the Jayhawks. Last year he threw for 1,884 yards and 13 touchdowns to 12 intercpetions.
Whoever it is that lands the job will have his work cut out for him, because they no longer have the services of Paul Richardson due to a torn ACL.
The offensive line returns three starters, including left tackle David Bakhtiari, who earned 2nd-team all-conference honors last season.
Their running back stable is brimming with talent and sophomore Tony Jones will be the top option on this stacked unit. He was the team's top returning rusher and receiver for the team last year.
Defense
The Colorado defense will need to make drastic improvements if this team is going to be successful. Last season, they allowed 439.3 total yards per contest for over 36 points per game.
The Buffaloes are not expecting a big turnaround in 2012, but if they can get some worthwhile contributions from their freshmen, then an improvement is not out of the question. The coaching staff is optimistic that defensive lineman Josh Tupou and Kisima Jagne, and defensive backs Yuri Wright and Kenneth Crawley are all ready to contribute.
Senior free safety Ray Polk is one of the leaders of the defense. He has the most stops of any returning player with 59.
Junior defensive end Chidera Uzo-Diribe had 5.5 sacks a year ago and will be counted to provide even more production in 2012.
PAC-12 South Prediction: 6th Place
The Buffaloes have very winnable games in its first three games of the new season against Colorado State, Sacramento State and Fresno State in the non-conference portion of their schedule. They could very well start the season out at 3-0, but once they compete against teams in their conference, that's when things begin to get tough.
The Buffaloes face some tough competition on the road against Washington State, USC, Oregon and Arizona. They likely will lose all four matchups, but they have a shot against the Cougars and Wildcats.
They also face some very tough competition at home as they face UCLA, Arizona State, Stanford, Washington and Utah.
The Buffaloes had two games that they could've won when they lost to Cal in overtime and to Washington State by four. However, all their other losses came by way of a blowout, losing by 17 points or more. To follow the betting odds on Colorado this season, plus get picks and more, head to College Football Free Picks.
The team has now suffered six consecutive losing seasons, and it seems like ages since Rick Neuheisel and Gary Barnett led the school to 10-win campaigns in the Big 12.
Offense
The team had the unfortunate distinction of having one of the worst offenses in college football last year. Colorado ranked last in the PAC-12 in scoring with 19.8 points/game. It also finished 11th in the conference in total offense with 346.3 yards/game.
The Buffaloes need to have better production from the quarterback position if they hope to improve from last year's pathetic numbers. Sophomore Connor Wood, a Texas transfer, and sophomore Nick Hirschman, who has suffered foot injuries, could fight for the starting position this fall. It is possible that former Kansas starter Jordan Webb could end up getting the job in the end.
Webb is expected to spend his last two seasons of eligibility with the Buffaloes. He went just 4-12 as a starter for the Jayhawks. Last year he threw for 1,884 yards and 13 touchdowns to 12 intercpetions.
Whoever it is that lands the job will have his work cut out for him, because they no longer have the services of Paul Richardson due to a torn ACL.
The offensive line returns three starters, including left tackle David Bakhtiari, who earned 2nd-team all-conference honors last season.
Their running back stable is brimming with talent and sophomore Tony Jones will be the top option on this stacked unit. He was the team's top returning rusher and receiver for the team last year.
Defense
The Colorado defense will need to make drastic improvements if this team is going to be successful. Last season, they allowed 439.3 total yards per contest for over 36 points per game.
The Buffaloes are not expecting a big turnaround in 2012, but if they can get some worthwhile contributions from their freshmen, then an improvement is not out of the question. The coaching staff is optimistic that defensive lineman Josh Tupou and Kisima Jagne, and defensive backs Yuri Wright and Kenneth Crawley are all ready to contribute.
Senior free safety Ray Polk is one of the leaders of the defense. He has the most stops of any returning player with 59.
Junior defensive end Chidera Uzo-Diribe had 5.5 sacks a year ago and will be counted to provide even more production in 2012.
PAC-12 South Prediction: 6th Place
The Buffaloes have very winnable games in its first three games of the new season against Colorado State, Sacramento State and Fresno State in the non-conference portion of their schedule. They could very well start the season out at 3-0, but once they compete against teams in their conference, that's when things begin to get tough.
The Buffaloes face some tough competition on the road against Washington State, USC, Oregon and Arizona. They likely will lose all four matchups, but they have a shot against the Cougars and Wildcats.
They also face some very tough competition at home as they face UCLA, Arizona State, Stanford, Washington and Utah.
About the Author:
Jack Jones is a professional handicapper who writes and provides his expert picks and analysis for Betfirms.com. Visit there today and read more about Colorado's upcoming season.
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