Barfknecht: CU's Hawk in a nose dive?

Now we know why Dan Hawkins spent his Big 12 Media Days session tap-dancing around his offseason statement that his Colorado football team's mission in 2009 was “10 wins, no excuses.''

After Colorado State beat the Buffaloes 23-17 on Sunday, it appears CU would have to play 30 times this season to get to 10 wins.

The “Hawk Love'' era, in its fourth year, looks short-lived.

When you get housed in your own house by a middle-of-the-pack Mountain West team and your own booing, bird-flipping fans rag you as you leave the field, the future looks dim.

This was touted as Hawkins' turnaround year after three straight losing seasons.

His recruits were in place. His culture was established. He had concocted a new power running game to showcase his big offensive line and speedy backs, which would match well with a touted defense.

Then came Sunday night: 29 yards rushing in 21 carries, and a defense that allowed four plays of 40 yards or longer. And it would have been more had CSU receivers not dropped two potential touchdown bombs.

Hawkins came to Colorado as an offensive guru. Yet in 38 games, the Buffaloes have failed to get past the three-touchdown mark 23 times.

It's not just the stats that should worry Colorado fans.

The hard truth is Colorado State looked like it was playing chess, while CU was playing checkers.

Second-year CSU coach Steve Fairchild had Hawkins on his heels all night.

The Rams — with a first-time starter at quarterback — drove for a touchdown on the game's opening possession, never trailed and could have led by four touchdowns at halftime — instead of 20-3 — if not for some self-inflicted mistakes.

Defensively, a Colorado State team that was last nationally in sacks in 2008 dropped CU four times for 38 yards.

Hawkins, known for his long-winded and passionate answers, spoke in a low monotone and in short sentences on Monday's Big 12 teleconference.

How did he respond to the booing? “I don't. You just have to do your deal.''

What did the loss tell him about his team? “Every game is a learning experience.''

How will the players respond? “We'll be OK.''

The danger signs for this season began appearing over the spring and summer.

Colorado's most explosive player, receiver Josh Smith, wanted out without explanation. He transferred to UCLA.

Offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich made a lateral move to Oregon after spring practice, leading Hawkins to name himself the wide receivers coach.

The staff again failed to recruit or develop a high-caliber quarterback, leaving Hawkins' undersized son, Cody, in charge for a third straight year — a hot-button issue with fans.

Then there was Hawkins' strange explanation at Big 12 Media Days about how his 10-wins remark was in no way a guarantee, and that all he tried to do was “raise the bar of excellence.''

Hawkins, in taking over for Gary Barnett, won a lot of fans in Boulder with his enthusiasm. He got publicity for his skydiving and traveling the world, along with having his players do wacky things in practice like hit golf balls.

A lot of that reminded me of the New Age things ex-Colorado coach Rick Neuheisel used to get ripped for. Yet Neuheisel went 33-14, while Hawkins is 13-25.

Now, the Buffs have just four days to get ready for a Friday night game at Toledo. After a home game with Wyoming comes another road trip to West Virginia. Then CU starts Big 12 play with Texas and Kansas.

A 1-5 or 2-4 start plus a bunch of empty seats at home will force CU Athletic Director Mike Bohn to wonder about his May 2008 decision to extend Hawkins' contract two years through 2012.

OU woe

If Colorado coach Dan Hawkins was down Monday, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops was distracted.

Losing a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and an All-America tight end to injuries within three days will do that to you.

The sprained shoulder joint of quarterback Sam Bradford leaves redshirt freshman Landry Jones in charge, at least for probably the next month.

Stoops' description of what prompted OU to recruit Jones, a 6-foot-4, 216-pounder from Artesia, N.M., wasn't exactly overwhelming.

“We felt he was a good-character guy, a leader, a competitive guy,'' Stoops said. “He's an excellent thrower. That's what we're always looking for first — a guy who is accurate and a leader.''

Medical decisions on the availability of Bradford and tight end Jermaine Gresham (knee), who both turned down the NFL to return to school, won't be made until later this week or early next week.

Hit man

The “Living Up to Your Nickname Award'' from the first week goes to Oklahoma State free safety Lucien “the Punisher'' Antoine.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound senior from Coral Gables, Fla., helped flip the momentum in OSU's 24-10 win over Georgia with two huge hits in the second quarter.

With Georgia leading 7-0 and appearing to have some offensive momentum, Antoine blew up a third-and-1 running play at midfield for a 1-yard loss that forced a punt.

Then just before halftime, Antoine nearly dismembered UGA tailback Carlton Thomas, forcing a fumble that led to a field goal and a 10-7 OSU halftime lead.

Antoine said when he saw Thomas take the handoff, he thought: “Oh, man, this is my shot.''

“He probably didn't even look at me, but I saw him. And God was with me. I hit him, the ball popped out and it was all good.''

It was a sweet return to action for Antoine, who blew out a knee in Oklahoma State's second game last season. He led the Cowboys' rejuvenated defense with seven tackles.

Quote of the week

Baylor coach Art Briles on any worries about keeping his team, which hasn't been to a bowl game in 15 years, grounded after winning at Wake Forest:

“One great thing about where we're at as a program is we don't have to worry about getting a big head. We've had our lips punched enough times to know you've never arrived.''

Bits and pieces

Oklahoma lost two fumbles in the first half against BYU. Last season, the Sooners didn't lose a fumble until the eighth game. ... Four Kansas players, including All-Big 12 receiver Dezmon Briscoe and starting defensive tackle Jamal Greene, sat out the Northern Colorado game for disciplinary reasons. ... Injuries will sideline two Texas starters — guard Michael Huey and middle linebacker Jared Norton — at Wyoming. ... Baylor used 355-pound Phil Taylor and 315-pound Trey Bryant, both defensive tackles, as blocking backs in short-yardage offense.

« Sports - Main

Share