DALLAS — Colorado offensive tackle Nate Solder said he isn't big into statistics, but the Buffaloes have one from last season that speaks for itself.
At 2.8 yards per rush, CU was by far the worst in the Big 12.
“There are some things that you've got to look at, just to see how it's affecting your team,” Solder said. “And I think yards per carry is one of those things.”
The Buffs ranked 11th in the Big 12 in rushing at 87.9 yards per game, but last-place Texas Tech had 60 fewer attempts. Every team other than CU averaged at least 3.4 yards per carry, including Iowa State at a Big 12-best 4.5.
Solder said the Buffs are more motivated than embarrassed by the stat.
“It's something that we weren't very good at,” he said, “and something we need to get better at.”
Ex-Trojan joins receiving corps
Colorado is excited about Southern Cal transfer Travon Patterson at receiver. Because of sanctions against the Trojans, the NCAA allowed juniors and seniors to transfer without penalty.
“He's got some speed,” CU coach Dan Hawkins said. “He's very explosive.
“He just showed up the other day and obviously we can't do a lot with him right now, but he's played some snaps and played against great competition, and he'll help us.”
Buffs ready to move on
Hawkins isn't sure who might become Colorado's chief rival in the Pac-10 after the Buffaloes red-marked Nebraska for years in the Big Eight and Big 12.
“I don't know,” he said. “Again, I think some of those things will evolve. We'll see how that goes.”
Asked if Colorado will miss the NU game — played the Friday after Thanksgiving since 1996 — Hawkins said rivalries are great and important, but times change.
“If you're opposed to change, this is a tough world to live in,” Hawkins said. “Because it's happening every day.”
Another duel at quarterback
What hasn't changed at Colorado is its quarterback situation. The Buffs head for another season with some uncertainty.
Hawkins said Cody Hawkins, his son, and Tyler Hansen are as close as ever.
“The good is you've got guys — you've got guys you can believe in, you've got guys who can play,” Dan Hawkins said. “The bad thing is you'd rather have one guy be clear front and center, but it's not that way.”
Each played in eight games last season. Hansen threw for 1,440 yards (eight touchdowns, seven interceptions) while Hawkins passed for 1,277 (10 TDs, 11 interceptions), and their completion percentages were 55.8 and 50.6, respectively.
— Rich Kaipust
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