Hawkins to lead CU into Lincoln

By Josh Lashley  |   Sunday, August 06, 2006  |  Comments( 35 )

Nebraska Cornhuskers
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Through all of the turmoil that surrounded the Colorado Buffaloes this past season, a ray of sunshine may now be gleaming through. Dan Hawkins, a man who garnered respect and success during his tenure at Boise State, is now at the helm for CU and another run towards national prominence could be coming soon. Hawkins, who was 53-11 at Boise State, takes over for Gary Barnett.

That return to the big time may not be in evidence this fall, however. The Buffaloes have several challenges before they head to Lincoln on November 24 and the Nebraska Cornhuskers would like to deal them a lopsided loss similar to the 30-3 shellacking in Boulder in 2005.

Bernard Jackson and Brian White, a pair of juniors, look to be the frontrunners for the starting quarterback job. Senior Hugh Charles may be able to take some of the pressure off whoever is at QB through his skill as a tailback. Charles rushed for 842 yards and six touchdowns in '05. Junior Dusty Sprague returns as a quality wide receiver that caught 43 passes last year.

While the offense works to find consistency, the Buffaloes have enough depth and talent on the defensive side of the ball to keep the opposition honest. Thaddaeus Washington (senior) and Jordon Dizon (junior) are standout linebackers for CU. Washington was in on 112 tackles and Dizon recorded 61 tackles last fall.

The talent on the defensive side isn't limited to the linebackers for Colorado. J.J. Billingsley is a senior free safety who had 88 tackles and a pair of interceptions last year. Lorenzo Sims, another senior, is at cornerback for the Buffaloes.

Special teams players could have a very positive impact for CU this fall. Mason Crosby, a senior, was 5-of-7 on kicks over 50 yards last season. Stephone Robinson, now in his junior year, is a kick/punt returner with ample experience.

All told, the defending Big 12 North champs have good, but not overwhelming talent. If the winner of the Big 12 North this year is to be decided in this game, it could be a very good thing for Nebraska.

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CommentsComments: 35  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
David Naderi		04:15 PM
08/07/2006
I think Colorado is going to stumble this year, even though they are no match for the Power of Big Red!! Even though the Huskers ...
No.2
Dave		05:28 PM
08/07/2006
As we all know ,by the time this is posted Darren B. will have posted to advise us all,how bad the Buffs are going to whip us.I ...
No.3
John		06:30 PM
08/07/2006
I dont even care about NU/CU, all I care about is the Big 12 Championship that WILL NOT involve OU, looks like a Huskers vs ...
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