Colorado University Athletics
CONFIDENT AND WISER, BUFFS GET BACK TO WORK
BOULDER ? As the University of Colorado football team (3-5, 1-3 Big 12) returned to practice Monday evening, the Buffs stepped on the field knowing that they are now a little wiser and more confident than they were just one week ago.
After battling No. 1 Oklahoma in a tight contest that remained competitive down to the wire, the Buffs came away from the tough loss having learned several valuable lessons. Though they were unable to upset the Sooners and move closer to becoming bowl eligible, CU was able to reset the tone for its season, and is now focused on the task at hand.
“Playing Oklahoma (well) meant more than just gaining confidence,” quarterback Joel Klatt stated Monday after practice. “We had to learn how to play in big games at that kind of competitive level. Oklahoma is a great team that plays at a championship level. The reason they win each week is because they play like that every week.
“That is something that we needed to experience and learn how to do. We have to play at that type of level with that kind of intensity week in and week out.”
With that mindset intact, the Buffs now turn their attention to facing a Texas Tech squad armed with a potent offense and solid defense. Knowing that the Red Raiders (5-3, 2-2 Big 12) are the first roadblock in their quest to reach a bowl game, the Buffs feel they are prepared to step up to the newest challenge.
“We can’t look at what we could have done, or what might have happened,” senior captain Marwan Hage said Monday. “This team is locked on and pointed in one direction. We know where we want to go and we now probably know better than ever how we have to get there.”
Echoing Hage’s sentiments, Klatt says he and the rest of the Buffs are determined to finish the season on a strong note. No matter what stands in their way, CU is ready to do whatever it takes to achieve its goal.
“We know we have to win four games to get to a bowl,” Klatt added. “It’s a four-game season for us right now, and that is the bottom line. This week it’s Texas Tech, and if we can play like we did last week against Oklahoma, we’ll be alright.”
Practice Notes: Head coach Gary Barnett said senior tailback Bobby Purify (ankle) remained out of practice Monday. Purify, who has been battling to return from a severe ankle sprain sustained against Washington State, will continue to rehab the injury and wait on his future.
“He didn’t practice today, and we’re just going to rest him for awhile now,” Barnett said.
“It is really hard to say (what Purify’s status is) right now,” head athletic trainer Steve Willard noted Wednesday after the session. “That’s why we’re taking this week-to-week. He tried to (practice) last week, but it was obvious that he wasn’t ready to play.”