Colorado University Athletics
CU CONTINUES PREPARATIONS FOR NEBRASKA RIVALRY
BOULDER ? The University of Colorado football team (5-6, 3-4 Big 12) continued its preparations Friday for the upcoming showdown against No. 23 Nebraska (Nov. 28, 10:00 a.m., ABC), as the Buffs wrapped up day three of practice on this bye week.
The team practiced for a solid two hours this afternoon in full pads and freezing temperatures, but remained focused on the challenge ahead " especially the seniors who are in the midst of their final bye week and facing their last shot at defeating the rival Cornhuskers (8-3, 4-3 Big 12). The Buffs have won the past two meetings in this rivalry, and aim to make it three in row next Friday.
“Nebraska is the yard stick,” said senior linebacker Sean Tufts. “If you beat them, then you can be considered an elite team. Add to that the possibility of getting into a bowl with a victory, and we’ve got everybody clicking on all cylinders.”
The Colorado-Nebraska game has been a staple for the two programs since 1898, having met 61 times prior to next week’s meeting. But it didn’t truly become a “red letter” game until the arrival of head coach Bill McCartney in 1982, and the tradition has continued under the guidance of head coach Gary Barnett. The fifth-year head coach holds a 2-2 record against the Cornhuskers, including back-to-back victories the past two seasons ? the first such feat since McCartney accomplished it in 1989-90. A win on November 28, and the Buffs would become the first team to defeat Nebraska in three consecutive meetings since Texas in 1996 and 1998-99.
“I was here when the rivalry was created (as an assistant coach),” stated Barnett on Monday afternoon. “I know what it means for interest in the game and I know the kind of energy that went into making it into a big-time game. I feel like it deserves to have the rivalry status.”
In hopes of pumping up the team’s intensity while adding fuel to the fire during “Nebraska Week” practices, Barnett has commissioned the scout teams to don Nebraska-red jerseys and white helmets to replicate the Big 12 North nemesis Cornhuskers. Redshirt junior defensive tackle John Guydon, a three-time scout defensive team player of the week, has drawn the assignment of wearing #88 in hopes of replicating the likes of Huskers’ senior defensive end Trevor Johnson.
“It was kind of weird putting on the red jersey, especially in this building (Dal Ward),” said Guydon. “It made me a little nervous on the practice field, but it really has made everyone pick up the intensity and practice that much harder. Being a part of this rivalry is special.”
Colorado trails the all-time series, 16-43-2, but nine of those 16 victories have been in Boulder, including a 62-36 thrashing in 2001 that knocked the Huskers out of the BCS No. 1 perch and gave Colorado its first ever Big 12 North title. Last year, the No. 13 Buffs prevailed 28-13 for their first victory in Lincoln since Nov. 3, 1990 ? also the last time that Colorado claimed two in a row.
“We’ll do whatever it takes for us to win the game,” said Barnett. “Nobody is out there trying to make any improvements on one side or the other, we’re trying to win the game. So, whatever that takes. This game, for us, is going to come down to how well we play, not how well Nebraska plays.”
Practice Notes: Senior TB Bobby Purify had surgery to remove a calcium deposit from his ankle today, and according to coach Barnett the surgery was successful. Purify will petition for a medical redshirt once the year is over, and return next season for his fifth year of eligibility.