Colorado University Athletics
SENIORS SET TO STRAP UP FOR FOLSOM FAREWELL
BOULDER ? With their final home game ever peeking over the horizon, the University of Colorado football team’s seniors know that Saturday’s matchup against rival Kansas State (12:30 p.m., no TV) is more than just a final goodbye to the field they’ve called home for several years.
What may be more important to CU’s 12 graduating veterans is the magnitude the contest carries in Colorado’s quest to finish atop the North standings.
Needing victories in their final two games ? along with at least one loss by both Missouri and Iowa State over the next few weeks ? the Buffs realize the driver’s seat they occupy is solely pointed towards Saturday’s 2004 finale at Folsom Field. Aware that they need help in order to reach one of their season’s goals ? a chance to play for the Big 12 Championship ? CU’s seniors have taken it upon themselves to ensure that every player remains focused on the Wildcats, and nothing else.
“I don’t care what scenario exists, who is saying what or what may or may not exist. We are only looking at K-State,” senior captain Sam Wilder stated earlier this week. “That is our only focus. We have to approach this as a do-or-die situation. This is very important, and no matter what, we want to win this game.”
“We can’t control anybody else other than ourselves,” head coach Gary Barnett added. “And, that’s obviously where we’ll spend all our time, have spent all our time and will spend all our time this week ? just trying to find a way to win this game at home.”
Coming off an impressive 35-24 comeback victory over Missouri last week, the Wildcats (4-5, 2-4 Big 12) roll into Boulder looking to avenge a pivotal 2002 loss that helped set up CU’s second division title. Led by Darren Sproles ? the conference’s all-time leader in all-purpose yardage (6,463) ? K-State hopes to build off its strong performance and ruin the Buffs’ senior sendoff.
“We know that we have a very good team coming in here, and they are playing for just as much as we are,” senior nose tackle Brandon Dabdoub stated. “A lot is at stake as a senior and just in general as a team. This is a very big and special game in more than one way. We know it’s a must-win.”
Though emotions will run high as they take to the Folsom turf for a final time, two particular CU seniors noted how they haven’t put much thought into their last home game. Rather they’d prepare, stay calm and zone in on the task at hand, co-captains Bobby Purify and Matt McChesney are approaching the contest as just another opportunity to handle business.
“I really don’t pay too much attention to it,” Purify said. “It’s just another game for me and I need to prepare for it. It’s just going to be another game. I can’t get too emotional about it or I won’t play well.”
“It hasn’t really hit me yet,” McChesney also admitted. “I’m sure it won’t until after the game. Right now it’s just another game and another opponent. ... They have a lot to play for, too, and it’s going to be a dogfight. So, they can go ahead and bring it.”
Other Buffs are taking a different stance, but also know that their waning time in Boulder couldn’t end any better than with a triumph in front of the home fans.
“It’s gone by fast,” Wilder continued. “It’s really going to be bittersweet. Everybody always tells you it goes by fast, and it has. We want a win. To go out with a win at Folsom would be the most special.”
Wednesday Practice Notes: The Buffs ended their session about 20 minutes early due to heavy sleet and snowy conditions. Barnett called drills early because players couldn’t keep their footing on the practice field, but he said that everybody “had great focus” throughout. “You never know, but it could be like this on Saturday,” he added.