Colorado University Athletics
CONFIDENT BUFFS FOCUS ON CORNHUSKER TASK
BOULDER ? Fresh off its thrilling, last-second 38-31 win over Kansas State this weekend, the University of Colorado football team (6-4, 3-4 Big 12) returned to the gridiron Tuesday evening and drilled for about two hours in the opening practice of the bye week.
After taking the last couple days off to rest and watch film from last Saturday’s win, the Buffs suited up in full pads for what head coach Gary Barnett called a “regular Tuesday practice.” Looking to replicate their normal practice routine as much as possible, the sixth-year CU coach said his team worked hard during the day and had a session full of focus and intensity.
Quarterback Joel Klatt, who is coming off a solid performance against the Wildcats, echoed Barnett’s sentiments and felt CU kicked off its infamous “Nebraska Week” in strong fashion. Noting specifically that the Buffs are still riding high and feeling confident after their 2004 Folsom Field finale, Klatt said he thinks everybody is ready to zone in on beating the Huskers (5-5, 3-4 Big 12).
“(The win) was great; there’s no question about it,” said Klatt, who connected with Ron Monteilh Saturday for CU’s 64-yard game-winning touchdown pass with five seconds remaining. “But, we are not content with simply being bowl eligible. There is still a lot more left to our season and we need to buckle down and get ready for our next task. We know where we want to go and what is at stake, so today was a good beginning to get there.”
And where the Buffs want to land is in the Big 12 Championship game on Dec. 4, in Kansas City, Mo. With their hopes still alive after consecutive wins over K-State and Kansas, CU now needs to pull out a victory in Lincoln, Neb. the day after Thanksgiving and hope that Missouri and Iowa State each lose one of their final two games.
Barnett said that the Buffs will be glued to the television this Saturday on their day off when Iowa State travels to Kansas State and Missouri hosts Kansas in two crucial Big 12 North showdowns. If both ISU and MU fall to their opponents this weekend, then CU would jump into the division’s driver’s seat and control its own destiny.
“We are definitely rooting for Kansas and Kansas State this weekend,” Barnett announced.
When asked if that even meant cheering for the Jayhawks over his alma mater, Missouri, Barnett quickly replied, “Heck yeah. That was a long time ago.”
Practice Notes: Barnett said cornerback Lorenzo Sims (concussion) did not practice during the day but would be available Wednesday. Tackle Clint O’Neal and linebacker Jordon Dizon, who also suffered concussions Saturday, were back at work, but Dizon was limited to no contact.
Barnett also said that there is a possibility tight end Quinn Sypniewski will play against Nebraska. Sypniewski, the fifth-year senior who broke his ankle during CU’s first bye week this season, has missed seven games but hopes to be back for the Huskers. Though the possibility of receiving a rare sixth-year medical hardship remains an option, Barnett said CU “will see how far along he can get this week.” Sypniewski’s status remains day-to-day.