Colorado University Athletics
BUFFS BEGIN POST-FINAL PRACTICES
BOULDER ? The University of Colorado football team returned to the field Thursday after taking a week off for final exams. The Buffs had a normal full-pad practice as they continue to prepare for their Dec. 29 showdown against UTEP in the EVI.net Houston Bowl.
“Practice was O.K.,” said Head Coach Gary Barnett. “You could tell that we’ve been off for a week, but tomorrow we’ll come back and we’ll be better.”
The past week may have been as important as any other week in the year for some Buffs even though the team was off. The coaches will get notified about the academic eligibility of the players early next week for the bowl game, but Barnett remained optimistic that CU will show up in Houston with all of its weapons.
The bowl game will mark the last game for several seniors, but it is equally important for the players who will be suiting up for the Buffs next year.
“This game is important for everyone coming back,” Barnett said. “It will help our young guys see where they are on the ladder in the spring.”
The Buffs will return to practice on Friday with a lot more scrimmaging according to Barnett. They will practice through Dec. 21, after which players are able to go home for the holidays. They will assemble in Houston late Christmas Day and practice for three days before the game, which kicks off at 2:30 p.m. MST and will be broadcast on ESPN.