Colorado University Athletics
CU PERSISTS WITH PRACTICE IN POOR WEATHER
BOULDER ? Battling through cold temperatures and steady sleet, the University of Colorado football team held its sixth practice of the spring Friday afternoon, in a session that interim head coach Brian Cabral said the Buffaloes “got a lot done.”
Having the option of moving indoors to the Balch Fieldhouse, Cabral felt that it was best for his squad to brave the elements. Due to the confining setting of the inside venue, the Buffs decided they would get more done outside, even if they had to deal with slippery conditions.
“It was a short, crisp practice, and I think that was the key,” Cabral noted. “We can’t afford to go inside with the limited time schedule we’re on. It was important for us to push ourselves and get something accomplished.”
To elevate excitement and do what Cabral said “made it fun,” CU held a brief offense versus defense drill during the last 15 minutes. In a best of five contest that pinned tight ends against safeties in one-on-one timing patterns, the offense prevailed and ultimately forced the defense to run sprints.
“The offense won,” joked Cabral about the spirited drill in which the quarterback tried to connect with his receiver without the defender breaking up the play. “There was a dispute about the rules, so now I am being accused as being an offensive coach.”
Injury News: The Buffs had one tailback return to action but another sit out. Junior Brian Calhoun was sidelined nursing a sore knee, while senior Bobby Purify (hamstring) returned at full speed. Cabral said Calhoun’s injury was “nothing major.”
The Buffs will practice again Saturday evening in front of around 50 high school coaches from Colorado, as CU will host its annual “coaching clinic” throughout the day. Cabral said the workshop gives other coaches a chance to see how the Buffs drill, and that a short scrimmage will be conducted at the end of practice.