It’s the time of the year that every red-blooded American begins to neglect the things that matter most — their spouse, children, friends and job — all to celebrate the return of America’s sport.
As soon as September hits, significant others across the country begin to (re)experience the hold that football has upon the masses.
Tyler Hansen is all smiles after the quarterback puts the Buffs up 14-7 to end the first half durring the CU vs. CSU game in 2011. This rival game returns is Saturday at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (CU Independent/James Bradbury)
Like all campuses across the country, the University of Colorado beings the 2012-2013 football season this weekend — and what better way to start things off than with the classic in-state rivalry with neighboring Colorado State University? There is perhaps no one as ecstatic to get things kicked off as head coach Jon Embree.
“I’m excited about the fact that we are finally in game week,” Embree told CUBuffs.com, as he embarks on his second season at the reins.
“We have been at camp for what seems like forever,” Embree said. “The kids are getting going in school so now it’s more normal for us, getting back into the routine for games. We’ve had good preparation so far; now we have three very important days from a physical standpoint of preparing for CSU and we are excited to get started on it.”
Entering the game this year, CSU will be under a new regime led by coach Jim McElwain and offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin. McElwain previously served as offensive coordinator for Fresno State University and the University of Alabama before making the move to Fort Collins, while Baldwin comes from a successful program out at Utah State University.
Last year, CU beat CSU 28-14 in front of an ecstatic student crowd. Unfortunately, that was one of the few wins Colorado saw in its inaugural Pac-12 season. Nonetheless, Embree said he understands the importance of making a statement in the opening game, especially against a rival.
“You know you have to play them at some point,” Embree said. “Because we are in different conferences, playing them first makes sense — playing them before you get going in your conference. It doesn’t change anything from that standpoint. It makes the first game a little more exciting, a little more bounce in your step, knowing you’re playing them for your first game. You know how important it is, both programs want to get off to a good start. It will be fun.”
Starting under center this year will be Kansas transfer QB Jordan Webb. The 24-year old junior impressed Embree and the rest of the staff with his football IQ and decision making. He was named starter because of this.
He will be without the explosive playmaking ability of receiver Paul Richardson, who opted to sit the season out.
Webb won’t be the only fresh face on the field on Saturday. Colorado has added several players believed to be skilled enough at their positions to add both depth and talent to the roster.
“You will see a lot of new faces, so keep your program handy so you can look up and see who that player is,” Embree said. “We will be playing a lot of new players, but as they continue to grow, they will be very good players for us.”
The new-look Buffaloes take to the field at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 1 against the Rams at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. For those who can’t make the game, it will be shown on FX.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Shay Knolle at Shay.knolle@colorado.edu
All quotes courtesy CUBuffs.com.
