Head coach, Mike MacIntyre addresses both teams after last year’s Spring Game on April 12, 2014. (Matt Sisneros/CU Independent)
There is no preseason event more important than the spring game. It gives coaches, as well as fans, a chance to see exactly where the team is at coming out of spring practice. It is a chance to assess strengths and weaknesses, gauge positional competitions and, most importantly, see the team play for the first time since November.
Last year the Buffs were so close to having a breakthrough season. They put up a real fight in a conference full of some of the toughest teams in the nation. Coming out of that season, many fans feel if Colorado can correct a few of last season’s mistakes, it can have the season it was so close to having last year. Hopefully this weekend’s game will show that some of those mistakes have been corrected.
On that note, here is what to look for and pay attention to this Sunday.
ON OFFENSE
Sefo Liufau taking care of the football
Every CU fan knows that one of the biggest problems the Buffs had last year was Liufau turning the ball over. This stat has been repeated many times, but it deserves to be mentioned again: Liufau threw 15 interceptions, more than any quarterback in the Pac-12. Offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Brian Lindgren said heading into spring practice he and Liufau would be working through drills specifically designed to limit his turnovers. Obviously the question of whether Liufau’s interception problem has been cured will not be answered this Sunday, but it would sure go a long way to inspire confidence if he finishes the game without an interception.
Offensive Line competition
The Buffs graduated two starters on the offensive line last year, which leaves two spots the younger guys have been fighting for. Right now it is apparently a four-man race between sophomores Gerrad Kough and Jonathan Huckins, and juniors Sully Wiefels and Shane Callahan. The good news is all four of these guys are legitimate Pac-12 linemen. Since joining the Pac-12, Colorado has been known for trotting out undersized personnel. The size difference has been visible just watching the game. Three out of the four guys battling for these two spots are at least 300 pounds, and Kough is just short at 295 pounds. According to Coach MacIntyre, this has been a heated competition all spring so it will be interesting to see who shines on Sunday.
Replacing D.D. Goodson and Tyler McCulloch
While Nelson Spruce got all the headlines last year, and rightly so, CU is going to miss Goodson and McCulloch. Goodson possessed speed that was perfect for screen and short yardage passes, while McCulloch became a fan favorite using his big frame to catch passes in the seam and across the middle. As for replacing these weapons, the easy answer is that sophomore Shay Fields is going to improve upon his already impressive freshman year. Fields set a CU record for receptions by a freshman and appears to be the future after Spruce is gone. Bryce Bobo looked promising last year, but has been out for the spring with injury. With Bobo out, look for Jay MacIntyre–yes the coach’s son– and Devin Ross to get a lot of reps on Sunday. Ross is a speed guy who plays out of the slot who seems like an ideal replacement for Goodson. As for MacIntyre, he didn’t get on the team just because he is the coach’s son. He received first team All-Colorado honors his senior year of high school and has impressed both as a redshirt last year and during spring drills. Pay attention to both of these young receivers as well as Fields this weekend.
ON DEFENSE
What scheme will Colorado play?
Colorado made waves this offseason with the hiring of defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt. This was a great hire by MacIntyre and it will hopefully improve Colorado’s 112th ranked defense. That being said, what scheme are the Buffs going to run? Early in camp there were rumors of Colorado switching to a 3-4 defense, the same defense Leavitt ran with the 49ers. Nothing is set in stone yet, however, and Leavitt said he is still experimenting with the defense. The spring game will be a great opportunity for Leavitt to try out both the 3-4 and the 4-3 in a live game to see what he likes better with his personnel.
Improvements on the defensive line
Colorado’s biggest weakness on defense last year was no secret: the Buffs couldn’t stop the run. They were last in the Pac-12 in run defense and gave up an appalling 204 yards per game on the ground. This year that might change. Defensive line coach Jim Jeffcoat has said this is the best defensive line he has had in his time in Colorado. Specifically he said that for the first time he can look at his line and say that it is truly Pac-12 worthy. One of Colorado’s problems last year was its lack of depth. This year its depth might be its biggest strength. Junior college transfers Jordan Carrell and Leo Jackson both are expected to see significant reps this weekend. Carrell is poised to make an impact this season, while Jackson’s size (6 foot 3 inches 285 pounds) is a much needed addition for the Buffs. On top of that Colorado gets Sampson Kafovalu back after he missed last year for personal reasons. When asked about getting Kafovalu back Jeffcoat laughed with excitement. The addition of these three players should help bolster Colorado’s run defense and hopefully that will be seen on Sunday.
The secondary
Coming into last season, the secondary was supposed to be a strong suit for Colorado’s defense. Then almost everyone got hurt. Barring injuries, the expectations are high again for this group. Senior safety Jared Bell is awaiting the decision for his 6th year of eligibility, but that should be granted given the nature of the injuries that have plagued his collegiate career. If he is back he will line up next to junior sensation Tedric Thompson. There is no doubt that Thompson was the highlight of the Buffs’ defense before sustaining a scary concussion against UCLA late last season. Bell and Thompson together are a formidable pair at safety. In front of them will be senior Ken Crawley. Crawley’s size and range are his strengths and have him at the top of the depth chart for his senior season. On the other side of the field Colorado will have to replace Greg Henderson. There are a few options here. Junior Chidobe Awuzie, who played safety last year, might return to his natural position at corner. The other option that has been gaining momentum this spring has been sophomore Ahkello Whitherspoon. MacIntyre has been quoted saying that Whitherspoon has looked great this spring. The spring game will give the coaches a chance to see both compete in a game atmosphere. Overall, Sunday will give fans a chance to get a look at possibly the most complete secondary Colorado has had in years.
The spring game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Folsom Field. The gates open one hour prior, and admission and parking are both free.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Sean Kelly at sean.d.kelly@colorado.edu.
