Posts Tagged ‘Ryan Johanningmeier’

CU Transition Classes

//posted 2.1.2011

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Transition Classes

It is axiomatic that a new head coach will have a difficult time with their first recruiting class. After all, the new coach comes in late in the recruiting cycle, usually in December, well after other schools have their incoming class of recruits fairly well formulated. What’s more, in most instances, the new head coach is coming into a situation where the former coaching staff has been let go, with losing records most often the culprit.

Jon Embree became the 24th head coach in Colorado history on December 6th. He took over a program mired in a five year streak of losing records, the second longest streak in Colorado history. Because of the recent record, and because of his late hire, Embree is being given a pass by most of the Buff Nation on the recruiting Class of 2011.

But should that be the case?

For guidance, let’s take a look at the first recuiting classes of the past four Colorado head coaches …

Dan Hawkins – Class of 2006

Unlike Jon Embree, Hawkins inherited a team with a winning record. In fact, Colorado had won the Big 12 North title four of the previous five seasons, including …

Preseason, 1999 – Buffs look for “Payback”

//posted 8.1.1999

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Preseason – 1999

For Colorado to be successful in 1999, a number of players would have to rise above their 1998 performances.

Mike Moschetti would return at quarterback, and was primed to have a banner year. Much of Moschetti’s success, though, would hinge upon the health of the offensive line. Five starters returned, and senior guard Ryan Johanningmeier was tabbed as a Playboy preseason All-American.

Head coach Gary Barnett wanted the Buffs to return to a run-oriented offense in 1999. “Philosophically, we want to be a balanced offense,” said Barnett. “In looking at last year’s statistics, it’s obvious we need to improve the running game.” Barnett had hoped a single back would rise to the occasion during spring drills or fall camp, but none did. None of the three candidates – senior Dwayne Cherrington, junior Damion Barton, sophomore Cortlen Johnson – separated themselves. If the Buffs were to improve on the 1998 average of 123.2 rushing yards/game, it would have to be done by committee.

The defense also had questions. Returning to a 3-4 defensive alignment, there was call for more depth at linebacker. Unfortunately, there was little experience behind the starters. The secondary, though, led by All-American candidate …

Utah State – Buffs’ defense bails out anemic offense

//posted 9.19.1998

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September 19th – Boulder No. 15 Colorado 25, Utah State 6

If Colorado’s 29-21 win over Fresno State the week before was a “wake up call”, then the Buffs’ 25-6 victory over Utah State was an indication that the team had apparently hit the snooze button. Penalties and injuries marred an otherwise excellent defensive performance as the Buffs raised their season record to 3-0 with a 25-6 victory over Utah State.

Mike Moschetti, slowed by torn cartilage in his rib cage suffered in the Fresno State game, was sacked eight times. Overall, the Buffs committed 15 penalties for 118 yards and turned the ball over twice. The only scoring highlights for the Buffs came when the offense was not on the field, as Ben Kelly turned in a 68-yard punt return for a score in the first quarter, and the Buffs were credited with a safety in the final stanza when the Aggie punter was unable to pull down a high snap, with the ball traveling out of the endzone for the final two points of the contest.

Utah State struck first with a 24-yard field goal by Brad Bohn midway through the first quarter. Matters could have been …

No. 23 Colorado State – The Rivalry Lesson

//posted 9.6.1997

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Colorado State – The rivalry lesson

Colorado State in Fort Collins is only 40 miles from Boulder, but, from the perception of most Buff fans, it may have well have been 4,000. Boulder is cosmopolitan; Fort Collins is a cow town. Colorado was Big 12; CSU was in the wacky WAC.

The Buffs play for the national championship; the Rams play for respect.

With Colorado State coming to Boulder for the 1997 season opener, there was cause for concern.

CSU was led by fifth-year head coach Sonny Lubick, easily the most successful coach in CSU history. The Rams came into the game 1-0, having dispatched Big West favorite Nevada, 45-13, the week before. CSU was the consensus favorite of the preseason magazines to win the Pacific Division of the WAC, and performed up to expectations in the early season match-up.

With the energy of a disgruntled younger sibling, CSU looked to the Colorado game as a chance to make a statement on the national stage.

For the Buffs, it was not the best opening game scenario. While Nebraska was tuning up against the likes of the Akron Zips (59-14, for those scoring at home), Colorado was left to face a …

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Posts Tagged ‘Ryan Johanningmeier’

CU Transition Classes

Preseason, 1999 – Buffs look for “Payback”

Utah State – Buffs’ defense bails out anemic offense

No. 23 Colorado State – The Rivalry Lesson

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