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Colorado Daily – Delaware Week
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September 6th – Game Day!
… CU in a few minutes …
Buffs say they are ready for Delaware: “We have a sense of urgency … We just got to make it happen”
From the Daily Camera … Last weekend, the family of Colorado linebacker Martavius French wanted to mix up the topics of conversation a little bit, but he wasn’t ready.
“Honestly, I hate losing,” the senior said this week as the Buffs look to bounce back from a 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech in the season opener. “I was talking about it with my family the whole weekend. I know they wanted to talk about other stuff, but I just hate losing.”
CU’s first season-opening loss in three years – and the first in head coach Deion Sanders’ six-year college coaching career – has certainly been on the minds of the Buffs this week, but they’ll aim to bounce back on Saturday when Delaware pays a visit to Folsom Field.
“The way I approach it the next week is I just try not to let the team break, because when losing happens, a lot of blame goes on, but I’m trying to tell everybody we’re a unit,” French said. “(Losing) is gonna happen.”
French brought up the fact that just a year ago Notre Dame lost a Week 2 game at home to Northern Illinois, but rallied to win the next 13 and advance to the national title game.
“I try to bring those scenarios to my teammates so they can really get an understanding,” French said. “We still got a chance. It’s the early of the season.”
It’s early, but there’s a sense of urgency this week for a CU team that not only wants to get a win on Saturday, but look good in doing it.
“Yeah, everybody,” Sanders said. “First of all, you start with the staff. The coaches have a sense of urgency tremendously. We had a sense of urgency (going into the year). That didn’t change from week to week. So it was that going into last week’s game; we just came up short by several different components of the game, key components of the game.
“We have a sense of urgency. We’ve had one since we started last spring. So it’s there, the personnel is there. We just got to make it happen.”
… Continue reading story here …
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September 5th
… CU in a few minutes …
Scouting report: Delaware – What to Watch For
From the Daily Camera …
5 Blue Hens to Watch
QB Nick Minicucci: Came off the bench last week to throw for a career-high 270 yards and three touchdowns in a victory against Delaware State. He also ran for 44 yards and a touchdown.
LB Gavin Moul: Had a team-best 11 tackles and two tackles for loss last week. Led the Blue Hens with 71 tackles last year and was second on the team with six tackles for loss. He also had two interceptions and six QB hurries and earned All-CAA honorable mention in his first year as a starter.
S KT Seay: A team leader who had four tackles and interception last week. Earned third-team All-CAA last year while posting 38 tackles, four interceptions and two pass breakups. He has started 22 of his 24 games at Delaware, posting 37 tackles and an interception in 2023.
RB Jo Silver: Had just six carries last week, but tallied 34 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. In his career, he has played 27 games (two starts), rushing for 672 yards and five touchdowns, while averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
WR Jake Thaw: Posted seven catches for 92 yards and a touchdown last week. He was second on the team with 41 receptions for 334 yards and five touchdowns last year, while also earning second-team All-CAA at punt returner (12.0 average on nine returns). He played four seasons (2020-23) at Michigan and was the Wolverines’ primary punt returner during their 2023 national title season.
When Delaware has the ball …
The Blue Hens lost starting quarterback Zach Marker to a likely season-ending injury early last week, but his replacement, Nick Minicucci, isn’t a typical backup. He started five games last year and competed for the starting job all offseason. Although a running threat, Minicucci had a big game with his arm last week, completing 28-of-36 passes for 270 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Transfers Kyle Duplessis (Coastal Carolina) and Jake Thaw (Michigan) are Minicucci’s favorite targets. They were targeted a combined 17 times last week, catching 14 passes for 181 yards. Minicuccui also leads a solid rushing attack, as Delaware averaged 5.3 yards per carry last week. The Blue Hens like to spread out, but will often use two tight ends, and utilize run-pass options and quick, short throws. Defensively, the Buffs had a rough opener against the run (giving up 320 yards) and have emphasized that aspect this week. “Everywhere, especially the front seven, because we gave up so many rushing yards,” linebacker Martavius French said when asked where the defense can improve this week. “So this week our priority was doing more team run so we could maybe fit our gaps better and be able to fit right on the run.”
… Continue reading story here …
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Coach Prime impressed with Delaware quarterback: “This kid is a baller”
From the Daily Camera … A week ago, the quarterback on the opposing sideline was a difference maker against the Colorado Buffaloes.
As CU prepares for a new opponent Saturday, it is once again the quarterback who stands out. The Buffs will host Delaware on Saturday (1:30 p.m., Fox) at Folsom Field, with junior Nick Minicucci leading the Blue Hens.
Minicucci didn’t win the starting job out of camp, but when Zach Marker went down with a likely season-ending injury on the second series last week against Delaware State, Minicucci was ready. He completed 28-of-36 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 44 yards and a touchdown in a 35-17 win.
“He played well, man,” CU head coach Deion Sanders said. “First of all, for a kid to come off the bench and do what he did is phenomenal. Love him. Love the opportunity that he sees. It’s not like he’s a stranger to being out on the field getting reps. This kid is a baller. He just was prepared for his opportunity, so hats off to him.”
Minicucci has been in this position before, because Delaware has had a tough time keeping quarterbacks healthy. The Blue Hens used three quarterbacks last year, including Marker and Minicucci.
Coming into Saturday, Minicucci has 16 career games (six starts) under his belt, throwing for 1,569 yards, 18 touchdowns and an interception. He’s also rushed for 341 yards and four touchdowns.
“They got a dual threat quarterback,” CU linebacker Reggie Hughes said. “He’s mobile, he can move, extend plays.”
… Continue reading story here …
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September 4th
… CU in a few minutes …
Linebackers a work in progress: ““(Communication) could definitely be better”
From the Daily Camera … Statistically, there were some good numbers by Colorado linebackers Martavius French and Reginald Hughes last week.
During a 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech in last Friday’s opener, Hughes led the team with 11 tackles in his CU debut. French recovered two fumbles and posted six tackles and one-and-a-half tackles for loss in his first game as a Buff.
That duo, and the linebacker room as a whole, however, knows it has to improve going forward, beginning with a home date with Delaware on Saturday (1:30 p.m., Fox).
“We’ve got to do better,” CU head coach Deion Sanders said of the linebackers. “That was not acceptable.”
Aside from the personal numbers, the linebackers – and defensive line – struggled in allowing Georgia Tech to rack up 320 rushing yards throughout the night.
“You’ve got to know your keys and you got to be physical,” Sanders said. “Play with a certain type of controlled violence that football would allow. We just got to do better overall. They have the ability to do better.”
French and Hughes are both sixth-year seniors, but first-year Buffs, and there’s been an adjustment period for both.
“My main takeaways from the first game is probably adjusting to the play calling with the crowd, sold out stadium, playing in front of a sold out stadium, all the noise and the crowd cheering us on,” said Hughes, who starred at Jacksonville State last year.
… Continue reading story here …
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September 3rd
… CU in a few minutes …
Second safety spot still up for grabs: “Somebody’s got to step out and seize the moment”
Notes from the Daily Camera … Running back DeKalon Taylor had just four touches on Friday, including an 8-yard touchdown reception from Salter. Sanders said the Buffs have to get the ball in Taylor’s hands more. “He’s explosive, he’s exciting,” Sanders said. “He’s a big play waiting to happen. We just gotta do a better job of getting the ball in his hands.” … Ben Finneseth, Tawfiq Byard and Terrance Love all got into Friday’s game at the second safety spot (next to Carter Stoutmire). They’re all still competing for the main role. “Somebody’s got to step out and seize the moment and take advantage of the opportunity,” Sanders said.
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September 2nd
… CU in a few minutes …
*Coach Prime’s Weekly Press Conference*
From BuffsTV … Kicker Alejandro Mata and Punter Damon Greaves to start … Coach Prime starts at about the 35:10 mark … Coach Prime prickly when questioned about offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and CU’s play calling … Julian Lewis will play against Delaware (“You want to make sure the timing is right”) … Coach Prime has made up his mind that Lewis will play …
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September 1st
… CU in a few minutes …
ESPN: Colorado’s philosophical change will take time
From ESPN …
Colorado’s philosophical change will take time
I asked Deion Sanders how he felt about coaching his first game for Colorado after bladder replacement/reconstruction surgery this spring, and he didn’t spend much time on his health.
“Felt good,” he said. “I don’t feel good right now, but I felt darn good during the game.”
Sanders was more interested in discussing a season-opening loss that Colorado led early, should have led by more, missed chances to hit on big plays and ultimately couldn’t stop the type of offense in Georgia Tech that the Buffaloes are trying to become. Colorado talked all summer about winning the line of scrimmage and being more physical after the departures of Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, record-setting quarterback Shedeur Sanders and several productive wide receivers.
The Buffs were better in certain areas, namely their run game, which had been the worst in the FBS during Sanders’ tenure. Colorado had 31 attempts for 146 yards and a touchdown, the third-highest total in the Sanders era and the most since having 148 yards last October in a dominant win against Arizona. Sanders is committed to the shift, saying Colorado should have run even more, beginning with new quarterback Kaidon Salter.
“He’s a dual threat, and we want him to be a dual threat,” Sanders said.
Sanders repelled the notion that Colorado’s offense will need time to settle in with its new approach, saying the group had all spring and summer. But it’s clear that without Shedeur Sanders at quarterback, Hunter, LaJohntay Wester and others at receiver, that the shift won’t happen overnight.
Still, it’s good to see Sanders committed to the approach. He also came down hard on a defense that kept Georgia Tech out of the end zone for more than 25 minutes but couldn’t stem long Georgia Tech drives or curtail Haynes King and other ball carriers.
“We got to clean up all that,” Sanders said. “We just got gashed. The quarterback’s looking like a Heisman candidate right now. We made that happen.”
Sanders is seemingly past his health issues. His focus now is figuring out how Colorado can win differently, which might take longer than he wants.
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August 31st
… CU in a few minutes …
Coach Prime happy with rushing results: “We ran well”
From the Daily Camera … Through Deion Sanders’ first two seasons at Colorado, the lack of a run game was a glaring issue on an otherwise talented and explosive offense.
During the opening game of Sanders’ third season with the Buffaloes, the run game was the bright spot.
Although CU came away from Friday’s opener with a 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech, it displayed a ground attack that often wasn’t there in 2023 and 2024. CU rushed for 146 yards on 31 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt.
“We ran well,” CU head coach Deion Sanders said. “I thought we had a lot more yards than we had, but that’s quite wonderful considering years past. I think that’s probably the highest we’ve had in a couple years. God bless that.”
Only twice in the past two seasons did CU run for more than 146, gaining 148 at Arizona last year (on 39 carries) and 193 against USC in 2023 (on 45 attempts).
CU was last in the country in rushing in 2024 (65.2 yards per game) and 2023 (68.9), finishing with 70 yards or less 16 times in 25 games. But, with record-shattering passer Shedeur Sanders now in the NFL, CU has focused more on the run and it showed against Georgia Tech.
Sophomore Micah Welch led the way with 64 yards on 11 carries, averaging 5.8 per attempt. It was the fourth-best single-game total for a Buff under Coach Prime.
“Tremendous passion, tremendous physicality, tremendous toughness,” Sanders said of Welch. “A guy not pouting when we took him out, and the other guys had an opportunity. Because you look for that. You look for who’s not a team guy, who’s an I guy. You look for that on timeouts. You look for who’s standing up, who’s sitting down, who’s for the team. And that kid has made some unbelievable strides.”
… Continue reading story here …
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CU special teams error-free in opener
From CUBuffs.com … Colorado head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders emphasized all offseason that special teams would no longer be an afterthought. On Saturday, his kickers delivered in emphatic fashion.
Newcomer Buck Buchanan set the tone immediately, drilling the opening kickoff into the end zone for a touchback. He went a perfect five for five on touchbacks, the first Buff in the Coach Prime era to do so in a single game.
“Our special teams, as I told you, would be special,” Sanders said. “They didn’t get a kickoff return.”
On the scoring side, Alejandro Mata was as steady as ever. The senior went 2 for 2 on field goals (42, 29) and knocked through both of his extra points. Last season, Mata earned All-Big 12 honorable mention after hitting 12 of 15 field goals and a career high 55 PATs, finishing with 96 points. Dating back to last season, he has now made two or more PATs in 12 straight games and has connected on 79 consecutive PATs since the 2023 campaign.
“Mata was Mata,” Sanders added with a smile. “So special teams were special.”
Not to be overlooked, punter Damon Greaves, whom Sanders affectionately calls Mate, also turned in a career day. The junior averaged 45 yards on five punts, a personal best, with three pinning opponents inside the 20. He added two punts of 50 plus yards and forced two fair catches, helping flip the field multiple times.
Together, the trio gave Colorado a true third phase spark, showing that Sanders’ preseason message is becoming reality: special teams are no longer just a box to check, they are a weapon.
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CU secondary lineup a work in progress: “It’s still a competition”
From the Daily Camera … The three leaders of CU’s secondary are cornerbacks DJ McKinney and Preston Hodge and safety Carter Stoutmire. It was no surprise that trio was on the field all night. Between them, they played 212 of a possible 213 snaps.
The rest of the secondary is a work in progress, though. RJ Johnson got the start at the second corner spot, but Teon Parks played almost as many snaps, while Tyrecus Davis saw the field, as well.
Ben Finneseth started at safety, but saw just 26 snaps before giving way to Tawfiq Byard. Terrance Love got on the field, too.
“It’s still competition everywhere on the other corner,” Sanders said. “A couple things cost us a little bit with penalties, as well. … I know going into next week it’s more definitive for what it’s going to be, and it’s going to take a good week of practice, too.”
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Mixed grades on Kaidon Salter: “There’s always room to improve”
From the Daily Camera … It wasn’t the debut that Kaidon Salter wanted, but the new Colorado quarterback hopes to use it as a springboard for the rest of the season.
On Friday night, Salter made his first appearance at CU in a 27-20 loss to Georgia Tech at Folsom Field.
A dual threat quarterback who transferred from Liberty, Salter completed 17-of-28 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 43 yards and a touchdown.
In his first start at the Power Four conference level, Salter had some good and bad throughout the night.
“There’s always room to improve on throughout the game,” he said. “Really my first P4, big-time game out here in Folsom Field, but I feel like I went out there and I tried to do the best that I could do. I went out there and I executed the plays that coach wanted me to execute, but it’s still room for improvement out there.”
Salter threw a touchdown pass to DeKalon Taylor on CU’s opening possession. Then, after the offense sputtered much of the night, he scored on a 7-yard run in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 20-20.
CU head coach Deion Sanders was overall pleased with Salter’s night, but agreed there is room for improvement.
“Kaidon played well,” Sanders said. “A couple times, I think he should have ran and he threw. I don’t want him to prove to us that he can throw the ball. We know he can throw the ball. We wanted him because he’s a dual threat, and we want him to be a dual threat. But I don’t think we lost the game because of Kaidon Salter, by any means. He put us in a situation to win.”
… Continue reading story here …
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6 Replies to “Colorado Daily – Delaware Week”
“Coach Prime prickly when questioned about offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and CU’s play calling … ”
Sounds to me like it touched a nerve…which also sounds like nothing is going to change
Prime blaming the players. …while hedging with the coaches. Buck stops with you Prime.
Players aren’t blind. They know the shurmur scheme and play calling is worthless and easily defended.
I certainly don’t mind seeing Lewis in the game. Give the kid a chance. Problem is doing it this soon makes me think that Prime wants to go back to the pocket passing game and distract from the rushing game which has been 6 feet under for over a year and a half instead of improving it.
Lewis would have to be the second coming of Joe Burrow to take the shurmur anchor of the Buff’s neck.
Who hated Deion’s presser? Is he delusional? Does he possibly know more about football than Amy of us fans?
Talk amongst yourselves.
You know my opinion.
He is not delusional.
Loved his presser. As I always do.
Go Buffs
The strawman hyperbole continues w/o a thought about what is going on the field.
We watched the same game. Players make plays. Players win games. There were, as always, a few plays that were there for the taking, that just didn’t hit. Not because of play call. Because of execution. Same as it’s been for 100+ years. And ga tech is a very good team.
Go Buffs
Using Salter as a scapegoat.
What Prime said about Salter may be true but that is hardly the main problem. Hopefully the coaches feel guilty enough this time? to actually make an honest effort to improve the running game.
My fear is just like Babe Ruth pointing to the stands the coaches will think we can tell Delaware what the next play is ahead of the snap and they wont be able to stop it anyway. While that might be true its also an excellent opportunity introduce a few wrinkles with lesser risk. “Don’t want to confuse those poor kids” with to much rocket science.
Anyone watch Belichick get blown up last night? It looked like his gold digging girlfriend was the one doing the coaching. TCU used a great blocking scheme to run the tar heels right out of their own stadium. It didn’t help NC that they had some of the worst tackling I have seen in a very long time.
Even if Shurmur us unable to figure out by himself how to save his moribund run game the rest of the college football world has a veritable smorgasbord of things to choose from. The trick will be to choose the tactics that may fit his player’s skill sets the best. That could change some of the starters on the O line.