2006 COLORADO FOOTBALL QUICK FACTS

2006 Schedule time (MT) series 2005 Results (Won 7, Lost 6; 5-3 Big 12 North) S 2 MONTANA STATE tba 1- 2-0 S 3 COLORADO STATE W 31-28 54,972 S 9 Colorado State (Denver; CSTV) 3:00p 57-18-2 S 10 NEW MEXICO STATE W 39- 0 44,742 S 16 ARIZONA STATE tba 0- 0-0 S 24 at Miami, Fla. L 3-23 51,229 S 23 at Georgia tba 0- 0-0 O 1 *at Oklahoma State W 34- 0 47,908 S 30 *at Missouri tba 31-36-3 O 8 *TEXAS A & M W 41-20 50,686 O 7 *BAYLOR (Homecoming) tba 8- 5-0 O 15 *at Texas L 17-42 83,474 O 14 *TEXAS TECH (Family Weekend) tba 3- 4-0 O 22 *KANSAS W 44-13 48,025 O 21 *at Oklahoma tba 16-38-2 O 29 *at Kansas State W 23-20 43,890 O 28 *at Kansas tba 41-21-3 N 5 *MISSOURI W 41-12 49,196 N 4 *KANSAS STATE tba 43-17-1 N 12 *at Iowa State L 16-30 49,242 N 11 *IOWA STATE tba 46-13-1 N 25 *NEBRASKA L 3-30 54,841 N 24 *at Nebraska (ABC) 1:30p 17-45-2 D 3 Texas (Big 12 Championship) L 3-70 71,107 D 2 Big 12 Championship (at Kansas City; ABC, time TBA) D 27 Clemson (Champs Sports Bowl) L 10-19 31,470 *—Big 12 Conference game; OPEN WEEK: Nov. 18. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Head Coach: Dan Hawkins (UC-Davis '84) 2005 Record: 7-6 Record at Colorado: 0-0 (first season) Big 12: 5-3 (1st/6, North Division) Career Record: 53-11 (five seasons) National Rankings: NR Office Telephone: 303/492-5330 Bowl: Champs Sports Bowl vs. Clemson (L, 10-19) Nickname: Buffaloes President: Hank Brown (Colorado ‘61) Colors: Silver, Gold & Black Chancellor: Dr. Phil DiStefano (Ohio State ’68) Enrollment: 27,624 Athletic Director: Mike Bohn (Kansas ’83) Stadium: Folsom Field (53,750; natural grass/opened in 1924) Assoc. AD/Sports Information: David Plati (303/492-5626)

Program Quick Notes: Colorado’s 140-64-4 record dating back to the start of the 1989 season is the 12th best in the nation over the last 17 years… CU owns the nation’s eighth best road record since 1988 (57-29-1)… In 2005, Colorado had the 15th most alumni active in the NFL (26 players), the third most in the Big 12 … Dating back to the 1989 preseason, CU has been ranked in 185 of the last 279 polls (AP; 67%), which includes a tremendous run of 143 consecutive between 1989 and 1997 (the 10th longest streak of all-time). CU has been ranked 292 times in its history, the 21st most all-time. Since 1989, CU has played the fourth most ranked teams in the nation (87), trailing Florida (95), Michigan (91) and Florida State (91)… The Buffs have scored in 210 straight games, the sixth longest active streak in the NCAA (13th longest all-time).

Lettermen Returning: 47 (19 offense, 26 defense, 2 specialists) Lettermen Lost: 20 (9 offense, 8 defense, 3 specialist)

Starters Returning (13)—Offense 5: TB Hugh Charles (12/12), OG Brian Daniels (33/11), C Mark Fenton (26/13), OG Edwin Harrison (7/7), WR Dusty Sprague (11/11). Defense 8: S J.J. Billingsley (31/13), CB Gerett Burl (22/13), ILB Jordon Dizon (23/12), S Tyrone Henderson (22/12), DE Maurice Lucas (6/6), CB Lorenzo Sims (25/11), ILB Thaddaeus Washington (23/12), DE Abraham Wright (16/13). (Career/2005 starts in parenthesis; calculated by those with six or more starts OR were starters at the end of the year.)

Others Returning With Significant Starting Experience (7; min. 3 career starts)— ILB Walter Boye-Doe (3/0), S Dominique Brooks (13/0), DE Alex Ligon (17/6), OT Tyler Polumbus (3/3); OG Daniel Sanders (4/4); OG Jack Tipton (4/4); CB Terrence Wheatley (7/0).

Others Returning With Significant Position Game Experience (13; two or fewer career starts)—WR Alvin Barnett, DE Alonzo Barrett, QB James Cox, FB Paul Creighton, TB Byron Ellis, DT George Hypolite, OLB Brad Jones, WR Blake Mackey, WR Stephone Robinson, ILB Joe Sanders, CB Terry Washington, QB Brian White, WR Patrick Williams.

Starters Lost (9)—Offense 6: WR Evan Judge (24/13), QB Joel Klatt (34/12), TE Joe Klopfenstein (34/13), OT Gary Moore (12/11), OT Clint O’Neal (29/12), VB Lawrence Vickers (20/7). Defense 3: DE James Garee (34/13), OLB Brian Iwuh (31/12), DT Vaka Manupuna (27/13).

Others Lost With Significant Starting Experience (3)— ILB Akarika Dawn (12/2), S Tom Hubbard (7/2), TE Quinn Sypniewski (20/9).

Specialists Returning (3)— PK Mason Crosby, PK Kevin Eberhart, KR Stephone Robinson. Specialists Lost (2)— SN Greg Pace, P John Torp.

Base Spring Roster (88 players/67 scholarship)— 27 seniors, 20 juniors, 20 sophomores, 21 freshmen (21 redshirt/0 true). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Offensive Formation: Multiple (Colorado in 2005: 327.3 ypg: rushing: 46% plays/37% yards; passing: 54% plays/63% yards). Defensive Formation: 4-3/Base (Opponents in 2005: 426.6 ypg: rushing: 45% plays/32% yards; passing: 55% plays/68% yards).

STAT RANKINGS… A look where CU ranked statistically as a team in 2005 in both the Big 12 and NCAA (includes bowl stats):

B12 NCAA Category Stat B12 NCAA Category Stat B12 NCAA Category Stat 9th 97th RUSHING OFFENSE...... 110.3 3rd 11th RUSHING DEFENSE...... 100.2 7th 44th PUNT RETURNS...... 10.4 6th 59th PASSING OFFENSE...... 222.8 11th 87th PASSING DEFENSE...... 248.9 8th 83rd KICKOFF RETURNS...... 19.4 8th 87th TOTAL OFFENSE...... 333.1 7th 41st TOTAL DEFENSE...... 349.2 2nd 4th NET PUNTING...... 39.1 9th 78th SCORING OFFENSE...... 23.5 7th 45th SCORING DEFENSE...... 23.6 6th 53rd TURNOVER MARGIN...... +0.15 Spring Schedule

Colorado is allowed 15 practices over 29 days per NCAA rules (not including spring break); practice sessions will break down as follows: three in shorts (no contact), four in pads (no tackling), four in pads (tackling allowed 50 percent or less of the time), four in pads (tackling allowed throughout).

Calendar (dates, times subject to change) MARCH 13— Practice # 1 (3:30 p.m. meetings, 5:00-7:30 p.m. practice) shorts MARCH 14— Practice # 2 (3:30 p.m. meetings, 5:00-7:05 p.m. practice) shorts MARCH 16— Practice # 3 (3:30 p.m. meetings, 5:00-7:00 p.m. practice) pads MARCH 17— PRO TIMING DAY (9:00 a.m., Dal Ward Center/Balch Fieldhouse; assorted tests, sprints and drills) Practice # 4 (3:30 p.m. meetings, 5:00-7:00 p.m. practice) pads MARCH 20— Practice # 5 (3:30 p.m. meetings, 5:00-7:00 p.m. practice) shells MARCH 21— Practice # 6 (3:30 p.m. meetings, 5:00-7:00 p.m. practice) pads MARCH 23— Practice # 7 (3:30 p.m. meetings, 5:00 p.m. scrimmage) pads MARCH 25— Spring Break (through April 2) APRIL 3— Practice # 8 (3:30 p.m. meetings, 5:00-7:00 p.m. practice) pads APRIL 4— Practice # 9 (3:30 p.m. meetings, 5:00-7:00 p.m. practice) pads APRIL 6— Practice #10 (3:30 p.m. meetings, 5:00-7:00 p.m. practice) shells APRIL 7— Practice #11 (3:30 p.m. meetings, 5:00 p.m. scrimmage) Coaches Clinic pads APRIL 10— Practice #12 (3:30 p.m. meetings, 5:00-7:00 p.m. practice) pads APRIL 11— Practice #13 (3:30 p.m. meetings, 5:00-7:00 p.m. practice) pads APRIL 13— Practice #14 (3:30 p.m. meetings, 5:00-7:00 p.m. practice) shorts APRIL 15— Practice #15 (1:00 spring game; morning meeting/breakfast with alumni) pads

Player Interviews available before and after all practices (other than scrimmage days—after only). Times listed are tentative; confirm daily with the CU sports information office. Pro-Timing Day (March 17: morning session with last year’s seniors) is open to the media, not the public; current players will be tested AFTER spring practice. Spring: all practices are open to the media and public; photography needs can be met at any time during practice, unless coaches request certain plays in particular not be filmed or photographed). All media members must wear their CU season credential (anyone taking notes or photos must be credentialed media). No cell phones permitted. The spring game (April 15) is open to all; admission is free.

2006 Expanded Schedule

2005 2006 Date Opponent TV Time Record Meeting (Last) Series (Last 10) SEPT. 2 MONTANA STATE tba TBA 7-4 4th (1927) 1- 2-0 (...…) Sept. 9 Colorado State (Denver) CSTV 3:00 p.m. 6-6 78th (2005) 57-18-2 (7-3) SEPT. 16 ARIZONA STATE tba TBA 7-5 1st (.….…) 0- 0-0 (...…) Sept. 23 at Georgia tba TBA 10-3 1st (.….…) 0- 0-0 (...…) Sept 30 at Missouri tba TBA 7-5 71st (2005) 31-36-3 (7-3) OCT. 7 BAYLOR (H) tba TBA 5-6 14th (2003) 8- 5-0 (7-3) OCT. 14 TEXAS TECH (FW) tba TBA 9-3 8th (2003) 3- 4-0 (...…) Oct. 21 at Oklahoma tba TBA 8-4 57th (2004) 16-38-2 (5-4-1) Oct. 28 at Kansas tba TBA 7-5 66th (2005) 41-21-3 (8-2) NOV. 4 KANSAS STATE tba TBA 5-6 62nd (2005) 43-17-1 (5-5) NOV. 11 IOWA STATE tba TBA 7-5 60th (2005) 46-13-1 (8-2) Nov. 24 at Nebraska ABC 1:30 p.m. 8-4 65th (2005) 17-45-2 (3-7) Dec. 2 Big 12 Championship Game ABC TBA at Kansas City, Mo. Arrowhead Stadium (All times mountain. KEY: —Big 12 Conference game; H—Homecoming; FW—Family Weekend.)

OPEN WEEKENDS: Nov. 18. *—Big 12 Conference game; (H)—Homecoming; (FW)—Family Weekend. tba—to be announced (games on the selection menu of ABC and/or FOX Sports Net/TBS; those networks have contracts with the Big 12 Conference which allow them to announce their plans up to 12 days in advance (and two times a year, six days in advance), and those games not selected will likely not be televised). RADIO: All games broadcast locally on the Colorado Football Network. National broadcasts in 2006: TBA. 2006 COLORADO FOOTBALL STAFF

Head Coach Dan Hawkins (UC-Davis '84)

Assistant Head Coach / Offensive Line Chris Strausser (Chico State ‘89) Offensive Coordinator/ Quarterbacks Mark Helfrich (Southern Oregon '96) Passing Game Coordinator / Receivers Eric Kiesau (Portland State ‘96) Running Backs Darian Hagan (Colorado ’96) Tight Ends/Special Teams Kent Riddle (Oregon State ‘91)

Defensive Coordinator Ron Collins (Washington State ‘87) Defensive Line Romeo Bandison (Oregon ‘94) Linebackers Brian Cabral (Colorado ’78) Secondary Greg Brown (Texas-El Paso ’80)

Graduate Assistant Andy Avalos (Boise State ’05)

Offensive Technical Intern Mike Babcock (UCLA ‘01) Defensive Technical Intern Donnell Leomiti (Colorado ‘98)

Associate AD/Football Operations David Hansburg (Amherst ‘90) Assistant Director/Recruiting & Operations Robert Tucker (Willamette ’97) Administrative Intern Joe Bever (Clemson ’03)

2006 COLORADO FOOTBALL LETTERMEN PICTURE

Colorado has 47 lettermen scheduled to return for 2006, including 19 on offense, 26 on defense and two specialists; the Buffs lose 20 lettermen off the 2005 roster (nine offense, eight defense, three specialists). CU returns 13 starters from last season (eight defense, five offense) and loses nine (six offense, three defense). Returning starters are listed in bold, and (**) denotes letters earned primarily on special teams. The breakdown:

OFFENSE Position Returning (19) Lost (9) WR (z) Dusty Sprague, Stephone Robinson, Alvin Barnett, **Nick Holz WR (x) Patrick Williams, Blake Mackey (from 2004), Reggie Joseph (from 2004) Evan Judge, Marcus Gonzales ST Tyler Polumbus Gary Moore SG Edwin Harrison, Jack Tipton C Mark Fenton ,Bryce MacMartin TG Brian Daniels, Daniel Sanders TT Clint O’Neal TE Joe Klopfenstein, Quinn Sypniewski QB James Cox, BrianWhite Joel Klatt TB Hugh Charles, Byron Ellis VB Lawrence Vickers FB Paul Creighton Brendan Schaub

DEFENSE Position Returning (26) Lost (8) DE Abraham Wright, Alonzo Barrett, Walter Boye-Doe DT George Hypolite James Garee, Nick Clement NT Vaka Manupuna, John Guydon DE (rush) Maurice Lucas, Alex Ligon MLB Thaddaeus Washington, Marcus Burton, Joe Sanders (from 2004) WLB Jordon Dizon, Jason Ackermann (from 2004) Akarika Dawn, **Kyle Griffith OLB Brad Jones, **Ben Carpenter, **Chad Cusworth Brian Iwuh CB Lorenzo Sims Jr., Terry Washington, Gardner McKay, Ben Burney S J.J. Billingsley, Ryan Walters, Dominique Brooks (from 2004) S Tyrone Henderson, **Lionel Harris Tom Hubbard CB Gerett Burl, Terrence Wheatley (from 2004), **Vance Washington (from 2003)

SPECIALISTS Position Returning (2) Lost (3) P John Torp PK Mason Crosby, Kevin Eberhart (from 2003) SN Greg Pace, Matt Hammond Returning Statistical Leaders

RUSHING —avg. per—- High Rk Player G Att Gain Loss NET att. game TD Long 10+ 5+ Game

1. Hugh Charles ...... 12 176 917 75 842 4.8 70.2 6 74t 26 60 132 3. Byron Ellis ...... 12 75 241 25 216 2.9 18.0 0 25 4 18 45 4. Stephone Robinson 12 3 35 0 35 11.7 2.9 0 24 1 2 24 5. Alvin Barnett...... 12 2 28 0 28 14.0 2.3 0 20 1 2 20

PASSING —avg. per— Rk Player G Att-Com-Int Pct. Yards att. comp. TD Long Sacked

2. James Cox ...... 7 29- 13- 0 44.8 93 3.2 7.2 0 17 2/14

RECEIVING —avg. per— High Rk Player G No. Yards rec. game TD Long 20+ 10+ rec yards

1. Dusty Sprague...... 12 43 468 10.9 39.0 1 62t 5 16 9 3-76 4. Patrick Williams...... 12 28 241 8.6 20.1 0 27 2 9 5 3-40 5. Hugh Charles ...... 12 26 226 8.7 18.8 1 51t 3 7 6 6-85 8. Alvin Barnett...... 12 17 131 7.7 10.9 0 19 0 5 7 7-59 9. Byron Ellis ...... 12 6 70 11.7 5.8 0 38 1 2 3 3-53 10. Stephone Robinson 12 6 61 10.2 5.1 0 14 0 3 5 5-50

OFFENSIVE LINE Grading------

Rk Player G Plays P4 KD TDB PRS SkA Pen Points Avg. High Game Grade 1. Brian Daniels...... 10 640 14 29 2 13 0 4 1712 2.68 2.89 / Missouri 2. Mark Fenton...... 12 799 15 26 0 5 0 6 2116 2.65 2.85 / Texas A&M 3. Tyler Polumbus...... 11 311 12 6 1 3 0 2 798 2.57 2.77 / Missouri 4. Edwin Harrison...... 10 359 12 16 1 7 0 1 904 2.52 2.69 / Texas A&M, Missouri 6. Daniel Sanders...... 9 420 1 2 2 5 3 1 1047 2.49 2.74 / Missouri 8. Jack Tipton...... 9 305 4 6 1 4 1 1 722 2.37 2.70 / Texas A&M

DEFENSIVE Tackles------For Loss--- Miscellaneous------Rk Pos Player G Plays UT AT — TOT Avg. Sacks Other 3DS QBP QCD FR FF PBU

1. Thaddaeus Washington 12 656 70 42 — 112 9.3 5-36 8-17 6 4 4 0 1 0 2. J.J. Billingsley...... 12 747 58 27 — 85 7.1 1- 7 6-24 12 4 2 2 1 5 3. Tyrone Henderson ...... 12 726 63 15 — 78 6.5 0- 0 2-22 13 0 1 0 1 5 5. Gerett Burl...... 12 789 52 9 — 61 5.1 0- 0 1- 2 5 0 0 0 0 14 6. Jordon Dizon ...... 12 475 42 19 — 61 5.1 3-36 4- 6 5 4 3 0 0 1 9. Lorenzo Sims ...... 11 634 41 5 — 46 4.2 0- 0 3- 5 7 0 0 1 2 17 11. Marcus Burton...... 11 165 18 11 — 29 2.6 1-11 2- 3 4 2 0 0 0 2 12. Abraham Wright ...... 12 659 19 8 — 27 2.3 5-28 2- 3 6 4 2 0 2 5 13. Maurice Lucas...... 7 296 11 9 — 20 2.9 0- 0 4-16 1 5 0 1 0 0 14. Brad Jones ...... 12 198 16 4 — 19 1.6 0- 0 1- 3 2 1 0 0 0 1 15. Alex Ligon ...... 10 383 10 8 — 18 1.8 0- 0 1- 2 2 5 0 0 0 3 16. Ryan Walters...... 9 163 12 4 — 16 1.8 0- 0 0- 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 17. Alonzo Barrett...... 6 144 9 6 — 15 2.5 0- 0 0- 0 3 4 1 0 0 2

INTERCEPTIONS Rk Player G No. Yards Avg. Long TD

1. Marcus Burton...... 11 2 104 52.0 99t 1 1. Gerett Burl...... 12 2 18 9.0 14 0 1. J.J. Billingsley...... 12 2 0 0.0 0 0 5. Ben Burney...... 7 1 16 16.0 16 0 5. Lorenzo Sims...... 11 1 2 2.0 2 0 5. Abraham Wright...... 12 1 2 2.0 2 0 5. Lionel Harris...... 5 1 0 0.0 0 0

(Colorado does not count bowl games stats into its season statistics.)

All-Star Candidates

Looking ahead to this fall, there are a few Colorado players who should be in the mix for some individual honors. Two Buffaloes who were finalists for awards last fall should easily be among the favorites for their respective trophies, PK Mason Crosby (Lou Groza Award; he was the runner-up) and C Mark Fenton (one of six finalists for the Rimington Award). ILB Thaddaeus Washington figures to be in the hunt for the Butkus Award, with S J.J. Billingsley and CB Gerett Burl probable Jim Thorpe Award candidates. TB Hugh Charles will be nominated for the Doak Walker Award, while Fenton and OG Brian Daniels could emerge as Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award candidates. Other players to watch include ILB Jordon Dizon, OL Edwin Harrison, S Tyrone Henderson, DE Maurice Lucas, WR Blake Mackey (if he returns healthy), WR/KR Stephone Robinson, CB Lorenzo Sims, WR Dusty Sprague and DE Abraham Wright, and whoever emerges at quarterback or tight end, any of whom could contend for a trophy, All-American or All-Big 12 honors. SPRING DEPTH CHART April 15, 2006

OFFENSE DEFENSE SPECIALISTS (Multiple) (4-3/Base)

WIDE RECEIVER (x) LEFT DEFENSIVE END PUNTER 4 Patrick Williams, 6-2, 195, Soph.* 33 Walter Boye-Doe, 6-2, 245, Sr.*** 16 Mason Crosby, 6-2, 210, Sr.*** AND 8 Alvin Barnett, 6-0, 195, Jr.** 91 Maurice Lucas, 6-4, 240, Soph.* 14 Matt DiLallo, 6-1, 190, Fr.-RS 6 Reggie Joseph, 6-0, 185, Jr.* 20 Daniel Agostino, 6-2, 215, Fr.-RS ( 9 Blake Mackey, 6-3, 200, Sr.-5*—injured) DEFENSIVE TACKLE 18 Isaac Garden, 6-0, 180, Jr. (80 Jarrell Yates, 6-0, 185, Fr.-RS—injured) 86 George Hypolite, 6-2, 265, Soph.* 4 Tom Suazo, 5-11, 180, Jr. 97 Taj Kaynor, 6-5, 250, Fr.-RS WIDE RECEIVER (z) PLACEKICKER NOSE TACKLE 83 Dusty Sprague, 6-4, 190, Jr.** AND 16 Mason Crosby, 6-2, 210, Sr.*** 94 Brandon Nicolas, 6-3, 270, Soph. 1 Stephone Robinson, 5-9, 185, Jr.** 18 Isaac Garden, 6-0, 180, Jr. 96 Marcus Jones, 6-4, 295, Sr.-5 38 Chase McBride, 5-8, 160, Jr. (39 Kevin Eberhart, 5-10, 190, Jr.*—injured) 85 Nick Holz, 5-11, 180, Sr.-5** RIGHT DEFENSIVE END KICKOFF RETURN 16 Cody Crawford, 5-11, 170, Soph. 53 Abraham Wright, 6-3, 240, Sr.-5** 1 Stephone Robinson, 5-9, 185, Jr.** (15 Charlie Sherman, 6-1, 195, Soph.—injured) 91 Maurice Lucas, 6-4, 240, Soph.* 2 Hugh Charles, 5-8, 185, Jr.** (13 Michael Kachmer, 6-0, 175, Fr.-RS—inj.) (47 Alonzo Barrett, 6-3, 240, Jr.**--injured)

10 Terry Washington, 5-10, 195, Sr.* LEFT TACKLE MIKE (INSIDE) LINEBACKER PUNT RETURN 76 Edwin Harrison, 6-4, 300, Jr.** 49 Thaddaeus Washington, 5-11, 240, Sr.-5*** 1 Stephone Robinson, 5-9, 185, Jr.** 72 Devin Head, 6-4, 275, Fr.-RS 34 R.J. Brown, 6-1, 225, Soph. 26 Terrence Wheatley, CB, 5-10, 175, Jr.** LEFT GUARD 32 Maurice Cantrell, 6-0, 225, Soph. 6 Reggie Joseph, 6-0, 185, Jr.* 55 Jason Ackermann, ILB, 6-1, 225, Sr.-5* 66 Brian Daniels, 6-4, 300, Sr.*** 38 Chase McBride, 5-8, 160, Jr.

57 Bryce MacMartin, 6-2, 290, Sr.* WILL (INSIDE) LINEBACKER HOLDER (PINNER) CENTER 44 Jordon Dizon, 6-0, 220, Jr.** 85 Nick Holz, 5-11, 180, Sr.-5** 54 Marcus Burton, 6-0, 230, Soph.* 58 Mark Fenton, 6-4, 295, Sr.-5*** 83 Dusty Sprague, 6-4, 190, Jr.** 50 Zach Jones, 6-3, 270, Fr.-RS 45 Jeff Smart, 6-0, 210, Fr.-RS 41 Bryan Stengel, 6-2, 205, Fr.-RS SHORT SNAPPER RIGHT GUARD 8 Ryan Weller, 5-11, 205, Soph. 75 Daniel Sanders, 6-3, 300, Soph.*

75 Daniel Sanders, 6-3, 300, Soph.* 50 Zach Jones, 6-3, 270, Fr.-RS SAM (OUTSIDE) LINEBACKER 61 Tom Grubin, 6-0, 285, Fr.-RS 57 Bryce MacMartin, 6-2, 290, Sr.* 40 Brad Jones, 6-4, 220, Soph.* RIGHT TACKLE 13 Joe Sanders, 6-3, 220, Jr.* LONG SNAPPER 60 Paul Backowski, 6-6, 285, Fr.-RS 19 Ben Carpenter, 6-3, 225, Sr.-5* 34 R.J. Brown, 6-1, 225, Soph. 68 Jeremy Hauck, 6-4, 275, Fr.-RS 37 Chad Cusworth, 5-11, 220, Sr.-5* 88 Devin Shanahan, 6-5, 210, Fr.-RS 46 Dan Goettsch, 6-5, 245, Sr.-5 TIGHT END LEFT CORNERBACK 87 Riar Geer, 6-3, 245, Fr.-RS 30 Paul Creighton, 6-5, 245, Sr.-5*** AND 26 Terrence Wheatley, CB, 5-10, 175, Jr.** 48 Tyson DeVree, 6-6, 245, Jr. 10 Terry Washington, 5-10, 195, Sr.* INJURED (for extended time) 87 Riar Geer, 6-3, 245, Fr.-RS AND 20 Terry Wilson, 5-11, 200, Soph. 18 #—S Dominique Brooks, 6-1, 180, Sr.** (knee) 46 Dan Goettsch, 6-5, 245, Sr.-5 21#—CB Vance Washington, 5-10, 185, Sr.-5** 32 Brandon English, 6-4, 235, Sr.-5 RIGHT CORNERBACK (knee) 88 Devin Shanahan, 6-5, 210, Fr.-RS 6 Gardner McKay, CB, 5-11, 160, Soph.* 51#—DE Alex Ligon, 6-3, 265, Sr.-5*** (pec) 81 Justin Adams, 6-1, 225, Soph. 42 Ben Burney, 5-11, 190, Soph.* (31 Gerett Burl, 5-10, 160, Sr.**—suspended) 77 #—RT Tyler Polumbus, 6-8, 285, Jr.**

QUARTERBACK (shoulder) FREE SAFETY 7 Bernard Jackson, 6-0, 195, Jr. AND 63#—RG/RT Jack Tipton, 6-3, 295, Sr.** (knee) 5 J.J. Billingsley, 5-11, 185, Sr.-5*** 3 Brian White, 6-5, 225, Jr.* 92 #—DE Sam Zimmerer, 6-3, 245, Fr.-RS 22 Lorenzo Sims Jr., 5-11, 185, Sr.** (also CB) 12 Mack Brown, 6-3, 215, Fr.-RS AND (illness) 5 Patrick Devenny, 6-3, 225, Fr.-RS 36 Reggie Foster, 5-11, 190, Fr.-RS (#—Out for spring.) 35 Joel Adams, 5-11, 185, Soph. (10 James Cox, 6-3, 215, Sr.**—injured) Seniors (26): Listing with a (-5) indicates fifth- TAILBACK STRONG SAFETY year senior (17); all others are fourth-year 2 Hugh Charles, 5-8, 185, Jr.** 15 Ryan Walters, 5-11, 200, Soph.* seniors (9). 37 Mell Holliday, 5-8, 205, Sr.-5 3 Tyrone Henderson, 5-10, 180, Sr.-5** 22 Byron Ellis, 6-0, 205, Jr.** 25 Lionel Harris, 6-0, 190, Jr.* 23 Matt Yegge, 6-3, 200, Soph. 23 Kevin Moyd, 5-8, 185, Fr.-RS

FULLBACK 42 Samson Jagoras, 5-10, 225, Jr. 34 Jake Behrens, 5-11, 235, Fr.-RS 48 Matt Garratt, 5-10, 220, Fr.-RS

*—denotes number of letters earned through 2005; Injured players listed in italics (status questionable or doubtful but not out for extended time; probables listed as normal). CAPTAINS: to be named. 2006 Colorado Football / Alphabetical Roster April 15, 2006

No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Class Exp Hometown (High School/Previous College) Status 55 ACKERMANN, Jason ILB 6- 1 225 Sr. 1L Louisville, Colo. (Boulder Fairview) S 1/1 35 ADAMS, Joel DB 5-11 185 So. RS Steamboat Springs, Colo. (Steamboat) WO 3/3 81 ADAMS, Justin TE 6- 1 225 So. VR Denver, Colo. (Montbello) WO 3/3 20 AGOSTINO, Daniel P 6- 2 215 Fr. RS Katonah, N.Y. (Somers) WO 4/4 60 BACKOWSKI, Paul OL 6- 6 285 Fr. RS Foley, Minn. (Foley) S 4/4 8 BARNETT, Alvin WR 6- 0 195 Jr. 1L Tulsa, Okla. (East Central/NE Oklahoma A&M) S 3/2 47 BARRETT, Alonzo DE 6- 3 240 Jr. 2L Alabaster, Ala. (Thompson) S 3/2 34 BEHRENS, Jake FB 5-11 235 Fr. RS Omaha, Neb. (Millard North) S 4/4 5 BILLINGSLEY, J.J. S 5-11 185 Sr. 3L Aurora, Colo. (Eaglecrest) S 1/1 33 BOYE-DOE, Walter DE 6- 2 245 Sr. 3L Keller, Texas (Keller) S 2/1 18 BROOKS, Dominique S 6- 1 180 Sr. 2L Mesquite, Texas (North Mesquite) S 2/1 12 BROWN, Mack QB 6- 3 215 Fr. RS Overland Park, Kan. (Shawnee Mission North) S 4/4 34 BROWN, R.J. ILB 6- 1 225 So. VR Honolulu, Hawai’i (Punahou) WO 3/3 31 BURL, Gerett CB 5-10 160 Sr. 2L Libertyville, Ill. (Libertyville/Garden City CC) S 2/1 42 BURNEY, Ben CB 5-11 190 So. 1L Lone Tree, Colo. (Mullen) S 4/3 54 BURTON, Marcus ILB 6- 0 230 So. 1L Channelview, Texas (Channelview) S 4/3 32 CANTRELL, Maurice ILB 6- 0 225 So. VR Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Washington) S 3/3 19 CARPENTER, Ben OLB 6- 3 225 Sr. 1L Des Moines, Iowa (Dowling) WO 1/1 2 CHARLES, Hugh TB 5- 8 185 Jr. 2L Southlake, Texas (Keller) S 3/2 10 COX, James QB 6- 3 215 Sr. 2L Simi Valley, Calif. (Royal) S 1/1 16 CRAWFORD, Cody WR 5-11 170 So. VR San Diego, Calif. (Torrey Pines) WO 3/3 30 CREIGHTON, Paul TE 6- 5 245 Sr. 3L Niwot, Colo. (Niwot) S 1/1 16 CROSBY, Mason PK 6- 2 210 Sr. 3L Georgetown, Texas (Georgetown) S 2/1 37 CUSWORTH, Chad OLB 5-11 220 Sr. 1L Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Thunder Ridge) WO 1/1 66 DANIELS, Brian OL 6- 4 300 Sr. 3L Evergreen, Colo. (Mullen) S 2/1 5 DEVENNY, Patrick QB 6- 3 225 Fr. RS Roseville, Calif. (Granite Bay) S 4/4 84 DeVREE, Tyson TE 6- 6 245 Jr. TR Hudsonville, Mich. (Hudsonville/Western Michigan) S 2/2 14 DiLALLO, Matthew P 6- 1 190 Fr. RS Wellington, Fla. (Wellington) S 4/4 44 DIZON, Jordon ILB 6- 0 220 Jr. 2L Kauai, Hawai’i (Waimea) S 3/2 39 EBERHART, Kevin PK 5-10 190 Jr. 1L Broomfield, Colo. (Broomfield) S 2/2 22 ELLIS, Byron TB 6- 0 205 Jr. 2L Culver City, Calif. (Venice) S 3/2 32 ENGLISH, Brandon TE 6- 4 235 Sr. VR Leawood, Kan. (Blue Valley North/Fort Scott CC) WO 1/1 58 FENTON, Mark C 6- 4 295 Sr. 3L Inglewood, Calif. (Westchester) S 1/1 36 FOSTER, Reggie S 5-11 190 Fr. RS Long Beach, Calif. (Millikan) S 4/4 18 GARDEN, Isaac PK 6- 0 180 Jr. VR Encino, Calif. (Taft) WO 2/2 48 GARRATT, Matt FB 5-10 220 Fr. RS Danville, Calif. (San Ramon Valley) WO 4/4 87 GEER, Riar TE 6- 3 245 Fr. RS Grand Junction, Colo. (Fruita-Monument) S 4/4 46 GOETTSCH, Dan TE 6- 5 245 Sr. VR Austin, Minn. (Austin) WO 1/1 61 GRUBIN, Tom C 6- 0 285 Fr. RS The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands) WO 4/4 25 HARRIS, Lionel S 6- 0 190 Jr. 1L Manvel, Texas (Alvin) S 2/2 76 HARRISON, Edwin OL 6- 4 300 Jr. 2L Houston, Texas (Westbury) S 2/2 68 HAUCK, Jeremy OL 6- 4 275 Fr. RS Niwot, Colo. (Niwot) S 4/4 72 HEAD, Devin OL 6- 4 275 Fr. RS Corona, Calif. (Centennial) S 4/4 3 HENDERSON, Tyrone S 5-10 180 Sr. 2L Oakland, Calif. (McClymonds) S 1/1 37 HOLLIDAY, Mell TB 5- 8 205 Sr. TR Omaha, Neb. (Benson/Wayne State/Nebraska) WO 1/1 85 HOLZ, Nick WR 5-11 180 Sr. 2L Danville, Calif. (De La Salle) S 1/1 86 HYPOLITE, George DT 6- 2 265 So. 1L Los Angeles, Calif. (Loyola) S 4/3 7 JACKSON, Bernard QB 6- 0 195 Jr. VR Corona, Calif. (Santiago) S 2/2 42 JAGORAS, Samson FB 5-10 225 Jr. TR Arcadia, Calif. (Arcadia/Western New Mexico) WO 2/2 40 JONES, Brad OLB 6- 4 220 So. 1L East Lansing, Mich. (East Lansing) S 3/3 96 JONES, Marcus DT 6- 4 295 Sr. VR Klein, Texas (Klein) S 1/1 50 JONES, Zach C 6- 3 270 Fr. RS Aurora, Colo. (Grandview) S 4/4 6 JOSEPH, Reggie WR 6- 0 185 Jr. 1L La Place, La. (East St. John) S 3/2 13 KACHMER, Michael WR 6- 0 175 Fr. RS Wheaton, Ill. (St. Francis) WO 4/4 97 KAYNOR, Taj DE 6- 5 250 Fr. RS Englewood, Colo. (Cherry Creek) S 4/4 51 LIGON, Alex DE 6- 3 265 Sr. 3L Torrance, Calif. (North Torrance) S 1/1 91 LUCAS, Maurice DE 6- 4 240 So. 1L Denver, Colo. (Rangeview) S 4/3 9 MACKEY, Blake WR 6- 3 200 Sr. 1L Bakersfield, Calif. (Bakersfield) S 1/1 57 MacMARTIN, Bryce C 6- 2 290 Sr. 1L San Francisco, Calif. (Lowell/City College of San Francisco) S 2/1 38 McBRIDE, Chase WR 5- 8 160 Jr. VR Thornton, Colo. (Broomfield/Wyoming) WO 2/2 6 McKAY, Gardner CB 5-11 160 So. 1L Inglewood, Calif. (Crenshaw) S 4/3 23 MOYD, Kevin TB 5- 8 185 Fr. RS Miramar, Fla. (Northwestern) S 4/4

—continued— 2006 Colorado Football / Alphabetical Roster 2-2-2

No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Class Exp Hometown (High School/Previous College) Status 94 NICOLAS, Brandon DT 6- 3 270 So. TR Santa Ana, Calif. (Mater Dei/Notre Dame) S 3/3 77 POLUMBUS, Tyler OL 6- 8 285 Jr. 2L Englewood, Colo. (Cherry Creek) S 2/2 1 ROBINSON, Stephone CB 5- 9 185 Jr. 2L Denver, Colo. (Mullen) S 2/2 75 SANDERS, Daniel OL 6- 3 300 So. 1L Vista, Calif. (El Camino) S 3/3 13 SANDERS, Joe OLB 6- 3 220 Jr. 1L Nashville, Tenn. (Hillsboro) S 2/2 88 SHANAHAN, Devin TE 6- 5 210 Fr. RS Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Highlands Ranch) WO 4/4 15 SHERMAN, Charlie III WR 6- 1 195 So. VR Sacramento, Calif. (Foothill) S 3/3 22 SIMS, Lorenzo, Jr. CB/S 5-11 185 Sr. 3L Fresno, Calif. (Edison) S 2/1 45 SMART, Jeff ILB 6- 0 210 Fr. RS Boulder, Colo. (Boulder) WO 4/4 83 SPRAGUE, Dusty WR 6- 4 190 Jr. 2L Holyoke, Colo. (Holyoke) S 2/2 41 STENGEL, Bryan ILB 6- 2 205 Fr. RS Durango, Colo. (Durango) WO 4/4 4 SUAZO, Tom P 5-11 180 So. TR Glenwood Springs, Colo. (Glenwood Springs/Arizona State) WO 4/3 63 TIPTON, Jack OL 6- 3 295 Sr. 2L Arvada, Colo. (Pomona) S 1/1 15 WALTERS, Ryan S 5-11 200 So. 1L Aurora, Colo. (Grandview) S 3/3 10 WASHINGTON, Terry CB 5-10 195 Sr. 1L St. Louis, Mo. (Cleveland/Garden City CC) S 2/1 49 WASHINGTON, Thaddaeus ILB 5-11 245 Sr. 3L Marrero, La. (John Ehret) S 1/1 21 WASHINGTON, Vance CB 5-10 185 Sr. 2L Friendswood, Texas (Clear Brook) S 1/1 8 WELLER, Ryan OLB 5-11 205 So. TR Westminster, Colo. (Legacy/Fort Lewis) WO 4/3 26 WHEATLEY, Terrence CB 5-10 175 Jr. 2L Richardson, Texas (Plano East) S 2/2 3 WHITE, Brian QB 6- 5 225 Jr. 1L Mission Viejo, Calif. (Trabuco Hills) S 2/2 4 WILLIAMS, Patrick WR 6- 2 195 So. 1L DeSoto, Texas (DeSoto) S 3/3 20 WILSON, Terry CB 5-11 200 So. VR Chino, Calif. (Junipero Serra) S 3/3 53 WRIGHT, Abraham DE 6- 3 240 Sr. 2L Oklahoma City, Okla. (Southeast/NE Oklahoma A&M( S 1/1 80 YATES, Jarrell WR 6- 0 185 Fr. RS Denver, Colo. (Montbello) S 4/4 23 YEGGE, Matt S 6- 3 200 So. TR Longmont, Colo. (Longmont/Baylor) WO 4/4 92 ZIMMERER, Sam DE 6- 3 245 Fr. RS Colorado Springs, Colo. (Air Academy) S 4/4 EXPERIENCE KEY: #L—indicates number of letters earned through 2005; HS—high school; JC—junior college transfer; RS—freshman redshirt in 2005; TR—transfer; VR—varsity reserve performer. STATUS KEY: S—scholarship, WO—walk-on; #/#—clock as of 2006 season, i.e., 2/1: two years available to play one in eligibility.

TEAM CAPTAINS: To be named. 2006 Colorado Players-To-Watch April 15, 2006

J.J. Billingsley, S 5-11, 185, Sr., 3L… He returned in 2005 after missing most of the previous year with knee problems, but quickly emerged (again) as one of the top safeties in the Big 12… In earning honorable mention all-Big 12 Conference honors from both the Associated Press and the league coaches, he finished second on the team in tackles with 85, including 58 solo and seven for losses (with one quarterback sack)… He had 12 third down stops, five pass deflections, four hurries, two fumble recoveries, two quarterback chasedowns, a touchdown save and a forced fumble to go with two interceptions (against Colorado State and Kansas)... Against the Jayhawks, he also matched his career high with 15 tackles (eight solo), and forced a fumble at midfield in the third quarter that led to a key touchdown that put the Buffs up 30-13 at the time in a 44-13 win… Other top games included 11 tackles against CSU, 10 at Kansas State, nine at Texas and eight (all solo) against the Longhorns in the Big 12 title game… He will enter his senior year in 2006 with 255 career tackles, the eighth most by a defensive back at Colorado and 24th overall, with his 181 solo stops tied for 12th on that all-time list… An honorable mention All-Big 12 performer as a sophomore… A Sporting News Freshman All-American in 2002.

Hugh Charles, TB 5-8, 185, Jr., 2L… He started 12 games as a sophomore, proving to be equally as dangerous at tailback as well as catching the ball when sent into motion… He earned honorable mention all-Big 12 honors from the Associated Press and the league coaches (he was a second-team choice by the Kansas City Star and the San Antonio Express-News)... He led the team with 842 rushing yards in 2005, the sixth most ever by a sophomore at Colorado, as he had 176 carries and six touchdowns in averaging 4.8 yards per rush. He had 26 rushes for 10 or more yards and 60 for five or longer, with the crown carry a 74-yard touchdown run to open the game at Oklahoma State… In his first start, he rushed for 101 yards and two scores on 15 carries against Colorado State in the season opener, becoming just the 14th player in CU history to run for 100 yards in his first career start… He topped the century mark two other times, as he had a career best 120 yards against OSU and 105 yards versus New Mexico State… He was involved in three of CU’s five longest plays from scrimmage in 2005: the 74-yard TD at OSU; a 51-yard TD reception against Texas A&M and a 45-yard run versus Nebraska… He will be nominated for the Doak Walker Award, presented to the nation’s top running back… Also lettered in indoor track (long jump).

Mason Crosby, PK 6-2, 210, Sr., 3L… The consensus All-America placekicker as a junior in 2005, the first CU kicker ever so honored… He has again been selected to the prestigious 2006 Playboy Preseason All-American team, the first player in CU history to be named to the team twice (and one of just a handful ever)… The runner-up for the 2005 Lou Groza Award… He was the unanimous first-team All-Big 12 placekicker for both 2004 and 2005… He had an amazing list of accomplishments in 2005, the crown jewel a 58-yard field goal at Miami, Fla., the longest ever at sea level (7 feet) in NCAA Division I-A history without a kicking tee... He led the team in scoring with 94 points, converting all 31 PAT kicks and 21-of-28 field goals; he led the nation in the average distance per field goal made at an astounding 41.2 yards… He strung together a school record 10 straight field goals made between starting at the end of his sophomore year and continuing into his junior season, in both of which he led the NCAA in field goals made from 50 yards or longer (six in 2004, five in 2005)… Set a CU record with a 60-yard field goal against Iowa State in 2004, only the 10th of 60 yards or longer without a tee in NCAA history and the first (and only) one since 1999… Enters his senior year second in field goals made (47) and tied for second in scoring (231 points)… He has kicked off 157 times, 110 going for touchbacks, with the average starting yardline of the opponent its 22.

Brian Daniels, OG 6-4, 300, Sr., 3L… He bounced back from a fractured rib and a bruised kidney suffered in the opener versus Colorado State to grade out as the team’s top lineman… He earned honorable mention all-Big 12 honors for the second straight year from both the Associated Press and the league coaches, though the San Antonio Express-News named him to its first-team and the Dallas Morning News to its second-team… In 640 snaps from scrimmage, he led the team with 29 knockdown blocks while not allowing a sack (he has allowed jist ½ sack over the last two seasons)… He forged his way into the starting lineup the fourth game of his freshman season (at Florida State), and has been entrenched since; he earned Freshman All-America honors from collegesportsreport.com (first-team) and The Sporting News (second-team)… He was only the seventh true frosh to start on the offensive line since 1973… He was CU’s Male Freshman of the Year for 2003-04 for all sports, presented at CU’s annual CUSPY Awards.

Jordon Dizon, ILB 6-0, 220, Jr., 2L… There was no sophomore jinx for Dizon in following up his tremendous freshman year, as he earned honorable mention all-Big 12 honors for the second straight season… He tied for fifth on the team in tackles with 61 (42 solo) and had seven tackles for loss (including three sacks), along with five third down stops and four hurries... He had five or more tackles in 10 games; against Kansas and versus Texas (Big 12 title game), he posted six solo stops... Against Missouri, he had a pair of quarterback sacks... In 2004, he became CU’s first true frosh to ever be recognized with the conference’s Defensive Newcomer of the Year (Associated Press) and the Defensive Freshman of the Year (Big 12 Coaches) awards… A second-team Sporting News Freshman All-American… He led all freshmen in the Big 12 with 82 tackles (51 solo), which also established a CU true freshman record.

Mark Fenton, C 6-4, 295, Sr., 3L… He is once again on the Rimington Trophy Watch List, as he was one of six finalists in 2005 for the award, which is presented to the nation’s best center; he is also on the official Lombardi Award watch list… He earned first-team all-Big 12 honors from the league coaches (though a disappointing honorable mention by the AP)… He has started 26 straight games in the middle, as he has played the most snaps on offense in each of the past two seasons… He finished second among the offensive linemen in knockdown blocks with 26 both seasons… He has allowed just one quarterback sack in this time frame (that coming early in his sophomore year)… He has played every snap on the FG/PAT unit in each of the last two seasons as well… He caught the coaches’ eyes as a potential center in the 2002 Alamo Bowl practices, and has been a mainstay at the position ever since. —more— 2006 Colorado Football / Players-To-Watch 2-2-2

STEPHONE ROBINSON, WR/KR 5-9, 185, Jr., 2L… He played in all 13 games, in every one on special teams and in seven on offense including the bowl, as he moved from CB back to WR prior to the Miami game... He earned second-team all-Big 12 honors from the league coaches at kick returner for the second straight year, as they had more appreciation for what he does in the return game than the casual observer… While his punt return average was 9.9 yards for 25 returns (he did return one 81 yards against Kansas for a TD), the Buffs called the unit the “punt block” team and seldom set up for a return, leaving him to often fend for himself along with those times when he would snare a ball in traffic rather than letting it hit and bounce, salvaging better field position… He also returned 18 kickoffs for an 18.2 average, ran three reverses for 35 yards and caught six passes for 61 yards (the bulk of those came against Missouri, when he caught five for 50 yards).

DUSTY SPRAGUE, WR 6-4, 190, Jr., 2L… He played in all 13 games in 2005, starting 11 including the Champs Sports Bowl in 2005, as he led the team in receptions with 43 for 468 yards (10.9 per) and a touchdown… He caught at least one pass in all 12 games, with a career best of nine at Miami (for 55 yards), and had at least three in nine games overall… He caught five passes of 20 or more yards and 16 of 10 yards or longer, with his long play a 62-yard touchdown pass from Joel Klatt against Kansas… That game provided his season yardage best, as he caught three passes for 76 yards versus the Jayhawks… With career totals of 65 receptions for 746 yards, he is already 23rd and 27th, respectively, on CU’s all-time list for catches and receiving yards… In 2004, The Sporting News named him to its Freshman All- Big 12 team, as he caught 22 passes for 278 yards for the year.

Thaddaeus Washington, ILB 5-11, 245, Sr., 3L… He led the team in tackles as a junior with 112, earning co-defensive most valuable player honors on defense when the coaches named him the recipient of the Dave Jones Award (with Gerett Burl)… He earned second-team all-Big 12 honors from the Associated Press, as well as from all four regional newspapers that selected teams, but was a disappointing honorable mention choice by the league coaches… He also had team bests of 70 solo stops and 13 for losses while tying for the team lead with five quarterback sacks (along with a team best four near sacks). He had eight games with 10 or more tackles, topped by a career-high 14 against Nebraska, with 13 at Miami, and 12 against both Colorado State and Kansas State... He was one of 65 official candidates for the Dick Butkus Award…. An honorable mention all-Big 12 honors from both the Associated Press as well as the conference coaches as a sophomore… He now stands tied for 26th in total tackles (231) at Colorado, with his 142 solo stops tied for 24th all-time.

Terrence WHEATLEY, CB 5-10, 175, Jr., 2L… He has fully recovered from a wrist injury that forced him to miss the entire 2005 season… One of the fastest Buffs with 4.4 speed, he did have a redshirt year available and still has two to play for the Buffaloes… Also dangerous as a return man… He played in all 13 games in 2004, starting the last five including the Houston Bowl; he had 33 tackles (27 solo) and posted the second- most interceptions on the team with four; the first of his career he made memorable, as he returned it 37 yards for a touchdown against Texas, On special teams, he averaged 22.0 yards for 19 kickoff returns, including a 59-yard effort against Washington State and 43- yarder in the bowl against UTEP; he was fourth in the Big 12 and 53rd in the NCAA… Overcame a nagging hamstring injury to excel.

Others To Keep An Eye On Several other players have the opportunity to stand out for the Buffaloes in 2006 and some could easily wind up contending for All-Big 12 honors or better. Some of those include:

Alvin Barnett, WR (6-0, 195, Jr., 1L) —He played in all 13 games in 2005, including one start (at Texas), as he caught 17 passes for 131 yards, averaging 7.7 yards per reception… His long gain was 19 yards, and five of his grabs were for 10 or more yards as he was utilized more on short passes… His top game came at Miami, Fla., when he had seven catches for 59 yards; he also ran two reverses for 28 yards.

Alonzo Barrett, DE (6-3, 255, Jr., 2L) —He saw action in six games in 2005, including a pair of starts (at Oklahoma State and versus Texas A&M); he was starting to come on when he went down in the A&M game with a torn PCL, but underwent rehab without surgery and was able to return in time for the Big 12 title game… He played 144 snaps on defense, posting 15 tackles (nine solo), with three third down stops, four quarterback hurries, one chasedown and two passes broken up.

Edwin Harrison, OT (6-4, 300, Jr. 2L) —He played in 11 games, starting seven including the bowl… He did not allow a quarterback sack and was called for just one penalty in racking up 16 knockdown blocks and 12 “Perfect 4” plays, both fourth on the team… He returned ahead of schedule after missing spring practice following shoulder surgery… One of the strongest players on the team.

Daniel Sanders, OG (6-3, 300, Soph., 1L) —He played in 10 games, including four starts, missing two games with a partially torn hamstring in the middle of the year (Texas, Kansas) and the Champs Sports Bowl with a sprained knee… He still made an impression as he played in nine games on offense, seeing action for 420 snaps, along with another 46 snaps on the field goal/PAT unit… In getting his feet wet so-to-speak collegiately, he had two touchdown blocks (tying for the team lead), allowed five pressures and three sacks and was called for just one penalty.

Ryan Walters, SS (5-11, 200, Soph., 1L)—He saw action in 10 games on defense, including the Champs Sports Bowl, as he was in on 16 tackles (12 solo) in the regular season, with another three on special teams… He progressed rapidly during spring drills, and the coaching staff recognized his progress by naming him the recipient of the inaugural Dick Anderson Award as the most improved player on defense.

Patrick Williams, WR (6-2, 195, Soph., 1L)—He played in all 13 games (no starts), cracking the regular rotation from the start in finishing fourth on the team with 28 receptions for 241 yards (8.6 per catch)… He had two catches for 20-plus yards and nine of 10 yards or longer, as he was used primarily on short routes… He caught at least one pass in all 13 games, with five against Nebraska his most catches and the 40 yards on three receptions at Iowa State his high yardage game.

Abraham Wright, DE (6-3, 240, Sr., 2L) —He started all 13 games including the Champs Sports Bowl at defensive end… He was in on 27 tackles (19 solo), but always had a pension for making the big play, tying for the team lead in quarterback sacks with five, and led the team in interceptions caused with four and turnovers forced with six, when taking into account two forced fumbles. He also had seven total tackles for loss, six third down stops, four quarterback hurries, two chasedowns (near sacks), five pass deflections and an interception. IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE BUFFALOES April 15, 2006

Offense

Quarterback VETERANS: James Cox, Sr.; Brian White, Jr.; Bernard Jackson, Jr. REDSHIRTS: Mack Brown, Fr.-RS; Patrick Devenny, Fr.-RS The last time this position was as wide open as it is this fall was 2003, when a sophomore walk-on named Joel Klatt won the battle and went on to start three years and set 44 school records. This time around, not only is it totally up for grabs, throw in the fact that there was a coaching change and with that comes a new multiple system for the kids to learn as well. Cox has seen the most game action of the returnees, as he has made two career starts along with key game action in other spots; however, he missed most of spring with a thumb injury. White has seen meaningful action other than “take-a-knee” type duty just one time, but played well in that appearance in the 2005 Champs Sports Bowl. Jackson has yet to take a game snap at quarterback, but has seen limited action at tailback, receiver and on returns. Combined, they have just 104 pass attempts, the 24th fewest in the nation of all returning QB units, and less than 200 total game snaps between them. All three bring different styles to the table, with White the purest passer and Cox and Jackson more mobile, Cox the better thrower and Jackson the more dangerous man with his feet. Brown and Devenny redshirted last fall, and didn’t see much spring action as the upperclassmen are getting the first look. Fall Additions: Cody Hawkins (recruit). Key Losses: Joel Klatt (graduation).

Running Back VETERANS: Hugh Charles, Jr.; Byron Ellis, Jr.; Mell Holliday, Sr. REDSHIRTS: Kevin Moyd, Fr.-RS; Samson Jagoras, Jr.; Jake Behrens, Fr.-RS; Matt Garratt, Fr.-RS Charles had one of the top 15 most productive sophomore seasons in CU history, doing much of it behind an offensive line that was never fully healthy, so the likely Doak Walker Award candidate could have a breakout season on the national landscape ahead of him. Holliday was on track to be the surprise addition of last fall until the NCAA ruled him ineligible on a transfer technicality, but he stuck it out and is making the most of his chance, catching the eye of the new coaching staff as well in the spring. Ellis, a big, bruising back, and Moyd, a more diminutive speedster, bring different styles to the table and showed in spring drills that they can be dangerous, too. With Hawkins’ coaching philosophy to play groups of players at several positions, all four could have significant roles in the fall. Fullback CU loses one of the best fullbacks in the nation (Lawrence Vickers) and a capable backup (Brendan Schaub), but Jagoras, a transfer from Western New Mexico, emerged in the spring as a viable replacement. Behrens and Garratt, two redshirt freshmen also remain in the mix, as unless there position moves, with no incoming recruits specific to the position, CU’s next fullback will come from this trio. Fall Additions: TB Thomas Perez, JasLee Rouson, TB Demetrius Sumler (recruits). Key Losses: Vickers, Schaub (graduation).

Offensive Line VETERANS: Brian Daniels, Sr.; Mark Fenton, Sr.; Edwin Harrison, Jr.; Tyler Polumbus, Jr.; Daniel Sanders, Soph.; Jack Tipton, Jr. REDSHIRTS: Paul Backowski, Fr.-RS; Jeremy Hauck, FR-RS; Devin Head, Fr.-RS; Zach Jones, Fr.-RS While anchored by two of the best seniors in the nation in Daniels (left guard) and Fenton (center), injuries wreaked havoc in 2005, as the Buffs had just six active linemen available for the Champs Sports Bowl (and three of those were injured). Harrison (tackle) and Sanders (right guard) figure to join the pair as starters come fall, as would Polumbus, who missed spring drills while mending from shoulder surgery. Harrison practiced at left tackle in the spring, where Polumbus played when he was in the lineup, so who lines up where will likely be decided in fall camp. Depth again could be an issue, and likely will be until the position is restocked; Hawkins has said he would like to sign at least five “big guys” in every class, but in the interim, CU had just 12 on the roster for the spring (two on the injured list), and are adding four to the fold in the fall, including Erick Faatagi, a JUCO transfer. The four frosh redshirts all have massive potential, and with four upperclassmen on the first-team, their time will come soon; Backowski was running with the first unit in Polumbus’ absence during the spring, as the 10 available to the coaching staff did benefit from the extra reps. Fall Additions: Quinton Borders, Bill Boyer, Erick Faatagi, Wes Simon (recruits). Key Losses: OL Gary Moore, OT Clint O’Neal (graduation).

Receiver VETERANS: Alvin Barnett, Sr.; Blake Mackey, Sr.; Stephone Robinson, Jr.; Dusty Sprague, Jr.; Patrick Williams, Soph.; Reggie Joseph, Soph.; Chase McBride, Jr.; Charlie Sherman, Soph.; Cody Crawford, Soph. REDSHIRT: Jarrell Yates, Fr.-RS A healthy Mackey would make all the difference for the group, as CU had to operate without his services last year after he went down with a knee injury early in fall camp; he participated on a limited basis in the spring. Sprague emerged as one of the go-to guys, and was CU’s leading pass catcher with 43 receptions. Williams (28 catches) and Barnett (17) also became popular targets as the year progressed, while Robinson was switched back to the position (from cornerback) a month into the season and showed signs of being a capable option as well. Yates, who also returns from a knee injury, didn’t have the chance to show what he can do, but is expected to work his way into the rotation come fall drills. Joseph hasn’t had many opportunities but figures to vie for playing time, as does Holz, the team holder, and Sherman. McBride, Crawford and Kachmer, three walk-ons, rounded out the spring personnel at the position. Fall Additions: Sherman Lang (recruit). Key Losses: Evan Judge (graduation).

Tight End KEY PERSONNEL: Paul Creighton, Sr.; Tyson DeVree, Jr.; Riar Geer, Fr.-RS, Dan Goettsch, Sr. Losing basically co-starters to graduation, this position is up for grabs. Creighton, who split time at both fullback and tight last year and has throughout his career, gets a trial solely at tight end this spring. DeVree, a highly-regarded transfer from Western Michigan, had two solid years there and figures to be in the mix for starting honors, as does Geer, who is mended from a shoulder injury. Four walk- ons fill out depth at the position, headlined by Goettsch, who has waited patiently for a chance to show what he can do, along with senior Brandon English, sophomore Justin Adams and frosh redshirt Devin Shanahan. Fall Additions: Steve Fendry, Nate Solder, Ino Vitale (recruits). Key Losses: Joe Klopfenstein, Quinn Sypniewski (graduation).

2006 Colorado Football / In-Depth Look At The Buffaloes 2-2-2

Defense

Defensive Front VETERANS: Alex Ligon, Sr.; Abraham Wright, Sr.; Alonzo Barrett, Jr.; Walter Boye-Doe, Sr.; Maurice Lucas, Soph.; George Hypolite, Soph.; Marcus Jones, Sr. REDSHIRTS: Taj Kaynor, Fr.-RS; Brandon Nicolas, Soph.; Sam Zimmerer, Fr.-RS There is talent up front, but the depth is minimal, as at the end of the spring, there were only eight healthy players for the four positions combined. Wright is likely to recapture his starting role from a year ago, with Boye-Doe coming on strong for his senior year and ended the spring opposite Wright on the first team. He took over the spot from Barrett, who missed most of the last two weeks after joining the ranks of the injured with a dislocated elbow. All indications are the staff will rotate these four positions heavily, so they will be looking for six-to-eight players to surface as a starting group. Lucas, who started the last half of the season, will be in that mix, along with Hypolite, who saw quality time as a true frosh, and Nicolas, a transfer from Notre Dame. Kaynor, instead of Lucas, almost got the call to sacrifice his redshirt year in 2005, and will contribute as well. Ligon, who will contend for first-unit honors in the fall, tore a pec muscle in winter conditioning and missed the entire spring, with Zimmerer was out due to a respiratory condition. Fall Additions: Jason Brace, Marquez Herrod, Eric Lawson (recruits). Key Losses: James Garee, Vaka Manupuna, John Guydon (graduation).

Inside Linebacker VETERANS: Thaddaeus Washington, Sr.; Jordon Dizon, Jr.; Marcus Burton, Soph.; Jason Ackermann, Sr.; R.J. Brown, Soph.; Maurice Cantrell, Soph. REDSHIRTS: Jeff Smart, Fr.-RS, Bryan Stengel, Fr.-RS; Ryan Weller, Soph. There aren’t many better 1-2 punches at the position nationally than what Colorado can boast about, as Washington, a Butkus Award candidate a year ago, and Dizon, combined for 173 tackles in 2004. Washington, who has emerged as a team leader individually, was tops in tackles (112), tackles for loss (13) and sacks (5) last fall for the Buffaloes and is well on his way to finishing in the top 10 all-time at the school in tackles. Washington topped the “mike” spot at the end of spring, while Dizon was first at the “will” position; each has 23 career starts heading into 2006. Burton had some big plays as a frosh, including a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown at Oklahoma State, the longest play in school history involving a freshman. Ackermann and Cantrell are the other scholarship players at inside ‘backer, with the depth filled in by four walk-ons, including Brown, who ascended to second at mike following spring drills. Fall Additions: Justin Nonu, Michael Sipili (recruits). Key Losses: Akarika Dawn (graduation).

Outside Linebacker VETERANS: Brad Jones, Soph.; Joe Sanders, Jr.; Ben Carpenter, Sr.; Chad Cusworth, Sr. Jones played over 200 snaps at the position including the bowl game a year ago, and he’s the odds-on-favorite to replace Brian Iwuh, who had been the mainstay at the spot the previous three seasons. Sanders moved back to the outside spot, where he played as a redshirt frosh in 2004, and didn’t miss a beat in the spring at the position he played very well when subbing for an injured Iwuh on occasion that ’04 season. Carpenter and Cusworth provide depth and were key special team performers on multiple units last year. Fall Additions: B.J. Beatty (recruit). Key Losses: Iwuh (graduation).

Secondary VETERANS: J.J. Billingsley, Sr.; Terrence Wheatley, Jr.; Lorenzo Sims, Sr.; Tyrone Henderson, Sr.; Terry Washington, Sr.; Gardner McKay, Soph.; Ben Burney, Soph.; Gerett Burl, Sr.; Vance Washington, Sr.; Lionel Harris, Jr., Ryan Walters, Soph.; Dominique Brooks, Sr.; Terry Wilson, Soph. REDSHIRTS: Reggie Foster, Fr.-RS An experienced group, one that has had just one senior over the last two years combined (safety Tom Hubbard), so the group certainly knows each other’s strengths and weaknesses. With Greg Brown returning to CU to coach the secondary, his wealth of NFL knowledge and the experience of the group could very well mean that the secondary might be the strength of the team. Billingsley and Wheatley are Thorpe Award candidate material; Wheatley is back after sitting out 2005 following a pair of wrist surgeries and bolsters an already strong group. Sims practiced more at safety than corner in the spring and finished drills behind Billingsley at free safety; he’ll likely swing between the two spots come fall. Walters was solid in limited action as a freshman and ended the spring atop the list at strong safety, with Henderson, last year’s starter, right behind him. Wheatley figures to be one starting corner, and the other could be McKay, especially if Burl, last year’s co-defensive MVP, does not return after being suspended for violating team rules. Terry Washington, also an excellent kick returner, could see action rotating between corner positions or as the nickel back, while Burney played mostly special teams a year ago and has promise at corner; Wilson shores up the depth at the position. Vance Washington and Brooks are both recovering from injuries and their fall status won’t be determined until August. Foster, who moved over to the defense and practiced at corner after practicing at tailback last year, and walk-ons Joel Adams (also a member of CU’s NCAA champion ski team) and Matt Yegge round out depth at safety. Fall Additions: Cha’pelle Brown, Jonathan Hawkins, Jimmy Smith (recruits). Key Losses: Hubbard (graduation).

Kicking Game / Special Teams

VETERAN PERSONNEL: PK Mason Crosby, Sr.; PK Kevin Eberhart, Jr.; PK Isaac Garden, Jr.; P Matt DiLallo, Fr.-RS; KR Stephone Robinson, Jr.; KR Terrence Wheatley, Jr.; H Nick Holz, Sr. Most consider Crosby the top placekicker in the nation (the consensus first-team All-American in 2005 and Lou Groza Award runner- up), and should vie for both honors again. Crosby will enter the fall as a candidate to take over the punting chores as well, averaging over 50 yards in most daily competitions during the spring. DiLallo watched and learned from one of the best last year in John Torp, and he’ll compete for the punter job as well. Eberhart was injured in the spring and saw limited activity, while Garden also showed he has a strong leg and entered the punting competition, too. The coaches have twice recognized Robinson on their all-league team for his play as a return man, and a healthy Wheatley gives CU a solid 1-2 punch at returning kicks, with a few others still in the mix there, namely Terry Washington, Reggie Joseph, Hugh Charles and Chase McBride. Holz returns as one of the finest holders anywhere, but the man who snapped to him, Greg Pace, graduated after excelling for four years in that role, one that won’t be filled until fall camp. Fall Additions: SN Justin Drescher (recruit). Key Losses: SN Greg Pace, P John Torp (graduation). 2006 Colorado Football Outlook April 16, 2006

The 117th football season at the University of Colorado will kickoff this fall with new faces and renewed expectations under Dan Hawkins, who was hired as the 23rd head coach in the school’s history last December.

While most coaching changes occur after a team has endured a string of 3-8 or 2-9 type seasons, the Buffaloes are coming off a fourth Big 12 Conference North Division title (in five years), so the cupboard isn’t exactly bare for Hawkins and his assistants, which includes two coaches from the previous staff. But CU has only won the overall league title once, and was battling to be competitive from start-to- finish in the other three championship games, which was thus the foundation for the change in leadership.

An experienced defense and a perennially solid kicking game will make the transition easier for the new coaches, as those two strengths should buy the Buffaloes some time on offense to develop. Eight starters on defense return, along with a ninth who redshirted due to injury, and the leg of consensus All-America placekicker Mason Crosby is an outright weapon.

Crosby was really the only player “safe” at his position, as Hawkins and his staff listed everyone else alphabetically on the initial depth chart, which Hawkins isn’t big into to begin with.

“I want us to always have the sort of mentality that we are starting new every year,” Hawkins said. “When you get to the spring, I don’t care if you have a senior quarterback coming back, that guy has got to go back out and start all over and prove himself. There are no locked positions on this team… well, maybe Mason Crosby.”

“And I’ll keep saying this, and some people think the depth chart is a big thing, but when we get to the fall, we’ll have a group of guys who contribute, and those guys will all be lumped in there,” he added. “I’m just one of those guys who isn’t and never have been into (depth charts). The quarterback and the offensive line mean something, but everybody else, basically they’re broken down into the contributors and those who are redshirting. So be prepared for a lot of ‘ands’ and ‘ors.’”

That philosophy was one of the grass root reasons Boise State went 53-11 under Hawkins in his five years as the Broncos head coach. He brought with him five members of his coaching staff, hired two offensive geniuses from other staffs, and retained two former CU assistants who had long-time ties to the program. Hawkins has also embraced CU’s history and has already had numerous conversations with former head coaches Eddie Crowder and Bill McCartney.

With the defense expected to be at least as good as last year, one that spent much of the year in the top five in rushing defense and in the top 30 in total defense, the development of the offense will be vital to this year’s success. And the key there is replacing quarterback Joel Klatt, who graduated with 44 school records; make that 45—the 44 records he set is also a record for the number of records set by any individual in any CU sport.

CU’s new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mark Helfrich comes from Arizona State, where his teams passed for almost 19,000 yards in five seasons. Passing game coordinator and receivers coach Eric Kiesau joins CU from the California staff, and the two will be in charge of revving up a Buff offense that has been inconsistent. The final spring scrimmage reinforced that there is plenty of work to do; neither the first or second unit was able to put together a sustained drive, and Crosby would attempt 16 field goals on the afternoon, despite a swirling wind that often gusted to 40 miles per hour.

With all that passing know-how, Hawkins is firm when he says success on offense must start with a solid running game, and is proud of the fact that while his Boise State teams seemed to be known for its passing accomplishments, they also had a 1,000-yard rusher every season.

That will be pivotal for the Buffaloes, who have had just two 1,000-yard runners since Rashaan Salaam won the Heisman Trophy with 2,055 in 1994: Chris Brown (1,744 in 2002) and Bobby Purify (1,017) in 2004 (although both topped 900 in 2001, CU’s Big12 title season). The offensive line has had injury and depth issues much of the last decade, and has been operating with less than a dozen healthy bodies each of the last two years. Hawkins wants 17-20 on the roster and will recruit the position until it is well stocked.

“We really believe in a good, solid running game,” Hawkins said. “I think the biggest fallacy with our offense is that people think we are just going to chuck it and run around and do those sorts of things, but you have to be able to run the football. Our passing game has been very much a play-action and vertical passing game. We will try to be creative and do some innovative things. We are not afraid to do reverse passes and throwbacks and double passes. Those things are viable options.”

The line does have two solid anchors in center Mark Fenton, a first-team All-Big 12 performer in 2005 when he was also a Rimington Award finalist, and guard Brian Daniels, a two-time honorable mention all-conference player who has also applied for the Rhodes Scholarship. These two elite seniors in the interior will provide a solid foundation to build upon, and there is talent in the ranks, but the Buffs will need to avoid the injury bug to help the offense click. That, and the Buffs do have to find suitable replacements for their “two- headed” tight end monster, Joe Klopfenstein and Quinn Sypniewski, two of their best overall receivers a year ago, as well a V-back Lawrence Vickers, the team’s best blocker. —more— 2006 Colorado Football / Outlook 2-2-2

Coming to Boulder with Hawkins is his reputation as a “high-risk” coach, but don’t confuse him with being a gambler. Imagine the Buffs facing a fourth-and-one on their own 21-yard line on their opening series versus Montana State in the season opener. Punt, right? Well, maybe not.

“We’re going for it,” Hawkins said. “It has to do with the philosophy of deserving to win, deserving to have success. If you’ve got four downs and need 10 yards, and all you need is six inches on the last down, you probably ought to get that if you deserve to win.

“Sometimes you need a momentum breaker; sometimes maybe you need to force a momentum breaker. That being said, you just don’t roll the dice. I think you have to have the right play on the right hash mark and you have to understand how that all fits together.”

The 19 lettermen and five starters returning on offense are trumped by the 26 and eight, respectively, back from a defense that at one point late in the year ranked second nationally against the run (eventually finishing ninth, allowing just 110.3 yard per game). New defensive coordinator Ron Collins accompanied Hawkins to Boulder from Boise State, and the two put together a solid staff on that side of the ball, retaining Brian Cabral, one of the nation’s top linebacker coaches and recruiters, and luring Greg Brown back to Boulder from the NFL, where he had been since he last walked a college sideline in 1993.

“I really believe in attacking teams and getting after them,” Hawkins said of his defensive philosophy. “I think you have to make sure people don’t run the ball on you and you have to put pressure on the quarterback and make that guy make fast decisions. We won’t be a static team. I think you have to disguise (formations) and move around and change things up.”

The Buffs should be the strongest at defensive end, inside linebacker and across the secondary, as those three areas return players with a combined 211 starts (122 by the defensive backs), exactly two-thirds of the total (316) of all returning players.

Senior Thaddaeus Washington and junior Jordon Dizon, the starters the last two seasons, are the likely leaders of the defense that prides itself on stopping the run. CU is fairly loaded at defensive end, returning four players with significant starting experience. Seniors Abraham Wright, Walter Boye-Doe and Alex Ligon, junior Alonzo Barrett and sophomore Maurice Lucas all figure to be in a rotation to keep them fresh.

The secondary returns every player from last season, sans safety Tom Hubbard and bolstered by a healthy Terrence Wheatley, the junior who missed all of 2005 recovering from wrist surgery. Senior J.J. Billingsley returned to form last fall after sitting out the ’04 season with a knee injury and is the leader of the group, which still has almost as many non-seniors (four) as seniors (five) that figure to see the bulk of the playing time.

The special teams should benefit from having a coach (Kent Riddle) assigned full-time to coach the unit, with the help of some of the other assistants. Gone are snapper Greg Pace and All-Big 12 punter and Ray Guy Award runner-up John Torp. No less than five players competed in the spring to replace Torp, including Crosby and heralded redshirt frosh Matt DiLallo. Pace was missed during the spring, but why wouldn’t he have been? He handled each of the 256 snaps over the last two years, and his backup was also a senior. So in the spring, a slew of players were auditioning for the role, and the Buffs also signed a snapping specialist in recruiting.

The placekicking game comes back unscathed, led by Crosby, who is a threat to put points on the board for CU from midfield on in. He will also benefit from returning holder (Hawkins refers to the position as the “pinner”), Nick Holz. CU fans are undoubtedly ecstatic about Crosby returning for his senior season, but will they get to see him attempt a field goal with the number ‘7’ in front of it?

“Yep. I’ll let him (try one),” Hawkins said. “I’m going to let him hit it.”

Crosby, with two game winning kicks in 2005, might be called upon again as CU will likely have a few down-to-the-wire games this fall, especially with another tough schedule. True, the opener against Montana State is CU’s first-ever game against a Division I-AA opponent, but the Bobcats gave Oklahoma State all it could handle in Stillwater last year. Then a run in non-league play against Colorado State in Denver, Arizona State at home and a road trip to Georgia precede the Big 12 opener at Missouri. The conference slate also includes road games at Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska, while CU hosts Baylor, Texas Tech, Kansas State and Iowa State.

“I mean this in all sincerity,” Hawkins said. “One of the reasons I came here was a chance to be a part of the Big 12. I’ve had tremendous familiarity with the Pac-10 and know all of those towns and programs. But part of the appeal of the Big 12 is that you have some really dynamic teams. Texas is on fire and Oklahoma has been recently too; and along with Nebraska have all won national championships as member schools. That really is an appealing thing to me, and it brings a whole lot of variety that I haven’t had before.

“I think this is a conference that is really scratching to make strides,” he added. “You look at Oklahoma State dumping in a lot of money (into athletics), Kansas dumping in a bunch and Baylor looking to get after it. So everybody is really jumping in on this deal. I think you hear a lot about the SEC and the Big 10, but I really think you are going to see this conference charge here in the next decade.”

And Hawkins has every intent of making sure Colorado is part of that charge.

Head Coach Dan Hawkins April 13, 2006

Dan Hawkins, the winningest active coach in NCAA Division I-A At home, on Boise’s famous blue artificial turf field, his teams football, was named the 23rd head coach in University of Colorado history, logged an astounding 31-2 record — including 31 consecutive wins at one athletic director Mike Bohn announced Friday, December 16. point. His Broncos had also won 31 straight games against Western Athletic Conference teams until a loss to Fresno State in 2005; he was 37-3 in Hawkins, 45, came to Colorado from Boise State University, where he conference games during his five year run. guided the Broncos to a 53-11 record in five seasons, including four consecutive Western Athletic Conference championships between 2002-05. His 82.8 winning In the postseason, Boise State defeated Iowa State, 34-16, in the percentage is the best among all active coaches, with the 53 wins the fourth 2002 Humanitarian Bowl; edged TCU 34-31 in the 2003 Fort Worth Bowl, most all-time in the first five seasons as a major college head coach (and the dropped a 44-40 decision to Louisville in the 2004 Liberty Bowl in one of the second most in Division I-A since the NCAA went to current classifications in season’s most anticipated bowl games between the undefeated and No. 10 1978). Broncos and the 10-1 and No. 7 ranked Cardinals, and almost rallied from 27 down before succumbing to Boston College 27-21 in the ’05 Humanitarian He replaced Gary Barnett, who stepped down after seven years as Bowl. CU’s head coach on December 8. Bohn coordinated the search for a new coach with the help of Neinas Sports Services and also involved others on campus in Twenty of his players at Boise State earned first-team all-WAC the process. honors, with three earning some kind of All-American mention and 10 either being drafted or signing as free agents with National Football League teams. “Coach Hawkins represents a level competitive spirit, integrity, work One of the latter was a very popular local name, former Denver Bronco starting ethic and passion that will serve this institution, football program and entire tight end Jeb Putzier. athletic department well for many years to come,” Bohn said. “This is an exciting time at the University of Colorado and he is the perfect fit for what we “It has been my privilege since arriving at Boise State to work with were looking for.” Dan Hawkins as our football coach,” Boise State University President Bob Kustra said. “Dan has been an outstanding ambassador and role model for Hawkins agreed to a five-year contract, effective January 1, 2006 Boise State in this transformative era of our history. He has brought through December 31, 2010, including the following terms approved by the CU distinction to Boise State and has helped us showcase our teaching and Board of Regents: guaranteed annual compensation of $850,000 ($160,000 research beyond the blue.” base salary, $490,000 in radio/television income, and $200,000 in sponsorship support); summer camp compensation of $50,000; assorted incentive “His commitment to excellence has been a personal benchmark for compensation for academic progress, student citizenship and community me to apply to all I do as President. I know what an important career outreach; and performance incentives for titles, bowl appearances and results. opportunity lies before him at this time and I wish him, Misti and his family the very best in this next phase of his life and career.” Other benefits include a NIKE merchandise allowance of $3,500 annually, an automobile allowance of $600 per month or courtesy car at the Hawkins is a 1984 graduate of the University of California-Davis, discretion of the University, a country club allowance of $400 per month, use of earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education. In 1993, he earned a one suite for home football games at Folsom Field and complimentary men’s master’s degree in educational administration from St. Mary’s (Calif.) College. and women’s basketball tickets, and standard University employee benefits per He began his coaching career at his alma mater the fall before policy to include relocation and temporary housing up to $15,000. he graduated, spending three years there (1983-85) before serving as head There is also a buyout provision for the University in the amount of coach at Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento for the 1986 and $1 million for departure anytime before the end of the second year of the 1987 seasons. He then returned to the college ranks, spending four contract, decreasing to $750,000 during the third year and to $500,000 during seasons (1988-91) as the offensive coordinator at the College of the the fourth or fifth year. Siskiyous (Calif.). He moved on to Sonoma State University as defensive "I am delighted to welcome Coach Hawkins to the CU-Boulder coordinator the following year.

campus community,” Chancellor Phil DiStefano said. “His record of Hawkins’ first head coaching position was with Willamette achievements on the field is impressive, but he also brings a deep commitment University in Salem, Ore., where in five seasons (1993-97), he guided the to the personal and academic growth of student-athletes in his charge. I believe Bearcats to a 40-11-1 record, including a runner-up finish for the NAIA Coach Hawkins will be a good fit as well for the Boulder community, bringing an National Championship in 1997. He was named District Five Coach of the Year enthusiastic attitude to his relationships with members of the community. I by the American Football Coaches Association, as well as earning a third look forward to working with him and Mike Bohn in moving the football straight conference coach of the year award. Willamette was co-conference program forward while focusing on the best interests of our students." champion in 1995, and in 1996 won the out-right conference title finishing the “Dan Hawkins helps make it a new day at CU. His integrity will season with a No. 7 national ranking. He then moved on to Division I-A strengthen our program,” CU President Hank Brown said. football, joining Koetter’s staff at Boise State in 1998.

Hawkins took over the Boise State program on December 2, 2000, He was born November 10, 1960 in Fall River Mills, Calif., and replacing Dirk Koetter, whom he had served as assistant head coach, after he graduated from Big Valley High School in Bieber, Calif., where he lettered took the head coach position at Arizona State. Hawkins joined the BSU staff in in football, baseball, basketball and track. At UC-Davis, he lettered four 1998, and coached the tight ends and special teams in addition to assistant head times playing fullback for coach Jim Sochor; as a junior, UCD was the coach duties. NCAA Division II runner-up.

Boise State went 8-4 in his first season in 2001, and then strung He is married to the former Misti Rae Ann Hokanson, and they together consecutive records of 12-1, 13-1 and 11-1 in posting a 24-0 record in are the parents of four children, Ashley (21), Brittany (19), Cody (17) and WAC conference play in 2002, 2003 and 2004. His 2005 team went 9-4, closing Drew (15). his run at BSU against Boston College in the MPC Computers Bowl.

2006 Colorado Football / Quoting Head Coach Dan Hawkins April 15, 2006

Comment on your first spring practice session at Colorado. “I think we have really made some huge strides, especially over the final week. I like their attitude, I like where we are going and I like their buy-in. All of that is just awesome. When you get to this point your senior leaders have to do a great job of making sure the team (carries over and) has a great summer.”

What are your offensive philosophies? “We really believe in a good, solid running game and being multiple with that. I think the biggest fallacy with our offense is that people think we are just going to chuck it and run around and do those sorts of things, but you have to be able to run the football. We have multiple formations with motions, shifting; we will involve a lot of guys. We don’t have to have guys know every play and every formation. We can cater toward what it is that they do well. I like to get a lot of guys involved. Our passing game has been very much a play-action and vertical passing game. We will try to be creative and do some innovative things. We are not afraid to do reverse passes and throwbacks and double passes. Those things are viable options.”

It’s fourth and one, your first series of the year at your own 15-yard line, what do you do? “We’re going for it. It has to do with philosophy of deserving to win, deserving to have success. If you’ve got four downs and need 10 yards, and all you need is six inches on the last down, you probably ought to get that if you deserve to win. Sometimes you need a momentum breaker; sometimes maybe you need to force a momentum breaker. That being said, you don’t just roll the dice. I think you have to have the right play on the right hash mark and you have to understand how that all fits together. If it is fourth and four, and the play that you really like, you want to be on the left hash and you’re on the right hash and you’re not feeling good about the play you have, then you had probably better punt it.”

What do you demand out of your tight ends and fullbacks? “Our tight ends have to be multiple (assignment) guys. They have to be able to block and catch. Our fullback is going to be a little bit more of a hammerhead. He won’t catch the ball as much as the tailback; he’ll be more of a typical fullback guy. What you would like to be able to do is get that guy where he can be an H-back and be a move guy for you and also do some of those tight end things. I think we have a couple of guys who are kind of in that mold. The more multi-dimensional the fullbacks can be, helps you out a lot.”

Will the fans get to see Crosby attempt a field goal with the number ‘7’ in front of it? “Yep. I’ll let him (try one). I’m going to let him hit it.”

What are your defensive philosophies? “Very multiple. I really believe in attacking teams and getting after them. I think you have to make sure people don’t run the ball on you. That’s a scheme thing and a numbers thing in the box. I think you have to put pressure on the quarterback and make that guy make fast decisions. If he can make them, that’s great for him, if not, you’re going to win the game. We won’t just be a static team. I think you have to disguise (formations) and move around and change things up.”

Are you a fan of the prevent defense? “I’m a fan of prevent defense, but maybe not in a way that fans think. It doesn’t mean that you’re up by an X amount and you are going to play soft zone and keep everything in front. There is a time when you want to do that. But more times than not when we’re in that situation, I’m telling my team to bring the noise.”

What is your stance on two-point conversions? “Most of that is usually numbers. That chart is not always the same. You have to be able to determine how soon in the game it is. I think a lot of guys will lose points going for two when you really need to just put some points on the board.”

What are your thoughts on the 2006 schedule? “It’s very interesting. You have the 1-AA team (Montana State) in the front. Then you have a rival (Colorado State) away from home. You have a very good Pac-10 team (Arizona State) coming in here and then you have to go on the road to a very good SEC team (Georgia). Then you’re into the Big 12, where you end with your other rival (Nebraska) on the road.”

What are the differences between the Big 12 and the WAC? “I think every (conference) has its nuances that you have to be able to figure out. I think some people have talked about the pressure. I don’t think the pressure is any different in the Big 12. I don’t care where I’ve been, I’ve always felt a lot of pressure, even on the high school level. Some people have asked about recruiting. Is it more difficult? Is it easier? Well, you have to work pretty hard to get the guys at Boise State that you want because of what the situation allows. Colorado gives you more of an allowance. Now you’re into another level of player. We’re used to getting out there and scratching and clawing for guys, and I think that will help us here.

“I mean this in all sincerity. One of the reasons I came here was a chance to be a part of the Big 12. I’ve had tremendous familiarity with the Pac-10 and know all of those towns and programs. But part of the appeal of the Big 12 is that you have some really dynamic teams. Texas is on fire and Oklahoma has been recently too; and along with Nebraska have all won national championships as member schools. That really is an appealing thing to me, and it brings a whole lot of variety that I haven’t had before. I think this is a conference that is really scratching to make strides. You look at Oklahoma State dumping in a lot of money (into athletics), Kansas dumping in a bunch and Baylor looking to get after it. So everybody is really jumping in on this deal. I think you hear a lot about the SEC and the Big 10, but I really think you are going to see this conference charge here in the next decade.”

What is your stance on the conference championship game? “From a person that was away from Colorado, I think the conference championship game really highlights your conference. I think it brings a lot of attention, and from that standpoint it’s really good. There is a really specific interest in watching that game. And obviously, from a practical standpoint with the revenue, I understand that as well.” ASSISTANT COACH BIOGRAPHIES April 15, 2006

Dan Hawkins retained two assistants from the previous staff, brought four coaches with him from Boise State and hired three from other organizations. Here’s a look at the new Colorado staff:

ROMEO BANDISON School (Mill Valley, Calif.), where he lettered in defensive assistant for quality control in 2002 football. He is married to the former Amy before being promoted to defensive Defensive Line Kowalewski, and the couple has fraternal twins assistant/cornerbacks coach in 2003, a position he Romeo Bandison is in first year as defensive line born this past January 18, Dominic and Olivia. held for three seasons with the Saints. coach at Colorado, as he was one of four assistants First name is pronounced row-may-oh. He began his coaching career in 1981 as a to join Boise State head coach Dan Hawkins when graduate assistant at the University of Texas-El he accepted the CU position in December 2005. GREG BROWN Paso, his alma mater, where he worked with the Bandison, 35, was Boise State’s defensive line Secondary secondary. The following year, 1982, he came coach for five seasons. Under Bandison, the back to Colorado, working that fall as a defensive Bronco defensive line anchored one of the top Greg Brown is in first year as secondary coach, as coach at Green Mountain High School in rushing defenses in the country for four seasons he has returned to the state of Colorado for the Lakewood.

(2002-05), as the Broncos ranked in the top 16 in third time in his professional career, the second He made his first move to the professional ranks rushing defense all four of those years: 15th in time as a member of the Buffalo coaching staff. the following spring, joining the staff of the Denver 2005, 10th in 2004, 11th in 2003 and 16th in Brown, 48, returned to CU in January 2006, Gold of the United States Football League (USFL). 2002. named to the staff of new CU head coach Dan He coached the secondary for the Gold for two In 2005, two of his players garnered all-Western Hawkins following the completion of the 2005 NFL seasons (1983, 1984) before moving on to the Athletic Conference honors, Alex Guerrero (first- season. He wrapped up his fourth and final National Football League for the first time in the team) and Andrew Browning (second-team); both season as a defensive assistant with the NFL’s New summer of 1984, joining the Tampa Bay were honorable mention performers the previous Orleans Saints under coach Jim Haslett, with the Buccaneers Staff. For the Bucs, he coached three year. In fact, in his final four years in Boise, he Saints finished third in pass defense. different positions: defensive quality control had two linemen recognized with postseason A 15-year NFL coaching veteran, developing top (1984), offensive quality control (1985) and the U- honors each of those seasons, as defensive end backs/tight ends (1986). notch defensive backs became his specialty as he Julius Roberts earned first-team All-WAC honors, was often sought after for new coaching staffs Brown returned to the college game in 1987, while Dane Oldham was an honorable mention all- around the league, working with six different coaching the defensive backs for two seasons at the WAC selection in 2003, and in 2002, both Ryan teams in his professional career. University of Wyoming before doing the same at Nelson and Oldham were named to all-WAC teams. He coached the secondary for three years (1991- Purdue University for the 1989 and 1990 Bandison began his coaching career at his alma 93) at Colorado under coach Bill McCartney, campaigns. He then returned home to Colorado mater, the University of Oregon, where he was a tutoring a pair of Jim Thorpe Award winners for a second time in joining McCartney’s staff in standout player for the Ducks before joining the 1991. during his first days at CU: cornerbacks Deon coaching staff. During the 1999 and 2000 seasons, Figures (the 1992 winner) and Chris Hudson (the He graduated from the UTEP in 1980 with a he served as a graduate assistant for the Ducks, ’94 winner). Colorado led the nation in pass bachelor’s degree in education (history/physical working with the defensive line and coordinating completion defense and the Big Eight in pass education). At UTEP, he lettered twice at the defensive scout team. Oregon made defense in 1992; he also coached the kickoff cornerback under Bill Michael, and received the consecutive postseason bowl appearances in those coverage unit on special teams for the Buffs. He Coca-Cola Hold Helmet Award for his play against two seasons, winning both the Sun Bowl (1999) joined the CU staff days after the Buffs won their San Diego State in September 1979. He earned his and Holiday Bowl (2000). first national championship (January 7, 1991), A.A. degree from Glendale (Ariz.) Junior College in He also served a two-week internship with the and returned to the NFL in 1994, joining the 1978.

Oakland Raiders in the National Football League Atlanta staff as defensive backs coach; the Falcons He was born October 10, 1957 in Denver, and prior to the 2002 season. finished second that season in the league with 23 graduated from Arvada (Colo.) High School, where interceptions. Bandison earned his bachelor’s degree in he lettered in both football and track. His father, economics in 1994 from the University of Oregon, He spent the 1995-96 seasons as the secondary Irv, is Denver radio (KKFN) personality and the where he lettered as a defensive end and nose coach for San Diego, with the Chargers finishing in former head baseball coach and one-time assistant guard for the Ducks from 1990-93. Oregon the top five both years in fewest yards allowed per football coach at the University of Colorado. He is advanced to two bowl games during his playing completion. He also coached Rodney Harrison, married to the former Stacie Bible, and the couple career, the Freedom Bowl in 1990 and the who eventually would become one of the league’s has two daughters, Hannah (5) and Grace (3). Independence Bowl in 1992. top safeties. He moved on to the Tennessee Oilers, coaching the secondary in both 1997 and 1998; he Following his senior season, Bandison played in the BRIAN CABRAL Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Classic all-star again coached three of the top defensive backs in the game, cornerback Samari Rolle and safeties Linebackers/Recruiting Coordinator games before being selected in the third round of the Blaine Bishop and All-Pro Marcus Robertson. 1994 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Bandison Brian Cabral is in his 18th season at the University continued his NFL career the next three years (1995- In 1999, he served as the defensive backs coach of Colorado, his 17th as a full time assistant coach, 97) as a defensive tackle with the Washington for the San Francisco 49ers; a twist with this was as he joined the Buffalo staff as graduate assistant Redskins. He completed his professional playing that had he not received an NFL offer, he was set to in 1989. In addition to coaching the linebackers, career in 1998 with the Amsterdam Admirals of the return to Colorado as a member of Gary Barnett’s he was named recruiting coordinator in January World Football League. staff when he replaced Rick Neuheisel in January 2006. He was born February 12, 1971 in The Hague, The of that year. He rejoined the Atlanta Falcons as Netherlands, and moved to the United States as a secondary coach for the 2000 and 2001 seasons youth and would graduate from Tamalpis High before moving on to New Orleans, where he was a 2006 Colorado Football / ASSISTANT COACH BIOGRAPHIES 2-2-2

CABRAL, continued tackles in a CU 27-21 win over Stanford and shared That same team also ranked first in the WAC in five the team’s Sure Tackler Award with Mark Haynes. different categories, including rushing defense His 17 years as a full-time assistant rank as the third That 25-tackle game included 13 solo stops and is (103.9 yards per game), turnover margin (0.83) most in CU history, as he trails two legendary Franks: Potts and Prentup, both of whom assisted Buff head still tied for the fourth most in a single game in CU and interceptions (23), and was also second in history. total defense (357.8 ypg). Seven of BSU’s starters coaches for 18 years. Since he joined the staff, he has always coached the inside linebackers, and Cabral had 297 tackles in his CU career (120 solo, selected were selected either first or second-team occasionally has had the outside players under his 177 assisted), a number that still has him tied for or honorable mention All-WAC in 2004, including direction as well. From 1999 through 2005, he also 11th on Colorado’s all-time list. A unique fact is first-team linebackers Hall and Andy Avalos and coached the punt return unit on special teams. He cornerback Gabe Franklin. that he has coached five of the players on the list also served as the director of CU's summer football ahead of him: Matt Russell, Greg Biekert, Ted Those accomplishments followed up on a solid camps from 1995 through 2005. Johnson, Chad Brown and Michael Jones. A sixth, 2003, when BSU ranked in the top 20 nationally in Cabral has worked for four head coaches during Jashon Sykes, is the player he is tied with. interceptions (sixth), pass efficiency defense his tenure, Bill McCartney, Rick Neuheisel, Gary He was a nine-year NFL veteran, as Atlanta drafted (seventh), rushing defense (11th), scoring defense Barnett and now Dan Hawkins. For all seven him in the fourth round in 1978. He played two (12th), turnovers gained (14th) and turnover seasons under Barnett, Cabral also served as seasons with Atlanta, one with Green Bay and six margin (17th). Boise State was also 37th in total assistant head coach, which included a three- with Chicago. As the captain of the Bears' special defense, and ranked first in the WAC in seven of month period in 2004 as interim head coach when teams, he was a member of Chicago's Super Bowl the nine major categories, including scoring Barnett was on paid administrative leave. In that XX champion team in 1985. He was selected as defense (17.1 points per game), rushing defense role, he continued to coach his position players the Frito-Lay Unsung Hero in the Bears’ win over (100.5 ypg), total defense (348.4 ypg), pass but also took care of day-to-day operational details New England, as he had two solo and two assisted efficiency defense (99.0), interceptions (21) and of the program. third down conversion defense (31.3 percent). tackles on special teams. In the summer of 2002, he was one of 500 Boise State allowed just three points on two He was born June 23, 1956, in Fort Benning, Ga, occasions and also had a shutout and had nine nationwide recipients of the AFLAC National but grew up in Kailua, Hawaii. He is married to the Assistant Coach-of-the-Year Award. Coaches on all players earn assorted all-WAC honors that season, former Becky Lucas, and they have three children, with all three of Collins’ linebackers earning all- levels were honored, from youth to professional, Kyle (27), Maile (23) and Mele (18). He is an and he was one of 10 selected regionally to receive league recognition. Avalos was first-team, while active member in the Fellowship of Christian Travis Burgher was second-team and Hall an the award. Athletes. He has authored a book ("Second String honorable mention selection. Cabral, 49, tutored the inside linebackers his first Champion"), and his hobbies include surfing, year in Boulder as a grad assistant, and assumed skateboarding and snowboarding. In 2002, Boise State led the WAC in eight defensive categories, and finished 16th in the nation in full-time duties in the same capacity in 1990 and rushing defense and 17th in scoring defense. One has coached the position at CU to this day. He RON COLLINS returned to Colorado, his alma mater, from of his linebackers also garnered postseason Purdue, where he coached the inside linebackers Defensive Coordinator recognition, as Chauncey Ako was named second- team All-WAC. for two seasons (1987-88). Ron Collins is in first year as defensive coordinator Known as one of the top linebacker coaches in the at Colorado, as he was one of four assistant During his first year at BSU, he helped develop a nation, his students have included Matt Russell, coaches to join Boise State head coach Dan young linebacker corps into a solid and deep the 1996 Butkus Award winner, and all-Big Eight Hawkins when he accepted the Colorado position group. He had one player, Greg Sasser, named second-team All-WAC. performers Greg Biekert, Chad Brown and Ted in December 2005. He will oversee all phases of Johnson, all of whom went on to stardom in the the defense for the Buffaloes, but does not coach a He spent 13 seasons at Washington University in National Football League. He also recruited specific position. St. Louis, Mo., the first full-time position of his

Rashaan Salaam, the 1994 Heisman trophy Collins, 42, served as Boise State’s defensive career, as he joined the Bear staff under coach Ken winner, and Chris Naeole, a 1996 All-American. Woody as secondary coach for the 1988 season. coordinator for four seasons, while coaching the His 2001 punt return team led the nation with a linebackers all five years he spent on the BSU staff He was elevated to defensive coordinator a year 17.4 average, and also boasted the nation’s top under Hawkins. Under his guidance, the Boise later under new coach Larry Kindbom, a position individual return man in Roman Hollowell, who State defense developed into one of the top he would hold through the 2000 season. In averaged 18.0 per return and scored two defenses nationally and as the best in the Western addition to his defensive coordinator duties, touchdowns. In 2002, Jeremy Bloom averaged Athletic Conference. All together, Collins had 26 Collins also served as the special teams co- 15.0 yards per return and was 13th in the nation players earn All-WAC recognition during his four coordinator during the 1999 and 2000 seasons, as a freshman (ranking 21st as a sophomore in seasons as defensive coordinator. and worked as the school’s strength and conditioning coach for his entire 13-year stay. ‘03). Cabral prided himself on the team being The 2005 BSU defense ranked 15th nationally composed largely of non-starters, drawing against the run (107.9 ypg), a figure that also With Collins at the helm of the defense, comparison to his roots when he was special topped the WAC, and again were among the best in Washington University had one of the school’s top teams captain of the Chicago Bears. football decades during the 1990s. In producing a the nation in turnovers forced with 26. Collins He is a 1978 CU graduate, as he earned a B.S. also had one of his players, linebacker Korey Hall, 68-33 record from 1990-2000, Washington degree in therapeutic recreation. He lettered three repeat as a first-team all-WAC performer. University shared three University Athletic Association (UAA) titles and won seven or more seasons for the Buffs at linebacker from 1975 to His 2004 unit may have been his best. That year, 1977 under Coach Bill Mallory, as he was a captain games on five occasions. In 1999, Collins coached the Broncos ranked in the top 10 nationally in the top ranked Division III defense in the country, and played a big role on CU's Big Eight champion three categories: interceptions (second), turnovers team in 1976. He led CU with 13 tackles (12 solo) as Washington allowed just 192 yards of total gained (fifth) and rushing defense (10th), while offense per game and a school record 49.8 rushing in the 1977 Orange Bowl against Ohio State. As a also finishing 13th in turnover margin. senior, he was honored as the Big Eight yards per game in making the NCAA playoffs for Conference’s player of the week for a monster 25 the first time in school history. 2006 Colorado Football / ASSISTANT COACH BIOGRAPHIES 3-3-3

COLLINS, continued Arguably the best all-around athlete in the history Helfrich, 32, is the fifth youngest offensive of the CU football program, he was an integral part coordinator in the nation (119 Division I-A Prior to joining the Washington University staff, of CU’s run at two national championships in 1989 schools), the second youngest at a BCS school as Collins was a graduate assistant at Iowa State University during the 1987 season. He started his and 1990. The Buffs were 11-1 in 1989, losing to only Southern California’s Lane Kiffin (30) is Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, but went 11-1-1 younger. coaching career as a volunteer assistant at his alma mater, Washington State, in the spring of 1987. in 1990 with a win over the Irish in an Orange He came to CU from the Arizona State University, Bowl rematch to give CU its first national title in where he coached the quarterbacks for five Collins is a 1987 graduate of Washington State, football. CU was 28-5-2 with him as the starting earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education. seasons (2001-05), also serving as the Sun Devils’ quarterback for three seasons, including a 20-0-1 passing game coordinator the last three of those The defensive team captain as a senior, he lettered mark in Big Eight Conference games as he led the four years for WSU at strong safety for coach Jim years under head coach Dirk Koetter. Buffs to three straight league titles in 1989, 1990 Walden. He started three seasons (1984-86) and and 1991. Under the guidance of Helfrich, Arizona State once had three interceptions in a game (versus blossomed into one of the top passing teams in the Stanford as a sophomore in 1984). He received a In 1989, he became just the sixth player in NCAA country during his tenure in Tempe. In 2005, his master’s degree in education administration from history at the time to run and pass for over 1,000 final season there, the Sun Devils finished third in the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1991. yards in the same season, finishing, as just a sophomore, fifth in the balloting for the Heisman the NCAA and easily led the Pac-10 with 373.9 He was born January 30, 1964 in Wenatchee, Trophy. He established the school record for total passing yards per game (over 50 better than Wash., and graduated from Cashmere (Wash.) offense with 5,808 yards (broken three years later runner-up USC). The school record 4,481 yards High School, where he earned a total of 10 letters by Kordell Stewart), and is one of two players ever passing put the total number for Helfrich’s time as in football, wrestling and track. He is married to at CU to amass over 2,000 yards both rushing and quarterbacks coach at ASU at 18,686 in 61 games, the former Sharon Arthalony, and the couple has passing along with Bobby Anderson. He was a two- or an average of 306.3 yards per game. And that two daughters, Taylor Rae (7) and Alexandra (5). time all-Big Eight performer, and the league’s number increased to 321.7 in his 36 games as

offensive player of the year for 1989 when he also passing coordinator. DARIAN HAGAN was afforded various All-America honors. He still Running Backs holds several CU records and was the school’s His quarterbacks put up numbers that ranked in male athlete-of-the-year for the 1991-92 academic the top three of the Pac-10 all five years he was Darian Hagan, one of the names synonymous with year. there, leading the league twice (2004, 2005) and Colorado’s rise to glory in the late 1980s, is in his finishing second in 2001. His units also finished first season as running backs coach, as he was one In 2002, he was a member of the fourth class to be among the top 10 in the NCAA on three different of two assistant coaches retained by new CU head inducted into CU’s Athletic Hall of Fame, and his occasions, as ASU was ranked fifth nationally in coach Dan Hawkins when he was named to the jersey (No. 3) is one of several to have been honored. 2004 and ninth in 2002 before the school’s highest position in December 2005. ever finish with the third place effort in ’05. Hagan played for Toronto, Las Vegas and Hagan, 35, was named an offensive assistant coach Edmonton over the course of five seasons in the on Gary Barnett’s staff on February 9, 2005, and He developed quarterback Andrew Walter, the key worked with the skill position players on offense in Canadian Football League, mostly as a defensive back and special teams performer. He returned to player in ASU’s maturation as a passing team, as the spring and fall in his first year as a full-time he set school records for both career (85) and collegiate assistant. CU to earn his diploma just prior to his last professional season, and graduated with a single-season touchdowns (30) in addition to He had a brief taste of coaching in the spring of bachelor’s degree in sociology in May 1996. He shattering the previous Pac-10 record for career 2004 as he subbed as secondary coach when the was hired later that year (December 1) as the touchdown passes, set by John Elway at Stanford staff was minus a full-time assistant. Otherwise, Alumni C Club Director, a position he held for 16 (77). The only player in ASU history to tally 3,000 he was the defensive technical intern for the ‘04 months until leaving for an incredible opportunity passing yards in a season, Walter did it for a third season, assuming that role in February of that in private business. time in 2004 with a season total of 3,150 yards. year. It marked the third time he has made the University of Colorado his destination of choice. He was born February 1, 1970 in Lynwood, Calif., and graduated from Los Angeles’ Locke High Coached by Helfrich for all three years as ASU's He starred at quarterback for the Buffaloes School in 1988, where he lettered in football, starter, Walter was selected in the third round of between 1988 and 1991, leading the school to its basketball, baseball and track. He was drafted in the NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. A second- first national championship, and following his two sports, football (by San Francisco in the fourth team All-Pac-10 selection and a nominee for both professional playing career, returned in the mid- round in the 1992 NFL Draft) and baseball the Johnny Unitas and Davey O'Brien Awards, 1990s to work as CU’s Alumni C Club Director. Walter finished his Sun Devil career as ASU's (selected as a shortstop by both Seattle and Hagan left CU in the spring of 1998 to work as an Toronto). He is the father of a son, Darian, Jr. career record holder in nearly every passing area sales manager for the Transit Marketing (17), and a daughter, Danielle (10). category, including yards, completions, attempts, Group. Three months into his new position, he touchdowns, interception percentage, and total offense. And when Walter missed the Sun Bowl was promoted to Southeast Regional Sales MARK HELFRICH Manager. He remained in that position for over against Purdue with an injury, Helfrich coached five years until deciding to pursue his dream as a Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks sophomore understudy Sam Keller to MVP honors. coach and return to his alma mater for the third Mark Helfrich is in first year as offensive Finishing with 370 yards and three touchdowns on time. By working as a technical intern, he learned coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Colorado, 25-of-45 passing, Keller directed the ASU offense to the intricacies of the profession in a hands-on role as he joined the Buffaloes as a member of the a fourth-quarter comeback in his first career start. in his desire to coach; when a temporary vacancy coaching staff assembled by new head coach Dan Responsible for the entire passing game, Helfrich opened on the staff, he was “activated” as a coach Hawkins when he accepted the Colorado position also saw freshman Zach Miller and junior Derek to work with the defensive backs and it added to in December 2005. Hagan set school receiving marks in 2004. his penchant for the profession.

2006 Colorado Football / ASSISTANT COACH BIOGRAPHIES 4-4-4

Name Birthdate Age that combined for 129 receptions, 1,845 yards and HELFRICH, continued Rod Smith, South Florida 2/ 22/1973 32 17 TDs.

In 2002, ASU's passing game finished as one of the Danny Langsdorf, Oregon State 6/28/1972 33 Dan Mullen, Florida 4/27/1972 33 Kiesau earned his bachelor's degree in business most prolific offensive units in school history, Patrick Nix, Georgia Tech 4/07/1972 33 communications at Portland State in 1996, where demolishing school and conference records along he lettered at quarterback (he was PSU’s starter as the way. That was evidenced by the Sun Devil ERIC KIESAU a senior in 1995). He was an All-American junior record for season passing yards being utterly college quarterback as a sophomore in 1992, as destroyed by Helfrich's quarterbacks, as they Passing Game Coordinator/Receivers selected by JC Gridwire, at Glendale Community totaled 4,254 yards to better the previous mark by College in southern California. Eric Kiesau is in first year as passing game over 1,000 yards. Four other school records fell by coordinator and receivers coach at Colorado, as he Upon graduation from PSU, he worked the better the wayside as well. That followed a tremendous joined the Buffaloes as a member of the coaching part of five years in private business, for Corporate beginning in 2001, as the Sun Devils finished staff assembled by new head coach Dan Hawkins America in Portland, and then for Eclipse second in the Pac-10 in passing offense with an when he accepted the Colorado position in Specialties, Inc., a family-owned and operated average of 259.3 yards per game, the second-best December 2005. company, in North Hollywood, Calif. He first season passing average in school history at the entered coaching while employed by his JUCO time. Kiesau, 33, came to CU from the University of California at Berkeley, where he coached the alma mater, Glendale Community College. He Helfrich first teamed with Koetter in 1997 at the receivers for four seasons (2002-05). He was a then made a brief four-month stop at the University of Oregon, where he was an offensive significant contributor to the Bears’ high-powered University of Oregon as head coach Mike Bellotti's graduate assistant when Koetter was the offensive passing attack in his four years at the “other” UCB. teamwork coordinator in the winter and spring of coordinator for the Ducks. When Koetter was 2000. Though Kiesau had only six years as a collegiate named head coach at Boise State in 1998, he His first full-time collegiate coaching position made the transition with him to the Idaho state assistant coach under his belt prior to arriving at Colorado, he seemingly mastered the art of both followed later that year, when he was named capital. Working three years as the quarterback running backs and receivers coach at Utah State coach, he tutored one of BSU’s all-time bests in tutoring the accomplished performer as well as molding walk-ons into top-notch players, doing so University under Mick Dennehy. In 2000, he Bart Hendricks, the 1999 and 2000 Big West Player tutored Emmett White, Utah State's third team All- of the Year. His last year there, 2000, he guided at his previous two institutions before coming to Boulder. He personally thrives on the teaching American who led the nation in all-purpose yards the Broncos to the country's fourth-best passing and ranked 13th in NCAA rushing, including a offense with 321.5 yards per game. and developmental relationship with his players, working on the total person concept in academics, school-record 322-yard effort against New Mexico He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology athletics and character. State in 2001. In his second year at USU, he from Southern Oregon University in 1996, where coached wide receiver Kevin Curtis, who would In 2005, his receiving corps produced four 100- he lettered four years at quarterback. He was an earn Associated Press All-American honors that yard receiving games. Robert Jordan and DeSean NAIA Scholar-Athlete in 1993, his sophomore season with an NCAA-high 100 passes (while Jackson were his stars at the starting positions, season. When he led the nation in total offense, ranking third in yards per game and eighth in all- with Jackson having two of the century games, 128 earning NAIA honorable mention All-America purpose yards). He was a semifinalist for the versus UCLA and 130 at New Mexico State, the accolades and first-team Columbia Football Biletnikoff Award, accomplished after walking on latter being the most yards ever by a Cal freshman. Association honors in the process. That season, he at Utah State the previous year. had 3,196 yards of total offense, including 2,712 Jordan’s top performance came at Washington, when he caught 11 passes for 192-yards, the sixth- He was born November 24, 1972 in Pasadena, passing (23 touchdowns) and 484 rushing (three Calif., and graduated from Glendale (Calif.) High scores), topping the 400-yard mark in single-game best single game total in school history; he also had three touchdowns, all in the first half, tying a School, where he lettered in football and baseball. total offense three times. It was that same year He is married to the former Wendy Kanan, and that Helfrich would first catch the eye of Hawkins, school record. And with Jackson and Jordan sidelines due to injury, former walk-on LaReyelle they have a daughter, Tayler (8) and a son, Blake who was in his first year as head coach at (2). His last name is pronounced key-saw.) Willamette; he watched as Helfrich had 410 yards Cunningham caught five balls for 112 yards and a score in his first career start. of offense and a school record six touchdowns to lead SOU to a 61-48 win. Though injuries sidelined four of his top five KENT RIDDLE Helfrich began his coaching career as running receivers for much of 2004, the Bears continued to Tight Ends/Special Teams backs coach at his alma mater for the 1996 field first-rate pass catchers in a Cal offense Kent Riddle is in first year as tight ends coach and season, and then both played and coached triggered by quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Second- special teams coordinator at Colorado, as he was (offensive coordinator) in Europe for a year with team All-American Geoff McArthur set school one of four assistants to join Boise State head the Vienna (Austria) Vikings, in 1997, before career marks for receptions (202) and receiving coach Dan Hawkins when he accepted the landing his first position at a Division I-A school. yards (3,188). In 2003, McArthur ranked second Colorado position in December 2005. He was born October 28, 1973 in Medford, Ore., nationally and set a school season receiving record and graduated from Marshfield High School in with 1,504 yards on 85 catches. That same year, Riddle, 36, was Boise State’s running backs and Coos Bay (Ore.), where he lettered in football (for Kiesau developed two walk-ons, Burl Toler and special teams coach for five seasons, all under coach Kent Wigle), basketball, track and golf. He is Vincent Strang, as the pair combined for 65 Hawkins. Many of his special team units finished married to the former Megan Kelly. receptions for 814 yards and eight touchdowns, as regularly in the NCAA top 25, as the kickoff return team was in the top 21 all five years and the punt YOUNGEST OFFENSIVE COORDINATORS both blossomed as they emerged in the regular rotation of receivers. return team placed in the top 18 the last four Name Birthdate Age seasons. And over the course of his five years, Major Applewhite, Rice 7/26/1978 27 In 2002, his first campaign at Cal, he developed a precision reigned in the kicking game, as BSU Brian Harsin, Boise State ? 29 kickers converted 96.8 percent of their PAT kicks Lane Kiffin, USC 5/09/1975 30 wide receiving corps that featured Jonathan Ramon Flanigan, North Texas 9/19/1974 31 Makonnen (54-682, 7 TDs), LaShaun Ward (39- (330-of-341) and 73.1 percent of their field goal Mark Helfrich, Colorado 10/28/1973 32 709, 9 TDs) and McArthur (36-454, 1 TD), a trio tries (68-of-93).

2006 Colorado Football / ASSISTANT COACH BIOGRAPHIES 5-5-5

RIDDLE, continued four seasons there (1995-98), and then switched 2002 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, and Vian to special teams coach and recruiting coordinator signed as a free agent with the Detroit Lions the In 2005, Boise State ranked 12th in the nation in for the 1999 and 2000 seasons. He worked his same year. kickoff returns (24.2), anchored by Lee Marks, first five years there under head coach Bob Sutton, who was 10th nationally as an individual (27.9, 1 A veteran assistant coach, Strausser has a varied and was retained when Todd Berry was named coaching background, one that saw him make TD). The Broncos were also 18th in punt returns coach in 2000. Additionally, he worked as Army’s (12.8), with Quinton Jones second in the country stops at five different schools in California and the junior varsity head coach and offensive Pacific Northwest in the decade prior to joining with a gaudy 20.9 yards per return, including three coordinator, while also overseeing the program’s scores. The coverage units were exceptional as Hawkins at Boise State. summer camp. In 1996, he helped coach Army to well; BSU was 17th in punt return defense (5.9) its only 10-win season in history, as the Black Strausser started his coaching career in 1989 as and 29th in kickoff return defense (18.7). the wide receiver and tight ends coach at Menlo Knights went 10-2, including a loss to Auburn in Riddle coached placekicker Tyler Jones to an All- the Independence Bowl. College in California. During the 1990 and 1991 American season and a spot as one of three seasons, he was a graduate assistant coach at Prior to joining the Army staff, Riddle began his Oregon State University, where he helped coach finalists for the Lou Groza Award in 2004. Overall, coaching career in 1991 as a student assistant BSU’s special teams proved to be as good as any the running backs the first year and the offensive football coach at Oregon State University. In 1992, line his second year with the Beaver program, also unit in the country. In addition to Jones, punter he was promoted to a graduate assistant position Kyle Stringer was named second-team all-WAC, while earning his master’s degree. with the Beavers, first working one year as the averaging 43.9 yards per punt. The Broncos video G.A. before working as the offensive grad In 1992, he moved on to Sonoma State, where he finished third in the nation in punt returns (16.6), assistant in both 1993 and 1994, helping tutor the continued to work with the offensive tackles and 21st in kickoff returns (23.0) and 29th in net running backs while also being in charge of tight ends, in addition to serving as special teams punting (37.3 yards). The Broncos also blocked preparation for the defensive scout team. coordinator. It was there where he coached Larry four kicks for the second straight season, including Allen, who would go on to become one of the top a possible game winning field goal by San Jose He earned his bachelor’s degree in hotel, offensive linemen in the National Football League State. Following the 2004 season, he spoke at the restaurant and tourism management from Oregon and a perennial All-Pro performer. State in 1992, after completing his playing career American Football Coaches Association convention It what would be the first of two stops at Portland on special teams, one of his many personal for the Beavers, as he played quarterback for coach Dave Kragthorpe. State, Strausser served as offensive line coach and highlights. recruiting coordinator for the Vikings during the In 2003, the Broncos ranked 15th in the country He was born June 25, 1969 in Iowa City, Iowa, and 1993 and 1994 seasons. PSU advanced to the in both kickoff and punt returns, following up a graduated from City High School in Iowa City, Division II playoffs in both of those years. 2002 campaign when both finished 13th in the where he lettered in football, basketball and track. His grandfather, Bucky O’Connor, was the He moved on to San Jose State University for the NCAA. The Broncos also led the WAC in punt 1995 and 1996 seasons, serving as the offensive returns and kickoff coverage, allowing just 17.0 legendary men’s basketball coach at Iowa, where he led the Hawkeyes to a 108-54 record in seven line coach and recruiting coordinator for the yards per return. In 2001, David Mikell was Spartans. In 1997, he moved on to Foothill seventh in the nation in kickoff returns (28.4, 1 seasons; he coached the ’54-55 Hawkeye team that lost to Colorado in the national third place game. College, where he spent three seasons as the TD), leading the team to a 19th place national offensive coordinator for one of California’s top ranking. He is married to the former Camaren Matlock, and the couple has a son, Connor (5). junior college programs. While directing the He achieved significant success as the Broncos offense at Foothill, the Owls to posted back-to-back running back coach as well. Though the 10 win seasons in 1998 and 1999. CHRIS STRAUSSER perception is out there that Boise State makes its He returned to Portland State University for the bones as a passing team, the 2005 edition under Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line 2000 season, where he served as the offensive line Riddle’s tutelage finished 19th in the NCAA, Chris Strausser is in first year as assistant head coach and run game coordinator. His work with averaging 202.5 yards per game. That followed up the Viking offense played a key role in the team a 2004 effort which saw the Broncos finish 14th coach and offensive line coach at Colorado, as he was one of four assistant coaches to join Boise going 8-4 and advancing to the NCAA Division I-AA nationally (229.8 per game), which was good for playoffs for the first time in school history. That second in the WAC, as the “tailback-by-committee” State head coach Dan Hawkins when he accepted the Colorado position in December 2005. He year, PSU also posted one of the biggest upsets on scheme that featured six different players scored a the college landscape when it defeated Hawaii on school record 49 touchdowns. assists Hawkins on administrative issues in addition to his on-field coaching duties. the road, 45-20. Following the season, he rejoined In his first three seasons at Boise State, the the I-A ranks when he moved on to Boise State. Strausser, 42, was Boise State’s offensive line Broncos produced a 1,000-yard rusher every year. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical In 2003, David Mikell earned honorable mention coach five seasons, the last three of which he also served as the Broncos assistant head coach. He education in 1989 from Chico State University, and all-WAC honors after rushing for 1,142 yards and received his master’s degree in education from 13 touchdowns. In 2002, Brock Forsey was named had four players earn first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors, including one two- Oregon State in 1991. the WAC Offensive Player of the Year, as he rushed for 1,611 yards (11th in the NCAA), and led the time performer, Daryn Colledge, who did so in James “Chris” Strausser was born December 4, nation in scoring with 26 touchdowns. In his first both 2004 and 2005. In 2002, both Scott Huff and 1963 in Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated from year, 2001, Forsey was a first-team all-WAC Rob Vian were named to the all-conference team, Gunn High School in Palo Alto, Calif., where he performer after gaining 1,207 yards. and in 2001 Matt Hill earned the honor. He had lettered in football, baseball, track and wrestling. players earn second-team all-WAC accolades twice, He is married to the former Cathy Breen, and the Riddle had moved on to Boise State after serving as Colledge in 2003 and Klayton Adams in 2004, with couple has two daughters, Maeve (11) and Sarah an assistant coach at the United States Military Tyrone Tutogi an honorable mention selection in (10). Academy for six seasons. At Army, his first full-time 2003. Hill was selected in the fifth round of the coaching position, he coached the fullbacks for his

2005 POSTSEASON HONORS

ALL-AMERICA

PK MASON CROSBY (first-team: Associated Press, FWAA, Rivals.com, Sports Illustrated, Walter Camp) TE JOE KLOPFENSTEIN (honorable mention: Sports Illustrated) P JOHN TORP (second-team: Walter Camp; honorable mention: Sports Illustrated)

ALL-BIG 12 CONFERENCE

S J.J. BILLINGSLEY (honorable mention: Associated Press, Big 12 Coaches) CB GERETT BURL (second-team: Kansas City Star; honorable mention: Big 12 Coaches) TB HUGH CHARLES (second-team: Kansas City Star, San Antonio Express-News; honorable mention: Associated Press, Big 12 Coaches) PK MASON CROSBY (first-team: Associated Press, Big 12 Coaches, Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Kansas City Star, San Antonio Express-News) OG BRIAN DANIELS (first-team: San Antonio Express-News; second-team: Dallas Morning News; honorable mention: Associated Press, Big 12 Coaches) ILB JORDON DIZON (honorable mention: Big 12 Coaches) C MARK FENTON (first-team: Big 12 Coaches; second-team: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Kansas City Star, San Antonio Express-News; honorable mention: Associated Press) S TYRONE HENDERSON (honorable mention: Big 12 Coaches) OLB BRIAN IWUH (second-team: Big 12 Coaches; honorable mention: Associated Press) QB JOEL KLATT (honorable mention: Associated Press, Big 12 Coaches) TE JOE KLOPFENSTEIN (first-team: Big 12 Coaches; second-team: Associated Press, Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, San Antonio Express-News) DE ALEX LIGON (honorable mention: Associated Press) NT VAKA MANUPUNA (honorable mention: Associated Press, Big 12 Coaches) OT CLINT O’NEAL (honorable mention: Big 12 Coaches) KR STEPHONE ROBINSON (second-team: Big 12 Coaches) CB LORENZO SIMS (honorable mention: Associated Press) TE QUINN SYPNIEWSKI (honorable mention: Big 12 Coaches) P JOHN TORP (first-team: Big 12 Coaches; second-team: Associated Press) FB LAWRENCE VICKERS (second-team: Big 12 Coaches; honorable mention: Associated Press) ILB THADDAEUS WASHINGTON (second-team: Associated Press, Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Kansas City Star, San Antonio Express-News; honorable mention: Big 12 Coaches)

BIG 12 CONFERENCE SPECIALTY AWARDS

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: PK MASON CROSBY (Big 12 Coaches)

FRESHMAN ALL-BIG 12

ILB MARCUS BURTON (first-team: The Sporting News) OG DANIEL SANDERS (first-team: The Sporting News)

BIG 12 CONFERENCE PLAYERS-OF-THE-WEEK

PK MASON CROSBY (Special Teams; September 3 vs. Colorado State: 3-3 FG, including the game winner from 47 yards with 0:04 remaining) PK MASON CROSBY (Special Teams; September 24 vs. Miami, Fla.: 1-2 FG, 58-yard field goal longest without a tee at sea level and preserves CU scoring streak) PK MASON CROSBY (Special Teams; October 29 vs. Kansas State: 3-4 FG, 52-yard field goal in first half; 50-yard field goal is game-winner with :06 left) PK MASON CROSBY (Special Teams; November 5 vs. Missouri: 2-3 FG, 56- and 43-yard field goals, the former the fifth longest in CU history; 6 of 7 KO’s for touchbacks)

CU ATHLETES-OF-THE-WEEK

PK MASON CROSBY (September 3 vs. Colorado State: 3-3 FG, including the game winner from 47 yards with 0:04 remaining) VB LAWRENCE VICKERS (September 10 vs. New Mexico State: 6-45, 2 TD rushing; 3-32, 1 TD receiving) DE ABRAHAM WRIGHT (October 1 vs. Oklahoma State: 4,0—4 tackles, quarterback sack, interception, caused interception, forced fumble, third down stop) QB JOEL KLATT (October 8 vs. Texas A & M: 28-of-36, 398 yards, 3 TD/0 INT passing; school record 211 yards in first quarter) KR STEPHONE ROBINSON (October 22 vs. Kansas: 124 returns yards (2-103 punt, including 81-yard return for a TD: 1-21 kickoff) PK MASON CROSBY (Special Teams; October 29 vs. Kansas State: 3-4 FG, 52-yard field goal in first half; 50-yard field goal is game-winner with :06 left)

COLORADO CHAPTER/NFF COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME PLAYERS-OF-THE-WEEK

QB JOEL KLATT (October 8 vs. Texas A & M: 28-of-36, 398 yards, 3 TD/0 INT passing; school record 211 yards in first quarter)

ACADEMIC ALL-BIG 12 CONFERENCE

OLB BEN CARPENTER (first-team: Business Management, 3.9 GPA) OLB CHAD CUSWORTH (second-team: Economics, 3.1 GPA) OG BRIAN DANIELS (first-team: Finance, 3.6 GPA) ILB KYLE GRIFFITH (second-team: Accounting, 3.1 GPA) TB BYRON ELLIS (first-team: Integrative Physiology, 3.4 GPA) WR EVAN JUDGE (second-team: Business Management, 3.0 GPA) OG TOM HUBBARD (first-team: Accounting, 3.6 GPA) QB JOEL KLATT (second-team: Economics, 3.0 GPA) OT TYLER POLUMBUS (first-team: Business Management, 3.4 GPA) P JOHN TORP (second-team: Political Science/Economics, 3.0 GPA) WR DUSTY SPRAGUE (first-team: Business Management, 3.5 GPA)

COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT

OG BRIAN DANIELS (3.57 GPA, Finance) WR DUSTY SPRAGUE (3.49 GPA, Business Management)

OTHER IN-SEASON HONORS

PK MASON CROSBY (Lou Groza Award Top Three Stars of the Week vs. Colorado State, Miami, Fla. & Kansas State)

2006 Colorado Football / POSTSEASON HONORS 2-2-2

COLORADO CHAPTER NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION/COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME ALL-COLORADO TEAM

S J.J. BILLINGSLEY (second-team) C MARK FENTON (first-team) KR STEPHONE ROBINSON (honorable mention) CB GERETT BURL (honorable mention) OLB BRIAN IWUH (first-team) CB LORENZO SIMS (second-team) TB HUGH CHARLES (honorable mention) QB JOEL KLATT (honorable mention) P JOHN TORP (honorable mention) PK MASON CROSBY (first-team) TE JOE KLOPFENSTEIN (first-team) VB LAWRENCE VICKERS (honorable mention) OG BRIAN DANIELS (honorable mention) DT VAKA MANUPUNA (first-team) ILB THADDAEUS WASHINGTON (second-team)

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: PK MASON CROSBY

POSTSEASON ALL-STAR GAMES

OLB BRIAN IWUH (Senior Bowl) TE JOE KLOPFENSTEIN (Senior Bowl) NT VAKA MANUPUNA (Hula Bowl) OT CLINT O’NEAL (Las Vegas All-American Classic) TE QUINN SYPNIEWSKI (Las Vegas All-American Classic) P JOHN TORP (Senior Bowl) VB LAWRENCE VICKERS (Senior Bowl)

ESPN ALL-MAYDAY TEAM (Analyst Mark May)

OG BRIAN DANIELS

BUFFALOES ON NATIONAL LISTS (SEMIFINALIST, FINALIST, WATCH)

Dick Butkus Award (top linebacker): OLB Brian Iwuh, ILB Thaddaeus Washington (two of 65 candidates on official watch list) Vincent Draddy Trophy (academic “Heisman”): P John Torp (one of 62 official nominations) Lou Groza Award (top placekicker): PK Mason Crosby (runner-up; one of three finalists) Ray Guy Award (top punter): P John Torp (runner-up; one of three finalists) Ronnie Lott Trophy (defensive player of the year/on & off field): S Tom Hubbard (one of 42 candidates on official watch list) John Mackey Award (top tight end): TE Joe Klopfenstein (one of 20 candidates on official watch list) Dave Rimington Award (top center): C Mark Fenton (one of six finalists) Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (top senior quarterback): QB Joel Klatt (one of 22 candidates on official watch list) Doak Walker Award (top running back): VB Lawrence Vickers (one of 47 candidates on official watch list)

BIG 12 CONFERENCE 10TH ANNIVERSARY TEAM

TE DANIEL GRAHAM (1998-2001) OL ANDRE GURODE (1998-2001) KR BEN KELLY (1997-1999)

COLORADO TEAM AWARDS (MVP selected by players; others by coaching staff unless otherwise indicated)

Lee Willard Award (outstanding freshman): DE Maurice Lucas Hang Tough Award (overcame the most adversity): OLB Brian Iwuh Tyronee "Tiger" Bussey Award (perseverance over adversity, injury and/or illness): TE Quinn Sypniewski Best Interview (selected by team beat media): VB Lawrence Vickers Buffalo Heart Award (selected by “the fans behind the bench”): QB Joel Klatt Dean Jacob Van Ek Award (academic excellence): S Tom Hubbard Bill McCartney Award (special teams achievement): PK Mason Crosby Regiment Award (greatest contribution with least recognition): DT Vaka Manupuna Derek Singleton Award (spirit, dedication, enthusiasm): VB Lawrence Vickers Tom McMahon Award (dedication and work ethic): DT James Garee Dave Jones Award (outstanding defensive player): ILB Thaddaeus Washington & CB Gerett Burl John Mack Award (outstanding offensive player): QB Joel Klatt Zack Jordan Award (most valuable player, selected by teammates): QB Joel Klatt

VICTORY CLUB (earning a winning performance and/or productivity grade by the coaches in at least eight games)

CB GERETT BURL WR NICK HOLZ SN GREG PACE TB HUGH CHARLES OLB BRIAN IWUH CB LORENZO SIMS PK MASON CROSBY DT VAKA MANUPUNA ILB THADDAEUS WASHINGTON

2005 GAME SUMMARIES

GAME #1—COLORADO 31, COLORADO STATE 28 (September 3; Boulder, Colo.)

BOULDER — It is always said that things often come in threes, and that is certainly the case with Colorado State — Green 1 run (Mark kick) 0- 7 2:39 1Q the CU-Colorado State football series. COLORADO — Crosby 32 FG 3- 7 12:22 2Q COLORADO — Vickers 1 run (Crosby kick) 10- 7 2:39 2Q For the third straight year, the outcome wasn’t known until the final play of the game, and for the Colorado State — Anderson 1 pass from Holland (Mark kick) 10-14 0:33 2Q Buffaloes, all three times have been charms as this time CU rallied from an 11-point fourth quarter Colorado State — Bartz 1 pass from Holland (Mark kick) 10-21 5:04 3Q deficit to topple the Rams, 31-28, before a record Folsom Field crowd of 54,972. COLORADO — Charles 29 run (Judge pass from Klatt) 18-21 13:32 4Q Mason Crosby, arguably America’s best kicker, drilled a 47-yard field goal with four seconds COLORADO — Crosby 32 FG 21-21 2:32 4Q remaining to provide the winning points; that kick came just 148 seconds after he made a 48-yard COLORADO — Charles 23 run (Crosby kick) 28-21 1:30 4Q kick that tied the game at 21. In-between, there were plenty of fireworks that amounted to a classic Colorado State — Sperry 9 pass from Holland (Mark kick) 28-28 0:36 4Q shootout between in-state rivals. COLORADO — Crosby 47 FG 31-28 0:04 4Q

After Crosby’s tying kick, the Rams took over at their own 20. On second-and-10, Justin Holland TEAM STATISTICS COLORADO COLORADO STATE was flushed to his left and pressured by Alex Ligon to throw on the run, where downfield Gerett Burl First Downs ...... 19 21 picked off his pass at the CSU 37 and returned it 14 yards. On CU’s very first offensive play, Hugh Third Down Efficiency...... 3-10 7-16 Charles put a couple of nifty moves on the Ram defense and went 23 yards for the go-ahead Fourth Down Efficiency...... 1-1 1-2 touchdown with just 1:30 left. Rushes—Net Yards ...... 29-113 34-95

But Holland, being the competitor that he is, would not be denied, as he marched his team 80 yards Passing Yards ...... 283 291 in eight plays and in just 54 seconds to tie the game at 28. In completing six passes on the drive Passes (Att-Comp-Int)...... 33-22-1 43-28-4 (for all 80 yards), he used throws of 23 and 22 yards to David Anderson to pick up real estate in Total Offense...... 396 386 chunks before finding Kory Sperry in the end zone on a 9-yard scoring toss with only 36 seconds Return Yards ...... 37 45 remaining. Punts: No-Average ...... 4-52.0 4-45.2 Fumbles: No-Lost ...... 5-2 1-0 CSU opted to squib kick the ensuing kickoff, but the plan backfired to a degree thanks to Stephone Penalties/Yards ...... 9/87 9/73 Robinson’s muffing the football. As he scooted over to pickup the ball, many on the coverage team Quarterback Sacks—Yards ...... 1-5 4-20 were now out of position, enabling him to break free for a 30-yard return to the Buff 40. Joel Klatt Time of Possession ...... 27:32 32:28 hit Patrick Williams with a 22-yard pass on the first play from scrimmage, and after an incompletion, he found Dusty Sprague on the right side for eight more to set Crosby up for his winning kick from INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS the Ram 30. Rushing—Colorado: Charles 15-101, V.Washington 1-14, Vickers 3-4, Ellis 3-1, Klatt 7-minus 7. CSU: Bell 14-66, Green 11-30, Ohaeri 7-16, Holland 1-minus 5, Kaylor 1-minus 12. CSU had built its lead to 21-10 after Holland threw a 1-yard touchdown pass, via defender tip, to Passing—Colorado: Klatt 33-22-1, 283, 0 td. CSU: Holland 43-28-4, 291, 3 td. Matt Bartz with 5:04 left in the third quarter. Receiving—Colorado: Sprague 5-61, Klopfenstein 4-76, Williams 3-38, Charles 3-34, Sypniewski CSU got on the board first on a 1-yard touchdown run by Jimmy Green after the Rams recovered a 2-44, Judge 2-23, Vickers 2-1, Barnett 1-6. CSU: Anderson 12-119, Sperry 7-62, Bartz 3-36, Dusty Sprague fumble at the Buff 28. CU scored the next 10 points on a 32-yard Crosby field goal Walker 3-10, Hill 1-33, Osborn 1-19, Roberts 1-12. and a 1-yard run by Lawrence Vickers on a fourth-and-goal play to cap off an 11-play, 73-yard drive. Punting—Colorado: Torp 4-52.0 (72 long, 3 In20). CSU: Kaylor 4-45.2 (53 long, 1 In20). CSU took a 14-10 halftime lead when Holland and Anderson hooked up on a 1-yard TD pass with 33 Punt Returns—Colorado: Robinson 2-16. CSU: Osborn 1-12. seconds left before intermission. Kickoff Returns—Colorado: Robinson 1-30. CSU: Herbert 2-58, Hill 2-46. Interceptions—Colorado: Burl 1-14, Dawn 1-5, Sims 1-2, Billingsley 1-0. CSU: Kochevar 1-33. The Buffs held the Rams to just 95 yards rushing, the sixth time in the last 10 games CSU failed to Tackle Leaders—Colorado: Th.Washington 9,3—12; Billingsley 7,4—11; Henderson 8,2—10; Sims reach 100 against CU. Colorado had a slight edge in total offense by 396-386, but saw 90 8,0—8; Burl 4,0—4; Hubbard 4,0—4; Iwuh 3,1—4; Dawn 1,3—4. Colorado State: Herbert additional yards and a touchdown called back due to six offensive penalties. 9,0—9; Hall 4,4—8; Kochevar 6,1—7; C.Jones 6,1—7; Horinek 3,4—7. Colorado State...... 7 7 7 7 — 28 QB Sacks—Colorado: Wright 1-5. CSU: Kochevar 1-10, Parke 1-5, Nadling 1-4, B.Smith 1-1. COLORADO...... 0 10 0 21 — 31

GAME #2—COLORADO 39, NEW MEXICO STATE 0 (September 10; Boulder, Colo.)

BOULDER — Lawrence Vickers scored three touchdowns and the Colorado defense posted its first TEAM STATISTICS COLORADO NEW MEXICO STATE shutout since 2002 as the Buffaloes defeated New Mexico State, 39-0. First Downs ...... 34 7

Joel Klatt passed for 186 yards and two touchdowns, joining Kordell Stewart and Koy Detmer as the Third Down Efficiency...... 9-16 2-14 only Colorado players with 5,000 career passing yards while also jumping past Stewart with the Fourth Down Efficiency...... 0-0 0-2 most career completions in a CU uniform. Rushes—Net Yards ...... 50-238 22-5 Passing Yards ...... 233 176 New Mexico State’s defense kept the Aggies in the contest, as the Buffs didn’t put the game away Passes (Att-Comp-Int)...... 33-22-0 31-17-2 until logging back-to-back touchdown drives to open the third quarter to add to their 22-0 halftime Total Offense...... 471 181 lead. The Buffs led 7-0 after the first quarter and were ahead by just 10-0 until putting 12 points on Return Yards ...... 118 5 the board in the final 1:52 of the first half, taking control of the game in the process. Punts: No-Average ...... 3-52.3 7-45.0 Mason Crosby started that spree, tacking on a 28-yard field goal that had followed up a 33-yard Fumbles: No-Lost ...... 2-2 3-1 effort earlier in the quarter to put CU ahead, 13-0. The Buff defense forced three straight Penalties/Yards ...... 7/70 6/49 incomplete passes by Royal Gill, and then on fourth down, the center snap for the Aggie punt sailed Quarterback Sacks—Yards ...... 3-16 1-10 over Brad Evan’s head; he chased it down in the back of the end zone and kicked it toward the stands Time of Possession ...... 40:14 19:46 for a Buff safety. Taking over after the free kick at its own 37, it took just four plays to score, all INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS completed passes by Klatt to Hugh Charles (eight yards), Dusty Sprague (24), Evan Judge (28), and Rushing—Colorado: Charles 21-105, Vickers 6-45, Ellis 15-45, Klatt 6-33, Barnett 1-20, Cox the last to Vickers for three yards and the touchdown. 1-minus 10. NMSU: Buries 12-26, J.Williams 3-20, Ali 1-2, Baiamonte 1-minus 2, Dombrowski CU salted things away with the two TD drives to start the second half. The first was culminated 1-minus 5, Gill 3-minus 16. with 11-yard pass from Klatt to Sypniewski, the sixth-year senior’s first career touchdown Passing—Colorado: Klatt 25-18-0, 186, 2 td; Cox 8-4-0, 47, 0 td. NMSU: Gill 30-17-1, 176, 0 td; reception. The second came at the end of an impressive 11-play, 89-yard march with Vickers Dombrowski 1-0-1, 0. bowling over several would-be tacklers with an 11-yard run. He had a 19-yard run and a 17-yard Receiving—Colorado: Judge 3-48, Vickers 3-32, Sypniewski 3-21, Williams 3-18, Klopfenstein 2-24, reception earlier in the drive as he accounted for 46 yards in four plays. Barnett 2-19, Charles 2-12, Sprague 1-24, Ellis 1-15, Joseph 1-13, Schaub 1-7. NMSU: Quick New Mexico State...... 0 0 0 0 — 0 4-48, Dombrowski 3-77, Lonon 3-20, Tolbert 2-7, Buries 1-19, Harris 1-7, Allen 1-1, Kaufman COLORADO...... 7 15 14 3 — 39 1-1, C.Williams 1-minus 2, J. Williams 1-minus 2.

COLORADO — Vickers 2 run (Crosby kick) 7- 0 9:26 1Q Punting—Colorado: Torp 3-52.3 (61 long, 0 In20). NMSU: Evans 7-45.0 (54 long, 2 In20). COLORADO — Crosby 33 FG 10- 0 11:49 2Q Punt Returns—Colorado: Robinson 3-36, McBride 1-minus 2. NMSU: Byrd 1-5. COLORADO — Crosby 28 FG 13- 0 1:52 2Q Kickoff Returns—Colorado: Te. Washington 1-30, Robinson 1-24. NMSU: Dubois 1-14. COLORADO — Safety, Evans kicks ball out of end zone after bad punt snap 15- 0 1:27 2Q Interceptions—Colorado: Burney 1-16, Harris 1-0. NMSU: none. COLORADO — Vickers 3 pass from Klatt (Crosby kick) 22- 0 0:06 2Q Tackle Leaders—Colorado: Dawn 6,1—7; Henderson 5,0—5; Billingsley 2,2—4; Dizon 2,2—4; COLORADO — Sypniewski 11 pass from Klatt (Crosby kick) 29- 0 10:36 3Q Burl 3,0—3; Sims 3,0—3; Boye-Doe 2,1—3; Garee 2,1—3; Manupuna 2,1—3, Walters COLORADO — Vickers 11 run (Crosby kick) 36- 0 4:43 3Q 1,2—3. NMSU: Cottrell 16,3—19; Griebel 9,7—16; Carrie 8,3—11; Spicer 3,4—7; COLORADO — Eberhart 23 FG 39- 0 0:53 4Q McManigal

6,0—6; Howell 5,1—6; Sober 5,1—6. QB Sacks—Colorado: Billingsley 1-7, Dawn 1-6, Garee ½-2, Boye-Doe ½-1. NMSU: Howell 1-10.

2006 Colorado Football / GAME SUMMARIES 2-2-2

GAME #3—MIAMI 23, COLORADO 3 (September 24; Miami, Fla.)

MIAMI, Fla. — Kyle Wright passed for one touchdown and rushed for another and the Miami defense COLORADO...... 0 0 0 0 — 3 stifled Colorado one time after another once it crossed midfield as the No. 12 Hurricanes slowly pulled Miami, Fla...... 3 10 3 7 — 23 away tin defeating the Buffaloes, 23-3. Miami — Peattie 34 FG 0- 3 6:07 1Q Mason Crosby’s 58-yard field goal just under four minutes into the fourth quarter, the longest without Miami — Peattie 20 FG 0- 6 11:12 2Q a tee at sea level in NCAA Division I-A history, were CU’s lone points on the day. But the way the Miami — S. Moss 53 pass from Kyle Wright (Peattie kick) 0-13 8:00 2Q game started, it didn’t appear head coach Gary Barnett would have to wait almost 50 minutes for his Miami — Peattie 33 FG 0-16 6:07 3Q team to dent the scoreboard. COLORADO — Crosby 58 FG 3-16 11:57 4Q Miami — Wright 2 run (Peattie kick) 3-23 8:44 4Q In perhaps what set the tone for the game, the Buffs moved from their own 46 to the Miami 7 in just two plays on their first possession. Hugh Charles picked up 29 yards on an outside scamper and Joel TEAM STATISTICS COLORADO MIAMI Klatt then hit Quinn Sypniewski with an 18-yard pass to get the Buffs deep into Hurricane territory. First Downs...... 19 21 But Charles was thrown for a 4-yard loss on the next play, and after two straight incomplete passes, Third Down Efficiency ...... 5-18 3-14 Crosby missed a 28-yard field goal wide left, the kick being affected by a bad snap. Fourth Down Efficiency ...... 1-3 0-2 Rushes—Net Yards...... 31-105 28-118 Locked in a classic field position battle, Miami eventually broke through first with a 34-yard field goal Passing Yards...... 228 271 from Jon Beattie to take a 3-0 lead with 6:07 left in the first quarter. He added a 20-yard boot with Passes (Att-Comp-Int) ...... 43-25-2 40-21-0 11:12 remaining in the half to make it 6-0, the kick coming after the Buffs stopped the Hurricanes on Total Offense...... 333 389 a first-and-goal from the CU 4. Return Yards...... 5 108 Penalties started to mount for CU, who was called for 17 on the day. Two offside calls helped set UM Punts: No-Average...... 7-47.0 5-34.0 up for the game’s first touchdown, as on a first-and-5, Wright went deep and connected with Sinorice Fumbles: No-Lost...... 2-1 0-0 Moss for a 53-yard touchdown along the right sideline to get the Hurricanes some breathing room. Penalties/Yards...... 17/111 5/75 Peattie’s PAT kick made it 13-0 eight minutes before the half. CU would again be thwarted on its next Quarterback Sacks—Yards ...... 0-0 1-12 possession, in part due to an illegal formation penalty after driving to the Miami 35. Time of Possession...... 33:41 26:19

The Buffs came out blazing again in the second half, even though starting at their own 10 after a short INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS kickoff return. CU moved just past midfield, but a delay of game penalty and a three-yard loss by Rushing—Colorado: Charles 19-82, Ellis 8-30, Klatt 4-minus 7. Miami: Hill 4-55, T.Moss Charles helped stall the drive. Two series later, Miami turned a Brandon Meriweather interception of a 13-39, Bryant 1-8, Thomas 4-8, Wright 4-6, Hester 1-4, Team 1-minus 2. Klatt pass into a third Peattie field goal, this one from 33 yards, to take a 16-0 lead. Passing—CU: Klatt 43-25-2, 228, 0 td. Miami: Wright 39-20-0, 264. 1 td; Freeman 1-1-0, 7. Receiving—Colorado: Sprague 9-55, Barnett 7-59, Ellis 3-53, Klopfenstein 1-23, Sypniewski Crosby’s kick not only got CU on the board and put the Buffs back into it, albeit temporarily, it marked 1-18, Judge 1-15, Williams 1-6, Vickers 1-5, Garee 1-minus 6. Miami: S.Moss 5-111, the 200th straight game Colorado had scored, becoming only the 12th school in history to score in Leggett 4-39, Jenkins 3-33, Olsen 3-25, Ortega 2-43, Jolla 2-15, Moore 2-5. that many consecutive games. The celebration was short-lived however, as any hopes for a fourth Punting—Colorado: Torp 7-47.0 (54 long, 2 In20). Miami: Monroe 5-34.0 (45 long, 1 In20). quarter comeback were dashed when Miami countered with a 9-play, 80-yard drive resulting in a 2- Punt Returns—Colorado: Robinson 2-5. Miami: Hester 2-20. yard touchdown run by Wright. The play was aided by two CU penalties, as the Buffs were flagged 17 Kickoff Returns—CU: Te. Washington 4-64, Jackson 1-25, Robinson 1-12. Miami: S.Moss 1-16. times in the game, the second most in their history. Interceptions—Colorado: none. Miami: Maxey 1-32, Meriweather 1-8. Miami outgained Colorado by 389-331, with the statistics close to even in most categories. The Tackle Leaders—Colorado: Th. Washington 8,5—13; Henderson 8,0—8; Billingsley 3,3—6; Burl Hurricanes had a decided edge in penalties (5-17), return yards (131-5) and tackles for loss (10-2). 4,1—5; Iwuh 4,1—5; Dizon 3,2—5; Garee 0,5—5; Dawn 4,0—4; Sims 1,2—3. Miami: A telling stat was once the teams crossed the 50; the Buffs ran 21 plays for 66 yards, including 38 on Meriweather 8,4—12; Phillips 7,0—7; L.Williams 4,3—7; McIntosh 2,4—6; Phillips 4,1—5. one play late in the game, while Miami ran 34 for 140 yards. Quarterback Sacks—Colorado: none. Miami: Campbell 1-12.

GAME #4—COLORADO 34, OKLAHOMA STATE 0 (October 1; Stillwater, Okla.)

STILLWATER, Okla. — The first play for Colorado covered 74 yards and the last one 99 as the COLORADO — Charles 74 run (Crosby kick) 7- 0 14:42 1Q Buffaloes snapped a nine-game losing streak to Big 12 Conference South Division schools with a COLORADO — Crosby 48 FG 10- 0 0:02 2Q resounding 34-0 win over host and previously unbeaten Oklahoma State. COLORADO — Charles 15 run (Crosby kick) 17- 0 13:14 3Q COLORADO — Klopfenstein 11 pass from Klatt (Crosby kick) 24- 0 9:28 3Q In the conference opener for both schools, the Buffs set the tone early as on the first play from COLORADO — Crosby 42 FG 27- 0 2:07 4Q scrimmage, Hugh Charles cut through the middle untouched and raced 74 yards for a touchdown just COLORADO — Burton 99 interception return (Crosby kick) 34- 0 0:24 4Q 18 seconds into the game. It was the second fastest score from scrimmage in CU history, topped only in 1996 when the Buffs scored 13 seconds into the game at Texas A&M. TEAM STATISTICS COLORADO OKLAHOMA STATE First Downs...... 18 11 That score would stand alone until two seconds before halftime, when Mason Crosby’s 48-yard field Third Down Efficiency ...... 6-16 2-17 goal extended the CU lead to 10-0. Though the Buffs had a 230-94 edge in total offense, they had Fourth Down Efficiency ...... 0-0 2-3 two penetrations into Cowboy territory ended by a blocked field goal and a fumble. That, and OSU’s Rushes—Net Yards...... 41-213 38-92 defense sucked it up and did all it could to keep things close. Passing Yards...... 168 116 That changed in the opening moments of the second half, when Abraham Wright made his first career Passes (Att-Comp-Int) ...... 28-16-0 29-14-2 interception, setting the Buffs up for business at the OSU 29. Two plays later, Charles ran around the Total Offense...... 381 208 left end for 15 yards and a touchdown to provide the Buffs some breathing room at 17-0. CU sealed Return Yards...... 118 22 things on its next possession, marching 59 yards in just six plays to take a 24-0 lead. Joel Klatt Punts: No-Average...... 6-43.7 9-41.6 hooked up with Evan Judge on a 27-yard pass play to the OSU 11, and then found Joe Klopfenstein in Fumbles: No-Lost...... 1-1 3-0 the end zone for the touchdown, with the play covering the final 11 yards. Penalties/Yards...... 8/95 6/56

Crosby added a 42-yard field goal with 2:07 remaining, but the Cowboys still did their best to avert Quarterback Sacks—Yards ...... 3-30 1-4 Time of Possession...... 29:51 30:09 being shutout. Bobby Reid hit D’Juan Woods along the right sideline for a 49-yard gain to the CU 31, with the ‘Pokes driving to the CU 8 with 43 seconds remaining. On a third-and-five play, Reid was INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS intercepted by CU freshman Marcus Burton, who raced 99 yards back down the right sideline for the Rushing—Colorado: Charles 20-132, Ellis 11-39, Klatt 4-26, Vickers 2-12, Jackson 3-8, closing touchdown. It was the longest play by a freshman in Colorado history in addition to preserving Cox 1-minus 4. OSU: Hamilton 14-52, Jones 3-12, Fodge 1-11, Reid 15-10, Willis 2-7, the shutout, CU’s second this season. It marked the first time since 1992 the Buffs posted two in Crosslin 2-1, Team 1-minus 1. one year, and the first time in 40 years the Buffs had two in a three-game span. Passing—Colorado: Klatt 26-14-0, 151, 1 td; Cox 2-2-0, 17. OSU: Reid 29-14-2, 116, 0 td.

Charles rushed for a career-high 132 yards, the third time in four games this year he topped the 100- Receiving—Colorado: Judge 3-63, Sprague 3-27, Klopfenstein 2-28, Williams 2-15, Barnett 2-11, yard mark, while Klatt moved into second place on CU’s all-time passing yards list and into third on the Charles 2-8, Vickers 1-14, Schaub 1-2. OSU: Woods 4-66, McCown 3-14, Frazier 3-7, total offense list. Wright had four tackles to go with his interception, also recording a sack, a forced Hamilton 2-7, Pettigrew 1-13, Devereaux 1-9. fumble, a third down stop and a pass deflection in being one of several defensive stars for the Buffs on Punting—Colorado: Torp 6-43.7 (52 long, 5 In20). OSU: Fodge 9-41.6 (49 long, 2 In20). the afternoon. Punt Returns—Colorado: Robinson 3-15, Joseph 1-2. OSU: McLemore 3-minus 1. Kickoff Returns—Colorado: Te. Washington 1-23. OSU: McLemore 3-62, Jones 1-14. CUracked up 381 yards of total offense while limiting OSU to 208, including just 92 on the ground. Interceptions—Colorado: Burton 1-99, Wright 1-2. OSU: none. This was just the fifth shutout ever posted in the series, all by Colorado and the first since 1992. Tackle Leaders—Colorado: Dawn 5,2—7; Billingsley 5,1—6; Henderson 5,1—6; Iwuh 4,2—6; COLORADO...... 7 3 14 10 — 34 Barrett 3,3—6; Manupuna 3,3—6; Dizon 3,2—5; Burton 4,0—4; Wright 4,0—4; Oklahoma State...... 0 0 0 0 — 0 Burl 3,1—4;Garee 3,1—4; Th. Washington 2,2—4. OSU: Duren 6,0—6; Ransom 5,1—6; Thompson 4,2—6; Smith 4,1—5; DeGrate 4,0—4; Pinson 3,1—4. Quarterback Sacks—CU: Burton 1-11, Th. Washington 1-10, Wright 1-9. OSU: McBean 1-4. 2006 Colorado Football / GAME SUMMARIES 3-3-3

GAME #5—COLORADO 41, TEXAS A & M 20 (October 8; Boulder)

BOULDER — On the popular College GameDay program on ESPN, when it came time for the crew to COLORADO — Hugh Charles 4 run (Crosby kick) 14- 0 9:06 1Q make their selections for possible game breakers of the week, long-time host and Colorado alum Chris COLORADO — Lawrence Vickers 3 run (Crosby kick) 21- 0 3:57 1Q Fowler selected CU quarterback Joel Klatt. Texas A&M — Pegram 33 FG 21- 3 11:57 2Q COLORADO — Vickers 1 pass from Klatt (Crosby kick) 28- 3 6:23 2Q Klatt made Fowler look like both a prophet and a genius, as he completed 28-of-36 passes for 398 Texas A&M — Pegram 43 FG 28- 6 4:05 2Q yards and three touchdowns in leading the Buffaloes to a 41-20 victory of Texas A&M, propelling COLORADO — Crosby 20 FG 31- 6 0:37 2Q Colorado back into the national rankings for the first time in 25 months. COLORADO — Crosby 30 FG 34- 6 10:12 3Q COLORADO — Sypniewski 36 pass from Klatt (Crosby kick) 41- 6 6:59 3Q CU stormed to a 21-0 first quarter lead, though A&M provided the first gasp for the crowd. On the Texas A&M — Lane 1 run (Pegram kick) 41-13 5:05 4Q game’s second play, Reggie McNeal connected with a streaking DeQawn Mobley along the right Texas A&M — Carter 40 pass from McGee (Pegram kick) 41-20 0:41 4Q sidelines for an apparent long gainer. Mobley caught it, but never secured the ball and eventually fumbled the ball, with CU’s J.J. Billingsley recovering at the Buff 20. Klatt then went to work. TEAM STATISTICS COLORADO TEXAS A&M First Downs...... 25 16 After four plays set CU up at its 49, on a third-and-six, Klatt hooked up with speedster Hugh Charles Third Down Efficiency ...... 8-15 4-14 who ran away from the Aggie defense for a 51-yard catch and run touchdown, starting the onslaught Fourth Down Efficiency ...... 0-0 1-1 of Buff points. CU held A&M to three-and-out on its next series, and after taking over on its 35, Rushes—Net Yards...... 37-158 28-78 marched 65 yards with Klatt throwing for 51 yards, including a 27-yard completion to Lawrence Passing Yards...... 401 258 Vickers to the A&M 17. Three plays later, Charles scooted around the end for a 4-yard score to put Passes (Att-Comp-Int) ...... 38-29-0 36-19-0 CU up 14-0. Total Offense...... 559 336 Texas A&M earned three first downs on its next possession, but eventually had to punt the ball away. Return Yards...... 17 52 The Buffs responded with an 80-yard drive in seven plays, capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run by Punts: No-Average...... 5-48.2 7-48.1 Vickers. But two passes from Klatt to Charles for 18 yards and then a big catch-and-run throw from Fumbles: No-Lost...... 1-0 3-1 Klatt to Joe Klopfenstein that covered 44 yards set CU up again in the A&M red zone. When the Penalties/Yards...... 11/91 7/62 smoke cleared, CU was up 21-0 and Klatt set a school record for the most yards passing in a quarter Quarterback Sacks—Yards ...... 2-12 0-0 with 211. Time of Possession...... 31:51 28:09

Four of the next five scores in the game were field goals, sandwiched around another 80-yard Colorado INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS drive, this one in the mid-second quarter and polished off by a 1-yard pass from Klatt to Vickers. Klatt Rushing—Colorado: Charles 17-67, Vickers 8-48, Ellis 7-39, Barnett 1-8, Cox 1-5, Jackson 1-3, ended his day with a 36-yard pass to Quinn Sypniewski, who raced around the left side and leapt into White 1-minus 10, Team 1-minus 2. A&M: Taylor 13-40, Lane 6-29, McGee 2-15, Carter 1-4, the end zone for a 41-6 Colorado lead, with 6:59 remaining in the quarter. Lucas 1-4, McNeal 5-minus 14. Passing—Colorado: Klatt 36-28-0, 398, 3 td; Cox 2-1-0, 3, 0 td. A&M: McNeal 21-10-0, 146, A&M added two fourth quarter touchdowns against mostly second- and third-teamers on the CU 0 td; McGee 15-9-0, 112, 1 td. defense; up until that point, the Buffs had dominated, holding A&M to just 186 yards through three Receiving—Colorado: Judge 7-82, Charles 6-85, Klopfenstein 5-99, Vickers 5-36, Sypniewski quarters while rolling up 548 yards and 24 first down. Otherwise, CU limited Aggie Heisman candidate 3-70, Sprague 2-18, Williams 1-11. A&M: Carter 5-78, Schroeder 5-57, Bennett 4-39, McNeal to just 132 yards of total offense—after he put 382 up in the 2004 game. Brown 2-16, Mobley 1-60, Morrow 1-8, Lane 1-0. Four Colorado receivers had 70-plus yards in receiving, with Charles (152 yards rushing and receiving) Punting—Colorado: Torp 5-48.2 (54 long, 2 In20). A&M: Brantly 7-48.1 (80 long, 2 In20). and Vickers (84) combining for 236 and four touchdowns. When the polls were released the next day, Punt Returns—Colorado: Robinson 3-15. A&M: Chambless 2-52. CU checked in at No. 24, its first ranking since possessing the No. 17 spot two games into the 2003 Kickoff Returns—Colorado: Sprague 1-5. A&M: Brown 1-10. season. Interceptions—Colorado: none. A&M: none.

Texas A&M...... 0 6 0 14 — 20 Tackle Leaders—Colorado: Th. Washington 6,2—8; Billingsley 7,0—7; Dizon 3,3—6; Henderson COLORADO...... 21 10 10 0 — 41 4,0—4; McKay 3,0—3; Wright 2,1—3; Boye-Doe 1,2—3; Iwuh 1,2—3. A&M: Warren 8,3—11; Appel 7,1—8; Jolly 4,2—6; Bullitt 4,1—5; Gorrer 4,0—4; Foliaki 3,1—4. COLORADO — Charles 51 pass from Klatt (Crosby kick) 7- 0 13:03 1Q Quarterback Sacks—Colorado: Th. Washington 1-8, Wright 1-4. A&M: none.

GAME #6—TEXAS 42, COLORADO 17 (October 15; Austin, Texas)

AUSTIN, Texas — Vince Young accounted for 394 yards of total offense and five touchdowns as the Texas — Sweed 35 pass from V. Young (Pino kick) 3-35 1:39 2Q Heisman Trophy candidate was as good as advertised, if not better, in leading his No. 2 Texas COLORADO — Judge 8 pass from Klatt (Crosby kick) 10-35 0:01 2Q Longhorns to a 42-17 victory over the No. 24 Colorado Buffaloes. Texas — Sweed 13 pass from V. Young (Pino kick) 10-42 14:06 4Q

COLORADO — Klopfenstein 4 pass from Klatt (Crosby kick) 17-42 9:40 4Q Texas scored touchdowns on all five of its first half possessions, working to a 28-0 lead before the Buffs got on the scoreboard and never saw its lead fall under a three-score margin in making a TEAM STATISTICS COLORADO TEXAS statement to the nation. On this day, Colorado just happened to be a timely victim for a Longhorn First Downs...... 14 24 team trying to surpass Southern California into No. 1 in the rankings. Third Down Efficiency ...... 6-15 10-17

The tone was set early; first, CU was held to three plays and out on their first possession. Texas then Fourth Down Efficiency ...... 1-1 2-2 countered with a 16-play, 90-yard drive to take a 7-0 lead on a 1-yard plunge by Young. That drive Rushes—Net Yards...... 19-45 47-145 used some seven minutes and 40 seconds off the clock, leaving the Buffs to try and answer it and give Passing Yards...... 192 337 their defense some rest. However, UT’s defense stifled the Buffs again, this time after five plays, and Passes (Att-Comp-Int) ...... 44-21-1 32-26-0 basically dictated the tempo for a good portion of the next two-and-a-half quarters. Total Offense...... 237 482 Return Yards...... 6 29 Young capped Texas’ next drive with a 16-yard run, with Selvin Young getting the call from five yards Punts: No-Average...... 7-40.1 3-39.7 out the next time before the Texas quarterback scored his third touchdown of the half, this time on a Fumbles: No-Lost...... 2-1 2-1 nine-yard run up the middle, escaping the CU pass rush. The latter left the ‘Horns up 28-0 with 6:04 Penalties/Yards...... 11/83 8/70 left in the first half. Quarterback Sacks—Yards ...... 0-0 0-0 Colorado got on the board with a 48-yard field goal from its All-America kicker, Mason Crosby, only to Time of Possession...... 21:06 38:54 see Texas come right back with Young throwing a 35-yard touchdown pass to Limas Sweed. A Joel INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Klatt 8-yard TD pass to Evan Judge with one second left before intermission got CU into the end zone Rushing—CU: Charles 13-38, Ellis 4-7, Klatt 1-1, Vickers 1-minus 1. UT: V.Young 10-58, S.Young for the first time and back to within 35-10, closing the books on the second quarter which saw the 19-43, Melton 8-15, Ogbonnaya 4-11, Hall1-10, Charles 3-8, Taylor 1-4, Team 1-minus 4. teams combine for 320 yards and 31 points. Passing—Colorado: Klatt 39-19-1, 189, 2 td; Cox 5-2-0, 3, 0 td. Texas: V.Young 29-25-0, 336, Each team added a fourth quarter touchdown, as the Buffs couldn’t eat away at any more of the Texas 2 td; Nordgren 3-1-0, 1. lead. Young and Sweed hooked up again for Texas early in he fourth, and two possessions later, CU Receiving—Colorado: Judge 6-37, Klopfenstein 5-60, Sprague 3-39, Vickers 2-24, Williams answered it with a Klatt to Joe Klopfenstein pass that covered four yards. 2-17, Charles 2-4, Sypniewski 1-11. Texas: Sweed 7-88, Thomas 5-64, Taylor 5-14, Pittman

COLORADO...... 0 10 0 7 — 17 3-99, Carter 3-49, S.Young 2-16, Jones 1-7. Texas ...... 14 21 0 7 — 42 Punting—Colorado: Torp 7-40.1 (56 long, 2 In20). Texas: McGee 3-39.7 (40 long, 0 In20). Punt Returns—Colorado: Robinson 2-6. Texas: Ross 3-14, Cosby 1-10. Texas — V. Young 1 run (Pino kick) 0- 7 5:46 1Q Kickoff Returns—Colorado: Robinson 4-72, Te.Washington 1-17. Texas: Taylor 2-51. Texas — V. Young 16 run (Pino kick) 0-14 0:52 1Q Interceptions—Colorado: none. Texas: Ross 1-5. Texas — S. Young 5 run (Pino kick) 0-21 10:27 2Q Tackle Leaders—Colorado: Th. Washington 9,2—11; Henderson 10,0—10; Billingsley 6,3—9; Texas — V. Young 9 run (Pino kick) 0-28 6:04 2Q Manupuna 5,4—9; Burl 7,2—9; B.Jones 5,2—7; Dizon 2,4—6; Sims 5,0—5. COLORADO — Crosby 48 FG 3-28 3:10 2Q Texas: Huff 6,2—8; Griffin 6,1—7; Brown 5,2—7; Harris 2,5—7; Okam 3,2—5. Quarterback Sacks—Colorado: none. Texas: none. 2006 Colorado Football / GAME SUMMARIES 4-4-4

GAME #7—COLORADO 44, KANSAS 13 (October 22; Boulder)

BOULDER — Joel Klatt and Joe Klopfenstein set school records to make the evening special, but it COLORADO— Klopfenstein 40 pass from Klatt (Crosby kick) 16- 3 14:06 2Q was Colorado’s special teams that paved the way for a 44-13 win over the Kansas Jayhawks. Kansas— Webb 28 FG 16- 6 8:14 2Q Kansas— Gordon 7 pass from Swanson (Webb kick) 16-13 1:44 2Q Klatt threw four touchdown passes in a game for the second time in his career, giving him 42 in a CU COLORADO— Brooks 28 blocked punt return (Crosby kick) 23-13 12:03 3Q uniform as he passed Koy Detmer (40) into first on the school’s all-time touchdown passes list. COLORADO— Klopfenstein 3 pass from Klatt (Crosby kick) 30-13 6:47 3Q Klopfenstein, one of the nation’s top tight ends, has caught 11 of those, including two in this victory, COLORADO— Sprague 62 pass from Klatt (Crosby kick) 37-13 13:36 4Q and count a 12th he picked up along the way and he ended the night as CU’s all-time leader in COLORADO— Robinson 81 punt return (Crosby kick) 44-13 9:40 4Q touchdown receptions by a tight end. TEAM STATISTICS COLORADO KANSAS The duo was able to celebrate thanks to a spectacular effort by CU’s special teams units, which First Downs...... 14 22 contributed a safety, a blocked punt that led to one touchdown and an 81-yard punt return for another Third Down Efficiency ...... 4-14 10-21 score by Stephone Robinson. Overall, the Buffs had 174 return yards, including one kickoff return, Fourth Down Efficiency ...... 1-3 0-3 124 by Robinson on just three touches. Rushes—Net Yards...... 29-104 34-61 It was actually the CU defense that set things in motion for the Buffs. On KU’s second possession, Passing Yards...... 200 293 Thaddaeus Washington sacked Brian Luke for an 11-yard loss on a 4th-and-1 at the CU46. It then Passes (Att-Comp-Int) ...... 30-18-0 55-27-3 took the Buffs just 73 seconds to score, as Klatt hit Hugh Charles on a 21-yard gainer to the Kansas Total Offense...... 304 354 22, and after a 2-yard Charles run, Klatt found Quinn Sypniewski on a 20-yard touchdown play and the Return Yards...... 153 38 Buffs never looked back. Later in the quarter, CU pinned the Jayhawks deep, and a bad snap on a punt Punts: No-Average...... 7-47.3 5-32.6 try led to a safety when KU punter Kyle Tucker picked up the ball and threw it out of the back of the Fumbles: No-Lost...... 2-0 4-1 end zone. Penalties/Yards...... 10/97 5/55 Quarterback Sacks—Yards ...... 3-26 0-0 The JK-to-JK connection struck for the first time early in the second quarter, as Klopfenstein took a Time of Possession...... 26:00 34:00 pass and raced 40 yards for a touchdown and a 16-3 lead. Kansas did cut the margin to 16-13 at the half, but thanks to a Brendan Schaub blocked punt on the Jayhawks’ first second half possession, INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Dominique Brooks picked up the ball and took it 28 yards for a score and the second half assault was Rushing—Colorado: Charles 14-75, Holz 1-21, Ellis 1-8, Cox 1-6, Vickers 2-1, Klatt 8-minus 7. on. Kansas: C.Green 15-46, Cornish 8-28, McAnderson 4-15, Swanson 3-6, Luke 2-minus 18, Team 2-minus 16. CU’s next drive ended with Klatt and Klopfenstein working together on a 3-yard TD pass, both setting Passing—Colorado: Klatt 27-16-0, 193, 4 td; Cox 3-2-0, 7. Kansas: Swanson 50-26-3, 291, their school records on the same play. The Buffs then ran away in the fourth quarter, as Klatt hit 1 td; Luke 5-1-0, 2. Dusty Sprague for a 62-yard TD play and then Robinson closed the scoring with his electrifying 81- Receiving—CU: Vickers 4-minus 4, Sprague 3-76, Klopfenstein 2-43, Judge 2-17, Barnett 2-16, yard punt return. Charles 1-21, Sypniewski 1-20, Joseph 1-8, Williams 1-4, Schaub 1-minus 1. KU: Gordon 8-85, Brooks and Robinson both had one previous career touchdown—both against Kansas in Lawrence last Simmons 5-76, Green 5-66, Murph 3-22, Roux 2-19, Fine 2-11, Herford 1-7, Cornish 1-7. season. Charles led all players with 75 yards rushing, while Sprague caught three passes for 76 Punting—CU: Torp 7-47.3 (58 long, 3 In20). KU: Tucker 4-40.8 (47 long, 1 In20), Team 1-0. yards. The Jayhawks managed to outgain the Buffs, 354-304, but ran 30 more plays than CU. Punt Returns—CU: Robinson 2-103, Schaub 1-15, Brooks 0-28. KU: Gordon 3-27, Simmons 1-11.

Kansas...... 3 10 0 0 — 13 Kickoff Returns—Colorado: Robinson 1-21. Kansas: Heaggans 2-52. COLORADO...... 9 7 14 14 — 44 Interceptions—Colorado: Burton 1-5, Hubbard 1-2, Billingsley 1-0. Kansas: none. Tackle Leaders—Colorado: Billingsley 8,7—15; Th.Washington 6,4—10; Burl 5,4—9; Iwuh COLORADO— Sypniewski 20 pass from latt (Crosby kick) 7- 0 9:35 1Q 5,3—8; Dizon 6,0—6; Henderson 3,3—6; Te. Washington 5,0—5; Garee 2,3—5. Kansas: COLORADO— Safety, Tucker fumbled snap, then threw ball out of end zone 9- 0 8:12 1Q Keith 6,3—9; Kane 5,1—6; Reid 5,1—6; Baines 4,1—5; Fowler 4,1—5. Kansas— Webb 25 FG 9- 3 3:07 1Q Quarterback Sacks—Colorado: Iwuh 2-15, Th.Washington 1-11. Kansas: none.

GAME #8—COLORADO 23, KANSAS STATE 20 (October 29; Manhattan, Kan.)

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Mason Crosby made a 50-yard field goal with ease with just six seconds COLORADO— Vickers 1 run (Crosby kick) 7- 0 13:34 1Q remaining after Colorado recovered an opportunistic fumble in Kansas State territory as the Buffaloes Kansas State— Snodgrass 48 FG 7- 3 11:43 1Q defeated the Wildcats, 23-20, in a game played with gusting great plains winds. Kansas State— Clayton 2 run (Snodgrass kick) 7-10 14:57 2Q Joel Klatt threw for 272 yards and a touchdown and in the process became CU’s all-time passing yards COLORADO— Crosby 52 FG 10-10 11:53 2Q leader, as the Buffs took over sole possession of first place in the Big 12 North Division with a 4-1 COLORADO— Crosby 42 FG 13-10 8:02 2Q league mark while improving to 6-2 overall. COLORADO— Judge 31 pass from Klatt (Crosby kick) 20-10 6:14 2Q Kansas State— Evridge 2 run (Snodgrass kick) 20-17 6:17 3Q With the winds consistently gusting between 23 and 40 miles per hour all afternoon, CU started fast as Kansas State— Snodgrass 51 FG 20-20 2:51 3Q a Hugh Charles 13-yard run on the game’s first play and then a 64-yard pass from Klatt to Quinn COLORADO— Crosby 50 FG 23-20 0:06 4Q Sypniewski to the Wildcat 1-yard line set up Lawrence Vickers touchdown run. It gave CU a 7-0 lead just 86 seconds into the game, but there was nothing easy after that. TEAM STATISTICS COLORADO KANSAS STATE First Downs ...... 17 22 K-State fought back and took a 10-7 lead on a Thomas Clayton 2-yard run to open the second quarter. Third Down Efficiency...... 5-17 4-15 Crosby came back and drilled 52- and 42-yard efforts to put CU back on top, 13-10. After the Buff Fourth Down Efficiency...... 1-1 1-2 defense pinned KSU at its own 6, a short punt had the Buffs starting at the KSU 36. Charles gained five Rushes—Net Yards ...... 37-91 37-81 on first down, and then Klatt hit a streaking Evan Judge for a 31-yard touchdown and CU seemingly had Passing Yards ...... 272 211 a safe two score lead, 20-10, at halftime. Passes (Att-Comp-Int)...... 34-17-0 40-19-0 The Wildcats, who won the opening toss, also elected to kickoff and take the wind in the third quarter in Total Offense...... 363 292 a slightly puzzling move, but it appeared to pay off as KSU scored 10 points in the period to tie the game Return Yards ...... 4 4 at 20. Allan Evridge scored on a keeper, and Jeff Snodgrass nearly matched Crosby with a strong 51- Punts: No-Average ...... 8-46.2 6-35.2 yard field goal with just under three minutes left before the wind would go back in CU’s favor. Fumbles: No-Lost ...... 1-1 3-3 Penalties/Yards ...... 11/116 8/60 KSU took a time out to force CU to punt against the wind from its own 32 with 22 seconds left in the Quarterback Sacks—Yards ...... 2-23 3-30 period. But CU called for a fake, and punter John Torp rewarded the coaches’ gutsy call by sprinting 17 Time of Possession ...... 30:06 29:54 yards for a first down. INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS The teams then traded punts for two possessions each in the fourth quarter, with the turning point to Rushing—CU: Charles 14-67, Vickers 12-24, Torp 1-17, Ellis 2-5, Klatt 6-minus 15, Team 2-minus come with a minute to play. Torp boomed a 53-yard punt from his own 21 to the KSU 26, where 7. KSU: Alsup 8-42, Mann 5-25, Clayton 8-21, Fisher 3-7, Saba 1-0, Evridge 12-minus 14. Jermaine Moreira tried to pick it up after one bounce. But Vance Washington was there for Colorado to Passing—CU: Klatt 34-17-0, 272, 1 td. KSU: Evridge 40-19-0, 211, 0 td. distract Moreira, causing him to fumble with Terry Washington recovering. Receiving—CU: Judge 6-108, Sypniewski 4-85, Sprague 3-26, Williams 2-30, Klopfenstein 1-20, In a most unusual move, Klatt downed the ball twice of losses of seven yards, but Crosby was more than Vickers 1-3. KSU: Moreira 6-85, Nelson 5-75, Norwood 3-27, Clayton 2-21, Dennis 1-24, comfortable with the wind at his back and split the uprights with his 50-yard game winning kick. KSU Fisher 1-11, Mann 1-3, assorted laterals 0-minus 35. ran one more offensive play, eventually losing 13 yards on a series of laterals and fumbles in trying to Punting—CU: Torp 8-46.2 (65 long, 1 In20). KSU: Reyer 6-35.2 (44 long, 2 In20). replicate the famous California kickoff return against Stanford in 1982. Punt Returns—CU: Robinson 2-4. KSU: Moreira 2-4. Kickoff Returns—CU: Robinson 1-13. KSU: Figurs 1-23. Interceptions—CU: none. KSU: none. Klatt finished the game with 6,579 career yards, as he passed Kordell Stewart, who accumulated 6,481 Tackle Leaders—CU: Th.Washington 7,5—12; Henderson 7,4—11; Billingsley 8,2—10; Manupuna between 1991-94. Klatt got the record with a 20-yard pass to Joe Klopfenstein, late in the first half. 4,3—7; Lucas 2,5—7; Dizon 5,1—6; Burl 5,0—5; Iwuh 4,1—5. KSU: Watts 10,0—10; Mack COLORADO...... 7 13 0 3 — 23 6,2—8; Sims 4,4—8; Echols 2,5—7; McKinney 5,0—5. Kansas State...... 3 7 10 0 — 20 Quarterback Sacks—CU: Dizon 1-12, Garee 1-11. KSU: Archer 1-13, Sims 1-11, McKinney 1-6. 2006 Colorado Football / GAME SUMMARIES 5-5-5

GAME #9—COLORADO 41, MISSOURI 12 (November5; Boulder)

BOULDER — V-back Lawrence Vickers proved the “V” in his position tag indeed stood for versatile, as COLORADO— Vickers 1 run (Crosby kick) 7- 0 7:27 1Q he ran for a career-high 85 yards and four touchdowns in leading No. 25 Colorado to a 41-12 win over Missouri— Franklin 18 pass from Smith (kick failed) 7- 6 3:26 1Q Missouri to give the Buffaloes a two-game lead with as many to play in the Big 12 North Division. COLORADO— Vickers 20 run (Crosby kick) 14- 6 6:32 2Q COLORADO— Vickers 2 run (Crosby kick) 21- 6 5:10 2Q Vickers, who usually plays fullback, moved to tailback due to an ankle injury to starter Hugh Charles and COLORADO— Crosby 56 FG 24- 6 2:33 2Q enjoyed one of the finest games of his career, scoring three of his touchdowns in the first half when Missouri— Smith 12 fumble return (run failed) 24-12 13:39 3Q the Buffs built a 24-6 intermission lead. COLORADO— Sypniewski 6 pass from Klatt (Crosby kick) 31-12 7:37 3Q Joel Klatt threw for 253 yards and a touchdown as he completed his first 12 passes of the game to COLORADO— Vickers 7 run (Crosby kick) 38-12 14:48 4Q get the Colorado offense rolling. CU’s first two scoring drives covered 94 and 82 yards, the former COLORADO— Crosby 43 FG 41-12 8:16 4Q the longest of the year by the Buffs. Vickers capped that one with a 1-yard run to put CU ahead 7-0 TEAM STATISTICS COLORADO MISSOURI midway through the first quarter. Missouri put up plenty of fight, countering with an 80-yard drive of First Downs ...... 24 18 its own in 10 plays, with Brad Smith firing an 18-yard touchdown pass to William Franklin. Adam Third Down Efficiency...... 7-14 7-18 Crossett’s PAT kick sailed wide left, however, in what would turn out to be the last chance the Tigers Fourth Down Efficiency...... 0-0 2-4 would have to tie the score on the day. Rushes—Net Yards ...... 42-136 30-59 Vickers broke three tackles in rambling in from 20 yards out to start a 17-point scoring spree 6:32 Passing Yards ...... 260 217 before halftime. After the score that put CU ahead 14-6, the Buffs elected to onside kick, but Passes (Att-Comp-Int)...... 32-24-0 44-27-1 Missouri wasn’t surprised and recovered. Two plays later, Tony Temple fumbled with Buff safety J.J. Total Offense...... 396 276 Billingsley scooping up the ball and racing to Missouri 26. Stephone Robinson picked up 24 yards on a Return Yards ...... 54 16 reverse to the 2, where Vickers took it in. Mason Crosby added a 56-yard field goal, one that would Punts: No-Average ...... 3-46.7 6-43.0 have been good from 75, to end the spree to build the 18-point halftime lead. Fumbles: No-Lost ...... 1-1 4-1 Penalties/Yards ...... 4/21 5/65 Missouri’s last breath came early in the second half, when Jamar Smith recovered a Klatt fumble and Quarterback Sacks—Yards ...... 3-24 1-12 returned it 12 yards for a touchdown. The play was reviewed and upheld, though Klatt said Time of Possession ...... 34:35 25:25 afterwards he felt he his arm was moving forward when hit. Regardless, CU stuffed the two-point try and the responded with a 14-play, 80-yard drive to stamp out the Tiger comeback. Klatt hit Quinn INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Sypniewski with a 6-yard touchdown pass to make the score 31-12; the drive was aided by a roughing Rushing—Colorado: Vickers 18-85, Ellis 15-32, Robinson 1-24, Schaub 1-4, Jackson 4-minus 1, the kicker penalty on a punt and a roughing the passer call. Klatt 3-minus 8. Missouri: Jackson 4-17, Smith 13-16, Daniel 4-15, Temple 4-15, Woods 4-6, Ekwerekwu 1-minus 10. Vickers added a 7-yard run on the second play of the fourth quarter to extend the lead to 38-12, and Passing—Colorado: Klatt 31-23-0, 253, 1 td; Cox 1-1-0, 7. Missouri: Smith 29-19-0, 160, Crosby closed the scoring with a 43-yard field goal with just over eight minutes to play. 1 td; Daniel 15-8-1, 57. Smith, who completed his first eight passes, was held in check by the Colorado defense, proving to be Receiving—Colorado: Robinson 5-50, Sypniewski 4-49, Williams 4-27, Judge 3-73, Sprague the key to shutting down an offensive attack that two weeks earlier went roughshod over Nebraska. 3-38, Klopfenstein 2-9, Vickers 1-6, Charles 1-5, Ellis 1-3. Missouri: Rucker 9-88, Coffey In that game, Smith had 480 yards total offense, over 200 both rushing and passing. CU limited him 8-55, Coffman 6-31, Franklin 2-31, Saunders 1-8, Woods 1-4. to a season-low 16 rushing yards on 13 tries, and after he opened 8-of-8 for 82 yards in the first Punting—Colorado: Torp 3-46.7 (54 long, 1 In20). MU: Crossett 6-43.0 (51 long, 4 In20). quarter, held him to 11-of-21 for 78 yards the rest of the game. Punt Returns—Colorado: Robinson 2-14. Missouri: Goldsmith 1-4.

CU outgained Missouri 396-276, and even though both teams ran 74 plays, the Buffs had over nine Kickoff Returns—Colorado: Te.Washington 1-25. Missouri: Temple 1-23. more minutes of possession time. The Buff defense stifled the Tiger running game, holding MU to just Interceptions—Colorado: Burl 1-4. Missouri: none. 59 yards on 30 attempts. Tackle Leaders—Colorado: Th.Washington 7,4—11; Dawn 6,4—10; Henderson 4,2—6; Burl 5,0—5; Dizon 4,1—5; Manupuna 3,2—5; Sims 4,0—4; Burton 3,1—4; Iwuh 2,2—4. Missouri ...... 6 0 6 0 — 12 MU: Simpson 9,2—11; Kincade 8,1—9; Bacon 5,4—9; Overstreet 6,2—8; Ming 5,2—7. COLORADO...... 7 17 7 10 — 41 Quarterback Sacks—Colorado: Dizon 2-24, Th.Washington 1-0. Missouri: Sulak 1-12.

GAME #10—IOWA STATE 30, COLORADO 16 (November12; Ames)

AMES, Iowa — In game delayed by a tornado in the vicinity and with winds reminiscent of the Wizard COLORADO— Crosby 31 FG 10-13 8:06 2Q of Oz, Iowa State used a pair of 66-yard defensive scores to defeat Colorado, 30-16, pulling to within a COLORADO— Crosby 42 FG 13-13 10:38 3Q game of the Buffaloes in the race for the Big 12 North Division title. Iowa State — Culbertson 45 FG 13-16 9:28 3Q Iowa State — Paris 66 fumble return (Culbertson kick) 13-23 0:30 3Q Brent Curvey’s interception and runback of a Joel Klatt pass with just 1:31 left sealed the win for the COLORADO— Crosby 57 FG 16-23 11:25 4Q Cyclones, only their second against the Buffs in the last 22 games in the series. It was a shocking end, Iowa State — Curvey 66 interception return (Culbertson kick) 16-30 1:31 4Q at least for Colorado, to the evening, which started with a 30-minute delay after several tornadoes were spotted around Ames following a series of thunderstorms that passed through the area. TEAM STATISTICS COLORADO IOWA STATE First Downs ...... 23 15 The winds were steady throughout the game at around 20 miles per hour, constantly gusting into the Third Down Efficiency...... 3-14 2-14 30s and reaching a peak of 51 mph in the first quarter, when Iowa State utilized the wind at its back Fourth Down Efficiency...... 0-2 0-1 to build a 13-0 lead. Two short Bret Culbertson field goals were sandwiched around a 27-yard Rushes—Net Yards ...... 38-79 25-36 touchdown pass from Bret Meyer to Ben Barkema. Passing Yards ...... 284 251 Once CU had the wind on its side, the Buffs were able to climb back into the game. Hugh Charles’ 1- Passes (Att-Comp-Int)...... 42-25-2 38-20-0 yard run capped a 70-yard drive that got CU on the scoreboard, with Mason Crosby’s 31-yard field Total Offense...... 363 287 goal pulling the Buffs back to within 13-10 at halftime. Return Yards ...... 2 157 Punts: No-Average ...... 6-32.0 7-33.7 Crosby connected on a 42-yard field goal against the wind, just over four minutes into the second half Fumbles: No-Lost ...... 2-1 1-1 to tie the game at 13, but the Cyclones quickly retook the lead on Culbertson 45-yard field goal. Penalties/Yards ...... 10/90 5/68 That set the stage for some fireworks late in the quarter. Lorenzo Sims forced and recovered a Milan Quarterback Sacks—Yards ...... 2-12 2-13 Moses fumble at the ISU 34. But on CU’s first play following the turnover, Lawrence Vickers had the Time of Possession ...... 36:05 23:55 ball stripped by Tim Dobbins, with Steve Paris there to pick it up and race 66 yards in the other INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS direction for six points, giving Iowa State a 23-13 with 30 seconds remaining in the period. Rushing—Colorado: Charles 19-61, Vickers 13-23, Ellis 1-2, Robinson 1-2, Klatt 4-minus 9. CU bounced right back, as Crosby added yet another long field goal to his resume. His 11th career 50- ISU: Hicks 14-27, Meyer 8-10, Kock 2-1, Team 1-minus 2. plus yard kick, this one from 57 yards out, pulled CU back to within one score, setting the stage for Passing—Colorado: Klatt 42-25-2, 284, 0 td. ISU: Meyer 38-20-0, 251, 1 td. Curvey’s late heroics. His interception of a screen pass at the ISU 34 ended a Buff march that had Receiving—Colorado: Charles 6-44, Sprague 5-45, Sypniewski 3-45, Judge 3-43, Williams 3-40, started on the CU 11; Klatt had completed seven of eight passes on the drive prior to the pick. Vickers 2-18, Klopfenstein 1-32, Robinson 1-11, Barnett 1-6. ISU: Blythe 5-108, Flynn 5-46,

The Buffs had 363 yard on offense to 287 for the Cyclones, and had a sizeable advantage in first downs Barkema 3-61, Davis 3-13, Sumrall 2-19, Moses 1-3, Brant 1-1. (23-15) and possession time (36:05-23:55), but ISU had 157 return yards to just to 2 for Colorado. Punting—Colo.: Torp 6-32.0 (45 long, 2 In20). ISU: Blankenship 6-38.2 (50 long, 2 In20, 1 blk). Punt Returns—Colorado: Robinson 1-2. ISU: none. COLORADO...... 0 10 3 3 — 16 Kickoff Returns—Colorado: Robinson 4-59. ISU: Jackson 2-45. Iowa State...... 10 3 10 7 — 30 Interceptions—Colorado: none. ISU: Curvey 1-66, Dobbins 1-25. Iowa State — Culbertson 23 FG 0- 3 8:01 1Q Tackle Leaders—Colorado: Iwuh 5,3—8; Manupuna 5,3—8; Sims 6,0—6; Henderson 4,2—6; Iowa State — Barkema 27 pass from Meyer (Culbertson kick) 0-10 5:33 1Q Th.Washington 2,4—6; Burl 5,0—5; Dizon 3,2—5; Ligon 3,1—4. ISU: Dobbins 11,7—18; Iowa State — Culbertson 30 FG 0-13 14:48 2Q Buchanan 5,6—11; Jackson 7,2—9; Moser 4,2—6; Berryman 4,2—6. COLORADO— Charles 1 run (Crosby kick) 7-13 12:56 2Q Quarterback Sacks—Colorado: Guydon 1-10, Wright 1-2. ISU: Curvey 1-7, Berryman 1-6. 2006 Colorado Football / GAME SUMMARIES 6-6-6

GAME #11—NEBRASKA 30, COLORADO 3 (November25; Boulder)

BOULDER — Colorado needed a win on senior day to advance to the Big 12 Championship game, but Nebraska— Ross 19 pass from Taylor (Congdon kick) 3-10 13:01 2Q Zac Taylor and Nebraska had other ideas as the Cornhuskers unleashed one of their most potent Nebraska— Glenn 1 run (Congdon kick) 3-17 9:57 2Q offensive games of the season in defeating the Buffaloes, 30-3. Nebraska— Congdon 30 FG 3-20 4:44 2Q Nebraska— Swift 21 pass from Taylor (Congdon kick) 3-27 6:30 3Q Taylor threw for 392 yards and two touchdowns in surviving being sacked five times to lead the Nebraska— Congdon 32 FG 3-30 2:02 4Q Huskers to the win, the fourth in a row by the visiting team in the series. He had 167 yards and a TD pass in the decisive second quarter, in which Nebraska scored 17 points in breaking a 3-3 tie in TEAM STATISTICS COLORADO NEBRASKA building a 20-3 halftime lead. First Downs...... 13 28 Third Down Efficiency...... 3-15 11-21 Things started off well enough for the Buffs. The CU defense forced two incomplete passes with Fourth Down Efficiency ...... 1-1 0-0 Brian Iwuh sacking Taylor on third down to end the Huskers’ first series of the game. When the Rushes—Net Yards ...... 20-53 42-105 Buffs got the ball, Hugh Charles scampered 45 yards up the middle on CU’s first play, and then Passing Yards ...... 159 392 caught an 8-yard pass from Joel Klatt on the next one set CU up at the Nebraska 16. But the drive Passes (Att-Comp-Int)...... 40-20-1 48-27-0 stalled and Mason Crosby drilled a 33-yard field goal to get CU on the board in what turned out to be Total Offense ...... 212 497 the Buffs’ only lead—and points—of the day. Return Yards ...... 29 37 Nebraska countered immediately with a 10-play drive that produced a 26-yard field goal from Jordan Punts: No-Average...... 9-47.4 5-54.8 Congdon to knot the game at 3-3, setting the stage for its offensive explosion in the second quarter. Fumbles: No-Lost ...... 2-0 1-0 In putting 17 points into the books on a Taylor to Cory Ross 19-yard touchdown pass, an Aaron Penalties/Yards ...... 10/105 7/51 Glenn 1-yard run and another Congdon field goal, the Huskers rolled up 201 yards of offense in the Quarterback Sacks—Yards...... 5-30 4-33 quarter in taking control of the game. Time of Possession...... 21:57 38:03

Colorado never got much going in the second half, possessing the ball for all of 10:16 after INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS intermission, including just 2:33 in the fourth quarter as the Huskers played ball control after taking Rushing—Colorado: Charles 12-78, Ellis 1-5, Robinson 1-2, Klatt 7-minus 30. Nebraska: Lucky a 24-point lead. That was attained midway in the third quarter on a 21-yard touchdown pass from 10-33, Jackson 4-25, Glenn 8-18, Taylor 13-16, Ross 7-13. Taylor to Nate Swift that capped a 76-yard drive with 6:30 left in the period. Passing—Colorado: Klatt 40-20-1, 159, 0 td. Nebraska: Taylor 43-27-0, 392, 1 td; Beck

Congdon added a 32-yard field goal with 2:02 left in the game to account for the final points of the 4-0-0, 0; Nunn 1-0-0, 0. day. Receiving—Colorado: Sprague 5-37, Williams 5-30, Judge 3-34, Klopfenstein 3-26, Vickers 2-5, Sypniewski 1-19, Charles 1-8. Nebraska: Ross 9-129, Swift 4-77, Nunn 4-27, Peterson Nebraska amassed 497 yards on offense, the most against Colorado on the year, and only the 3-54, Mulkey 3-49, Phillips 3-21, Hardy 1-35. second time a team posted over 400. The Buffs finished with 212 yards, 111 of which came on their Punting—Colorado: Torp 9-47.4 (57 long, 3 In20). Nebraska: Koch 5-54.8 (63 long, 0 In20). first and last possessions of the game. Charles had 78 yards to lead all ball carriers in the game, Punt Returns—Colorado: Robinson 2-29. Nebraska: Grixby 5-37. while Ross had a career day catching the ball, as the diminutive NU tailback caught nine passes for Kickoff Returns—Colorado: Te.Washington 2-51, Robinson 2-40, Ellis 1-25. Nebraska: none. 129 yards. Interceptions—Colorado: none. Nebraska: Ickes 1-0. Nebraska ...... 3 17 7 3 — 30 Tackle Leaders—Colorado: Th.Washington 7,7—14; Iwuh 8,2—10; Dawn 6,3—9; Sims COLORADO...... 3 0 0 0 — 3 6,0—6; Dizon 4,1—5; Henderson 4,1—5; Manupuna 4,1—5. Nebraska: Ickes 5,1—6;

COLORADO—Crosby 33 FG 0- 3 12:25 1Q Ruud 5,0—5; Bullocks 3,2—5; B Grixby 4,0—4; Carricker 2,2—4; Tiedtke 3,0—3. Nebraska— Congdon 26 FG 3- 3 8:06 1Q Quarterback Sacks—Colorado: Wright 1-8, Iwuh 1-7, Th. Washington 1-7, Dawn 1-6, Garee 1-2. Nebraska: Ruud 1-8, Smith 1-4, Carricker ½-6, Cryer ½-6, Adams ½-5, Moore ½-4.

GAME #12—TEXAS 70, COLORADO 3 (Big 12 Championship Game) (December 3; Houston)

HOUSTON — Three turnovers and a blocked punt fueled a 56-point scoring spree in just over 19 Texas— Jamaal Charles 26 run (David Pino kick) 3-63 9:59 3Q minutes as No. 2 Texas ran away from Colorado in defeating the Buffaloes, 70-3, to win the Big 12 Texas— Henry Melton 1 run (David Pino kick) 3-70 7:36 3Q

Conference championship game. TEAM STATISTICS COLORADO TEXAS The Longhorns, on a mission to win their first league title since the conference’s inaugural season in First Downs...... 12 26 1996, scored on nine of their first 10 possessions in finishing the regular season with a 12-0 Third Down Efficiency...... 3-14 11-16 record, earning a spot against USC for the national championship in the Rose Bowl. Fourth Down Efficiency ...... 1-2 0-1 Rushes—Net Yards ...... 26-82 57-268 Colorado came out of the gates decent enough, actually outgained Texas 120-101 in the first Passing Yards ...... 109 218 quarter, but saw two long drives end with a fumble and a blocked field goal. The ‘Horns turned that Passes (Att-Comp-Int)...... 32-15-1 19-16-1 first miscue, a Hugh Charles fumble, into a quick score, marching 65 yards in seven plays (and in Total Offense ...... 191 486 just 116 seconds) to set the tone for the day after a –yard run by Henry Melton. UT scored again Return Yards ...... 24 60 on its next possession, a 3-yard run by Jamaal Charles, to go up 14-0 just over nine minutes into Punts: No-Average...... 7-32.6 2-34.0 the game. Fumbles: No-Lost ...... 4-3 0-0 Mason Crosby scored CU’s only points on the afternoon with a 25-yard field goal to open the Penalties/Yards ...... 8/74 11/93 second quarter, pulling the Buffs to within 14-3. That’s when Texas countered with eight Quarterback Sacks—Yards...... 0-0 0-0 unanswered touchdowns, which included three TD passes by Heisman Trophy runner-up Vince Time of Possession...... 23:54 36:06 Young, with two more Jamaal Charles’ scoring runs, one each by both Youngs, Vince and Selvin and INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS a blocked punt return for a score. When the smoke cleared, the Longhorns turned an Rushing—Colorado: Charles 12-36, Klatt 4-26, Robinson 1-9, Cox 2-6, Ellis 5-3, Vickers 2-2. insurmountable 42-3 halftime lead into a 70-3 advantage with 7:36 left in the third quarter. Texas: Charles 7-62, V.Young 8-57, S.Young 3-42, Taylor 14-41, Melton 13-34, McCoy 3-11, Five of the Texas scoring drives fell between 16 and 46 yards, as turnovers and other miscues set Ogbonnaya 5-11, Nordgren 2-9, Myers 2-1. the Longhorns up with a short field much of the game. Texas finished with 486 total yards, Passing—Colorado: Klatt 24-14-1, 100, 0 td; Cox 8-1-0, 9. Texas: V. Young 17-14-1, 193, including a season-high 268 yards rushing against CU’s No. 2 ranked defense against the run. 3 td; Nordgren 2-2-0, 25. Colorado could not muster much offense after the first quarter, gaining just 71 yards in the final Receiving—Colorado: Klopfenstein 4-23, Sypniewski 2-15, Barnett 2-14, Charles 2-5, Judge three quarters to finish with 191 on the day. 1-24, Sprague 1-22, Williams 1-5, Vickers 1-2, Ellis 1-minus 1. Texas: Sweed 5-102, Cosby

Texas ...... 14 28 28 0 — 70 4-52, Thomas 3-31, Walker 1-22, S. Young 1-5, Ogbonnaya 1-3, Charles 1-3. COLORADO...... 0 3 0 0 — 3 Punting—Colorado: Torp 6-38.0 (55 long, 0 In20, 1 blk). Texas: McGee 2-34.0 (39 long, 0 In20). Texas— Henry Melton 1 run (David Pino kick) 0- 7 9:44 1Q Punt Returns—Colorado: Robinson 1-3. Texas: M.Griffin 1-21, Ross 3-21. Texas— Jamaal Charles 3 pass from Vince Young (David Pino kick) 0-14 5:59 1Q Kickoff Returns—Colorado: Te.Washington 2-40, Robinson 3-56. Texas: Taylor 2-83. COLORADO— Mason Crosby 25 FG 3-14 14:48 2Q Interceptions—Colorado: Hubbard 1-21. Texas: Brown 1-11. Texas— Vince Young 2 run (David Pino kick) 3-21 12:00 2Q Tackle Leaders—Colorado: Th.Washington 6,4—10; Garee 6,3—9; Billingsley 8,0—8; Iwuh Texas— Limas Sweed 31 pass from Vince Young (David Pino kick) 3-28 11:37 2Q 5,2—7; Burl 6,0—6; Dizon 6,0—6; Barrett 3,2—5; Sims 2,3—5. Texas: C. Griffin Texas— David Thomas 8 pass from Vince Young (David Pino kick) 3-35 7:20 2Q 4,3—7; Killebrew 4,3—7; Huff 4,2—6; Bobino 2,4—6; M.Griffin 4,1—5. Texas— Jamaal Charles 2 run (David Pino kick) 3-42 0:25 2Q Quarterback Sacks—Colorado: none. Texas: none. Texas— Selvin Young 4 run (David Pino kick) 3-49 11:26 3Q Texas— Brandon Foster blocked punt return (David Pino kick) 3-56 10:21 3Q

2006 Colorado Football / GAME SUMMARIES 7-7-7

GAME #13 (Champs Sports Bowl)—CLEMSON 19, COLORADO 10 (December27; Orlando, Fla.)

ORLANDO — Colorado battled valiantly in overcoming several obstacles, but in the end No. 23 Clemson ...... 3 3 7 6 — 19 Clemson wore down the Buffaloes as the Tigers held on for a 19-10 victory in the Champs Sports COLORADO ...... 0 3 0 7 — 10 Bowl. Clemson — Dean 26 FG 0- 3 5:23 1Q Injuries had claimed CU several regulars over the last portion of the season, including record- COLORADO — Crosby 36 FG 3- 3 14:56 2Q setting quarterback Joel Klatt, who had his career cut short thanks to an illegal, vicious cheap shot Clemson — Dean 18 FG 3- 6 5:48 2Q by Texas’ Drew Kelson in the Big 12 Championship game. Klatt was officially declared out of the Clemson — Whitehurst 5 run (Dean kick) 3-13 11:45 3Q bowl about a week before it, which came two weeks after Gary Barnett and the school reached an COLORADO — Sypniewski 2 pass from White (Crosby kick) 10-13 5:45 4Q agreement for CU’s head coach of seven years to step down from the position. Clemson — Davis 6 run (kick blocked) 10-19 1:38 4Q

Defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz was named interim head coach for the bowl, thus he had to TEAM STATISTICS COLORADO CLEMSON figure out a way for CU to battle the “other CU” without its leader over the previous three years, First Downs...... 10 19 one who set 44 school records while keeping up the spirits of a team that had lost its head coach. Third Down Efficiency...... 3-14 6-14 Fourth Down Efficiency ...... 1-1 0-0 Many assumed the defense would have to carry the Buffaloes, and that’s exactly what happened. Rushes—Net Yards ...... 29-17 38-160 The Tigers came into the game on a roll, toppling top 25 teams Florida State and South Carolina, Passing Yards ...... 107 205 but CU would hold the Tigers to just a pair of field goals in the first half. Passes (Att-Comp-Int)...... 24-11-0 29-21-1 Clemson opened the scoring with a 26-yard Jad Dean field goal, the lone scoring in the first Total Offense ...... 124 365 quarter. The Buffs tied the game on the first play of the second quarter with a 36-yard by their Return Yards ...... 39 7 All-American Mason Crosby, with Dean answering later in the period with an 18-yarder. The Tigers Punts: No-Average...... 9-49.7 6-33.8 took that 6-3 lead into halftime, as an interception and blocked punt by the Buffaloes kept CU in the Fumbles: No-Lost ...... 3-0 1-0 game despite just 34 yards of offense for the entire half. Penalties/Yards ...... 7/44 6/49

The Tigers regrouped at intermission and came out with an eight play, 67-yard drive that ended Quarterback Sacks—Yards...... 3-19 4-29 with a Charlie Whitehurst 5-yard run up the middle for a touchdown. The key play on the drive was Time of Possession...... 25:30 34:30 a Johnny Davis 40-yard run to the Buff 22, the longest rush of the year against Colorado. CU, Drives/Average Field Position...... 12/C31 12/C23 which went three plays and out four times on seven first half possessions, did it both times it had Red Zone: Scores-Attempts (Points) ...... 2-2 (10) 4-4 (19) the ball in the third quarter, but the defense kept the Buffs within range heading down the stretch. INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Hoping to shake things up a bit, Brian White came in for James Cox at quarterback, and the change Rushing—Colorado: Charles 13-16, Vickers 6-15, Ellis 3-8, Cox 6-minus 21, Team, 1-minus 1. in styles threw Clemson for a loop. White completed all three passes on his first drive, the first to Clemson: Davis 28-150, Merriweather 3-8, Grisham 1-5, Whitehurst 6-minus 3 tight end Quinn Sypniewski for 28 yards to the Tiger 26, and the next to Patrick Williams for 17 Passing—Colorado: White 12-7-0, 81, 1 td; Cox 12-4-0, 26, 0 td. Clemson: Whitehurst yards to the Clemson 9. On third-and-goal from the 2, he found Sypniewski again for his first 29-21-1, 205, 0 td. career touchdown pass, and Crosby’s PAT kick pulled the Buffs back to within 13-10 with 5:45 Receiving—Colorado: Sypniewski 4-50, Charles 2-5, Williams 1-17, Judge 1-16, Vickers 1-10, remaining. Klopfenstein 1-5, Sprague 1-4. Clemson: Kelly 4-36, Baham 3-49, Hunter 3-26, Taylor 3-19, But the Buff defense was gassed. Clemson answered the score with a 61-yard drive in seven Grisham 2-34, Davis 2-21, Stuckey 2-9, Harris 1-8, Jackson 1-3. plays, including six rushes, with Davis scoring from six yards out with 1:38 left. James Garee Punting—Colorado: Torp 9-49.7 (68 long, 4 In20). Clemson: Chason 5-36.0 (46 long, 2 In20, 1 blocked the PAT kick, but CU could not corral it for a possible 2-point return and the score stood at blk). Team 1-23.0. 19-10. Punt Returns—Colorado: Robinson 2-20. Clemson: Kelly 2-7. Kickoff Returns—Colorado: Robinson 3-44, Charles 0-21. Clemson: Kelly 2-37. Grisham 1-25. The Buffs drove to the Clemson 29, but ran out of time as Clemson dealt the Buffs a fourth Interceptions—Colorado: Henderson 1-19. Clemson: none. straight loss to end the season with a 7-6 record. Tackle Leaders—Colorado: Th.Washington 6,2—8; Sims 6,0—6; Iwuh 5,0—5; Burl 4,1-5; Davis was the first back to rush for over 100 yards against the Buffs in 2005, gaining 150 on 28 Henderson 3,2—5; Dizon 4,0—4; Te.Washington 3,1—4; Billingsley 3,0—3; Dawn 2,1—3; carries. He personally outgained the entire Colorado offense, which struggled to just 124 yards Wright 1,2—3. Clemson: Waters 5,3—8; Bennett 6,1—7; Jackson 3,1—4; Coleman overall. The Tigers controlled the ball for 34:30, and ran 67 plays to Colorado’s 53. 2,2—4; Fudge 3,0—3; Adams 3,0—3.

Clemson ended the year with an 8-4 record. Quarterback Sacks—Colorado: T.Washington 2-12, Ligon 1-7. Clemson: Adams 2-23, Jackson 1-5, Bennett 1-1. Passes Broken Up—Colorado: none. Clemson: Coleman, Hamlin.

Know Colorado Football (2006)

2005 QUICK SUMMARY

Colorado raced to a 4-1 and 7-2 start a year ago, only to have the season turn sour by losing four straight games to finish with a 7-6 record, though the Buffaloes did capture the Big 12 North Division title for the fourth time in five years. The Buffs opened with a third straight down-to-the wire win over rival Colorado State, this time rallying from a 21-10 fourth quarter deficit to win 31-28 on a 47-yard Mason Crosby field goal with four seconds left. CU then recorded two shutouts sandwiched around a 23-3 loss at No. 12 Miami, whitewashing New Mexico State and Oklahoma State, and blasted Texas A & M (winning 41-20 with A&M scoring two late cosmetic TDs). That set up the game at No. 2 Texas, where CU fell, 42-17. The Buffs then reeled off three more wins: convincing efforts over Kansas (44-13) and Missouri (41-12) at home with a 23-20 win at Kansas State in-between, the latter coming thanks to a 50- yard game winner from Crosby. The turning point came at Iowa State, where the Cyclones used two 66-yard defensive returns for touchdowns (a fumble and an interception) to snap a 16-16 tie to win 30-16 in severe windy conditions in Ames. Though CU dominated most other aspects of that game, the Buffs never recovered, the hangover lasting for the next two contests, a 30-3 loss at home to Nebraska and a 70-3 setback to the Longhorns in a Big 12 title game rematch. Coach Gary Barnett was dismissed after that game, and despite being battered and bruised offensively, the Buffs rallied to put on a decent showing in the Champs Sports Bowl, falling 19-10 to No. 23 Clemson. CU played that game without the services of quarterback Joel Klatt, who had his career ended prematurely by a vicious, illegal cheap shot in the Texas game.

POSITION CHANGES / NON-RETURNEES

Very few position changes took place in the spring, as only one player switched sides of the ball (Reggie Foster moved from tailback to the secondary). There was some movement on the same side, the two most notable being Lorenzo Sims practicing at safety as well as cornerback, and Joe Sanders moving from inside to outside linebacker. All non-seniors on the final 2005 roster returned for spring ball; WR Tim Lemon did leave the team and will concentrate on raising his family back home in California. PK Mason Crosby, who practiced at punter as a freshman and occasionally thereafter, is also under consideration for CU’s top spot there as well.

IN THE POLLS

Colorado did not finish in the top 25 in the Associated Press (media) or USA Today Coaches final polls of 2005, not receiving any points in either just two times all season (the last two polls of the year). The Buffs peaked at No. 21 in the November 5 coaches’ ballot (No. 22 in the other two), but dropped out after the loss at Iowa State. CU has been ranked three times this season, and also reached No. 18 in the BCS Standings (Nov. 6). CU returned to the polls after a 25-month hiatus on October 9, as the Buffaloes were ranked No. 24 in all three, dropped out again after the loss at No. 2 Texas, and then reappeared after the 23-20 win at Kansas State. Dating back to the 1989 preseason, CU has been ranked in 185 of the last 279 polls (AP; 67%), which includes a tremendous run of 143 consecutive between 1989 and 1997 (the 10th longest streak of all-time). CU has been ranked 292 times in its history, the 21st most all-time. Since 1989, CU has played the fourth most ranked teams in the nation (87), trailing Florida (95), Florida State (91) and Michigan (91).

THE BUFFALOES IN THE BIG 12

The Big 12 Conference is in its 10th season, and the Buffaloes are tied with Oklahoma and Texas in the number of division titles won with four. Just half of the schools in the conference have won a division title. A closer look:

Big 12 Division Titles (including 2005): Colorado 4, Oklahoma 4, Texas 4, Kansas State 3, Nebraska 3, Texas A&M 2. Big 12 Championship Game Records: Oklahoma 3-1, Nebraska 2-1, Texas 2-2, Colorado 1-3, Texas A&M 1-1, Kansas State 1-2.

CU VS. THE BIG 12 NORTH: Colorado owns the best record in intra-division competition going back to the start of the 2001 season against Big 12 North Division rivals, as the Buffaloes are 20-5 in this time frame. Other records in the same span: Kansas State 16-9, Nebraska 14-11, Iowa State 10-15, Missouri 8-17 and Kansas 7-18. The Buffs are 11-2 at home in this stretch, the only losses to Nebraska (2003 & 2005).

RUMMY .500: Colorado has owned a .500 record or better for 26 consecutive games, third best in the Big 12. The roll call by school (through 2005): Texas 89, Texas Tech 50, Colorado 26, Iowa State 17, Missouri 12, Nebraska 12, Oklahoma 8, Kansas 5, Baylor 0, Kansas State 0, Oklahoma State 0, Texas A&M 0.

ROAD-SWEET-ROAD: BUFFS EIGHTH BEST IN ENEMY STADIUMS SINCE ‘88

The Buffaloes have enjoyed a lot of success on the road over the last 17 seasons. CU has been victorious 57 of the last 88 times in enemy stadiums and is 65-36-1 dating ON THE ROAD (1988-2005) back to the 1985 season (a 64.9 winning clip). During this time frame, CU won a School W L T Pct. school record 10 straight road games (between 1994 and 1996). Over the last 17 Miami, Fla. 73 20 0 .785 Florida State 64 22 0 .744 seasons, Colorado is 57-30-1 away from home (a 65.3 winning percentage), which Tennessee 60 21 2 .735 stands eighth nationally and second among Big 12 Conference teams in this span. The Michigan 60 24 3 .707 Buffaloes own a 46-22-1 mark in their last 68 road conference games (Big 8 & Big Nebraska 59 25 3 .695 12—five losses at Nebraska, two at Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas Ohio State 56 26 2 .679 and Texas Tech; and one each at Baylor, Iowa State, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M; Notre Dame 54 28 2 .655 the tie was at K-State in 1993). CU is 21-19 on the Big 12 road since 1996 (2-2 in Colorado 57 29 1 .653 Florida 47 25 1 .651 2005). The chart to the right does not include neutral site games, despite some being Alabama 54 29 0 .651 anything but (i.e., Colorado vs. Texas at Irving for the ’01 Big 12 title.) Texas 54 33 0 .621 Know Colorado Football (2006) 2-2-2

CAREER CHART WATCH

Here’s where several returning Buffs rank on some of CU’s all-time statistical chart through the 2005 season (Note: Colorado does not count bowl stats into career totals to protect past history):

⇒ FS J.J. BILLINGSLEY is 24th in total tackles (255, the eighth most by a defensive back), and is tied for 12th in solo tackles (181). ⇒ CB GERETT BURL is tied for 11th in pass deflections (24). ⇒ TB HUGH CHARLES is 52nd in rushing yards (891). ⇒ PK MASON CROSBY is second in field goals made (47), second in PAT kicks made (90), second in field goal attempts (60), first in PAT attempts (98), and is tied for second in scoring and tied for first in kick scoring (231 points). ⇒ KR STEPHONE ROBINSON is 11th in punt return yards (517) and is sixth in punt returns (60). ⇒ CB LORENZO SIMS is tied for 27th in interceptions (6) and is tied for sixth in pass deflections (29). ⇒ WR DUSTY SPRAGUE is 23rd in receptions (65) and is 27th in receiving yards (746). ⇒ ILB THADDAEUS WASHINGTON is tied for 36th in total tackles (231), and is tied for 24th in solo tackles (142).

12TH BEST IN THE NATION SINCE 1989

Colorado has the nation’s 12th best record over the last 17 seasons, or since the start of 1989, CU has posted a 140-64-4 record. From opening 1-0 in ’89, through the 10th game of the 2005 season, the Buffs owned one of the top 10 overall records in the nation (247 consecutive weeks); that was snapped with the loss to Nebraska. The best Division I-A records from the start of 1989 through all games of 2005: vs. AP Ranked Teams Rk School G W L T Pct. G W- L-T 2005 1 Florida State 212 174 37 1 .823 91 64-26-1 8-5 2 Miami, Fla. 205 167 38 0 .815 76 48-28-0 9-3 3 Nebraska 211 168 42 1 .799 61 34-26-1 8-4 4 Tennessee 210 161 46 3 .774 80 45-32-3 5-6 5 Florida 212 161 50 1 .762 95 53-41-1 9-3 6 Michigan 207 155 49 3 .756 91 55-34-2 7-5 7 Ohio State 210 157 50 3 .755 85 46-36-3 10-2 8 Texas 207 144 61 2 .700 72 33-37-2 13-0 9 Virginia Tech 205 141 62 2 .693 55 25-29-1 11-2 10 Penn State 206 142 63 1 .692 75 36-39-0 11-1 11 Notre Dame 206 140 64 2 .684 81 39-40-2 9-3 12 COLORADO 208 140 64 4 .683 87 40-45-2 7-6

GAME-BY-GAME STARTERS

Here are CU’s starters for the 2005 season (bold indicates first career start):

OFFENSE WR WR ST SG C TG TT TE QB TB FB Colorado State Sprague Judge Polumbus Tipton Fenton Daniels O’Neal Klopfenstein Klatt Charles Vickers New Mexico State Sprague Judge Polumbus Tipton Fenton D. Sanders O’Neal Klopfenstein Klatt Charles Vickers Miami, Fla. Sprague Judge O’Neal Harrison Fenton Tipton Moore Klopfenstein Klatt Charles Sypniewski (TE) Oklahoma State Sprague Judge O’Neal Harrison Fenton Daniels Moore Klopfenstein Klatt Charles Vickers Texas A & M Sprague Judge O’Neal Harrison Fenton Daniels Moore Klopfenstein Klatt Charles Sypniewski (TE) Texas Barnett Judge O’Neal Harrison Fenton Daniels Moore Klopfenstein Klatt Charles Sypniewski (TE) Kansas Sprague Judge O’Neal Harrison Fenton Daniels Moore Klopfenstein Klatt Charles Sypniewski (TE) Kansas State Sprague Judge O’Neal Tipton Fenton Daniels Moore Klopfenstein Klatt Charles Sypniewski (TE) Missouri Sprague Judge O’Neal Harrison Fenton Daniels Moore Sypniewski Klatt Ellis Vickers Iowa State Sprague Judge O’Neal D. Sanders Fenton Daniels Moore Klopfenstein Klatt Charles Sypniewski (TE) Nebraska Sprague Judge O’Neal D. Sanders Fenton Daniels Moore Klopfenstein Klatt Charles Vickers Texas Sypniewski (TE) Judge O’Neal D. Sanders Fenton Daniels Moore Klopfenstein Klatt Charles Vickers Clemson Sprague Judge Polumbus Moore Fenton Daniels Harrison Klopfenstein Cox Charles Vickers

DEFENSE DE NT DT DE ILB ILB OLB CB S S CB Colorado State Wright Manupuna Garee Ligon Th. Washington Dizon Iwuh Sims Billingsley Henderson Burl New Mexico State Wright Manupuna Garee Ligon Dawn Dizon Hubbard (N) Sims Billingsley Henderson Burl Miami, Fla. Wright Manupuna Garee Ligon Th. Washington Dizon Iwuh Sims Billingsley Henderson Burl Oklahoma State Wright Manupuna Garee Barrett Th. Washington Dizon Iwuh Sims Billingsley Henderson Burl Texas A & M Wright Manupuna Garee Barrett Th. Washington Dizon Iwuh Sims Billingsley Henderson Burl Texas Wright Manupuna Garee Ligon Th. Washington Dizon Iwuh Sims Billingsley Henderson Burl Kansas Wright Manupuna Garee Ligon Th. Washington Dizon Iwuh Te. Washington Billingsley Henderson Burl Kansas State Wright Manupuna Garee Lucas Th. Washington Dizon Iwuh Te. Washington Billingsley Henderson Burl Missouri Wright Manupuna Garee Lucas Th. Washington Dizon Iwuh Sims Billingsley Henderson Burl Iowa State Wright Manupuna Garee Lucas Th. Washington Dizon Iwuh Sims Billingsley Henderson Burl Nebraska Wright Manupuna Garee Lucas Th. Washington Dizon Iwuh Sims Billingsley Henderson Burl Texas Wright Manupuna Garee Lucas Th. Washington Dawn Iwuh Sims Billingsley Hubbard Burl Clemson Wright Manupuna Garee Lucas Th. Washington Dizon Iwuh Sims Billingsley Henderson Burl

(N)—Nickel back. CONSECUTIVE STARTS—Garee 33, Fenton 25, O’Neal 25. CAREER STARTS—Klatt 34, Garee 33, Klopfenstein 33, Daniels 32, Billingsley 30. PLAYER PARTICIPATION (dressed/played): Colorado State 94/53; New Mexico State 92/62; Miami 70/54; Oklahoma State 68/63; Texas A&M 96/65; Texas 70/55; Kansas 95/60; Kansas State 70/53; Missouri 96/60; Iowa State 70/54; Nebraska 100/53; Texas 72/58; Clemson 94/56. Know Colorado Football (2006) 3-3-3

CAREER GAMES PLAYED/STARTED CHART

Listed below is the career games played/started, including bowls, for the final roster of the 2005 Colorado Buffaloes:

Player G GS Player G GS Player G GS Player G GS Player G GS ACKERMANN 19 0 CRAWFORD, C. 0 0 GRUBIN 0 0 KLOPFENSTEIN 44 34 SPRAGUE 23 11 ADAMS, Jo. 0 0 CREIGHTON 37 0 GUYDON 25 0 LEMON 1 0 STENGEL 0 0 ADAMS, Ju. 0 0 CROSBY 38 — HAMMOND 18 0 LIGON 35 16 SYPNIEWSKI 55 20 AGOSTINO 0 0 CUSWORTH 13 0 HARRIS 23 0 LUCAS 8 6 TIPTON 21 4 BACKOWSKI 0 0 DANIELS 35 33 HARRISON 22 7 MACKEY 15 2 TORP 40 — BARNETT 13 1 DAWN 52 12 HAUCK 0 0 MacMARTIN 9 0 VICKERS 48 20 BARRETT 18 2 DEVENNY 0 0 HEAD 0 0 MANUPUNA 49 27 WALTERS 13 0 BEHRENS 0 0 DeVREE 0 0 HENDERSON 26 22 McBRIDE 1 0 WASHINGTON, Te 13 2 BILLINGSLEY 41 31 DiLALLO 0 0 HOLZ 26 0 McKAY 11 0 WASHINGTON, Th. 37 23 BOYE-DOE 34 3 DIZON 26 23 HUBBARD 32 7 MOORE 44 12 WASHINGTON, V. 36 0 BROOKS 31 13 EBERHART 7 — HYPOLITE 12 0 MOYD 0 0 WHEATLEY 25 7 BROWN, M. 0 0 ELLIS 22 1 IWUH 49 31 O’NEAL 42 29 WHITE 3 0 BROWN, R. 6 0 ENGLISH 0 0 JACKSON 12 0 PACE 50 0 WILLIAMS 15 0 BURL 26 22 FENTON 36 26 JAGORAS 0 0 POLUMBUS 23 3 WILSON 0 0 BURNEY 11 0 FOSTER 0 0 JONES, B. 13 0 ROBINSON 26 0 WRIGHT 27 16 BURTON 13 0 GARDEN 0 — JONES, M. 9 0 SANDERS, D. 10 4 YATES 0 0 CAESAR 9 0 GAREE 45 34 JONES, Z. 0 0 SANDERS, J. 23 0 ZIMMERER 0 0 CANTRELL 4 0 GARRATT 0 0 JOSEPH 18 0 SCHAUB 26 0 TEAM 1772 600 CARPENTER 15 0 GEER 0 0 JUDGE 51 24 SHANAHAN 0 0 2004 Final 1442 447 CHARLES 25 12 GOETTSCH 6 0 KACHMER 0 0 SHERMAN 0 0 CLEMENT 7 0 GONZALES 6 0 KAYNOR 0 0 SIMS 29 25 COX 15 2 GRIFFITH 42 0 KLATT 39 34 SMART 0 0

LAST TRUE FRESHMEN TO START: DE Maurice Lucas (2005); ILB Jordon Dizon (2004); ILB Walter Boye-Doe, CB Terrence Wheatley, S Dominique Brooks, OG Brian Daniels, DB Lorenzo Sims (2003); J.J. Billingsley, TB Brian Calhoun, DB Brian Iwuh (2002). LAST TRUE FRESHMEN TO START AT QUARTERBACK: Craig Ochs (2000), Koy Detmer (1992). IN A SEASON OPENER: Has not occurred. LAST TRUE FRESHMEN TO START AT RUNNING BACK: Brian Calhoun (2002), Marcus Houston (2000). IN A SEASON OPENER: Kent Kahl (1991). LAST REDSHIRT FRESHMEN TO START: OG Daniel Sanders (2005); CB Sammy Joseph, DE Alex Ligon, LB Thaddaeus Washington (2003). LAST PLAYERS TO START FOR THE FIRST TIME AS A SENIOR: WR Mike Duren, OG Terrance Barreau (2004); WR D.J. Hackett (2003); DE Dylan Bird, WR Jason Burianek, OT Josh Foster, QB Robert Hodge, DB Lovell Houston, OT Rawle King (2002), WR Matt Brunson (2001), DE Anwawn Jones (2000).

INJURY UPDATE

The injury list is fairly significant, but not nearly as long as in 2003 (23) and 2002 (25); it stood at 11 last year and 16 in 2004. Head trainer Steve Willard expects most be ready come August drills. Two players right now are scheduled for minor post-spring surgeries: S Dominique Brooks (shoulder) and CB/S Lorenzo Sims (shoulder). WR Michael Kachmer had surgery on his ACL yesterday (April 14). A couple of other players might consider the option as well. The list:

Pos Player Injury Notes Status Today & Expected Return If Out DE Alonzo Barrett elbow suffered dislocation in practice April 4 OUT / AUGUST CAMP S Dominique Brooks knee suffered against Texas; had surgery on January 10 OUT / INDEFINITE TB Brandon Caesar knee still bothersome to the point where he decided to take a medical (will be a student coach) CARER ENDING QB James Cox thumb/hand injured in practice the third practice session (March 16; hit defender helmet) OUT / AUGUST CAMP PK Kevin Eberhart quad suffered a strain in practice DOUBTFUL WR Michael Kachmer knee suffered a torn ACL in practices after spring break OUT / INDEFENITE DE Alex Ligon pec injured in conditioning, missed entire spring OUT / AUGUST CAMP WR Blake Mackey knee injured early in fall ’05 drills, surgery last August 16; practiced on a limited basis OUT / AUGUST CAMP OT Tyler Polumbus shoulder had surgery on January 10 to relieve chronic condition OUT / AUGUST CAMP WR Charlie Sherman ankle chronic condition causing repetitive sprains; may consider surgery OUT / AUGUST CAMP OG Jack Tipton knee suffered damage against Nebraska; surgery on December 16 OUT / AUGUST CAMP DE Sam Zimmerer illness missed all of spring with respiratory infection OUT / AUGUST CAMP HIPAA: The players listed above have signed waivers for their injury information to be released/discussed with the media.

THE FIRST 2006 POLLS

ESPN.com’s Pat Forde was the first out with a 2006 “pre” preseason poll, coming out on January 20; others won’t be far behind (teams in CAPS are on Colorado’s schedule):

1. West Virginia 6. OKLAHOMA 11. Texas 16. GEORGIA 21. Iowa 2. Ohio State 7. Southern Cal 12. Louisville 17. Alabama 22. Clemson 3. Notre Dame 8. Michigan 13. Penn State 18. NEBRASKA 23. Virginia Tech 4. Louisiana State 9. Miami, Fla. 14. Auburn 19. Texas Christian 24. IOWA STATE 5. Florida 10. Oregon 15. California 20. ARIZONA STATE 25. Florida State

Collegefootballnews.com followed three days later with its “pre” preseason poll (teams in CAPS are on Colorado’s schedule):

1. Texas 6. Auburn 11. Notre Dame 16. Louisville 21. GEORGIA 27. COLORADO 2. Florida 7. OKLAHOMA 12. California 17. NEBRASKA 22. TEXAS TECH 3. Southern Cal 8. Florida State 13. Virginia Tech 18. Penn State 23. Iowa 4. Louisiana State 9. Tennessee 14. Miami, Fla. 19. Michigan 24. Georgia Tech 5. Ohio State 10. West Virginia 15. ARIZONA STATE 20. Alabama 25. Clemson

Know Colorado Football (2006) 4-4-4

COLORADO BY THE NUMBERS IN 2005

1 Player rushed for 100-plus yards against Colorado—Clemson freshman James Davis in the Champs Sports Bowl (150; otherwise the high was 66). 2 Times Colorado has won back-to-back games in Big 12 Conference play by 20 or more points: in 2002 (53-29 at Kansas, 34-0 versus Baylor, 37-13 versus Texas Tech) and in 2005 (34-0 at Oklahoma State, 41-20 versus Texas A&M). 3.9 The Colorado defense limited the opponent to 3.9 yards on first down plays in the second half this year. 11-2 The Buffaloes are 11-2 in games decided by seven or fewer points dating back to the 2003 season opener. 13 PK Mason Crosby made a field goal in all 13 games (17 in a row dating back to 2004). 13 The first-team CU defense allowed only 13 touchdowns over a nine-game span (games two through 10). +14 Colorado has 23 offensive scores from the 20-yard line on out, compared to just nine by the opponent; that included a 10-5 edge in touchdowns. 20-5 Colorado owns the best intra-division mark over the last five seasons against fellow Big 12 North teams at 20-5. 44 Senior QB Joel Klatt set 44 school records, trailing only Byron “Whizzer” White’s 51 for the most set in any sport at Colorado. 49.7 Opponents started 49.7 percent of their drives (81 of 163) either inside or at the 20-yard line for the season. 55 The back-to-back wins over OSU (34-0) and A&M (41-20) totaled 55 points, bettered only by the 58 Colorado defeated both Kansas (53-29) and Baylor (34-0) and then Baylor and Texas Tech (37-13) by in 2002. 58 PK Mason Crosby’s 58-yard field goal at Miami, Fla., is the longest at sea level without a tee in NCAA Division I-A history. 87 The 86 games Colorado has played against ranked teams since 1989 are the fourth most in the nation over the past 17 seasons. 205 Over his four-year career, P John Torp booted a school record 205 punts. 1,000 Long-time voice of the Buffaloes, Larry Zimmer, did his 400th CU broadcast this year (at Texas on Oct. 15); by pure chance, it was also the 1,000th of his career counting other colleges and the NFL.

TRENDS

Since 1985, when the Buffs returned to their traditional winning ways after six frustrating years, Colorado is 168-83-4, the 16th best record nationally in this span). In these 255 games, CU has posted the following records (including bowls):

♦ with 400-plus yards total offense 100-16-2 ♦ when holding opponent under 300 yards total offense 82-12-1 ♦ with 500-plus yards total offense 50- 5-0 ♦ when leading at halftime (121-12-2 in last 135) 137-14-2 ♦ when leading in time of possession 109-21-3 ♦ when leading after three quarters (137-10-3 in last 150)141-12-3 ♦ when making 20-plus first downs 103-27-1 ♦ when scoring 24 or more points 136-17-2 ♦ when converting 50 percent or better on 3rd down 65- 7-1 ♦ when scoring 14 or more points 165-50-4 ♦ when punting three or fewer times 60-11-1 ♦ when held to 13 points or less 3-33-0 ♦ when scoring first 108-21-1 ♦ when not committing a turnover or allowing a sack 12- 0-0 ♦ with two or fewer turnovers (30-7-2 with zero) 121-37-2 ♦ when passing for more yards than rushing 70-56-2 ♦ when holding opponent to 17 points or less 100-15-1 ♦ when holding edge in 1st downs & possession time 91-14-2 ♦ when holding opponent under 100 yards rushing 85- 7-1

TRENDS II

Since 1989, when the Buffs became a regular in the national rankings, Colorado has posted the nation’s 12th best overall record at 140-64-4. Here are some trends during this time frame (208 games, including bowls):

when running more plays than the opponent 77-23-3 when rushing for 200-plus yards 73- 4-1 with 400-plus yards total offense (45-5 with 500-plus) 86-16-2 when rushing for 250-plus yards 50- 1-1 when scoring 30 or more points 92- 5-1 when rushing for 300-plus yards 30- 0-1 when leading in possession time (52-44-1 when not) 88-19-3 when rushing and passing for at least 200 yards 31- 2-0 when making 20-plus first downs 90-24-1 when passing for 200-plus yards 74-33-2 when converting 50 percent or better on 3rd down 51- 6-1 when passing for 300-plus yards (10-0-1 400-plus) 25-11-1 when scoring first (75-12-1 the last 88 times) 86-15-1 when passing for more yards than rushing 70-56-2 with two or fewer turnovers (24-7-2 with zero) 103-31-2 when holding edge in 1st downs & possession time 73-13-2 when holding opponent to 17 points or less 76- 8-1 when holding edge in field position 111-18-1 when holding opponent under 100 yards rushing 69- 7-1 when not committing a turnover or allowing a sack 11- 0-0

when holding opponent under 300 yards total offense 61- 7-1 when out-rushing the opponent (74-4 the last 78) 113- 6-3 when average field position is CU 30+ (23-2 40+) 100-26-2 when owning the edge in return yards 105-23-2 when play selection is 50 percent rushing calls 117-18-2

TV LAND

Colorado has now had 130 of its last 196 games dating back to 1990 broadcast nationally or regionally (66 percent). That includes 10 games in 2005, nine games in 2004, seven games in 2003, 12 in 2002, 10 games in 2001, plus 7 in 2000, 9 in both 1998 and 1999, 10 in 1996 and 1997. Since 1996, when the Big 12 began, 93 of CU’s 123 games have been either nationally or regionally televised, an impressive 76 percent (the second most in the Big 12 Conference in that time frame). In addition, CU has had 18 of its last 21 non-conference games televised on a national or regional basis. Know Colorado Football (2006) 5-5-5

CAPITAL RETURNS

CU’s success often correlates directly with if it owns a hefty margin in return yards, as was the case in the 2001, 2002 and 2004 seasons—when the Buffs won the Big 12 North. The Buffs had advantages of 854-417 (2001), 803-607 (2002) and 574-499 (2004) in return yards, which includes all return yardage other than those on kickoffs. And the Buffs have 37 return touchdowns over the last seven seasons (33 regular season, four bowl game), tied for the seventh most in the nation for this span. A closer look, through all games of 2005:

School 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Bowls Total School 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Bowls Total Miami, Fla. 3 13 11 5 9 8 3 3 55 N.C. State 3 2 4 9 10 5 2 1 36 Virginia Tech 8 6 7 7 10 6 6 2 52 Notre Dame 4 6 4 9 3 3 5 0 34 Kansas State 9 5 2 12 6 4 5 0 43 Boise State 2 4 3 4 4 6 7 3 33 Oklahoma 4 7 6 8 9 3 3 1 41 Ohio State 1 7 3 3 4 6 6 2 32 Texas 2 6 6 6 9 2 7 3 41 San Jose State 5 7 1 7 5 4 3 0 32 Southern California 9 4 8 1 8 3 5 0 38 Texas Tech 3 7 8 5 3 2 3 1 32 COLORADO 5 4 7 7 1 6 3 4 37 East Carolina 7 5 4 5 4 3 0 3 31 Nebraska 6 7 5 6 4 2 4 3 37 TCU 5 3 4 6 3 1 3 1 26 Fresno State 5 5 3 5 4 6 6 2 36

2005 LEADERS (includes bowls): Boise State 8, Fresno State 7, Texas 7, UCLA 7, Virginia Tech 7, four tied with 6.

SIXTEEN “SEASONED” IN 2005

In 2005, 16 players had their first taste of action in a Colorado uniform. In the opener against Colorado State, eight players hit the field for the very first time as a Colorado Buffalo, including one true freshman (ILB Marcus Burton, who played eight snaps from scrimmage); five followed suit for their first game action in game two against New Mexico State. DE Maurice Lucas had been the last to do so, in game six at Texas, until WR Tim Lemon played two snaps against UT in the Big 12 title game. In 2004, 26 saw their first collegiate action for the Buffaloes, with 24 players doing so in 2003; the latter included two scholarship kickers making CU likely the first team in the nation in a very long time that had two freshmen scholarship kickers play in the first game of the year. The list (*—mainly special teams duty to date):

TRUE FRESHMEN (6): S Ben Burney, ILB Marcus Burton, DT George Hypolite, WR Tim Lemon, DE Maurice Lucas, CB Gardner McKay. REDSHIRT FRESHMEN (5): *ILB R.J. Brown, *ILB Maurice Cantrell, OLB Brad Jones, OG Daniel Sanders , S Ryan Walters. SOPHOMORES (1): *WR Chase McBride. JUNIORS (4): WR Alvin Barnett, *OLB Chad Cusworth, OL Bryce MacMartin, *CB Terry Washington. SENIORS (0).

ELEVEN MADE FIRST CAREER STARTS IN 2005

Four players started for the first time in their CU careers in opener against Colorado State, all on the offensive side of the ball: TB Hugh Charles, OT Tyler Polumbus, WR Dusty Sprague and OG Jack Tipton. A week later, OG Daniel Sanders made his first start in place on of an injured Brian Daniels against New Mexico State. At Miami, OG Edwin Harrison started for the first time in a retooled line to combat several injuries. In the league opener at Oklahoma State, DE Alonzo Barrett was rewarded with his first career start. At Texas, WR Alvin Barnett was in for the first play, giving CU a potential threat to run a reverse. Against Kansas, CB Terry Washington made his first start in place of an injured Lorenzo Sims, while at Kansas State, DE Maurice Lucas did the same for Alex Ligon. TB Byron Ellis started in game nine, subbing for a banged up Charles. In 2004, 12 players made their first career starts in a CU uniform (10 returned this fall); in 2003, 20 players made their first career starts, the most first starts in since 1998, when there were 27 first-time starters for the Buffaloes, 17 on offense and 10 on defense. Those were the most since 1984, when 29 made their first starts (15 on offense). The annual number of first-time starters since 1984: ANNUAL FIRST-TIME STARTERS: 1984 (29), 1985 (9), 1986 (15), 1987 (14), 1988 (16), 1989 (7), 1990 (16), 1991 (23), 1992 (15), 1993 (7), 1994 (6), 1995 (11), 1996 (8), 1997 (14), 1998 (27), 1999 (14), 2000 (16), 2001 (12), 2002 (16), 2003 (20), 2004 (12) and 2005 (11).

GRADUATION STAT(U)S

Eight of the 20 seniors on the roster have graduated, including six last month. OG John Guydon (journalism/broadcast production) and TE Quinn Sypniewski (journalism/news-editorial) earned their degrees prior to the season (Sypniewski is now seeking a second bachelor’s in history). The six who graduated this December are: DT Nick Clement (film studies), DT James Garee (economics/sociology), SN Matt Hammond (psychology), DT Vaka Manupuna (ethnic studies), OT Gary Moore (economics) and OT Clint O’Neal (history). Ten are set for graduation next May: ILB Akarika Dawn (Black & Ethnic studies), WR Marcus Gonzales (international affairs), ILB Kyle Griffith (business/finance), S Tom Hubbard (business/accounting & finance), WR Evan Judge (business management—he will study in Italy in the spring), QB Joel Klatt (economics), TE Joe Klopfenstein (sociology), SN Greg Pace (communication, with a minor in history), FB Brendan Schaub (sociology) and P John Torp (political science & economics). The remaining two, both fourth-year seniors, are on schedule for either next summer or December ’06: OLB Brian Iwuh (economics) and VB Lawrence Vickers (sociology). NOTE: Over the last three years (2002-04), CU has had 59 of its 67 seniors, including medicals, graduate; that translates to 88.1 percent (with two of the eight non-grads still in school and looking to graduate within the next year). NCAA numbers will not match these (it doesn’t allow a school to count transfers who graduate, i.e., Wayne Lucier in ’02 or WR Mike Duren in ‘04), but it does count against a school if it had a player transfer. It’s one of the reasons the numbers are skewed to be lower than they really are, especially a tougher academic schools like Colorado. However, numbers that will be released this fall, for the incoming freshman in 1999, will be 79 percent for CU, one of its best numbers in years, but is still skewed lower because of transfers.

Know Colorado Football (2006) 6-6-6

2006 RECRUITING CLASS

High School (20) Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown (High School) BEATTY, B.J...... OLB 6- 2 210 Kaaawa, Hawai’i (Kahuku) BORDERS, Quinton...... OL 6- 5 295 Lexington, Ky. (Bryan Station) BOYER, Bill ...... OL 6- 4 310 Lakewood, Colo. (Green Mountain) BRACE, Jason ...... DT 6- 4 255 Spanaway, Wash. (Spanaway Lake) BROWN, Cha’pelle...... CB 5- 8 165 La Puente, Calif. (Los Altos) DRESCHER, Justin...... OL/LS 6- 2 245 Southlake, Texas (Carroll) FENDRY, Steve...... TE 6- 4 235 Castle Rock, Colo. (Douglas County) HAWKINS, Cody ...... QB 5-11 185 Boise, Idaho (Bishop Kelly) HAWKINS, Jonathan ...... CB 5-10 180 Perris, Calif. (Rancho Verde) HERROD, Marquez...... DE 6- 3 235 Escondido, Calif. (San Pasqual) LANG, Sherman...... WR 5-11 180 Boca Raton, Fla. (Florida Air Academy) LAWSON, Eric...... DT 6- 3 265 Sedalia, Colo. (Douglas County) NONU, Justin...... ILB 6- 2 270 Vista, Calif. (Oceanside) ROUSON, JasLee...... RB 5-10 225 Flanders, N.J. (The Hun School of Princeton) SIMON, Wes...... OL 6- 2 300 Plano, Texas (Plano West) SIPILI, Michael...... ILB 6- 1 235 Honolulu, Hawai’i (Damien Memorial) SMITH, Jimmy...... DB 6- 2 195 Colton, Calif. (Colton) SOLDER, Nate ...... TE 6- 8 245 Buena Vista, Colo. (Buena Vista) SUMLER, Demetrius ...... RB 5-11 215 San Diego, Calif. (Cathedral Catholic) VITALE, Ino ...... TE 6- 5 245 Sailele, American Samoa (Nu’uuli Poly-Tech)

Junior College (2) Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Class Hometown (High School/Previous) FAATAGI, Erick ...... OL 6- 3 340 Jr. Carson, Calif. (Dorsey/El Camino College) *PEREZ, Thomas...... RB 6- 1 220 Jr. Compton, Calif. (Lynnwood/Compton CC)

CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS

The members of the 2006 recruiting class has some experience on the ‘ol top of the podium, as eight of the players combined to win 13 state (or section in Calif.) titles during their prep careers. OLB B.J. Beatty, OL Justin Drescher, QB Cody Hawkins, RB Justin Nonu and RB JasLee Rouson won two, with CB Cha’pelle Brown, TE Steve Fendry and DT Eric Lawson all winning one. The group combined to win over two dozen league championships.

CLASS NOTES

Here are some quick tidbits about the 20 members of this year’s recruiting class:

OLB B.J. Beatty has a solid CU bloodline, as his uncle is former Buff consensus all-American offensive guard Chris Naeole; Naeole kept tabs on his nephew (his sister’s son) throughout his entire career and Beatty kept specific track of all his sacks for him… OL Quinton Borders is the first player from Kentucky to sign with the Buffs since 1988—DT Joe Avila hailed from Ashland. Former CU running backs coach Oliver Lucas, the new head coach at Borders’ school, tipped off the Buffs about him… OL Bill Boyer, who excels in track at the shot and discus and who checks in at 310 pounds also likes using his strength as a “roadie” for the Green Mountain High School Band—he helps move equipment for their shows… In almost every article one reads about DT Jason Brace, inevitably his focus on game day comes up, and how he mentally prepares for a game. A Colorado Springs native, he lived there until the fourth grade and is technically returning to his home state… CB Cha’pelle Brown returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown against Canyon last Nov. 22—just 53 days after CU freshman Marcus Burton set a school record for the longest play by a freshman—a 99-yard interception return at Oklahoma State. Brown had 68 touches as a senior for 1,297 yards and averaged 19.1 yards per touch (rushes, receptions, all returns)… OG/LS Justin Drescher was born on New Year’s Day in 1988—during Miami’s 20-14 win over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl; he knows that, because his father, Jay, a one-time Buff, was rooting for the Sooners against the Hurricanes (he is also NOT related to Fran Drescher, the actress). Another interesting tie to the program is that in high school in Holyoke, Colo., the elder Drescher was the center for quarterback Russ Sprague, father of CU wide receiver Dusty.

OG Erick Faatagi is quite the graphic artist, as he designed a logo for his prep alma mater (Dorsey), and is working on one for his junior college (El Camino); he’s also designed the tattoos for several friends… TE Steve Fendry might have the most challenging and thought-provoking interest after college: to become an Army Ranger Medic; in line with such a desire, he earned a “black shirt” from the Douglas County coaches for not missing a single workout or practice… QB Cody Hawkins is likely someone you want to pick for your team; since Pop Warner ball in the sixth grade, his teams are 59-0 in games in which he has started; having almost a 6-to-1 ratio of touchdowns (76) to interceptions (13) in high school will help create such a number… CB Jonathan Hawkins uncle, Joe Caldwell, was a star performer in the American Basketball Association between 1970-75, playing for the Carolina Cougars and the Spirits of the St. Louis… DE Marquez Herrod had the defensive end equivalent to a walk-off home run in the World Series in the CIF quarterfinals; with his team leading 13-10 in the final seconds, he sacked the Grossmount quarterback deep in San Pasqual territory to preserve the win… WR Sherman Lang was sought after practically from coast-to-coast, as he had solid offers from schools in five conferences and two independents. He was a jack-of-all-trades as a senior at Florida Air Academy, but will settle into his natural receiver position for the Buffs… DT Eric Lawson led a Douglas Country defense that held Grandview and Mullen to a combined 25 points in the semifinals and finals; the two had scored 159 in four playoff games prior to facing Lawson and DCHS’s defensive front. Know Colorado Football (2006) 7-7-7

Class Notes, continued… ILB Justin Nonu was the San Diego area defensive player of the year, and he likes to get where the action is: he recorded 177 tackles in 13 games (and had over 20 in each of his two championship games in his prep career)… RB Thomas Perez also played safety as a prep, and once had five interceptions in a game his senior year—in a 43-40 four overtime loss to Sherman Oaks Notre Dame… RB JasLee Rouson has a pet skink, a lizard like creature with a big belly, small legs and a snake-like body; he has an affinity for reptiles, much like former Buff OLB Chad Brown, who used to breed snakes. He is the son of former Buff and N.Y. Giant Lee Rouson… OL Wes Simon, who checks in at 6-foot-2, 300 pounds and owns a 3.2 grade point average, says he is in “Honors English and Honors Lunch.” His grandfather, Lou Palazzi, played at Penn State and is a member of the National Football League Hall of Fame, playing professionally for eight years before officiating for 30 more... ILB Michael Sipili, a native of American Samoa, worked extensively on the election campaign for Guy Ontai (R) for state senate in Hawai’i…DB Jimmy Smith is now the fifth brother in his family who will play college football; the other four play or played at Illinois, New Mexico, Idaho State and Millikin… TE Nate Solder is one of 11 Scholar-Athletes as selected by the Colorado Chapter of the National Football Foundation; he owns the highest grade point average of the incoming class at 3.93 RB Demetrius Sumler set the San Diego area career rushing record with 5,650 yards, besting the old mark by some 300 yards by current Baltimore Raven Justin Green; the mark was once held by CU’s 1994 Heisman Trophy winner, Rashaan Salaam (4,965 from 1988-91)… CU coaches were turned on to Ino Vitale, Jr., through its “Polynesian Pipeline.” Okland Salavea, Ino’s offensive coordinator, phoned Donnell Leomiti, CU’s defensive intern, about him; both are former Buffs and are of Samoan descent.

HISTORICALLY

Colorado is in its second century of intercollegiate football, as the Buffaloes are in their 116th season of competition with an all-time record of 650-402-36 in 1,088 games. CU currently stands 16th on the all-time win list and is 22nd in all-time winning percentage (.614). Only Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska from the Big 12 rank ahead of CU on each list, and only 12 Division I schools have played more seasons of intercollegiate football than Colorado. In Boulder, the Buffs are 280-132-10 in their 82nd season on the “hilltop” (Folsom Field). Against Big 12 opposition, CU is 244-206-13 against the other 11 members of the conference, formed in 1996. The Nebraska game in Lincoln this November 24 will mark the 1,100th game in school history.

SCORING STREAKS

The Buffs have scored in a school record 210 consecutive games (dating back to 1988, the longest streak in the Big 12), last being shutout on November 12, 1988 at Nebraska (7-0). CU has scored in 112 straight games at home (last shutout: a 28-0 loss to Oklahoma on Nov. 15, 1986 in a game where the Sooners did not attempt a single pass). The Buffs have scored in 83 consecutive road games (108 including neutral sites). The Buffs have scored in 134 straight league games (all 84 in Big 12 play, including the four title games, and their final 50 in Big Eight competition, dating back to the ’88 shutout at Nebraska). CU has scored in 116 straight games against non-conference opponents (last shutout: a 44-0 loss at home to LSU on September 15, 1979). The home shutout losses to Oklahoma in ’86 and LSU in ’79 are the only two times CU has not scored at home over the course of the last 250 games (all the way back to 1963). CU has been shutout just seven times in its last 442 games (dating to October 5, 1968), but only four schools have done it: Oklahoma (three times), Nebraska (twice), Louisiana State and Michigan. Big 12 Conference Consecutive Game Scoring Streaks (through 2005): Colorado 210, Nebraska 125, Kansas State 115, Texas Tech 104, Oklahoma 93, Kansas 38, Missouri 36, Iowa State 27, Texas A&M 25, Texas 20, Oklahoma State 7, Baylor 2. CU is the last team to shutout both Kansas State (12-0 in 1996) and Oklahoma State (34-0 in 2005).

SCORING STREAKS II

The school record 210 consecutive games in which Colorado has scored is the sixth longest active streak in the nation. The list of the nine Division I-A schools that have scored in every game since at least the start of the 1993 season, through games of 2005:

School Streak Last Shutout School Streak Last Shutout Michigan 262 Oct. 20, 1984 at Iowa (0-26) Colorado 210 Nov. 12, 1988 at Nebraska (0-7) Washington State 249 Sept. 15, 1984 at Ohio State (0-44) TCU 164 Nov. 16, 1991 at Texas (0-32) Oregon 244 Sept. 28, 1985 at Nebraska (0-63) Nevada 162 *—All games: joined Div I-A in 1992 Florida State 223 Sept. 3, 1988 at Miami (0-31) Air Force 156 #—Dec. 31, 1992 vs. Mississippi (0-13) Florida 216 Oct. 29, 1988 vs. Auburn (0-16) (*—304 games dating back to I-AA days; #—Liberty Bowl)

210 AND COUNTING

It was a close call, but Mason Crosby’s 58-yard field goal extended CU’s scoring streak to the 200-game plateau in a 23-3 loss at Miami. The 210-game streak, which began November 19, 1988, currently stands as the 13th longest in Division I-A college history:

School Streak Dates Ended By School Streak Dates Ended By Brigham Young 361 9/27/1975 - 11/15/2003 Utah Nebraska 233 1/01/1974 - 11/29/1991 Miami, Fla. Texas 281 11/29/1980 - 10/02/2004 Oklahoma Hawaii 219 12/04/1976 – 11/04/95 Colorado State Washington 271 11/14/1981 - 10/16/2004 USC Florida State 223 9/10/1988 - present ……………… Michigan 262 10/27/1984 - present ……………… Arizona 214 9/09/1972 - 12/15/1990 Syracuse UCLA 245 10/02/1971 - 10/17/1992 Arizona State Florida 216 11/05/1988 - present ……………… Washington State 249 10/22/1984 - present ……………… Colorado 210 11/19/1988 - present ……………… Oregon 244 10/05/1985 - present ……………… Virginia 195 9/15/1984 –10/28/2000 Georgia Tech

Know Colorado Football (2006) 8-8-8

COLORADO BY THE NUMBERS IN 2005

1 Player rushed for 100-plus yards against Colorado—Clemson freshman James Davis in the Champs Sports Bowl (150; otherwise the high was 66). 2 Times Colorado has won back-to-back games in Big 12 Conference play by 20 or more points: in 2002 (53-29 at Kansas, 34-0 versus Baylor, 37-13 versus Texas Tech) and in 2005 (34-0 at Oklahoma State, 41-20 versus Texas A&M). 3.9 The Colorado defense limited the opponent to 3.9 yards on first down plays in the second half this year. 11-2 The Buffaloes are 11-2 in games decided by seven or fewer points dating back to the 2003 season opener. 13 PK Mason Crosby made a field goal in all 13 games (17 in a row dating back to 2004). 13 The first-team CU defense allowed only 13 touchdowns over a nine-game span (games two through 10). +14 Colorado has 23 offensive scores from the 20-yard line on out, compared to just nine by the opponent; that included a 10-5 edge in touchdowns. 20-5 Colorado owns the best intra-division mark over the last five seasons against fellow Big 12 North teams at 20-5. 44 Senior QB Joel Klatt set 44 school records, trailing only Byron “Whizzer” White’s 51 for the most set in any sport at Colorado. 49.7 Opponents started 49.7 percent of their drives (81 of 163) either inside or at the 20-yard line for the season. 55 The back-to-back wins over OSU (34-0) and A&M (41-20) totaled 55 points, bettered only by the 58 Colorado defeated both Kansas (53-29) and Baylor (34-0) and then Baylor and Texas Tech (37-13) by in 2002. 58 PK Mason Crosby’s 58-yard field goal at Miami, Fla., is the longest at sea level without a tee in NCAA Division I-A history. 87 The 86 games Colorado has played against ranked teams since 1989 are the fourth most in the nation over the past 17 seasons. 205 Over his four-year career, P John Torp booted a school record 205 punts. 1,000 Long-time voice of the Buffaloes, Larry Zimmer, did his 400th CU broadcast at Texas on Oct. 15; by pure chance, it was also the 1,000th of his career counting other colleges and the NFL.

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

Here’s where the Buffs ranked statistically in select categories in the Big 12 and the NCAA in 2005 (both include bowl games):

TEAM B12 NCAA Category Stat B12 NCAA Category Stat B12 NCAA Category Stat 9th 97th RUSHING OFFENSE...... 110.3 3rd 11th RUSHING DEFENSE...... 100.2 7th 44th PUNT RETURNS...... 10.4 6th 59th PASSING OFFENSE...... 222.8 11th 87th PASSING DEFENSE...... 248.9 8th 83rd KICKOFF RETURNS...... 19.4 8th 87th TOTAL OFFENSE...... 333.1 7th 41st TOTAL DEFENSE...... 349.2 2nd 4th NET PUNTING...... 39.1 9th 78th SCORING OFFENSE...... 23.5 7th 45th SCORING DEFENSE...... 23.6 6th 53rd TURNOVER MARGIN...... +0.15

INDIVIDUAL (Top 25 in conference) Rushing Big 12 NCAA Yds/Gm Dusty Sprague...... 25th …… 36.3 Lawrence Vickers...... 23rd …… 5.1 Hugh Charles ...... 11th 84th 66.0 Joe Klopfenstein ...... 26th …… 36.0 Kick Scoring Big 12 NCAA Pts/Gm Passing Big 12 NCAA Yds/Gm Receiving Yards/TE’s Big 12 NCAA Yds/Gm Mason Crosby...... 4th t-26th 7.6 Joel Klatt...... 4th 41st 224.7 Joe Klopfenstein ...... 4th 25th 36.0 Field Goals Big 12 NCAA FG/Gm Pass Efficiency Big 12 NCAA Rating All-Purpose Yards Big 12 NCAA Yds/Gm Mason Crosby...... 1st 11th 1.69 Joel Klatt...... 5th 63rd 124.4 Hugh Charles ...... 13th …… 85.4 Interceptions Big 12 NCAA Avg./Gm Total Offense Big 12 NCAA Yds/Gm Punting Big 12 NCAA Avg. Marcus Burton ...... 19th …… 0.18 Joel Klatt...... 6th 53rd 224.9 John Torp...... 3rd 5th 45.2 J.J. Billingsley ...... 32nd …… 0.15 Hugh Charles ...... 19th …… 66.0 Punt Returns Big 12 NCAA Avg. Gerett Burl...... 32nd …… 0.15 Receptions Big 12 NCAA No./Gm Stephone Robinson .. 6th 39th 9.9 Tom Hubbard ...... 32nd …… 0.15 Dusty Sprague...... 23rd …… 3.4 Kickoff Returns Big 12 NCAA Avg. Passes Defended Big 12 NCAA Avg. Evan Judge...... 25th …… 3.2 Stephone Robinson .. 9th …… 17.7 Lorenzo Sims...... 1st 6th 1.38 Receiving Yards Big 12 NCAA Yds/Gm Scoring Big 12 NCAA Pts/Gm Tackles Evan Judge...... 17th …… 44.9 Mason Crosby...... 7th 49th 7.5 CU uses coaches video; numbers don’t match

Know Colorado Football (2006) 9-9-9

2005 FINAL BIG 12 CONFERENCE STANDINGS

North Division (-4) conference------overall------School (AP/Coaches) W L Pct. Pts Opp W L Pct. Pts Opp Next Up COLORADO ...... 5 3 .625 219 167 7 6 .538 305 307 S 2 MONTANA STATE Nebraska (#24/#24) ...... 4 4 .500 201 208 8 4 .667 296 252 S 2 LOUISIANA TECH Iowa State ...... 4 4 .500 232 158 7 5 .583 339 230 S 2 ARMY Missouri (RV/--)...... 4 4 .500 200 236 7 5 .583 369 350 S 2 MURRAY STATE Kansas (RV/--) ...... 3 5 .375 127 210 7 5 .583 269 264 S 2 NORTHWESTERN STATE Kansas State...... 2 6 .250 179 258 5 6 .455 289 305 S 2 ILLINOIS STATE

South Division (+4) conference------overall------School (AP/Coaches) W L Pct. Pts Opp W L Pct. Pts Opp Next Up Texas (#1/#1)...... 8 0 1.000 405 137 13 0 1.000 652 213 S 2 NORTH TEXAS Texas Tech (#20/#19)...... 6 2 .750 264 182 9 3 .750 473 226 S 2 SMU Oklahoma (#22/#22) ...... 6 2 .750 241 190 8 4 .667 323 277 S 2 ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM Texas A & M ...... 3 5 .375 218 279 5 6 .455 352 343 S 2 THE CITADEL Baylor...... 2 6 .250 140 244 5 6 .455 236 291 S 2 TCU Oklahoma State ...... 1 7 .125 164 321 4 7 .364 222 344 S 2 MISSOURI STATE

CONFERENCE CHARTS

A look at how Big 12 Conference teams stack up in some categories since the league’s birth in 1996:

On The Big 12 Road Inter-Division (North vs. South) 2005 Network TV Appearances vs. Ranked Non-League Teams School W L Pct. School W L Pct. School Tot ABC Fox Oth (AP, since 1990; by games played) Texas 26 9 .743 Nebraska 19 11 .633 Texas 13 9 3 1 School G W L T Pct. Oklahoma 22 13 .629 Colorado 17 13 .567 Oklahoma 12 6 4 2 Colorado 25 13 11 1 .540 Kansas State 23 17 .575 Missouri 17 13 .567 Colorado 10 5 3 2 Texas 21 7 12 2 .381 Nebraska 22 17 .564 Kansas State 16 14 .533 Texas A&M 9 4 5 0 Nebraska 12 8 4 0 .667 Colorado 21 19 .525 Iowa State 9 21 .300 Nebraska 8 5 1 2 Oklahoma 12 6 6 0 .500 Texas A&M 19 21 .475 Kansas 5 25 .167 Iowa State 7 3 2 2 Texas A&M 12 4 8 0 .333 Texas Tech 17 23 .425 Inter-Division (South vs. North) Texas Tech 7 3 4 0 Texas Tech 11 0 11 0 .000 Oklahoma State 12 27 .308 School W L Pct. Baylor 5 0 4 1 Baylor 9 2 7 0 .222 Missouri 12 28 .300 Texas 25 5 .833 Kansas 5 1 2 2 Missouri 9 1 8 0 .111 Iowa State 10 30 .250 Oklahoma 20 10 .667 Kansas State 4 1 2 1 Iowa State 8 1 7 0 .000 Kansas 5 35 .125 Texas A&M 18 12 .600 Missouri 4 2 1 1 Kansas 6 0 6 0 .000 Baylor 1 39 .025 Texas Tech 16 14 .533 Oklahoma State 2 0 0 2 Oklahoma State 5 0 5 0 .000 Does not include neutral site games Oklahoma State 13 17 .433 Does not include pay-per-view; includes Kansas State 2 1 1 0 .500 OU-UT, ’96 OSU-TTU or ’98 NU-OSU. Baylor 5 25 .167 iother packages (TBS, ESPN, etc). (regular season; does not include bowls) (does not include title games)