It’s Not Always Rosy - rudyjuly2's Blog

rudyjuly2's Blog

It’s Not Always Rosy

Posted on November 18, 2008 at 10:11 AM.

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After losing to Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship, #5 Colorado (12-1) still got invited to the Rose Bowl to face undefeated and #3 ranked USC. Maybe I should have declined the invite.

USC jumped on me early. I went three and out, punting from my 10-yard line. On their first play from scrimmage their small and fast RB broke to the outside for a 40+ yard TD run. I clawed back and was down 7-3 when I threw an interception they returned for a TD. Suddenly I’m down 14-3. Following a 55-yard field goal with no time left in the half, I was down 24-3 at half time and embarrassed. My team was not built to come from behind and I failed to run the ball at all.

I fought back in the second half and was down 24-12 at one point (I got a safety after a failed 4th and goal situation) but the interceptions never stopped. I threw four of them and my young wide receivers failed to make any plays for me. Final score 31-12.

I am now 1-4 in my bowl games and despite some lucrative offers from three other schools I will remain at Colorado and fight for my first Big 12 title as well as a shot at the title game again! Maybe the 6th season will be the charm.

My team looks good next year although I’m losing three of my starting linebackers (two were impact players) in my 3-4 defense. I’m very deep at linebacker so that should not be a huge concern. Two players have also elected to jump to the NFL early (starting RG and SS). But my biggest concern is WR. My top two returning wide receivers were true freshman (5* prospects) but neither is big or fast. Not a single receiver was rated higher than 84 at the end of this season and that receiver has graduated. They need to make big strides in the off-season to take pressure off my QB. I think this team could be better next year but only time will tell.