Elated
1. Trying something new and doing something different. Head Coach Deion broke out of one corner of the coaching box and the standard notion that only 1 QB should play in a game unless he gets hurt, or the team is losing or winning big, or is simply playing horribly. Multiple QB's interfere with opponent game planning, introduces doubt, thus delayed reactions.2. All three QB's looked competent
3. Run production continued
Impressed
1. Run defense, at times.2. Salter run acumen and pass accuracy from the pocket.
3. Juju pass accuracy from the pocket and on the run.
4. Staub's maturity of approach to staying prepared despite being #2 behind Shedeur and #3 under two newcomers.
5. Hustle by #28 Finneseth, that forced a fumble. 6. Special team coverage
7. There has been a small penalty reduction compared to the first two games of last year. But what matters is when the penalty occurs and if the team can recover and overcome the penalty.
a) This year week 1, 5 penalties for 45 yards; week 2, 4 penalties for 40 yards
b) Last year week 1, 3 penalties for 30 yards; week 2 ,9 penalties for 104 yards
Unimpressed
1. Rnn defense, at times.2. Run play variation (no discernible variation, predictable)
3. Salter not accurate throwing on the run
4. Salter missed on timing and touch pass to back of endzone to TE. He predetermined this target and wanting to score, which caused him to miss the easier pass to Drelon Miller open across the middle which would have at least given them the first down.
5. Delaware made multiple mistakes which stopped their drives.
Disgusted
1. CU is susceptible to chunk plays on runs and that begin as short passes.2. CU unable to consistently control offensive line of scrimmage despite having a weight advantage.
3. LB play allowing big runs and short completions for big runs. Is this a scheme and play-calling problem? Or a fundamental discipline problem to recognize the play?
4. Allowing third and long conversions for a first down
5. Blitzing at wrong time on 3rd and long allowing the slant for a first down
6. Not stopping runs off tackle
7. Continued use of WR Screens, even though they result in little to no gain almost every time.
8. Offensive Play calling unimaginative, too predicable.
9. Defensive Play calling
10. Inability to stop pass to RB out of the backfield. Same as Week 1.
11. LB, CB and SE unable to stop big pass plays
12. Missed assignments that leave players unblocked or uncovered.
13. Dropped passes
Prediction
1. 6 wins, 7 losses2. Season Record 1-1
3. Conference Record 0-0
Needed Changes (See also this section for previous weeks)
1. Find a “Refrigerator Perry” to pound the rock on short yardage2. Put Shurmur and Livingston on a short leash.
3. Defend the slot receiver under and over. Also do the same for the go-to receiver.
4. Do not let the stars at any position, beat you. Make the ones who are not used to stepping up, step up.
5. Understand each player's strengths and weakness, then make them play to their weakness.
6. 3rd down and long, defensive scheming, must be dissected, examined and reworked.
7. Seaton got several penalties last year. His first penalty this year was late in this game, thus could be due to being tired. He needs to be given a play or two off in certain situations. Or remind him to not abandon technique when tired, and if beaten, don't hold.
8. Break out of the other three corners of the coaching box for all positions, situations and play-calling on each side of the ball to see what combinations work or keep the opponent off balance or a step behind.
9. Do not put Salter into an intentional roll out to pass situation unless he is taught to stop, set and then throw. If forced to roll out, think run first.
10. Get #13 WR Kaleb Mathis the ball in space. He showed good hands, quickness and fearlessness last year. He looks bigger this year.
11. CU must figure out why they are getting gashed on passes and runs.
12. Switch defensive players to the other side if they are not getting to the quarterback
13. Incorporate a play fake into running plays. Whatever happened to the bootleg?
14. More play action passes and more play action runs with a pass fake.
15. For CU to win, they must play at a high level the entire game and for the entire play. There is no time or room for ebbs and flows or dips Each coach must be intent on getting more out of each player on each play, thus making constant adjustments to find out what works.
16. CU must rely on fundamentally sound coaches and players in order to win games. Not on coaching pedigrees or player talent.
17. If any player cannot hold their own, or dominate their position, consider a change.
18. If any coach cannot hold their own, or dominate their team play, consider a change.