Maybe we should have seen it coming
Published: 9/30/2007 9:31 PM
Last Modified: 9/30/2007 9:31 PM
Dan Hawkins loves the soundbite. And so it was no surprise that after his Colorado Buffaloes had floored Oklahoma, he said, "I told them all week they're going to win the game. Not because I'm 'The Swami.' I've done this for 25 years and you just know. You know when your team's ready."
Thing is, this time he wasn't gabbing for effect. He knew how well his defense had come together. Surely he read the startling comments of Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher after the Seminoles escaped Boulder with a 16-6 victory two weeks ago:
"Colorado did nothing except line up and kick our tail... If I'm an offensive player, I'm embarrassed."
Saturday, Buff defenders like Jordon Dizon, Alonzo Barrett, Terrence Wheatley and Ryan Walters kicked OU's tail. Sooner players were stunned by Colorado's speed and toughness afterward.
If Hawkins could just get a little more production out his son, Cody, at quarterback, and maybe a break here or there, his defense could take care of the rest.
Cody got better as the game got closer. A tipped-ball interception and Reggie Smith's muff provided the second-half breaks. And sure enough, Colorado's defense, except for one 80-yard drive, never let the Sooners breathe.
Don't swallow the postgame "We beat ourselves" line a couple of the more frustrated Sooners offered up. D.J. Wolfe had it right: "All the credit to Colorado."
With their defense leading the way, the Buffs were the tougher, better team Saturday. By far.
-- Guerin Emig
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
