2020 MLB Season Prediction: Yankees Over Cardinals In World Series

MLB Aaron Judge Yankees

The 2020 MLB season starts this Thursday. Although there will not be fans at the games, they will be happy to see the return of America’s Pastime to their television screens. Using the website playoffpredictors.com, I predicted what each team’s record will be at the end of the 2020 MLB season.

A 60-game season is not traditional for the MLB. The 162-game marathon has been turned into a sprint. This could benefit teams that may not be looked at as favorites, as one seven or 10-game winning streak could vault a team into playoff contention at the end of the season.

My prediction ended with familiar teams in playoff spots. I think this happened because these teams have proved that they can rise to the occasion.

2020 MLB Regular Season Standings Prediction

AL East

(1) Yankees 38-22

(5) Rays 35-25

Red Sox 32-28

Blue Jays 24-36

Orioles 16-44

AL Central

(2) Twins 37-24

(4) Indians 36-25

White Sox 29-31

Royals 22-38

Tigers 19-41

AL West

(3) Astros 36-24

Athletics 34-26

Angels 32-28

Rangers 25-35

Mariners 24-36

NL East

(3) Nationals 37-23

(4) Braves 35-25

Phillies 34-26

Mets 31-29

Marlins 17-43

NL Central

(2) Cardinals 40-20

(5) Cubs 35-25

Reds 33-27

Brewers 28-32

Pirates 22-38

NL West

(1) Dodgers 41-19

D-Backs 29-31

Giants 28-32

Rockies 27-33

Padres 24-36

2020 MLB Season Prediction Lands Eight of 10 2019 Playoff Teams In Field

In my prediction, four of the five teams in both the AL and NL were the same as 2019. think there will be a lack of new teams in the playoffs because teams simply have not had that much time together. The more battle-tested teams will be playoff-bound, as they have the experience playing in more high-stress situations. In a 60-game season, every game will have more intensity to it, as there is much less room for error.

St. Louis Cardinals Will Make the World Series

My prediction for the 2020 NL playoff bracket has the Braves winning their respective Wild Card game. The Braves and Dodgers will have an entertaining NLDS series that goes five games, but the Dodgers will exorcise the demons from their Game 5 loss to the Nationals and advance. The Cardinals will beat the Nationals in four games. I believe that the Cardinals’ pitching staff is one of the up-and-coming rotations in the league, led by Jack Flaherty. They will be able to go toe to toe with Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg in an NLDS series where they will only have to face each of them once. Also, the Nationals do not have Anthony Rendon. While I think that Rendon does not make the Los Angeles Angels make the playoffs in the AL, he was one of, if not the most clutch player during the Nationals’ postseason run in 2019.

The NLCS will feature two familiar teams with the Cardinals and Dodgers. I picked the Cardinals to win in seven games, as the series could go either way. These two teams have had their share of playoff battles due to their great pitching rotations. Clayton Kershaw has had an illustrious career, but has not had a signature postseason moment. Many are wondering if he will ever have that moment.

New York Yankees Primed For Number 29, but Will They Get It?

In my AL playoff bracket, I have the Twins beating the Indians in what will be dubbed “Game 61” to win the AL Central pennant. The Indians will then beat the Rays in the AL Wild Card game. However, the Indians will have a hard time beating the Yankees. Signing Gerrit Cole gives the Yankees an edge that they have not had over the past few seasons. While Masahiro Tanaka and James Paxton are decent, they have always struggled with their consistency. Gerrit Cole is the unquestioned ace of the team, and will help the Yankees in the playoffs.

They will play the Astros in the ALDS. Houston will struggle more so this season because they won’t be able to steal signs, but the talent is still there. It is hard to bet against George Springer, Jose Altuve, and the rest of the Astros’ starting lineup. However, they will not be able to get past the Yankees.

2020 World Series Prediction: Yankees over Cardinals in Seven

As much as it pains me to give this news to baseball fans that do not have allegiances to the Yankees, but this may be their year. They have home run hitters in Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Also, having a reliable second baseman in DJ LeMahieu doesn’t hurt. I think that they have the most firepower out of any team this season, and they will want to avenge their two ALCS losses to Houston. They have a more complete lineup than St. Louis, and that is why they have the edge.

This MLB season should be fun, and it will be interesting to see if the teams that usually do well end up in the playoffs or if there may be multiple surprises in the 10-team field come October.

Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning Will Win The Match: Champions for Charity

Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning Will Win The Match: Champions for Charity

The Match: Champions for Charity will give sports fans everywhere a chance to watch some of their favorite athletes compete for $10 million in COVID-19 relief.

Sports fans will be able to watch a competitive golf match on Sunday. Two of these competitors are synonymous with the golf world: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. The other two, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, are known for their rivalry on the gridiron. The hope for fans is that these two rivalries that defined their respective sports can lead to an entertaining and highly competitive golf match.

Woods and Mickelson had their first one-on-one competition in November, which Mickelson won in a playoff. However, this competition will obviously have a different setup. Mickelson and Brady will team up against Woods and Manning.

Brady and Manning Competing Indirectly Against Each Other Once Again

Brady and Manning had their battles on the gridiron but were never directly competing against each other necessarily. Even if it was lip service, Peyton Manning has always said it was the Colts or Broncos against the Patriots. The games would play out as the team against the team.

Peyton Manning’s teams were able to win three AFC Championships against Brady’s teams. However, Brady’s teams have a better overall record against Manning’s teams. During an interview previewing The Match: Champions for Charity, Peyton Manning did point out how he and Tiger Woods have combined for 17 championships, compared to the 11 combined between Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson.

A Clutch Moment Or Two May Decide The Match: Champions for Charity

These athletes also have all had their clutch moments within their sports. There are many that have stood out to me. For Phil Mickelson, it was his Sunday at Muirfield in 2013 to win his first Claret Jug. Tiger Woods’ Masters’ win last year was the climax of one of the most unlikely comeback stories you might see. For Tom Brady, it was many of his crazy playoff wins. Super Bowl 51 will stand out as a game where he made timely throws to keep his team in the game. Peyton Manning and the Colts’ comeback in the 2006 AFC Championship against Brady’s Patriots will always stand out to me as the defining moment of his career.

This golf match will be decided by a clutch moment. Fans know that every person participating has the ability to upstage their opponent. It will just be a matter of who rises to the occasion.

Manning and Brady’s Battles On The Gridiron Have Always Been Team Battles Decided By Teammates

Manning and Brady have had their battles through the years, but the games between them were always team games. In 2009, when the Patriots were seemingly a lock to hand the Colts their first loss of the season, Bill Belichick decided to go for it on 4th-and-2. When Brady and the Patriots came back from down 24-0 to beat the Broncos, it was the miscommunication between Denver’s Tony Carter and Wes Welker’s that came to define that game. That is why my prediction is that the actions of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will define this match.

Expect Woods and Mickelson To Determine Strategy In The Match: Champions for Charity

The focus of The Match: Champions for Charity is about two rivalries combining to bring a super-rivalry golf match. However, Woods and Mickelson will not beat the other individual. Brady and Manning will not beat each other as individuals also.

For the first nine holes of the match, the better score for each team will be recorded. Therefore, if Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have better rounds than Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, their scores will get recorded for their whole team. For the second half of the match, teammates will alternate shots, which means that strategy will be key. It may be fair to assume that Woods and Mickelson will take the lead on the strategy end of things.

Prediction For The Match: Champions for Charity

The team of Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning will win The Match: Champions for Charity because it is at The Medalist, which is Tiger Woods’ home golf course. Mickelson and Brady will keep this competitive to the point it may require a playoff, but Woods knows his course better than anyone. Regardless of who wins, however, sports fans will be entertained on Sunday.

Karl Dorrell’s Quarterback Conundrum Ahead of 2020 Colorado Buffaloes Season

Karl Dorrell's Quarterback Conundrum Ahead of 2020 Colorado Buffaloes Season

This week, the Pac-12 Coaches Media Webinar series took place. Every coach spoke about the challenges associated with preparing for the college football season, whenever that may be. The 2020 Colorado Buffaloes will have their own set of challenges they have to navigate. One of these challenges will be determining the quarterback position.

Colorado head coach Karl Dorrell was a part of Tuesday’s panel, which included coaches Jimmy Lake of Washington and Kyle Whittingham of Utah. The main similarity between the programs of Colorado, Washington, and Utah is that each team does not have a clear-cut Week 1 starting quarterback.

Dorrell will eventually have to choose between Tyler Lytle, Brendon Lewis, and Sam Noyer as his starting quarterback once the season actually starts.

Lytle, Lewis, and Noyer Will Each Have Opportunity at Starting Quarterback Job for 2020 Colorado Buffaloes

Redshirt junior Tyler Lytle, is the longest-tenured QB with the program. So, he may end up being the best option for the team to start the season. Lytle does not have much in-game experience but is the best pro-style option on the roster.  

Brendon Lewis, a true freshman, could still be the starter in the fall. He was ranked number 257 in the ESPN 300 and could be the best dual-threat option on the roster. Although Lewis may have more trouble winning the starting job because of circumstances, he should be able to see playing time. He is a unique talent and may be the next long-term starter for the Colorado Buffaloes.

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Sam Noyer will be entering his final year of eligibility. Last season, he played safety for the Buffaloes. While playing quarterback in 2018, Noyer won the hearts of some Buffaloes fans in 2018 when he laid a hit out against Washington State after he threw an interception. Noyer has been a mainstay in the program since 2016, so he may also have a chance to see in-game action during his senior season.

Karl Dorrell stated that none of these quarterbacks have had much time to get reps in. He has film from each of these players, but Colorado did not get any spring practices before college sports were shut down. There will be minimal answers at the most important position for the Buffaloes until they are able to hit the practice field.

2020 Colorado Buffaloes Need the Requisite Amount of Practice Time to be Ready for Season

Regardless of who the starting quarterback ends up being, Dorrell stated the need for at least a six-week window before the start of the season. Many predictions have been made about the 2020 Colorado Buffaloes, and they have not been favorable. Most pundits have the Buffaloes winning three to four games this season. For a program that is hungry for a bowl victory, they need the practice reps.

Kyle Whittingham, Utah’s head coach, brought up that things may not necessarily be equal in the NCAA. He is hoping that some of Utah’s players can get back into the weight room by June 1. However, he said that the lead-in time into the season needs to be the same. Different schools in the Pac-12 will be dealt different hands, which could complicate the season even more.

2020 Pac-12 Season in Question Depending on What California Pac-12 Schools End up Doing

NCAA President Mark Emmert stated that the NCAA will leave it up to the conferences as to when they want to start their seasons. Karl Dorrell, along with Jimmy Lake, stated that they wanted the opposite to happen.

The California State school system, which comprises 23 schools, has already decided to have their classes completely online in the fall. However, the California Pac-12 schools are not part of the Cal State system. Still, with Gavin Newsom casting doubt on California holding live sporting events with fans, coupled with Los Angeles’ stay-at-home order being extended to the end of July, it may be hard to imagine Pac-12 games being played in front of fans at the season’s start in September.

Even if the Pac-12 goes the safer route, it could further alienate the conference in the College Football Playoff conversation. The conference has not had a team in the playoff since the 2016 season. The Pac-12 may suffer by not playing in conjunction with the rest of the Power 5 conferences, but it could also give the conference more visibility. If people were able to watch the Pac-12 more readily, they may realize the quality of the conference.

Regardless of what happens, the Colorado Buffaloes have worked hard to be ready for the challenges that the 2020 season will present.

2020 Pac-12 College Football Season: Uncertainty, But Hope is Here

Pac-12 Bowl Games

No one knows what the 2020 college football season holds. Many conferences may be gearing up to run their seasons independently of their cohorts. It will be interesting to see how different conferences react to developments surrounding the coronavirus, but there have been seeds that have been planted as far as state orders in some of the top Pac-12 cities.

Governors Kate Brown and Gavin Newsom Offer Grim Outlook on College Football Fans in Pac-12 Stadiums

Oregon Governor Kate Brown stated her belief that fans will not be able to gather for sporting events through September. This development means that Oregon’s huge Week 2 game against Ohio State could be played in front of no fans. Depending on how different areas of the country move along with their response, should both Oregon and Ohio State consider switching the venues this season? However, questions like these are met with a double-edge sword. Stadiums will most likely not be able to fill up to 100 percent capacity by September anywhere.

California Governor Gavin Newsom cast his doubt on fans being able to see their favorite Pac-12 teams in action. His belief is that a vaccine needs to be widely available. It is hard to imagine Stanford hosting USC or California hosting TCU in front of no fans. However, this may be the reality. It may be hard for someone to accept the risk associated with attending a sporting event without a vaccine.

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How Might College Football Fans React to the 2020 College Football Season Being Pushed Back

Non-conference games like TCU-California and Ohio State-Oregon are scheduled with the fans in mind. These types of games are supposed to bring in revenue for these schools. Fans get hyped for huge out-of-conference games because they provide teams from within the conference with a chance to become more nationally relevant. The Pac-12 has not made the College Football Playoff since 2016, and winning these types of games is paramount for them to become relevant. The atmosphere at these types of games always makes it more difficult for the opponent. Sure, there would be the issue of travel for the road teams, but would Ohio State see a road game against Oregon without the raucous Duck crowd as a hostile environment.

There are season-ticket holders who invest in their favorite college team, whether that team is from their alma mater or if they are connected to them some other way. When a team like Ohio State is going to play in Eugene, fans want to see that game. It will be interesting to see the ways in which conferences ramp up security so fans do not congregate outside the stadium. They will still want to be heard even if they are not allowed in the stadium.

Another Factor to Consider For 2020 College Football Season: The Lack of Player Compensation

College football players have the distinct challenge of trying to balance their studies with another full-time job: playing for the football team. While most players are provided with the benefits of a scholarship and a monthly stipend for food, it would be crazy for these conferences to force them back on the field.

The NCAA and the conferences themselves will have to ask themselves the question of if they want to put these players at risk. College football is at more of a risk of being postponed until next spring because these players are not compensated unlike the NFL. Students may not be returning to campus next semester. For example, the University of Colorado Boulder may be offering a hybrid of in-person and remote learning during the fall semester. If students cannot be on campus all the time, is it too much for institutions and fans to expect their athletes to stay on campus all the time?

Despite the Circumstances, There Is Hope for the Future

Delaying gratification is tough for any human. However, if there ends up being a delay in the start of the 2020 college football season, it is not like the games will not still happen. Oregon and Ohio State will hopefully still end up playing each other in a home-and-home series. These matchups are great for college football. College football is a great escape from the stresses of school for students and the stress of work for the general fan base. There may be a question of when college sports can return to normal, but there is a lot of hope that they will return to normal. Whether it’s in a stadium or on a couch, college football fans will eventually be able to see their favorite teams in action again.

Unafraid Show’s Pac-12 2020 NFL Draft Recap: Herbert Leads the Way

Pac-12 NFL Draft 2020 picks, Justin Herbert

The 2020 NFL Draft brought fans together for a sporting event for the first time in what seems like forever. Thirty-two players from the Pac-12 heard their names during the three days of the NFL draft. Many teams were able to add impactful Pac-12 players.

Chargers Make Justin Herbert QB of the Future As Sixth Pick of 2020 NFL Draft

Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 7

Justin Herbert went sixth overall to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers hope Herbert can be the second Oregon quarterback, after Dan Fouts, who brings success to their franchise. It is unfair to make comparisons between the two, but Herbert can have NFL success. He is the modern-day pocket passer who can use his legs to run if he must.

Austin Jackson Second Pac-12 Player Drafted In First Round of 2020 NFL Draft

In a move that may have surprised some, the Miami Dolphins selected USC offensive tackle Austin Jackson 18th overall. Jackson has the task of protecting Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside in Miami. Beefing up the offensive line by drafting Jackson was a good move for Brian Flores and the Dolphins, as Tagovailoa had a propensity for making plays on his own at Alabama. The Dolphins are trying to build their team from the ground up, and Austin Jackson figures to be part of the solution.

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Brandon Aiyuk Drafted in First Round Before Pittman Jr., Shenault

The San Francisco 49ers traded up with the Minnesota Vikings to the 25th overall pick, and selected Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk with the trade. Aiyuk was the third and final Pac-12 player taken in the first round.

Seeing Aiyuk drafted before Michael Pittman Jr. and Laviska Shenault was a bit surprising. However, Aiyuk does not have the extensive injury history that the other two have had in their college careers. Aiyuk gives the 49ers a speedy, skilled option. He should help fill the void left from the departures of Emmanuel Sanders and Marquise Goodwin.

USC wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. did not have to wait long on Day Two to hear his name called. The Indianapolis Colts selected him with the 34th overall pick.  

Laviska Shenault has the most upside out of all the Pac-12 receivers. Still, he was on the board until the Jaguars took him 42nd overall. Shenault has first-round talent, but injuries played a part in him falling to the second round. If Shenault can stay healthy in the NFL, the Jaguars may have got the best receiver in the 2020 draft.

Eight Pac-12 Players Drafted On Day Two, Utah Leads Way with Four Selections

The Pac-12 had eight players taken on Day Two of the 2020 NFL Draft. Four of those players were Utah Utes. Jaylon Johnson was taken in the second round by the Chicago Bears. It was the Bears first pick of the draft, and they may have got a first-round talent in Johnson. Safety Julian Blackmon was drafted by the Colts in the 3rd round, one pick before Zack Moss was taken by the Bills. Pairing Moss with Devin Singletary in the Buffalo Bills’ backfield may prove to be an effective one-two punch on Sundays. Defensive back Terrell Burgess was the last Utah player drafted on Day Two by the Los Angeles Rams.

Potential Steals of 2020 NFL Draft Include Devin Asiasi, Evan Weaver

There were many potential steals of the 2020 NFL Draft from the Pac-12. First off, tight end Devin Asiasi was a third-round pick of the New England Patriots. The Patriots drafting Asiasi with Virginia Tech tight end Dalton Keene is reminiscent of the strategy Bill Belichick employed in 2010 when he took both Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Asiasi flourished in Chip Kelly’s offense in 2019 and looks to build upon his success.

Evan Weaver was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. That means he was an early-round pick, right? Unfortunately, teams believed Evan Weaver was undersized, but he still has a great football acumen. The Arizona Cardinals took him in the sixth round of the draft.

The Colts drafted Jacob Eason, who could become their quarterback of the future, in the 4th round. Eason was a highly sought after quarterback after his high school career but had a rocky journey through college. He started his career at Georgia but did not get extended playing time with them. At Washington, Eason was able to show his skills, but he was unable to elevate Washington to national prominence this past season. Eason is in a good situation where he can sit and learn from Philip Rivers and head coach Frank Reich, who is known for getting the most out of his quarterbacks.

2020 NFL Draft Shows Pac-12 Has Work to do to Catch Up to Other Power 5 Conferences

In an NFL Draft that saw 14 SEC players taken in the first round, the Pac-12 only had 11 players taken across the first two days of the draft. Some may argue that there is an east coast bias in the draft also, but the Pac-12 simply has had trouble competing with the top football conferences in the country. The Pac-12 does not have a powerhouse program now, as the last team from the conference to make the College Football Playoff was Washington in the 2016-17 season. Conference trends are also seen in the draft, and it will be interesting to see if the Pac-12 is able to have more players drafted earlier in the future.

Unafraid Show’s Pac-12 2020 NFL Draft Preview: Part One

Pac-12 NFL Draft 2020

The Pac-12 is hoping to have multiple first-round draft picks in the 2020 NFL Draft. The conference has many offensive and defensive prospects that teams will be looking to draft between April 23-25. Today, we will look at prospects who are possible Day Two draft picks.

This article is Part One of a 2-part Pac-12 NFL Draft Preview.

Trey Adams of Washington May Have Rocky 2020 NFL Draft Road

Adams’ college career was derailed because of injuries. Still, his talent presents teams with an intriguing option for teams. Adams ran a 5.6 second 40-yard dash at the combine, along with a 24.5 inch vertical jump and a 92 inch broad jump. These numbers were not great, and Adams did not make the best impression on NFL scouts. A Sports Illustrated article featured a Pro Football Weekly analyst who criticized Adams’ time at the combine. The same article reported that Adams may have not been smart with certain answers he gave in interviews. Adams is ranked number 90 in ESPN’s Best Available list, but it will be interesting to see if he can salvage being picked within the first two days of the draft.

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Devin Asiasi Looks to be Day Two Pick at 2020 NFL Draft

Asiasi broke onto the scene in 2019, as he caught 44 passes for 641 yards and 4 touchdowns. He started his career at Michigan, but wanted to be closer to home. He was able to find a place in Chip Kelly’s fast-paced offense at UCLA. His play in 2019 helped him attain the ranking of the third-best tight end available according to ESPN’s Best Available list. A team with a need at tight end may look at drafting Asiasi. He fits the bill of being a more physical tight end that still possesses breakaway ability. Due to the class at tight end being not as deep this year, Asiasi should be a Day Two draft pick.

Bradlee Anae Made Great Impression At Senior Bowl

Anae received First-Team All Pac-12 honors in 2018 and 2019. He also wreaked havoc at the Senior Bowl in January, as he tallied three sacks in that game. At the combine, Anae ran a 4.93 40-yard dash. Anae could become a hybrid player in the NFL, playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme. He had 13 sacks his senior year at Utah. It is shocking that Anae is not higher on draft boards. He is ranked as the 83rd best prospect on draft boards. The 2020 NFL Draft is deep at the defensive end position, but Anae should be a Day Two pick.

Ashtyn Davis’ 2020 NFL Draft Stock Affected By Pro Day Cancellation

Originally a scholarship track athlete at Cal, Davis became a second-team all-conference football player. Davis could be a Day Two draft pick, but some teams are having trouble evaluating him after his Pro Day was canceled. He sustained a groin injury in Cal’s game against UCLA on November 30th and was unable to run at the combine. Thus, Davis does not have a recorded 40 time. However, being a safety who can act quickly off the ball makes Davis an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.

Troy Dye Could Go Up Draft Boards Due to Football IQ

Troy Dye is a great option for teams as a Day Two draft pick because of his high football IQ. Dye did not participate in drills at the NFL Combine. Still, he had a productive season in 2019 with 52 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Dye played the entire game against Washington this past season despite breaking his thumb early in the game. Teams like qualities like toughness and football IQ, and Dye possesses both. It would be a shock if Dye was not a Day Two draft pick.

Laviska Shenault Jr. Could Be First Round Pick, But Injuries a Concern

Laviska Shenault Jr. is another example of a player whose college career was impacted by injuries. When Shenault is 100 percent, he is a freak of nature on the football field. However, he had to have core muscle surgery in early March. Shenault was dealing with a core muscle injury for the majority of the 2019 season but still garnered team MVP honors at CU. He had 56 receptions for 764 yards and four touchdowns in 2019. When he was healthy, Shenault was the favorite target of quarterback Steven Montez. Shenault may be a late-first round draft pick, but may slide to an early second-round pick because of this injury.

All of the prospects talked about in this article are being projected as Day Two draft picks. Next week, we will preview prospects that may have greater first-round potential, such as Justin Herbert and Brandon Aiyuk.

Colorado Buffaloes Football: Three Keys To Obtaining National Relevance

Colorado Buffaloes Football has had a tough time shining in the national spotlight this past decade. However, the new decade brings a fresh start for the Buffaloes. Karl Dorrell, who is “in for the long haul”, will try to put a stamp on what Colorado Buffaloes football is.

There may not be any more “Relentless” hashtags. Dorrell brings a calming presence to a Colorado Buffaloes Football program that has had more vocal coaches with Mike MacIntyre and Mel Tucker in the past. However, Dorrell was able to keep familiar faces around. He was given a great recruiting class in his first year. Also, he has a team with battle-tested players, as the Buffaloes were in seven one-score games last season.

There is a foundation that could lead to success for the Buffaloes. Now, the job is to keep building and contributing to the culture at CU.

Maintaining Continuity at the Coordinator Position First Key to Success for Colorado Buffaloes Football

Having Darrin Chiaverini returning as offensive coordinator will help keep some continuity for the Buffaloes. Even though Laviska Shenault declared for the draft, the Buffaloes have leadership on offense starting with wide receiver K.D. Nixon. Nixon decided to return for his senior season after initially declaring for the NFL Draft.

On defense, the Buffaloes still will be led by Tyson Summers. Their front seven will be led by Mustafa Johnson and Nate Landman. They also return Derrion Rakestraw in the secondary. The defense has the veteran leadership. They could see more improvement in 2020 after making strides in 2019.

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Building Upon the Recruiting Class Could Be Biggest Indicator of Buffaloes’ National Relevance

Colorado is currently ranked 36th in 247 Sports’ 2020 Football Team Rankings. They are 7th in the Pac-12. Many credit the job Mel Tucker was able to do with recruiting in his one year in Boulder. However, many things have changed since Karl Dorrell took over. Antonio Alfano was suspended indefinitely by the program after violating team rules. Alfano, who transferred from Alabama, was looked at as one of the major victories that Mel Tucker had in recruiting.

Darrin Chiaverini is regarded as the Buffaloes’ best recruiter. He is the recruiting coordinator, and helped to bring in a wide receiver class this year. Brenden Rice, the son of Jerry Rice, was a major victory for the Buffaloes in recruiting. The Buffaloes need to get a top-40 recruiting class in 2021. Achieving this would be great for the long-term hope of Colorado football returning to national relevance.

Keeping Games Close Important for Immediate Success of Colorado Buffaloes Football

Colorado was in seven one-score games in 2019. Their record in those games was 4-3. However, the Buffaloes were rarely the team blowing out their opponents, as they lost three games on the road by 30-plus points, and had a 17-point loss to UCLA. To become more nationally relevant, the Buffaloes will have to prove they can compete against the conference’s best.

However, some of the Buffaloes’ one score wins were impressive in 2019. They beat an up-and-coming Arizona State team in Tempe last season. Arizona State is one of the favorites in the Pac-12 South to start the 2020 season. The Buffaloes proved they are capable of playing up to their competition at home, as they had a close loss at home to USC last season. However, this competitiveness the Buffaloes displayed did not transfer on the road. Their losses were ugly, including against Oregon.

The Ducks will be coming to Boulder when the Buffaloes open up Pac-12 play on September 26. This game will be one of the “litmus tests” for the Buffaloes this season. Will this be the game where the Buffaloes showcase their improvement under Karl Dorrell, or will it be more of the same?

Fans are hoping for improvement, but many times their early season hopes have been erased rather quickly. The Buffaloes have a tough schedule in many regards this season. However, making a bowl game is an attainable goal for the Buffaloes. They have experienced close games, have the continuity to build upon success, and have been making inroads on the recruiting circuit.

Colorado Football: Navigating Through the COVID-19 Pandemic

colorado buffaloes recruiting

Every college football team, including the Colorado Buffaloes, will have to navigate unforeseen waters as the COVID-19 Pandemic rages on. The Buffaloes are in a unique situation, as players have not had time to get used to how new head coach Karl Dorrell manages the program. It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming weeks as the world finds out more about how to deal with the pandemic.

Lucky for Buffaloes, Offensive and Defensive Schemes Should Be Similar

When one looks at the Colorado Buffaloes football program, they will notice how the team is on their third head coach in three years. However, the offensive and defensive coordinators, Darrin Chiaverini and Tyson Summers have been with the program multiple years.

The defense improved under Tyson Summers last season, as the Buffaloes had late-season home wins against Stanford and Washington. In those two games, the Buffaloes gave up 13 and 14 points, respectively. The 2020 season will be Summers’ second season as the defensive coordinator. Making a huge leap in year one to year two in Summers’ scheme may be key to the Buffaloes making their first bowl game since 2016.

For the offense, Darrin Chiaverini reclaimed the role he had with the team from 2016-18. In this role, Chiaverini was able to help his quarterbacks be threats both in the air and on the ground. Both Steven Montez and Sefo Liufau had 300-yard passing and 100-yard rushing games in 2016 under Chiaverini.

Brendon Lewis could win the Buffaloes’ starting job as a true freshman. However, the possibility of not going through the typical spring practice routine may hinder his chances. Chiaverini may not be able to see live reps from Lewis as he would usually be able to.

All of the new players in the new recruiting class that Mel Tucker was instrumental in may have trouble adjusting to the playbook. The Buffaloes may have to rely on upperclassmen to help freshmen like Brendon Lewis learn the playbook.

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Buffaloes Are Not the Only Team in Their Situation

While these problems are unique to Colorado football, every college football team is going to deal with a myriad of problems because of COVID-19. For the Buffaloes to have a successful season, they will have to study the playbook. If players are forced to stay home, it will be harder for them to hold each other accountable for knowing the playbook. With a new coach, the sooner the team practices, they will be better off.

Right now, there are meetings scheduled for the football team starting on March 29. The University of Colorado is on spring break this week, so it will be interesting to see how the situation develops in the coming days.

Will Fans Be At Colorado Football’s Home Opener On September 12?

At this point, the whole sports world is in flux. Right now there should be talk about the upcoming Sweet 16 games in the NCAA Tournament. Because of how the COVID-19 situation is developing, it may be hard for fans to realistically think college stadiums will be full in September. While there has not been too much doubt regarding the 2020 College Football Season being played, it is reasonable to think that the Buffaloes’ home opener against Fresno State on September 12 could be played in front of zero fans.

While this issue is pure speculation, it will be interesting to see how fans would react. Fans that would potentially attend games and buy season tickets may want assurances about their safety.  Athletes also may need assurances that they will be playing in a safe environment.

As the uncertainty regarding the future continues to be on everyone’s mind, it is important to keep the safety of the student-athletes in mind. Colorado Football will need to find a way to effectively prepare themselves for the 2020 season. With a first-year head coach, how the Buffaloes emerge from their situation in the coming weeks or months will be telling in how they end up performing in 2020.

Pac-12 Basketball: Memories Made in Imperfect Season

Pac-12 Basketball- Oregon UCLA

The NCAA Basketball season came to an unexpected end on the morning of Thursday, March 12. Pac-12 officials decided to cancel the conference tournament. The conference was gearing up for an NCAA Tournament that could have seen seven of its teams in it. However, safety is paramount for everyone in society in response to COVID-19.

The Pac-12 made the right call in calling off the conference tournament. There was a domino effect from Wednesday night on in the sports world, as Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. The Pac-12 concluded their Wednesday night games, but canceled the tournament early Thursday morning.

This moment in history has stripped athletes of the glory that they could have felt in the NCAA Tournament. Stories could have been written and legacies could have been made. Payton Pritchard could have led Oregon on a deep tournament run in his senior year. One of the Pac-12’s bubble teams could have made the Sweet 16 and validated the conference possibly getting more than half its teams in the tournament. We will never know.

Memories Were Still Made In First Round of Pac-12 Tournament

However, there were great moments from the 2019-20 Pac-12 basketball season. There were even some in the one day of Pac-12 Tournament play. Oregon State and Utah fought hard in the 8-versus-9 game. Utah junior Alfonso Plummer broke the record for most 3-pointers in a Pac-12 Tournament game with 11 made. He broke Klay Thompson’s record. However, Oregon State freshman Jarod Lucas stole the spotlight from Plummer. He hit a 3-pointer with 1.8 seconds remaining in the game as the Beavers stole a 71-69 victory.

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California validated their improvement throughout the season as they easily dispatched tournament hopeful Stanford 63-51. First-year Mark Fox and his team were thought of as an afterthought in the conference, but they were able to win three out of their last five games.

Washington State got their first Pac-12 Tournament win since 2009 as they beat Colorado 82-68. The Cougars finished 16-16, clinching their first non-losing season since 2012. Washington State also had a first-year coach in Kyle Smith, and they also showed steady improvement throughout the season.

Teams like Oregon State, California, and Washington State were able to make memories this season. Just because March Madness is not happening does not mean this season was a lost season. Oregon was the best team in the Pac-12, but there was parity across the entire league every weekend. Even though there will not be March Madness, there was plenty of madness in the Pac-12.

Payton Pritchard Had Senior Moments for Oregon Ducks

Oregon was able to win games on the biggest stages in both non-conference and conference games. Payton Pritchard racked up many awards, as he was named Pac-12 Player of the Year. He was able to have some senior moments in his last year of college basketball. In a hostile environment in Ann Arbor, Pritchard was the main catalyst in Oregon pulling off a 71-70 overtime victory against Michigan. He scored 19 out of his 23 points after halftime.

Pritchard’s game winning three against Washington was one of the top moments in Pac-12 conference play this season. After hitting the shot, Pritchard yelled “This is my city”. He was able to leave his mark in the Oregon-Washington rivalry.

Colorado, UCLA Among Teams In Pac-12 With Noteworthy Seasons

Colorado had arguably their best season under Tad Boyle minus the last five games the Buffaloes played. There was enthusiasm and excitement in Boulder for this team. They delivered some great moments, as they beat Oregon in Boulder when the Ducks were ranked fourth in the country. The Buffaloes were also the last team to beat Dayton, with D’Shawn Schwartz hitting the game-winning three in overtime. Colorado was becoming a basketball school, and the team could continue riding this momentum into next season.  

UCLA had the most remarkable turnaround in the conference this season. The Bruins were a team that lost to Cal State Fullerton in December. In March, they had wins against Arizona (twice), Arizona State, and Colorado on their resume. UCLA was playing arguably the best basketball out of anyone in the Pac-12, and showed great growth throughout the entire season.

Pac-12 Has Bright Future, Even With Imperfect End to Season

The 2019-20 NCAA basketball season will always have an asterisk next to it. However, the teams in the Pac-12 and all across the United States were able to create lifelong memories. The Pac-12 brought us entertaining basketball, and the conference’s future is bright in the sport. First-year coaches were able to put their mark on a program, and other coaches were able to show what their program can be. Hopefully, fans of all teams in the Pac-12 can appreciate the entertainment that the 2019-20 season brought, even though the ending will always be imperfect.

Colorado Buffaloes In Review: Dorrell Completes Coaching Staff, Basketball Teams Must Flip the Script

It was an eventful week in Colorado Buffaloes athletics this past week. First off, head football coach Karl Dorrell completed his coaching staff. His contract was approved by the CU Board of Regents. In basketball, both the men’s and women’s teams need to make a statement, as the story of their seasons should not be completed prematurely.

Karl Dorrell Completes Colorado Coaching Staff

Karl Dorrell completed the Colorado coaching staff this past week. Tyson Summers will remain as defensive coordinator for a second season, while Darrin Chiaverini will once again be the Buffaloes’ offensive coordinator after having the same position with the team from 2016-18.

One notable hire of Dorrell’s is new cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin, who came from Arizona. This hire is interesting because Martin also coached cornerbacks at Arizona. Dorrell was able to get Martin, one of Kevin Sumlin’s coaches, to come to another school within the conference for the same job he had at Arizona.

Dorrell also hired Danny Langsdorf as the new quarterback’s coach. It will be interesting to see how Langsdorf works with true freshman quarterback Brenden Lewis. Lewis could be the Buffaloes’ starter this season. Langsdorf brings experience, as he was the offensive coordinator on Mike Riley’s staff at Oregon State and Nebraska.

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Dorrell played it safe with his hires. Chiaverini has built a strong reputation because of his recruiting abilities. A familiar face from the recruiting process is good for the incoming freshman class. The defense steadily improved under Summers last season, but there are still steps to be taken. However, keeping Chiaverini and Summers shows a commitment from Dorrell to keep some continuity within the Colorado coaching staff.

Linda Shoemaker and Jack Kroll Vote Against Karl Dorrell’s Contract

To no one’s surprise, CU Regents Linda Shoemaker and Jack Kroll voted no against Karl Dorrell’s five-year, $18 million contract. Concerns over player safety were the main reason for the two “no” votes. However, Shoemaker was very respectful of Dorrell. She appreciated how Dorrell preached the importance of academics for student-athletes in his introductory press conference. Shoemaker was critical of Mel Tucker because of the emphasis he put on players playing hard-nosed football.

Antonio Alfano Suspended Indefinitely

Karl Dorrell announced Monday that defensive lineman Antonio Alfano, who transferred from Alabama, “has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules.” Alfano transferred in November and enrolled in classes in January. What looked like one of Mel Tucker’s greatest recruiting wins now is the first controversy Karl Dorrell has to deal with as head coach.

Men’s Basketball Team Falls to Utah, Women’s Basketball Team Falls to USC in Conference Tournament

The Buffaloes’ men’s basketball team lost to Utah on Saturday, 74-72. There was questionable officiating the entire game. Consequently, a questionable officiating call decided this game. Fans have a right to be mad about the call, but the Buffaloes need to find a way to get back on track, starting this Wednesday against Washington State in Las Vegas.

The Women’s Basketball team lost to USC in the first round of the Pac-12 Women’s Conference Tournament 69-54. However, the team finished the season with a 16-14 record and may receive an invitation to the Women’s NIT. 2019-20 was the Buffaloes first winning season in three years.

There are positives to be taken out of both the Men’s and Women’s seasons. However, conclusions should not be drawn about the seasons yet, as postseason tournaments should play a factor in determining how a team’s season is going. Before the Men’s team went on a four-game losing streak, their season was already deemed a success. However, for it to be truly successful the team has to make noise in the Pac-12 Tournament this week and the NCAA Tournament. The same goes for the women’s team if they end up receiving an NIT bid.