On Monday, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Karl Dorrell addressed the media via a Zoom conference. The Buffaloes are looking to start voluntary workouts on June 15.
Dorrell Acknowledges Following Safety Precautions Will Increase Likelihood of 2020 College Football for Colorado Buffaloes
The Coronavirus Pandemic has provided unique challenges for sports teams across the globe. However, Dorrell hopes that these challenges will be met so fans can at least watch the Buffaloes on television in the fall.
“We all want football to be here this fall, and we
have to do what is in our best interest and the best we can to adhere to the
policies that are going to give us the best chance for that to happen,” Dorrell
said.
Dorrell is not exactly the biggest fan of having to
wear a mask on campus but understands why that policy exists.
“It is a pain in the you know what wearing a mask outside,” Dorrell said. “But you know that is the policy they want you to have on campus. We kept them on all the way across campus and back.”
Dorrell Believes College Football Can Take the Lead on Global Issue of Pandemic
The feeling at college campuses across the nation will
be vastly different this fall. The classroom setting will look like a waiting
room at the doctor’s office in a way, as everyone will be wearing a mask.
Even though football and sports in general are not at
the core of the pandemic, Dorrell believes that football can take the lead in showing
how to deal with different aspects of the pandemic.
“This is a global issue, but for the nation, we’re all dealing with this and they are looking at the NFL or College Football to kind of be the lead as to how to handle this thing,” Dorrell said.
Despite Different Offseason, Dorrell Sees Level Playing Field In 2020 College Football
Karl Dorrell will not be taking excuses as the
Colorado Buffaloes prepare for the season. Even though the offseason was
different to begin with, Dorrell believes the team will be prepared.
“We feel we should have had just as good a chance of
being successful as anybody, regardless of our start,” Dorrell said.
All of college football had a different start. Because
of this, Dorrell does not see a disparity in the amount of preparation teams were
able to get.
“I think because of this pandemic everybody is in the same boat, so it actually puts us on a level playing field, in my opinion,” Dorrell said.
Protests Could Bring 2020 Colorado Buffaloes Football Team Even More Together With Community
In Boulder, there are expectations in Karl Dorrell’s
first year. Still, outside of the Boulder and Denver Metro Areas, no one is
expecting much in Dorrell’s first year as the Buffaloes’ head coach.
However, it seems like Dorrell is planting the seeds
for success possibly in the short term and the long term. He seems to be direct
and to the point and is clear about how he wants his team to act. Dorrell does
not want any excuses but has praised the team’s togetherness and willingness to
adjust to the times.
The team seems to be together as one cohesive unit. Wide
Receiver K.D. Nixon led the Boulder community as they peacefully protested
police brutality in wake of George Floyd’s death on June 5. Colorado Buffaloes
football is a huge pillar of the Boulder community, and the team taking this
stand could help in uniting themselves with the community.
Karl Dorrell stated that the team will have a community-based
event to address the many subjects that have been talked about in wake of
George Floyd’s death at least one a month. Dorrell acknowledged that certain important
discussions may wane over time. Still, he wants to make sure that the team
continues to empower the community to have these tough but necessary
conversations in the months to come.
“I think it is important for our country to step up
like this and empower our young people to be a big part of the process,”
Dorrell said.
The University of Colorado Boulder is going to have in-person classes in the fall. This decision has ramifications for Colorado Buffaloes football. Having students on the CU Boulder campus could make the decision to play football and even possibly have some fans in the stadium easier.
Chancellor DiStefano announces we are welcoming students back to CU Boulder for a #COVID19 ready fall semester with a flexible, in-person experience designed for safety, ensures access and quality for our students and moves #CUBoulder forward. Read more: https://t.co/DUFFuHuferpic.twitter.com/Kv4M9d1gBQ
The Decision to Reopen CU Boulder Campus Comes With Risks
CU Boulder has a commitment to the well-being of everyone who may step foot on campus. Students will definitely be nervous about going into an environment where they are at risk of catching the novel coronavirus. Athletes will also be put into special circumstances. The reason that many professional sports leagues will be able to resume is that the athletes are under contract and are receiving a salary. College athletes will not be.
Does a school want to put their athletes at risk by being immersed within the student population? Will athletes accept these conditions? There are many questions that come with a decision like this one. Athletics are a huge part of a university’s money pool, and it will be interesting to see what CU Boulder and other institutions decide for their athletes. Fans want to know their athletes will be ready to play if there are games in the fall.
CU Boulder Coaches Could Be Forced To Go With Experience Over Talent
In
a normal season, many players would have more chances to showcase their
abilities to their coaches. Obviously this is not the case this season. Thus,
players who have been in the program longer may have an easier time winning
starting jobs this season.
At the quarterback position, Tyler Lytle will probably start opening day for the Buffaloes. Brendon Lewis may have a larger skill set, but Lytle’s experience within the system may be the deciding factor. The main issue for head coach Karl Dorrell is that he does not have much in-game film from any of his top three quarterbacks at the college level. Redshirt senior Sam Noyer may also have a better shot at the starting job because of his experience, but remember that he played safety, not quarterback, last season under Mel Tucker.
Who Would Get Tickets If Folsom Field Is Allowed To Fill At Any Capacity?
Many
Buffs fans already get season tickets to see their favorite team in action.
However, the atmosphere at college football games will be different. It is a
safe bet that there will not be full stadiums anywhere this season.
Thus,
expect any fans that may be at Buffaloes football games this season to be
students or season ticket holders. Alumni and donors may also get priority over
other fans. It will be interesting to see how much the Pac-12 Conference
themselves oversees this process. Oregon Governor Kate Brown already stated
that people in Oregon cannot congregate at sporting events through at least
September.
Not having full college football stadiums will be unique. It will suck to not see the pageantry and tradition on full display. Spending a fall Saturday afternoon cheering on the school where you are being educated is a pillar of the college experience, and not having this experience may be tough for students. One area that could be affected because of this could be school spirit. One of the pillars that make people fall in love with the place in which they are receiving their education is the sense of community that is felt at sporting events. Fans feel like they are a part of something.
Speculation Does Not Mean Jumping To Conclusions
CU Boulder made a decision to let students back on campus for the fall. Any motives for making this move are purely speculation, but there are educated guesses from many people as to why they make the decisions the way they do. Anything that people hear about this situation is fluid; in other words, it is not set in stone. At the end of the day, everyone’s well-being should be the university’s number one priority. There should be extra care taken with where athletes go, as everyone’s chances of catching the virus go up by being in the community. It is important that athletes, fans, and students at CU Boulder participate within the community, but do so in a safe manner. Fans want to see their favorite players playing on Saturdays this fall. Hopefully the community does their part to help make this a reality.
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.
"I don't get the 'out of the box' [hire]. [Colorado] went out and hired a really good coach." -Chip Kelly on CU hiring former UCLA coach Karl Dorrell
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 with the dime to Antjuan Turner for a CARDINALS TOUCHDOWN!
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.
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.
Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Daniel Arias has been learning to adjust to life away from his teammates.
There is rampant speculation around whether the 2020 college football season will be played due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Players cannot train with their teams, and coaches have to rely on video calls to be able to communicate with their teams. Players are used to having a routine associated with getting prepared for the season.
“Being away from my brothers feels weird. It’s just different, not having to play football,” Arias said.
Daniel Arias Has Been Working Out With K.D. Nixon Despite Pac-12 Suspending Organized Team Activities
The Pac-12 has suspended all organized team activities across all sports until May 31. Virtual group activities are limited to two hours a week, per the Pac-12 Pandemic Policy.
However, Daniel Arias has been working out with fellow wide receiver K.D. Nixon in the morning. These workouts are not team-sanctioned, so they are not subject to Pac-12 policy.
“We’re just out there just putting in work every single day, not letting (the absence of team workouts) stop us, but just being safe at the same time.”
Colorado Buffaloes Coaches Have Done a Good Job Providing Playbook and Film
When players are communicating, they are still holding each other accountable. Arias said that teammates are making sure they are staying in shape and learning the playbook. With having a new coach in Karl Dorrell, one may assume that learning the playbook would be more difficult.
However,
Darrin Chiaverini has been a staple with Colorado football over the past few
seasons. He has reclaimed his old post as offensive coordinator, so the
playbook is similar to the one Daniel Arias had in 2018, his freshman year.
Arias believes that this playbook will be easier for him to learn because of
this familiarity.
Arias said he appreciated how the coaches have made access to the playbook and film easy for the team. Because of this, the players and coaches still operate as a cohesive unit.
“The coaches have done a really good job being flexible and having all of us together on the same page.”
The team’s plan is to meet three times a week via Zoom video calls. Although the team may be falling behind in some aspects, Arias hopes that the summer will help the team prepare for the season.
“When
summer comes around, hopefully we can come back together, catch up, and start
working again.”
However, Arias emphasized how players need to hold themselves accountable for learning the playbook now. He stressed the need for his teammates to make sure they are pulling their weight both on and off the field. If each player does this, Arias believes it will lead to team success.
Daniel Arias Stayed In Boulder to Keep Up With Education
Some
players on the team also stayed in Boulder, while others left for home. The
majority of students at CU Boulder have left the Boulder area because of the
pandemic. However, Arias decided to stay in Boulder, as he believes it presents
the best for his education.
“I
just wanted to stay on campus and just finish this semester strong and do what
I needed to do in order to be successful this semester before going home.”
Arias
has been able to keep with his routine because of school. Even though there is
no football practice, he still feels a sense of normalcy.
“For
me, it’s like a normal day of school,” Arias said.
He
added that he does not have much free time because of how he is keeping with
his routine of training in the morning. In the afternoon, he will attend
virtual classes and does his homework. However, he still prefers being in the
classroom to having virtual classes.
“I would prefer physically going to class instead of doing the zoom (virtual classes),” Arias said. “You could be in bed listening to the lecture and it’s just different from being in class physically.”
Daniel Arias and Colorado Buffaloes Will Still Work Hard Despite Uncertainty
Safety is paramount in these times, as the COVID-19 Pandemic has swept across the United States. Some are speculating that the 2020 college football season may not take place until the spring of 2021. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the college football season, Arias’ main focus is on becoming a better football player.
“We all have the same goal of winning the championship,” Arias said. “We’re going to keep working hard.”
Arias stated that the experience would be “different” playing in front of fans. For now, he wants to focus on what he can control: becoming a better football player.
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.
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.
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.
These are tough and uncertain time’s we are in. Let’s make sure we listen to the experts and take care of each other!! We’re all in this together and we must do the things necessary to get through this together!! 🙏💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
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.
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.
Rick George says he doesn't know if or when spring football will resume. NCAA and Pac-12 will be involved in decisions.
Colorado will likely push for spring football in May or June if unable to resume.
"What we're focused on right now is what we're doing on a day-to-day basis."
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.
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.
Pac-12 statement on men's basketball tournament, Pac-12 sport competitions & Pac-12 championship events: pic.twitter.com/HjJvki3LOT
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.
Listen to the best Pac-12 Basketball and Football Podcast
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
2020 AP All-Pac-12 Teams
—First Team— Payton, Pritchard, Oregon Remy Martin, ASU Onyeka, Okongwu, USC Zeke Nnaji, Arizona Tres Tinkle, OSU
—Second Team— Isaiah Stewart, Washington CJ Ellerby, WSU Tyler Bey, Colorado McKinley Wright IV, Colorado Timmy Allen, Utah
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.
I had Washington ML 🥺 RT @ActionNetworkHQ: Payton Pritchard. DAGGER 🗡
Oregon climbs all the way back from down 16 to win in overtime…
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.
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.
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
Colorado regent Linda Shoemaker very complimentary of Rick George and Karl Dorrell, but said she will vote against Dorrell's contract because of the dangers of the game of football. Shoemaker has never voted for a football contract since being a regent #cubuffs
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
According to Colorado head coach Karl Dorrell, DL Antonio Alfano, a transfer from Alabama "has been suspended indefinitely for violation of team rules.” Alfano arrived on campus in January. #cubuffs
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.
The 2020 Pac-12 Tournament bracket has taken shape after another crazy week of Pac-12 Basketball. Oregon showed why they are the favorites to win this week’s tournament in Las Vegas, while last-place Washington shocked both Arizona and Arizona State. Officiating took some of the spotlight as teams jockeyed for position in the conference tournament.
Oregon Cements Front-Runner Status Ahead of Pac-12 Tournament
Chance of Winning the Men’s Pac-12 Hoops Tourney per @KenPomeroy (Seed)
Oregon defended their home
court against California and Stanford, and they are looking like the
frontrunners in Las Vegas this week. Payton Pritchard has had a great senior
season, and is the favorite to win Pac-12 Conference Men’s Basketball Player of
the Year. Pritchard should also be included in conversations for the Naismith Men’s
College Player of the Year award. He has averaged 20.5 points per game this
season and shot 46.8 percent from the field. Pritchard has been one of the most
efficient players and will have a chance to lead his team to a second straight
Pac-12 Tournament Championship this week.
USC Beats UCLA, Teams Could
Meet Again In Pac-12 Tournament Semis
USC and UCLA played in a classic defensive duel on Saturday. With one second remaining Jonah Mathews made a 3-point shot in his last game at the Galen Center. USC got a much-needed win that helps their cause on Selection Sunday. UCLA is squarely on the bubble, but this loss does not diminish the turnaround they have had this season. The Bruins will be the two seed in Las Vegas, and USC will be the three seed. These teams could meet again in the Pac-12 semis. Both USC and UCLA can cement their tournament bids by winning games in the Pac-12 Tournament. However, both the Bruins and Trojans will face nerve wracking Selection Sundays if they are unable to get at least one win in Las Vegas.
Washington Shocks Both Arizona State and Arizona On Road
Washington poses a threat in the Pac-12 Tournament next week. They played excellent against both Arizona State and Arizona. They won both these games by playing the types of games their opponents are used to playing. The Huskies may also be getting back point guard Quade Green, who was declared academically ineligible in January. It is unclear if Green will play in the Pac-12 Tournament. If he does, he will add another dimension to a suddenly dangerous Husky team. Washington is considered a dark horse to win the Pac-12 Tournament but will have to do so as the last place team in the conference. Also, they have to play Arizona again on Wednesday in Las Vegas.
Arizona State Backs Their Way into Pac-12 Tournament First Round Bye
Arizona State took a huge
step back against Washington, but they were able to beat Washington State on Saturday.
A point of concern in ASU’s victory against the Cougars is that they
relinquished a 17-point lead in the second half. They were able to make enough
plays to get a first-round bye in the Pac-12 Tournament, but the Sun Devils are
also not a lock to make the Tournament field.
Arizona Tournament Bound,
But Struggles Showing
Arizona has done enough to make the tournament, but they have struggled during the back end of the season. The Wildcats are 1-4 in their last five games, with their only win coming last Thursday against Washington State at home. Their offensive woes have shown, as they only had five made field goals in the first half of their 69-63 loss against Washington. Arizona is like a lot of teams in the conference, as they do not have one player that can elevate them to victory on a consistent basis. Nico Mannion and Zeke Nnaji, who are both freshmen, have shown why they were top recruits at Arizona. However, they have not been able to lift the Wildcats to victory lately.
Colorado Is Simply Searching For Answers
The Buffaloes lost a controversial overtime game at Utah 74-72. Up 72-71, McKinley Wright was called for a foul on Utah guard Both Gach’s three-point shot. It was unclear if Wright even made contact with Gach on the play. However, Wright missed a pivotal free throw on the previous sequence. If Wright makes the first free throw, the Buffaloes get a chance to possibly go up by three points.
The Buffaloes were having a dream season, but a four-game losing streak has left them searching for answers. In reality, they ended the 2020 Pac-12 conference season with the same record (10-8) they had last year. This team is tournament-bound due to their performance in non-conference play, namely their win against a possible 1-seed in Dayton. However, they need to recapture the swagger they played with in January and the early part of February to have any shot at making noise in the postseason.
However, it is frustrating that the result of this game was basically determined on an official’s call at the end of overtime. Teams such as Colorado had everything to play for this past weekend, and the officials took center stage. Critical junctures in seasons call for players to perform at their best, and the Pac-12 needs to make sure their officials are performing at their best this week in the Pac-12 Tournament. Let the conference champion be determined by good basketball, not bad officiating.
Non-Conference Wins Difference for Presumptive Tournament Locks In Pac-12
Updated NCAA NET Basketball Rankings (as of 3/8)
12. Oregon 15. Arizona 23. Colorado 29. Stanford 42. USC 52. ASU 55. Washington 71. OSU 75. UCLA 85. Utah 119. WSU 149. Cal
Teams such as Stanford and
UCLA are in precarious positions because they do not have a non-conference win that
stands out. UCLA’s best win arguably was their road win against Colorado in
Boulder, and Stanford’s best win is against Oregon at home. However, multiple
teams, including Washington State and Oregon State, beat Oregon at home this
season. There has been so much parity in Pac-12 conference play, that the teams
that are considered safe bets to make the tournament are in that position
because of how they performed in non-conference play. Oregon has huge wins
against Seton Hall and Michigan. Colorado has a huge win against Dayton.
Arizona has a quality non-conference win against Illinois.
The Pac-12 will get at
least five teams into the tournament, but there are four teams (Arizona State,
USC, UCLA, and Stanford) that face an uncertain Selection Sunday at this point.
All four of these teams have arguments to get in the field, but some of their
bubbles may burst on Selection Sunday. However, every team in the conference
has a chance to make the tournament by winning the Pac-12 Tournament this week.
With all the parity that has presided over the conference this season, it
should be a fun tournament this week.
This
week in 2020 Pac-12 Basketball belonged to the home team. Across the league,
the home team went 9-1 in the 10 games played between Wednesday (2/25) and
Sunday (3/1). Teams such as UCLA, USC, and Stanford were given huge boosts to
their tournament hopes. However, teams that established themselves as
tournament contenders, such as Colorado, Arizona, and Arizona State, had
weekends to forget.
UCLA’s
weekend got off to a great start against Arizona State on Thursday. Freshman
guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. hit a game-winning three with 0.6 seconds left to lift
the Bruins to a 75-72 victory. Then on Saturday, they pulled away late against
Arizona and won 69-64. The same UCLA team that has the worst loss in
non-conference play, to Cal State Fullerton, is now in first place in the
Pac-12. Mick Cronin has arguably become a shoe-in for Pac-12 Coach of the Year.
The Bruin’s turnaround is great for the conference, as they are one of the most
nationally-recognized names in the Pac-12.
It is interesting to think about how the conference is viewed as a whole, because they are the first place team that lost to Cal State Fullerton. Still, the Pac-12 has some good non-conference wins as a conference. Washington, who has the worst record in the conference, has arguably the best non-conference win against Baylor.
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Tournament Chances: Trending Up – UCLA has made their case for March, but they have a massive game on Saturday against USC at the Galen Center. Winning this game will give UCLA a share of the 2020 Pac-12 Basketball Regular Season title. If they are able to show up in the conference tournament, they may need to get to the conference championship to cement their spot in the tournament.
Oregon Beats In-State Rival, Frontrunners for 2020 Pac-12 Basketball Regular Season Title
Oregon
will get overshadowed by the weeks UCLA and USC had, but the Ducks took care of
business against Oregon State 69-54. The Ducks broke their three-game losing
streak against the Beavers, as they will attempt to get at least a share of the
conference title. Oregon has home games against California and Stanford this week.
They are undefeated at home, boasting a 15-0 record at Matthew Knight Arena
this season.
Tournament Chances: In the field – Oregon has quality wins in non-conference play. They are near the top of the standings in the Pac-12. The main question for the Ducks is where they will be positioned in the bracket.
Arizona State Takes a Step Back In LA Road Trip
The Sun Devils went toe-to-toe with UCLA Thursday night but were beat at the buzzer. They trailed for most of the game Saturday against USC. Arizona State is an exciting team to watch, and Bobby Hurley has done a great job to get this team on the right side of the bubble. However, losing two straight is a bit of a letdown after their seven-game winning streak.
Tournament Chances: Decent – The Sun Devils will need to take care of business this week against Washington and Washington State, but they should be in the tournament. They are 6-1 at home in-conference, including a resume-boosting win against Oregon. Expect to see the Sun Devils in an 8-vs-9 or 7-vs-10 game.
Colorado Buffaloes Have Worst Week of 2020 Pac-12 Basketball Season in Bay Area
The Buffaloes had a stinker Thursday night in Berkeley, as they lost 76-62 to a California team that they simply should have beat. Colorado had more life Sunday against Stanford, but they were still looking for answers after a 72-64 defeat. This season for the Buffaloes is at a crossroads, as they are no longer in contention for the Pac-12 regular season title. They have accomplished so much this season, and this iteration of the Colorado Buffaloes is probably the best team Tad Boyle has had in his tenure as head coach. However, reputations are made in March, and the Buffaloes will have to start their turnaround from their current three-game losing streak Saturday at Utah.
Tournament Chances: In the field – The Buffaloes have a huge non-conference win against Dayton, who has not lost since Colorado defeated them. They beat Oregon when they were ranked fourth in the country. However, the loss to Cal was probably their worst loss of the season. The Buffaloes need to win at Utah and show up in the conference tournament to ensure that they will still get a top-6 seed on Selection Sunday.
USC also beat both Arizona and Arizona State this weekend. They led for the majority of both games. The Trojans got contributions from Jonah Mathews and Daniel Utomi in both games. Their defense also showed up in both games, as they held Arizona and Arizona State to 48 and 61 points, respectively. Both of their games were complete games. If their defense can travel, they will be a tough out in both the conference tournament and the NCAA tournament.
Tournament Chances: Decent – The Trojans have a better NET rating and a head-to-head victory over UCLA, giving them the upper hand over their Los Angeles rivals. However, Saturday’s game at the Galen Center is huge, as it could help USC get a higher seed in the conference tournament. USC has had a more consistent season than UCLA, but the winner of Saturday’s game will regard their season as the better one.
Arizona Struggles, Sean Miller Get Ejected Saturday
— CJ Fogler #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) March 1, 2020
Arizona
had a tough go on Thursday against USC, as they had one more field goal (16) than
turnovers (15) in the 57-48 loss. On Saturday against UCLA, they played better
and were leading for most of the first half. However, Sean Miller got ejected
with 12:28 remaining in the second half as the Wildcats were leading, 47-44. Arizona
was able to hold their own, but UCLA ended the game on an 11-2 run to win
69-64.
Tournament Chances: In – Arizona still has the best NET rating in the Pac-12 conference at number 11. They were able to dominate their non-conference schedule (minus the loss to St. John’s) despite their inconsistencies in-conference. However, every team has had their struggles in-conference, especially on the road. The Wildcats will have a chance to right the ship this week, with home games against Washington State on Thursday and Washington on Saturday.
Stanford Gets Resume-Boosting Win Against Colorado
Stanford
was able to beat Utah 70-62 on Wednesday, but they were able to beat a ranked
Colorado team 72-64 on Sunday. The Cardinal led the Buffaloes for the majority
of the game, and had four starters score in double figures. Stanford was
thought of as one of the teams on the outside looking in, but they may be on
their way to playing in the First Four in Dayton.
Tournament Chances: 50/50 – Stanford is squarely on the bubble, but they have a huge opportunity at Oregon on Saturday. No team has gone into Eugene and won this season, and beating Oregon along with a win against Oregon State may be enough to get Stanford into the tournament. They may have another opportunity for a resume-boosting win in the Pac-12 tournament. However, Saturday feels like a must-have for the Cardinal, or else they may be NIT-bound.
Can Pac-12 Basketball Get Seven Teams Into the Tournament in 2020?
The
Pac-12 getting six teams into the tournament looked like a pipeline dream a
month ago. Now, they could get seven teams into the tournament. Teams that were
afterthoughts not too long ago, like Arizona State and UCLA, have turned a
corner and have become different teams in the second half of the conference
season. It will be interesting how the selection committee ultimately views the
parity in the conference, but this season it looks like it has helped the
conference. A season after having only three teams in the tournament, the Pac-12
could have more than half their teams dancing in the NCAA Tournament.
