Flushing the Browns

PROPS and DROPS from the Bronco come from behind win versus the Browns and the Buffs' last second win over Iowa State.

PROPS: The Donk tight ends was the standouts of the game. Daniel Graham's bruising TD ctach and run was a huge demoralizer for the Browns. Tony Sheffler gutted it out with a tender hammy and routinely romaed the center of the field and made some tough catches. Nate Jackson and his speed also presented matchup problems for the Browns. The softening of the middle of the Browns' defense and their concern over the tight ends lended to the WRs getting more man and man and open (see: Royal- 93 pass from Cutler.)

DROPS: The Buff kicking game continues to be stuck on stupid. At this rate they'll have to go Dallas Carter 1988 and just go for 2 pointers after each TD. Time for Coach Hawk to start scanning the Rivals site a bit more closely for four star kicking prospect. The Buffs' soccer team is nationally ranked, maybe one of those girls can split the uprights. Besides the field goal side, the return and coverage teams aren't reminding anyone of Devin Hester either. A long return set up Iowa State's last TD push and two roughing the kicker penalites were avoidable.

PROPS: With the entire starting LB unit on the shelf, Bronco subs Jamie Winborn and Wesley Woodyard were all over the field. The duo lead the team in tackles including a handful for a loss. More importantly, the two were the emotional leaders of the night. Yes, celebrating after Jamal Lewis makes a four yard gain might seem over-the-top, but it seems they were the only two players on a comatose defense who showed some energy. Woodyard especially made an impression, sprinting through any opening to corrall ball-carriers. His speed (4.5 forty) presents matchup problems and helps lessen the blow of losing DJ Williams.

PROPS: Cody Hawkins had his finest day this season, playing only in the 2nd half, but twice rallying the Buffs' to go-ahead scores. Hawkins was also deftly nimble, evading tacklers (the Buff o-line is still struggling mightily with injuries) and finding WRs. Witness the final TD, when Hawkins stood in the pocket, watched it break down and step forward, roll to his right and throw across the field to Cody Crawford. Granted, Hawkins wasn't doing this versus the Giants' pass rush, but it nonetheless kept CU in the game.

DROPS: The Bronco running back situation is ugly and there might nont be any relief in sight. Ryan Torian enjoyed a fine night until he was knocked out (season ending) which forced FB Peyton Hillis in the tailback role. That's three RBs on injured reserve in the last week. Hillis will get the tough yards, but he cannot be expected to tote a 25 carry game. Shanny, did you keep Mike Bell on speed dial? Defenses will likely drop eight into coverage the remainder of the season if there is no real ground threat.

PROPS: Defensive back Jimmy Smith started his first game for the Buffs and he played well. His biggest moment was the dropping the ISU running back on the games final play, preventing the winning touchdown. Smith has the look of a future NFL corner: speed, height, great tackling ability. He was in the top players with tackles for the game, and why that necessarily isn't a great thing (see: Paymah, Karl) he's not afraid to get physical with the massive Big 12 receivers he'll be matched up against.

PROPS: Next week at Folsom Field: The Mummy Game. If ya got a crew, ya better tell em.

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