Chapter XXV: Colorado Buffaloes welcome start of the Mike MacIntyre era

August 15, 2013

With the Jon Embree era now relegated to the history books, the CU faithful anxiously are anticipating the kickoff of Mike MacIntyre’s inaugural season as the 25th Head Coach of the Colorado Buffaloes' proud football program.

Historically, Embree was in charge of the football program in its very darkest hours, as the team struggled through a 1-11 season, the program's all-time worst. That leaves MacIntyre with a rebuilding effort of epic proportions.

However, MacIntyre has made it abundantly clear that he is not concerned with the last seven years, as he firmly told the media, “The future is bright, no matter what you hear out there.”

After the disappointing 2012 season, Colorado heads into 2013 with a new coach and a new Athletic Director.  With all that off-season change, the Buffs' faithful are wondering what exactly can be expected from the team in 2013.  Here are a few things that come to mind:

1.  “Start fast, finish strong”

Coach MacIntyre has been preaching this philosophy from Day One.  A passionate, thoughtful, and disciplined football coach, Coach Mac faces an uphill climb in a very tough conference, but one can count on his team to improve on a play-by-play, drive-by-drive, and game-by-game basis.

Under Mac's leadership, expect his Buffaloes to clean up the senseless penalties, to follow his game plan, and to execute his mid-game adjustments.

2.  Not his first rodeo

Because this is not MacIntyre’s first rebuilding job, CU will reap the benefits of his past experiences, and thus, will help expedite the rebuilding process.

MacIntyre has a proven recipe for success, so rather than experiment on-the-fly, he will waste no time getting his plan implemented in Boulder.

MacIntyre already has built a great staff around him in defensive coordinator Kent Baer, offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren, and receivers coach Troy Walters.   CU fans can expect this team of professionals to have their squad ready for battle every week.

With Coach MacIntyre, no “on the job training” will be required.

3.  Progress fosters patience

Many pundits believe that CU fans lack the patience required to give MacIntyre time to turn around the program.  In fact, Coach Mac has been asked multiple times by the media how he is going to manage expectations and keep fans “patient.”

Patience is not going to be an issue this season, primarily because Mac’s team will demonstrate “progress.”  Expect the Buffs to demonstrate weekly progress in a measurable and meaningful way. With Mac’s team improving week-by-week, progress will pave the way for plenty of patience.

4.  There is more talent than meets the eye in Boulder

Coach Mac has some pieces on his current roster that will help satisfy the urge for instant-gratification this season.

On offense, the Buffs will see a healthy dose of talent at the skill positions, including receiver Paul Richardson, QB Connor Wood, and tailback Christian Powell.  Defensively, linebacker Paul Vigo, defensive lineman Chidera Uzo-Diribe, and defensive backs Yuri Wright and Greg Henderson are among the names to watch this year.

Expect Coach Mac to impeccably utilize the strengths on his roster and to convert those strengths into success on the football field.

5.  Non-conference schedule provides early opportunity

The naysayers are out in full force picking the Buffaloes to finish last in the conference, but the 2013 schedule presents a great opportunity for Coach Mac to make a first impression on the Pac-12.

If CU can get off a quick start in non-conference play -- taking advantage of opponents Colorado State, Arkansas State, and Fresno State -- a bowl appearance could very quickly become a reality.  In the interim, Colorado fans have wholeheartedly circled the wagons around Coach Mac, who will begin sending a clear message that the Buffaloes are returning to prominence September 1st.

By Sherwin Sadr
Contributing Writer for The Daily Sports Herald

2 comments:

  1. Just a heads up, the buffs play Central Arkansas not Arkansas State, easy mistake.

    ReplyDelete

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