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CU report: Counting the house

By B.G. Brooks and Paul Willis, Rocky Mountain News

Published November 14, 2008 at 10:26 p.m.

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Poll

Which has been the better conference in football this season, the Big 12 or the Southeastern?


He Said It

"When you're young, you tend to look at records and how other people see (your opponent). You've got to block all that stuff out of your mind and just play the game."

Buffs running backs coach Darian Hagan, on matching up with the Cowboys.

Numbers Game

0 points on nine of 10 opening drives by Oklahoma State opponents this season.

More College Sports

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CU needs a crowd of about 50,000 tonight for the final 2008 home game to average 50,000-plus in consecutive seasons at Folsom Field.

In five home games this season, the Buffaloes have drawn 250,766, an average of 50,153. At midweek, CU officials were predicting 46,000 to 48,000 would watch the Buffs against No. 11 Oklahoma State.

Reaching the higher end of that forecast, CU will average 49,794 in its six 2008 home games. If the crowd tonight reaches 50,000, the six-game average would be 50,128.

Six home games last season drew an average of 50,428, up from 46,048 in 2006 - Dan Hawkins' first year as coach.

The Buffs have played in front of one home sellout crowd during Hawkins' tenure. The Texas game this season - a 38-14 CU loss Oct. 4 - drew 53,927. It was the first Folsom Field sellout since the 2005 Nebraska game (54,841).

Solder soldiers on

Among his players, offensive line coach Jeff Grimes says the biggest improvement this season has been made by his biggest lineman - 6-foot-9, 300-pound left tackle Nate Solder.

Grimes said Solder, who converted last spring from tight end, "is playing with more confidence" because his technique has improved, adding, "He has so much ability."

When the season started, Solder said his apprehension about getting beat in pass protection almost overwhelmed him.

"Now I'm not focused on getting beat, I'm focused on doing the right thing and not (letting it happen). That's been huge for me," he said.

Sumler's turn

He was the opening-game starter and the eldest of CU's regular running backs, yet Demetrius Sumler has been the least heralded of the trio - by far.

With freshmen Rodney Stewart and Darrell Scott receiving the accolades, and the carries, not much has been said about Sumler, a sophomore who has 32 carries for a modest 100 yards in 10 games. But with Stewart out because of a broken fibula and Scott nursing an injured ankle, this week could allow Sumler to break out.

"I'm a running back, and I think all running backs want a chance to get the ball and score some touchdowns," Sumler said. "I've been patient, though. I'm more focused on getting wins than getting carries."

Sumler carried once in CU's win against Iowa State on Nov. 8 (Stewart's first game out), but he was a factor in the passing game, catching five for 40 yards. He also has the advantage of being regarded as CU's best pass-protecting back.

Etc.

* Grimes said guards Blake Behrens and Devin Head have had limited practice time this week because "they're so banged up. . . . They've really played through a lot."

* Former cornerback Terrence Wheatley (New England Patriots) returned to Boulder this week for surgery on his left wrist. He injured his right wrist while at CU.

* One reason Cody Hawkins starts at quarterback tonight: OSU offers multiple looks with its defensive front and sometimes bring pressure with six or seven players.