Offensive woes not tied to Scott

Darrell Scott was a mega recruit of a running back who signed with Colorado, the most highly regarded talent at that position to end up in Boulder since Rashan Salaam.

A game into his sophomore season, all has been a disappointment, whether due to injuries, a lack of development, too much hype or a lack of coaching development.

Scott, who carried but once last week in an embarrassing loss to CSU, says he wants more opportunity to run the ball. You assume he was recruited to do such. He should be running the ball more. Of course, so should Rodney Stewart, so should CU.

The Buffs inability to dominate the ground last week was shocking and inexcusable. They are big and talented up front and despite digging themselves a hole on the scoreboard they should have been able to run effectively all game long.

Scott and Stewart are not the problem. The line takes some blame but not all of it. The Rams' defense gets credit but the coaching, the playcalling, takes the brunt of the criticism.

The Buffs need to run to win.

Even Cody Hawkins knows that deep down.

Does dad and offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau?

Scott and Stewart key to offense

Darrell Scott and Rodney "Speedy" Stewart must carve up defenses behind a big, healthy, effective offensive line for CU's offense to score points and this team to have a chance to win games.

If the running game is cranked up, whomever Colorado throws out there at quarterback -- Cody Hawkins or Tyler Hansen -- is skilled enough to complete enough passes to keep the offense moving.

The more successful the backs the less pronounced the quarterbacks' warts, whether those lack in size, arm strength, mobility or ability.

Scott and Stewart, if healthy are more than capable backs. Throw in Demtrius Sumler as a relief pitcher and you have a solid start.

Coach Dan Hawkins may not have all the talent he needs to contend for a Big 12 championship but it's clear he has more talent than he's ever had in Boulder. He should feel optimistic, even if guardedly so.

Hawkins still an unknown

Cody Hawkins is smart. He breathes football. He cares about winning. He works hard. He's easy to like. We get it. So does this reporter. The issue for CU is does Hawkins have enough talent around him to help the quarterback drive this offense and does Hawkins have enough physical skills, as in mobility and arm strength, to get detractors off his back?

Those are questions that to this today are still unanswered. The good news is that sometime this season fans (see: fanatics) and followers both gain a better understanding on whether Commander Cody is top shelf quality or a dime-store knockoff.

The book here says that Hawkins can be loved by many if the talent around him is better and with the backs (Darrell Scott, Rodney Stewart) and offensive line the Buffs have, there is hope. The question is can the tight ends (Ryan Deehan) and wideouts (Markques Simas, Andre Simmons especially) step up and become campus heroes.