Dan Hawkins guaranteed at the recent Big 12 media days that he never guaranteed 10 wins for the 2009 season back in December. Whether it's true or not, it's hard not to like Hawkins's ever-present enthusiasm. Considering the Buffaloes lost more than 20 percent of their roster to injuries or surgery in 2008, he has a point of trying to be optimistic. However, offseason developments, among other things ON the field, will make that a tough feat. First, he lost offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich to Oregon AFTER spring practice. Stud wideout Josh Smith decided to transfer, stud guard Max Tuioti-Mariner tore a second ACL this offseason (in his other knee) and the Buffalo recruiting class wasn't as good as what Hawkins had hoped. But lots of returnees dot the roster this fall.

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On offense, two QB's (one, Cody Hawkins, is coach Hawkins's son) will have a chance and stud RB Darrell Scott (some considered 2008's No. 1 recruit nationally) was hurt last year and should be healthy now. The rushing attack is powerful but the passing game inhibited Colorado's progress, as CU ranked just 95th in total yards and 100th in scoring - stats that won't win games in the offensive-minded Big 12. On defense, just four full-timers return and defensive coordinator Ron Collins will likely switch to a 3-4 (he experimented at times with it in 2008) primarily because of the youngsters along the DL and the depth at linebacker (the Buffs have perhaps the top linebackers in the league) make the change an obvious one.

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