2006 Colorado Buffaloes football team

The 2006 Colorado Buffaloes football team represented the University of Colorado at Boulder in the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The previous year's team won the Big 12 North Conference. That marked the fourth Big 12 North championship for Colorado in the past five years. The team has its 23rd new head coach Dan Hawkins. The Sporting News gave out the only A+ to Colorado in the category of coaching hire.[1] The Buffaloes will play their home games in Folsom Field.

2006 Colorado Buffaloes football
ConferenceBig 12 Conference
DivisionNorth
2006 record2–10 (2–6 Big 12)
Head coachDan Hawkins (1st season)
Offensive coordinatorMark Helfrich (1st season)
Defensive coordinatorRon Collins (1st season)
Base defense4–3 Cover 2
Home stadiumFolsom Field
(Capacity: 53,750)
2006 Big 12 Conference football standings
Conf  Overall
Team W L    W L 
Northern Division
Nebraska x  6 –2     9 –5  
Missouri  4 –4     8 –5  
Kansas State  4 –4     7 –6  
Kansas  3 –5     6 –6  
Colorado  2 –6     2 –10  
Iowa State  1 –7     4 –8  
Southern Division
No. 11 Oklahoma x$  7 –1     11 –3  
No. 13 Texas  6 –2     10 –3  
Texas A&M  5 –3     9 –4  
Texas Tech  4 –4     8 –5  
Oklahoma State  3 –5     7 –6  
Baylor  3 –5     4 –8  
Championship: Oklahoma 21, Nebraska 7
  • $ – BCS representative as conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

They finished the season 2–10 (2–6 in the Big 12 Conference) and had some major disappointments. Mason Crosby did not perform as well as last season (19 for 27) and the Hawkins era didn't start as many had expected with his success at Boise State. The offense appeared to struggle to learn the new system and early quarterback uncertainty did not allow the team to have consistency. The defense performed excellently at times and was good overall, but without the offense producing points, Colorado would lose, though many games were close.

Pre-season
Ralphie is ready for a new season

With a new head coach, a new offensive system and the loss of several key players such as Joel Klatt (QB), Joe Klopfenstein (TE), Quinn Sypniewski (TE), Lawrence Vickers (TB) and John Torp (P), Colorado faced some challenges to hang on to their Big 12 North Title. (Jeremy Bloom, listed in the 2006 NFL Draft as being from Colorado had not played football for Colorado since the 2004 season and thus is not a loss for this year)

Colorado did not appear in any of the Top 25 pre-season rankings (#26 in Collegefootballnews.com[2]), and was selected to finish third in the Big 12 North[3] with 2 selections to finish first in the Big 12 North.

Colorado played their first Division I-AA opponent ever, Montana State, on September 2. Colorado was one of the last 9 Division I-A schools, at the time, to have never played a Division I-AA or Division II school. The California Golden Bears also lost that status in 2006. The remaining seven teams were the (Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Ohio State Buckeyes, USC Trojans, UCLA Bruins and Washington Huskies).[1]

Tyrone Henderson and Gerett Burl, starters in the 2005–06 season, were permanently released from the team prior to fall practice. Both were in CU's top 5 tacklers for last season, having started 25 games between them.

James Cox was named the starting quarterback to replace Klatt on August 20.[4] Despite having missed most of spring practice with a broken thumb, Coach Hawkins picked the senior over juniors Brian White and Bernard Jackson saying his seniority wasn't a factor and he simply wanted the best players on the field. With one year left of eligibility, Cox has seen playing time the previous 3 seasons behind Klatt, with two starts to his credit: the 2005 Champs Sports Bowl and in 2004 against Iowa State. In the 14 games he has played in prior to the 2006 season, his stats are 42 of 79 attempts for 423 yards with 3 interception and 2 Touchdowns passing and 37 yards rushing in 20 attempts with 1 TD (5 sacks for 28 yards).

The captains for 2006 were Mason Crosby, Brian Daniels and Thaddaeus Washington.[5]

Pre-season awards
See[6] for full information on pre-season awards. Note: Only first team All-American or All-Conference listed.
  • Mason Crosby
    • Lou Groza[7]
    • All-America (Athlon, ATS Consultants, CBS Sportsline.com, collegefootballnews.com, Lindy's Big 12 Football, Football.com, Football News, Nationalchamps.net, Phil Steele's College Football, Playboy, Rivals.com, The Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, Street & Smith's)[8]
    • All-Big 12 Football Team[9] (Athlon, ATS Consultants, Big 12 Summer Media Poll, CBS SportsLine.com, collegefootballnews.com, Huskers Illustrated, Lindy’s Big 12 Football, Phil Steele’s College Football, The Sporting News, Street & Smith’s, USA Today Sports Weekly)[8]
  • Mark Fenton
    • Outland Trophy[8]
    • Rimington Trophy[8]
    • Lombardi Award[8]
    • All-America (Street & Smith's)[8]
    • All-Big 12 Football Team[9] (Athlon, ATS Consultants, Big 12 Summer Media Poll, CBS SportsLine.com, collegefootballnews.com, Huskers Illustrated, Lindy’s Big 12 Football, Phil Steele’s College Football, The Sporting News, Street & Smith’s, USA Today Sports Weekly)[8]
  • Thaddaeus Washington
    • Bronko Nagurski Trophy[8]
    • Butkus Award[10]
    • Lombardi Award[8]
    • Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team[9] (Athlon, ATS Consultants, Big 12 Summer Media Poll, CBS SportsLine.com, collegefootballnews.com, Huskers Illustrated, Lindy’s Big 12 Football, The Sporting News, USA Today Sports Weekly)[8]
Hugh Charles before the 2007 spring game, April 14, 2007.
Jordon Dizon before the 2007 spring game, April 14, 2007.
  • Jordon Dizon
    • Butkus Award[10]
    • All Big 12 Conference (Street & Smith’s)[8]
  • J. J. Billingsley
    • All Big 12 Conference (Athlon, collegefootballnews.com, Lindy’s Big 12 Football, USA Today Sports Weekly)[8]
  • Stephone Robinson
    • All Big 12 Conference (CBS SportsLine.com)[8]
  • Terrence Wheatley
    • All Big 12 Conference (Phil Steele’s College Football)[8]

Schedule
DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
September 21:30 PMMontana State*
BVL 10–1945,513[13]
September 93:00 PMvs. Colorado State*
CSTVL 10–1465,701[13]
September 165:00 PMArizona State*
  • Folsom Field
  • Boulder, CO
TBSL 3–2147,723[13]
September 2310:30 AMat No. 7 Georgia*
LFSL 13–1492,746[13]
September 3010:30 AMat Missouri
FSNL 13–2857,824[13]
October 71:30 PMBaylor
  • Folsom Field
  • Boulder, CO
L 31–34 3OT47,065[13]
October 141:30 PMTexas Tech
  • Folsom Field
  • Boulder, CO
W 30–650,233[13]
October 215:00 PMat No. 20 Oklahoma*
FSNL 3–2484,443[13]
October 2812:00 PMat Kansas
L 15–2039,313[13]
November 41:30 PMKansas State
  • Folsom Field
  • Boulder, CO
FSNL 21–3442,696[13]
November 111:00 PMIowa State
  • Folsom Field
  • Boulder, CO
W 33–1643,056[13]
November 241:30 PMat No. 19 Nebraska
ABCL 14–3785,800[13]

Roster
(as of November 20, 2006)
Wide Receiver
  •  1 Stephone Robinson – Junior
  •  4 Patrick Williams – Sophomore
  •  9 Blake Mackey – Senior
  • 17 Alvin Barnett – Junior
  • 48 Cody Crawford – Sophomore
  • 80 Jarrell Yates – Freshman
  • 83 Dusty Sprague – Junior
  • 85 Nick Holz – Senior
Offensive Line
  • 57 Bryce MacMartin – Senior
  • 58 Mark Fenton – Senior
  • 60 Paul Backowski – Freshman
  • 63 Jack Tipton – Senior
  • 66C Brian Daniels – Senior
  • 68 Jeremy Hauck – Freshman
  • 72 Devin Head – Freshman
  • 75 Daniel Sanders – Sophomore
  • 76 Edwin Harrison – Junior
  • 77 Tyler Polumbus – Junior
Tight End
  • 30 Paul Creighton – Senior
  • 46 Dan Goettsch – Senior
  • 84 Tyson DeVree – Junior
  • 87 Riar Geer – Freshman
Quarterbacks
  
Tailbacks
  •  2 Hugh Charles – Junior
  • 23 Kevin Moyd – Freshman
  • 27 Byron Ellis – Junior
  • 37 Mell Holliday – Senior
Fullbacks
  • 32 Maurice Cantrell – Sophomore
  • 41 Jake Behrens – Freshman
  • 43 Samson Jagoras – Junior
Defensive line
  • 33 Walter Boye-Doe – Senior
  • 47 Alonzo Barrett – Junior
  • 51 Alex Ligon – Senior
  • 53 Abraham Wright – Senior
  • 78 Jason Brace – Freshman
  • 86 George Hypolite – Sophomore
  • 91 Maurice Lucas – Sophomore
  • 94 Brandon Nicolas – Sophomore
  • 96 Marcus Jones – Senior
  • 97 Taj Kaynor – Freshman
Linebackers
  • 13 Joe Sanders – Junior
  • 19 Ben Carpenter – Senior
  • 34 R.J. Brown – Sophomore
  • 40 Brad Jones – Sophomore
  • 44 Jordon Dizon – Junior
  • 45 Jeff Smart – Freshman
  • 49C Thaddaeus Washington – Senior
  • 54 Marcus Burton – Sophomore
  • 55 Jason Ackermann – Senior
  • 56 Chad Cusworth – Senior
  • 98 Michael Sipili – Freshman
  
Defensive backs
  •  5 J.J. Billingsley – Senior
  •  6 Gardner McKay – Sophomore
  • 10 Terry Washington – Senior
  • 15 Ryan Walters – Sophomore
  • 20 Terry Wilson – Sophomore
  • 22 Lorenzo Sims Jr. – Senior
  • 25 Lionel Harris – Junior
  • 26 Terrence Wheatley – Junior
  • 29 Cha'pelle Brown – Freshman
  • 30 Joel Adams – Sophomore
  • 36 Reggie Foster – Freshman
  • 42 Benjamin Burney – Sophomore
Punters
  • 14 Matt DiLallo – Freshman
  • 16 Mason Crosby – Senior
  • 90 Isaac Garden – Junior
Kickers
  • 16C Mason Crosby – Senior
  • 39 Kevin Eberhart – Junior
  • 90 Isaac Garden – Junior
Injured
  • 10 (QB)‡ James Cox – Senior (thumb)
  • 13 (WR)‡ Michael Kachmer – Freshman (knee)
  • 18 (S)‡ Dominique Brooks – Senior (knee)
  • 21 (DB)‡ Vance Washington – Senior (knee)
  • 73 (OL)‡ Erick Faatagi – Junior (knee)
  • 88 (TE)‡ Devin Shanahan – Freshman (knee)
C = Captain ‡ = Out for season

In addition there can be as many as 60 players not in the depth chart/practice squad.

Coaching staff

[14]

Dan Hawkins
NamePositionYears
at CU		Alma mater (Year)
Dan HawkinsHead Coach0University of California, Davis (1984)
Chris StrausserAssistant Head Coach
Offensive Line		0California State University, Chico (1989)
Ron CollinsDefensive Coordinator0Washington State University (1987)
Mark HelfrichOffensive Coordinator
Quarterbacks		0Southern Oregon University (1996)
Eric KiesauPassing Game Coordinator
Receivers		0Portland State University (1996)
Romeo BandisonDefensive Line0University of Oregon (1994)
Greg BrownSecondary3
(1991–93)		University of Texas at El Paso (1980)
Brian CabralLinebackers17University of Colorado at Boulder (1978)
Darian HaganRunning Backs1University of Colorado at Boulder (1991)
Kent RiddleTight Ends
Special Teams		0Oregon State University (1991)

Game summaries

Montana State
1 234Total
• Montana State 3 376 19
Colorado 3 700 10

Colorado's season began against Division I-AA opponent Montana State on September 2. Colorado needed to add an opponent with the schedule increase to a 12-game regular season and could not find another I-A opponent. Montana State was ranked No. 19 in the I-AA Pre-season Poll.[15] MSU finished 7–4 in the 2005 season. Starting off with this soft opponent will allow the Buffaloes to gage how the players have adopted the new system. However, Colorado has played Montana State 3 times with the last time in 1927. MSU leads the series 2–1–0 with the series tied (1–1) in Boulder. Although the schools have not played football against each other in 8 decades, they are rivals in the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association competing weekly.

Prior to this game, Colorado has won its last 20 season openers when it scores first, 4–14–1 when its opponent scores first in season openers and 73–38–5 in the 116-year history. In Boulder season openers, Colorado is 53–18–1 and 36–17 in Folsom Field. Dan Hawkins is 7–3 in season openers at the Division I-A level. Colorado coaches are 9–12–1 in their first game as head coach. The last coach to win his premiere was Rick Neuheisel, and before that was in 1932.

Colorado paid US$275,000[16] to Montana State for the game which showed Colorado had not yet figured out the new system. James Cox went 8–22 for 110 yards passing and Colorado had 106 yards rushing. The defense held two goal line stances to allow only field goals but the offense could not produce the needed points late in the game. Despite this limited success on defense, Freshman CB Cha'pelle Brown consistently failed to defend against the pass and Senior safety J. J. Billingsley missed too many tackles.[17] Mason Crosby missed a 63-yard field goal that was well short. This loss extended the losing streak to 5 games.

For detailed information on the game stats see CUBuffs.com Game Stats and Play-by-Play summary see CUBuffs.com Play-by-Play summary.

Colorado State
1 234Total
Colorado 7 300 10
• Colorado St 7 700 14

The 2006 Rocky Mountain Showdown took place on September 9 at a neutral site, Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado. Colorado State University finished 6–6 in 2005. It was the 78th meeting, with the Buffaloes leading the series 57–18–2. The last ten games the Buffaloes won 7–3. They last played each other in 2005. The last four games were decided by 18 points total.

The game was broadcast on CSTV. Colorado could have lost out on US$400,000 from the Big 12 Conference since the game may not have met the classification of being nationally televised due to the limited market of CSTV.[18] Big 12 pays its members if a televised game reaches 42 million homes. CSTV is available in 54 million homes, but only has 15–20 million subscribers. If the game meets the mark with last-minute deals with other networks, CSU is guaranteed $50,000 of the money in the contract. Failing to meet the number will not only cause the loss of money, but may affect future contracts and the future of the Rocky Mountain Showdown. On Thursday before the game, the Colorado Buffaloes announced that OLN would simulcast the show, increasing the coverage of the game.[19]

In a surprise, Bernard Jackson got the start at quarterback (QB) instead of Cox. Cox saw limited action throughout the game. Jackson scored on a 3-yard touchdown (TD) run on a naked bootleg play to open the game and Colorado State answered later in the first quarter with their own QB, Caleb Hanie, scoring a 5-yard TD on an option play. Mason Crosby kicked a 43-yard field goal in the second quarter but the Rams then scored another TD with a 6-yard pass to TE Kory Sperry. The Buffaloes mis-managed the clock at the end of the first half and failed to get Crosby a chance at an approximately 52-yard field goal.

Crosby missed a 61-yard field goal to wind up the opening drive for the Buffaloes in the second half (he had made it when the play initially went but it was whistled dead because Colorado State had taken a timeout – it would have been the longest of his career). Colorado State's Jason Smith missed a 34-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Colorado failed to answer the Rams in the second half. The defense played quite well, recording many sacks and limiting the Rams. The missed field goal and missed chance at a field goal along with a near perfect performance by Hanie proved costly to the Buffaloes.

Following the game, Brian White told Hawkins he was quitting the team.[20] He intended to transfer to another school where he can receive more playing time. Tight end Patrick Devenny may move to the QB position to fill the hole for the season.

Arizona State
1 234Total
• Arizona State 7 707 21
Colorado 3 000 3
  • Date: September 16
  • Location: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
  • Game attendance: 47,723
  • TV announcers (TBS): Ron Thulin (Play-by-play), Charles Davis (Color) & Craig Sager (Sideline)
See also: 2006 Arizona State Sun Devils football team

This was the first meeting between the two schools. Arizona State went 7–5 in 2005. The game was broadcast on TBS. Colorado's only score came on a fumble recovery deep in Arizona State territory. Colorado failed to move the ball effectively and had fumble problems throughout the game. This marks the seventh straight loss (including last season) for Colorado, which they haven't done since 1980. Jackson remained as the starting quarterback.

Georgia
1 234Total
Colorado 3 730 13
• Georgia 0 0014 14
See also: 2006 Georgia Bulldogs football team

This was the first meeting between the two schools. Georgia went 10–3 in 2005. The two teams are scheduled to play each other again in 2010. CU Quarterback Cox missed the game due to the death of his father.[21] Coach Hawkins son, true freshman Cody Hawkins, was the backup to Jackson and redshirt freshman Patrick Devenny, who converted from quarterback to tight end this fall, was the emergency backup. Georgia was 3–0 and ranked No. 9 in the AP Poll and No. 7 in the Coaches Poll coming into the game. This was the first game against a SEC opponent for Colorado since 1980. Colorado has not lost 8 straight games since the 1962–63 seasons. Ralphie is also making the trip with an ESPN producer and cameraman documenting the trip to appear on College GameDay Saturday.[22]

The game was televised as part of the SEC syndicated package produced by Lincoln Financial Sports and was also picked up locally in the Denver/Boulder market on KTVD My20 (Comcast's Channel 3 in Denver area), KRDO-TV (Colorado Springs) and KJCT-TV (Grand Junction) also picked up the broadcasts for their markets.[22]

Colorado lead for the entire game until Georgia backup quarterback Cox (no relation to James) came in the 4th quarter and threw two touchdown passes, the second with 41 seconds left in the game to pull out the Buffaloes upset hopes. Colorado center Mark Fenton suffered a broken fibula during the second quarter of the game.[23] He will miss most or all of the rest of this season. Bryce MacMartin is the replacement.

Missouri
1 234Total
Colorado 3 370 13
• Missouri 14 770 28

This game signaled the start of conference play for the Buffaloes. University of Missouri went 7–5 in 2005. This was the 71st meeting between the two with Missouri leading the series 36–31–3 coming into the game. However, Colorado has taken 7 of the last 10 games. They played each other in 2005 where Missouri went 7–5 that season.

Missouri was 4–0 coming into this game and was ranked No. 25 in the AP Poll and No. 24 in the Harris Poll. Colorado was in its longest losing streak since the Eddie Crowder era and had not been 0–4 to start the season since 1986. Both defenses were excelling: Missouri, ranked fifth nationally against the run in allowing 43.8 yards per game and had limited its opponents to 1.59 yards per carry; Colorado was ranked 16th, as opponents had averaged 75.3 yards per game and just 2.26 yards per attempt.[24]

Baylor
1 234OT2OT3OTTotal
• Baylor 0 1007773 34
Colorado 7 037770 31
  • Date: October 7
  • Location: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
  • Game attendance: 47,065

The Big 12 South's Baylor came to Boulder for the 14th match-up between the schools and Colorado's Homecoming game. They last played in 2003, and Colorado led the series 8–5 and Colorado had also won 7 of the last 10 games. Baylor went 5–6 in 2005.

Baylor won in 3 overtimes, kicking a field goal in the 3rd OT while the Buffaloes' Jackson threw an interception to end the game. This ties the Colorado record for consecutive losses (10) which last happened in the 1963 to 1964 seasons. This was Baylor's second Big 12 Conference road win ever.

Texas Tech
See also: 2006 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team
1 234Total
Texas Tech 0 006 6
• Colorado 7 1337 30
  • Date: October 14
  • Location: Fplsom Field, Boulder, Colorado
  • Game start: 1:30 p.m. MST
  • Game attendance: 50,233

Texas Tech played Colorado during Family Weekend at CU. This was only the 8th meeting between the schools with Texas Tech leading the series 4–3–0 coming into the game. The schools last met in 2003. Texas Tech went 9–3 last season.

Buffalo fans stormed the field after Colorado's win over Texas Tech. Dan Hawkins' first victory at Colorado and the Buffaloes first of the 2006 season ending the losing streak tying the Colorado record of 10 straight. The defense shut down Tech's passing game with three interceptions and holding them to 6 points when their per game average was 31.7 going into the game. The offense started performing to their capabilities producing a 119 yard rusher in Hugh Charles which is the most that Tech has given up this season. Crosby also performed well kicking 3 field goals, including a 56-yard field goal which is the second longest in NCAA Division I this season.

Crosby and sophomore free safety Ryan Walters were named Big 12 Players of the Week for their performance in the game.[25] Walters caught two interceptions, the first of his career, both on third down in CU territory.

See also: CUBuffs Game Summary, CUBuffs Photo Gallery and CUBUffs.com detailed stats

Oklahoma
See also: 2006 Oklahoma Sooners football team
Colorado Buffaloes (1–6) at #20 Oklahoma Sooners (4–2)
1 2 34Total
Colorado 0 0 033
Oklahoma 10 0 01424

at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium • Norman, Oklahoma

  • Date: October 21
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Overcast • 46 °F (8 °C) • Wind N 24 miles per hour (39 km/h; 21 kn)
  • Game attendance: 84,443
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (FSN): Joel Meyers, Dave Lapham & Jim Knox
  • Game Summary

This was the most difficult opponent in 2006 for the Buffaloes, since Oklahoma had been selected No. 1 in four preseason polls. The main threat, Adrian Peterson on his run for the Heisman Trophy, was injured the previous week. Oklahoma had a disappointing 2005 going 8–4. This was the 57th meeting with Oklahoma dominating the series 38–16–2, but Colorado has taken 5 of the last 10 (5–4–1). They last played each other in 2004. Oklahoma is ranked No. 20 in the Coaches Poll and AP Poll going into this game.

Colorado managed to hold Oklahoma close for most of the game. Crosby kept Colorado's scoring streak alive (208 straight games) for the 6th time in his career. But in the end, Colorado's woes on offense continues while the defense kept the game respectable.

Kansas
1 234Total
Colorado 3 606 15
• Kansas 0 0713 20
  • Date: October 28
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
  • Game attendance: 39,313

This was the 66th match-up between the schools, with Colorado leading 41–21–3 and 8–2 in the last 10. They last played in 2005. Kansas went 7–5 last season.

Mason Crosby had an excellent day kicking and providing the only scoring going 3 for 3 on field goals including 26, 32 and 37 yards putting Colorado up 9–0 at halftime. James Cox broke his right thumb in the second quarter making Patrick Devenny the QB backup. Colorado may go winless on the road for the first time since 1984 since their only game left on the road is against ranked Nebraska.[26] Kansas started a new quarterback for the second half that proved to be the difference in the game. Freshman Todd Reesing came in and rallied Kansas throwing for 2 touchdowns and running for another to beat Colorado.

Kansas State
1 234Total
• Kansas State 0 17017 34
Colorado 0 0714 21
  • Date: November 4
  • Location: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
  • Game attendance: 42,696
  • TV announcers (FSN): Joel Meyers (Play-by-play), Dave Lapham (Color) & Jim Knox (Sideline)

Kansas State also has a new head coach, Ron Prince, this season. They went 5–6 last season. This was the 62nd match-up between the teams with Colorado in the lead 43–17–1, but they have split the last 10 games (5–5). They last played in 2005.

Despite having the two longest running plays of the season, Colorado failed to rally to meet Kansas State.

Iowa State
1 234Total
Iowa State 7 036 16
• Colorado 10 10103 33
  • Date: November 11
  • Location: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
  • Game attendance: 43,056

Iowa State went 7–5 in 2005. This was the 60th match-up between the schools and Colorado is dominating 46–13–1 in the series and 8–2 in the last ten (prior to this game). They last played in 2005.

Colorado got its second win of the season. Iowa State's head coach Dan McCarney announced the week before the game he was resigning his position. Crosby went 4–5 in field goals and 3–3 in PATs. This was the last home game of the season and the last home game for Colorado's seniors. Jackson had a career performance day throwing for 200 yards, including 2 TDs and running for another 69 yard TD.[27] However, Hawkins stated that Jackson has no guarantee of being the starting QB next season.

Nebraska
1 234Total
Colorado 7 070 14
• Nebraska 7 7716 37
See also: 2006 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team

This was the 65th meeting between the teams with Nebraska clearly in control of the series 45–17–2 and 7–3 in the last 10. Nebraska went 8–4 last season and beat Colorado 30–3 in part of the tailspin of Colorado of the 2005 season. Colorado failed to prevent just its third 10-loss season in 117 years of intercollegiate football (going 1–10 in 1980 and 1984) as well as to end a 13-game losing streak to ranked teams. Nebraska had already captured the Big 12 North Division title and a bowl game yet to be determined. Colorado won’t be going to a bowl for just the fifth time since 1984, and this is just school’s fourth losing season in that time frame (1997, 2000, 2003 and 2006).[28]

Post season

Awards
  • Brian Daniels (OL) Senior
    • Vincent Draddy Award Finalist[29]
    • Academic All-Big 12 Team, First team[30]
  • Mason Crosby (K) Senior
    • Walter Camp All-American, All-Big 12 Conference[31]
  • Benjamin Burney (S) Sophomore
    • Academic All-Big 12 Team, First team[30]
  • Ben Carpenter (LB) Senior
    • Academic All-Big 12 Team, First team[30]
  • Byron Ellis (TB) Junior
    • Academic All-Big 12 Team, First team[30]
  • Dusty Sprague (WR) Junior
    • Academic All-Big 12 Team, First team[30]

Statistics

Team
CUOpp
Scoring196267
  Points per Game16.322.3
First Downs183222
  Rushing10073
  Passing74134
  Penalty915
Total Offense35574091
  Avg per Play5.05.1
  Avg per Game296.4340.9
Fumbles-Lost26–818–12
Penalties-Yards63–55984–674
  Avg per Game46.656.2
CUOpp
Punts-Yards56-235350-2040
  Avg per Punt42.040.8
Time of Possession/Game29:0130:39
3rd Down Conversions54/159 (34.0%)85/178 (47.8%)
4th Down Conversions2/139/17
Touchdowns Scored1932
Field Goals-Attempts19–2810–14
PAT-Attempts19–1931–31
Attendance276,286425,827
  Games/Avg per Game6/46,0486/70,971*

* – Includes game at neutral site Invesco Field in Denver, CO where Colorado State was the home team.

Scores by quarter
1 2 3 4OT2OT3OT Total
Opponents 55 58 31 106773 267
Buffaloes 53 49 40 40770 196

Offense

Rushing
NameAttGainLossNetTDLongAvg
Charles, Hugh139800217791445.6
Jackson, Bernard1548832076767624.4
Holliday, Mell105526135122524.9
Ellis, Byron3813371261113.3
Williams, Patrick7319220143.1
Sprague, Dusty11101101111.0
Barnett, Alvin102−200−2.0
TEAM205−500−2.5
Cox, James101830−1219−1.2
Robinson, Stephone3619−1306−4.3
DiLallo, Matthew1020−2000−20.0
Total4612408333207412624.5

Passing
NameAtt-Cmp-IntPctYdsTDLngAvg
Jackson, Bernard220–109–749.5%135976312.5
Cox, James30–11–036.7%12404211.3
Charles, Hugh1–0–00%0000
Geer, Riar1–0–10%0000
Team1–0–00%0000
Total253–120–847.4%148376312.4

Receiving
NameNo.YdsTDLongAvg
Williams, Patrick2030316115.2
Geer, Riar2426132810.9
Barnett, Alvin2123213811.0
Crawford, Cody1522202314.8
Sprague, Dusty1117906316.3
Charles, Hugh9850339.4
Cantrell, Maurice23802019.0
DeVree, Tyson436169.0
Holz, Nick329099.7
Yates, Jarrell12912929.0
Goettsch, Dan3280179.3
Ellis, Byron213076.5
Robinson, Stephone21010.5
Total117145676312.4

Defense
Name Tackles Fumbles Interceptions Sacks QB Hurry
SoloAstTotalTFLTFL YdsForcedRecoveryYdsNo.YdsBreakUpBlocked KickNo.Yards
Dizon, Jordon6358.079.5114212000005312
Washington, Thaddeus4242.0635.51621101430131
Jones, Brad303644.512000110100.501
Wheatley, Terrence361543.541012052670250
Walters, Ryan3418.0431301952−220000
Washington, Terrence3315.040.52.551000020000
Harris, Lionel3117.039.5132101230000
Hypolite, George2324.0358.53412000202.5172
Nicolas, Brandon2331.033.52.552000000002
Wright, Abraham24183313.598100002010.5882
Boye-Doe, Walter20223151820000202104
Brown, Cha'pelle181927.5120001010000
Sims, Lorenzo216.024000000020000
Billingsley, JJ1913.023.5110100020000
Sipili, Michael1410.019110000010001
Burney, Benjamin144.0160.510000000000
Lucas, Maurice310.08000000000002
Ligon, Alex54.072130000000180
Barrett, Alonzo45.06.51.540000000000
Sanders, Joe52.06000000000000
Burton, Marcus42.05001000000000
McCay, Gardner42.05000000000000
Brown, RJ41.04.5000100000000
Carpenter, Ben40.04000000000000
Moyd, Kevin30.03110000000000
Brace, Jason20.02130000000000
Adams, Joel20.02000000000000
Cantrell, Maurice20.02000000000000
Cusworth, Chad20.02000000000000
Jackson, Bernard20.02000000000000
Drescher, Justin11.01.5000000000000
Charles, Hugh10.01000000000000
DiLallo, Matthew10.01000000000000
Polumbus, Tyler10.01000000000000
Brooks, Dominique01.00.5000000000000
Barnett, Alvin00.00001190000000
Kaynor, Taj00.00000000010000
Total49537666064.52621512114114031024.516217

Special teams
Name Punting Kickoffs Scoring / Field Goals
No.YdsAvgLongI20TB No.YdsTBOBAvg PAT10–1920–2930–3940–4950–5960+FG-FGAPct.LongPoints
DiLallo, Matthew47205643.773130
Crosby, Mason14343.0430047297628163.319–190–05–67–85–52–60–319–2767.9%5676
Garden, Isaac621636.041101−2001−20.0
TEAM12626.02600
Total54231542.97314048295628221.719–190–05–67–85–52–60–319–2767.9%5676

Returns
Name Punt Returns Kick Returns Interception Return
No.YdsLongNo.YdsLongNo.YdsLong
Robinson, Stephone1576361424826000
Wheatley, Terrence0001171752615
Washington, Thad00012121144
Williams, Patrick00011313000
Brown, Cha'pelle110000000
Billingsley, JJ000000100
Walters, Ryan0000002−20
Washington, Terrence0551019425000
Harris, Lionel000000122
McBride, Chase64120000000
Ellis, Byron00024329000
Charles, Hugh00034718000
Jones, Brad00000011010
Total22123363054929124015

Trivia
  • Colorado has a 177–118–5 all-time record on artificial turf (at end of 2006 season) and played its 299th and 300th games on artificial surfaces when meeting Missouri and Kansas this season.
  • When Colorado played Nebraska this season, it was the Buffaloes 1100th football game ever.
  • In starting the 2006 season 0–6, Colorado tied the school record for consecutive losses at 10.
  • Head Coach Dan Hawkins' first win at Colorado was against Texas Tech on October 14, 2006 (30–6).
  • This was just Colorado's third 10-loss season in 117 years of intercollegiate football (going 1–10 in 1980 and 1984).
  • Despite a 2–10 season, the universities students rushed the field after both of their victories.
  • Colorado went winless on the road for the first time since 1984.

References
  1. "2006 Colorado Football Summer Notes" (PDF). University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. July 21, 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 6, 2011. Retrieved December 13, 2006.
  2. "2006 Preseason Rankings/Possible Conference Contenders – No. 21 to No. 29". July 28, 2006. Archived from the original on August 28, 2006.
  3. "Big 12 Announces Media Pre-season Football Poll". Big 12 Conference. July 20, 2006. Archived from the original on July 28, 2006. Retrieved August 1, 2006.
  4. Schubert, Erich (August 20, 2006). "James Cox Named Starting Quarterback for Buffs". University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 25, 2006.
  5. Schubert, Erich (August 27, 2006). "Crosby, Daniels, Washington Named CU Captains". University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 27, 2006.
  6. "2006 Colorado Football: Preseason Honors" (PDF). University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. August 21, 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 6, 2011. Retrieved December 13, 2006.
  7. Schubert, Erich (August 16, 2006). "Crosby Named to Lou Groza Watch List". University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 16, 2006.
  8. "2006 Colorado Football: Game 1 (Release #1)" (PDF). University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. August 28, 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 30, 2006.
  9. "2006 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team Announced". Big 12 Conference. July 21, 2006. Archived from the original on July 28, 2006. Retrieved August 1, 2006.
  10. Schubert, Erich (August 24, 2006). "Washington and Dizon Named to Butkus Award Watch List". University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 24, 2006.
  11. Schubert, Erich (August 31, 2006). "Charles Named Doak Walker Candidate". University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 31, 2006.
  12. "2006 Colorado Football Summer Notes" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on June 6, 2011. Retrieved July 27, 2006.
  13. "2006 Final University of Colorado Football Statistics" (PDF). University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 31, 2012. Retrieved October 16, 2011.
  14. 2006 Colorado Buffaloes media guide Coaches section Archived June 6, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  15. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved July 27, 2006.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  16. Schlabach, Mark (September 5, 2006). "On (and off) the Mark". ESPN. Retrieved September 5, 2006.
  17. McShay, Todd (September 5, 2006). "Weekly stock report for college football's first weekend". ESPN. Retrieved September 5, 2006.
  18. Ringo, Kyle (August 16, 2006). "CSU TV plan could cost Buffs". Daily Camera. Boulder. Archived from the original on October 20, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2006.
  19. Schubert, Erich (September 7, 2006). "OLN to Air CU-CSU Game". University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved September 9, 2006.
  20. Schubert, Erich (September 10, 2006). "QB Bernard Jackson Emerges for Buffs". University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved September 11, 2006.
  21. Schubert, Erich (September 21, 2006). "QB James Cox Likely To Miss Georgia Game". University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved September 22, 2006.
  22. Plati, David (September 19, 2006). "2006 Colorado Football: Game 4 – Georgia". University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Archived from the original on September 6, 2009. Retrieved September 22, 2006.
  23. Ringo, Kyle (September 24, 2006). "Fenton suffers cracked fibula". Boulder Daily Camera. Archived from the original on October 20, 2007. Retrieved September 27, 2006.
  24. "2006 Colorado Football: Game 5 – Missouri" (PDF). University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. September 26, 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 6, 2011. Retrieved September 29, 2006.
  25. Schubert, Erich (October 16, 2006). "Wright, Crosby, Walters Honored". University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Retrieved October 19, 2006.
  26. "Recap Kansas vs. Colorado". CBS Sports. October 28, 2006. Archived from the original on November 8, 2006. Retrieved October 28, 2006.
  27. Brown, Zak (November 12, 2006). "QB Jackson enjoys his best day as Buff". Buff Zone. Archived from the original on November 16, 2006. Retrieved November 13, 2006.
  28. Plati, David (November 20, 2006). "2006 Colorado Football: Game 12 – Nebraska". University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Retrieved November 20, 2006.
  29. Plati, David (October 26, 2006). "Daniels Finalist for Prestigious Draddy Award". University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Retrieved November 22, 2006.
  30. Schubert, Erich (November 21, 2006). "Several Buffs Named to Academic All-Big 12 Team". University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Retrieved November 22, 2006.
  31. Plati, David (December 7, 2006). "Crosby Named Walter Camp All-American". University of Colorado, Boulder Department of Athletics. Retrieved December 8, 2006.
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