Hawkins will lead CU against Nebraska, and into 2010

Prior to closing practices and media access, as traditionally done before the Nebraska game, Colorado Coach Dan Hawkins spoke Monday. He appeared somber, even remorseful at times, citing his decisions in the past, including that of recruiting son Cody as quarterback. All signs pointed to Hawk Love ending with the season after Friday’s game.

That all changed Wednesday, starting with a flurry of back-and-forth admissions and denials regarding the coach’s future. In the morning, CBS4 reported that Hawkins had told staff he would be back after meeting with CU. Then mid-day, an official denial came from CU officials, stating that while there was a meeting with Chancellor Phil DiStephano, any decision would have to come from AD Mike Bohn.

Bohn apparently heard the rumor mill churning. A few hours later, 850AM KOA’s Sports Director Mark Johnson, who is on the road with Bohn for the Maui Invitational, reported that an announcement of Hawkins’ return through 2010 will be coming on Thursday afternoon.

With a decision made, it makes sense to publicly announce the intention, as unfavorable as it may be with some fans. The Buffaloes can work on achieving the pinhole narrow focus necessary to beat their rival, and have another emotional hook to hang their hats on. The Buffs aren’t playing to save a job anymore, they’re playing to prove a point.

Some Nebraska fans may not admit it, but aside from a bowl, this is the biggest game of the year for their team as well. Win or lose Friday, the Huskers will play against Texas for the Big 12 championship in Dallas. Judging by the 3,000 plus allotment of Nebraska’s tickets remaining unsold, there doesn’t seem to be a high level of confidence for their chances.

So in a way, tonight’s news is a very good thing for Colorado. It puts everything back where it should be: Beat Big Red. Emotional tanks topped off, here are three keys to winning on the field:

LOOSEN UP

All the discussion before last week’s game against Oklahoma State was about penalties. Assistants even dressed up in stripes and threw flags during practices. And what did CU do? They had their worst day in penalty yardage yet.

Many of those came from personal foul calls, late hits and leading with helmets. The Buffs were trying to play tough against OSU, but some of it felt more like blind rage than calculated aggression. Hope the coaches can instill more of the fun that comes with playing hard, and playing clean.

PLAY AT THE SPEED OF SUH

Colorado will have to face the best defensive player they’ve seen all season, the best in the Big 12 and some argue the best defensive tackle in college football. Senior Ndamukong Suh has been so dominant, he’s even being mentioned as a possible vote-getter for the Heisman award.

If Tyler Hansen thought the games against Missouri and Texas A&M were tough, where he was sacked 16 total times, just wait for what Suh can do. CU needs more of the designed QB runs that seem to be working better each week to keep the defenseman off the pass rush all the time. When Suh does make it past the line, Hansen needs to get the ball out quickly, something he’s been working on improving.

MAKE HELU HOLD ON

Nebraska’s top rusher, Roy Helu Jr., is a consistent threat to run for over 100 yards a game. Containing him is key to putting a Huskers offense, that at times has been looking for more balance. In two of the three Nebraska losses, Helu was held to under 50 yards in each.

The junior back also has had previous struggles with fumbles. His two against Iowa State took both him and the offense out of the game, resulting in a 9-7 final. Shaking up Helu early may force Nebraska away from their game plan, opening up more turnover chances for the Buffs.

Editor’s note: Comments have been turned off on football stories involving CU to meet the university’s requirement for giving media credentials to Web site reporters and photographers.