It's Going to Take Time-Duh- Colorado Buffaloes

[Knight Shift]

First- this post is not meant to assail the coaches or make excuses for "talent." However, it does show that teams with lower talent levels can play respectably and compete against teams like Michigan. Colorado gave Michigan a game, and was leading in the first half. Their recruiting rankings were on par or worse than RU's every year except last year.

RU CU
2012 25 37
2013 44 66
2014 58 64
2015 54 72
2016 78 63

The difference? Their coach, Mike MacIntyre is in his 4th year. His record?
2013: 4-8
2014: 2-10
2015: 4-9
2016: 4-2
Total: 14-29, 4-26 in conference.

We all know that it may get worse next year before it gets better.
CU got blown out several times in 2013.
2014? 2-10, but their margin of loss was single digits in several games and they took a 10-3 UCLA to 2OT.
2015: More close losses and 2 more wins.
2016: they are looking pretty good so far, and it is too early to say if they turned the corner, but they have been competitive in all of their games.

The differences? Maybe it is their Freshman QB, Steven Montez, a lightly recruited 3 star QB, who took over after their more lightly recruited 3 star QB Sefo Liufau went down with a sprained ankle against Michigan.

Also, their HC is in his 4th year. It takes a while to install your system with your players.