INSIDE SLANT

Although evidence is building to the contrary, Dan Hawkins insists his job as Colorado coach is not in jeopardy.

“Not at all,” Hawkins said.

Nonetheless, speculation exists that athletic director Mike Bohn has begun a coaching search, though he denied the rumors. The Buffaloes are sitting 3-7 overall and 2-4 in the Big 12 heading into Thursday night’s game at Oklahoma State.

Colorado is assured of missing out on postseason play for the third time in four seasons under Hawkins.

“Our efforts are in creating an environment for him to be successful,” said Bohn, who fired Gary Barnett at the end of the 2005 season and then hired Hawkins, who is 16-31 overall and 2-18 in games played outside of Boulder.

“We are putting every ounce of energy, support and effort into creating an environment for us to be successful. That’s where our focus is.”

One element in Hawkins’ favor is his insistence on running a reputable program. When he left Boise State to jump into a BCS program, Colorado was rocked by scandal. Hawkins has insisted that players attend class and also conduct themselves properly, but in the end, the win-loss record could be his downfall.

Although Colorado has improved dramatically on defense throughout this season, its offense remains ineffective. A switch at quarterback, away from Hawkins’ son, Cody, has not brought the desired results. Tyler Hansen has failed to move the Buffs consistently.

NOTES, QUOTES

• With discontent mounting over the performance of coach Dan Hawkins and a change possible, players are attempting to shoulder some of the blame. Various tactics, they said, have been tried during the season to drill the Buffs on proper technique, though they continue to be plagued by fundamental breakdowns and rank next to last nationally in penalties. Players admit to being edgy because no one in the Colorado administration has come out in definitive support of Hawkins’ future.

• A replay of a possible touchdown that was nullified in the Iowa State loss on Nov. 14 was sent to the Big 12 office for review. TE Riar Geer appeared to catch the ball in the end zone, but then dropped it after he was hit and taken to the ground. Had a touchdown been called, Colorado would have trimmed the deficit to 17-10 in the third quarter.

• Colorado players will attend classes on Wednesday, then practice before departing for Oklahoma State to play a Thursday night game.

Series History:   Colorado leads Oklahoma State 26-18-1 (last meeting, 2008, 30-17 OSU).

Scouting The Offense:   Problems with execution have plagued the Buffs all season, including against Iowa State. An interception by QB Tyler Hansen and two fumbles by RB Rodney Stewart crippled drives, as did major penalties. Colorado finished with 11 flags for 110 yards. Colorado did not score a touchdown until 3:17 remained, and then couldn’t get back on the field until just 23 seconds were left. The Buffs had four first downs inside the ISU 10 that resulted in three points.

Scouting The Defense:   The unit is playing well enough to keep the Buffs in games, a far cry from early in the season when Colorado gave up yards in massive chunks and was victimized by big plays. Colorado allowed a respectable 310 yards in the loss at Iowa State, though RB Alexander Robinson pounded away for his third 100-yard game and kept his offense on the field, rushing 30 times. The Buffs are often good at quick work, producing 44 three-and-outs during the season.

Quote To Note:   “It’s not all on the coaches. There also has to be some accountability from us. We just flat out have to play better.”—Colorado LB Jeff Smart.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

This Week  ‘S GAME: Colorado at Oklahoma State, Nov. 19—Once again, the Buffaloes are playing on an unusual day, the fourth of five games this season they’ll play on a day other Saturday. Thus far they’re 0-3 in such matchups, losing to Colorado State, Toledo and West Virginia in nonconference games. The chance for a late push looks grim with no bowl bid possible and competition stiffening. Oklahoma State is establishing itself as the second-best team in the Big 12 behind Texas.

A home game follows against Nebraska, which can win the North Division by beating Kansas State this Saturday.

Keys To The Game:   Despite an NCAA-imposed suspension that ended the collegiate career of All-American WR Dez Bryant, plus a nagging foot/ankle injury that slowed RB Kendall Hunter, the Cowboys remain potent. QB Zac Robinson is one of the most efficient passers in the Big 12 and also a threat to run. RB Keith Toston has capably replaced Hunter, who is back sharing the load. Defensively, OSU is much-improved and tough in coverage with CB Perrish Cox and LB Patrick Lavine.

Players To Watch:  

WR Markques Simas—He posted back-to-back 100-yard receiving games against Texas A&M and Iowa State. He caught 14 passes for 263 yards.

WR Scotty McKnight—He became the fourth receiver in Colorado history with 60 or more receptions in a season. He has 62, along with a CU record of 34 consecutive games with a catch.

CB Jalil Brown—He ranks fourth in the Big 12 in passes defended, averaging 1.1 per game. He has two interceptions and nine breakups.

Roster Report:  

• SS Ray Polk remains questionable after missing the Iowa State game with a broken toe. Polk played with the injury in a Nov. 7 win against Texas A&M.

• LB Jeff Smart played sparingly in the Iowa State game because of a stinger he’s dealt with for the past three weeks. The injury causes numbness in one of his arms.

• LB B.J. Beatty missed the Iowa State game with a concussion. He was replaced by LB Tyler Ahles, who made his first career start.