In preparation for the Toledo / Colorado game on Friday night – we spoke with the CU blog, The Ralphie Report, to get the scoop on what’s brewing out in Boulder and how the Buffaloes are looking heading into the matchup this week.

1) After watching the CU / CSU game, what aspects of the game does Colorado need to fix, that you didn’t think were a problem coming into that game ?

We knew going into the game that the defensive line was going to be a concern as well as quarterback play but their were a number of unexpected issues that the Buffs will have to get fixed to avoid another losing season in 2009. First of all, the Colorado energy level and focus seemed to be an issue. It felt like the Buffs were lethargic at the start of the game and then panicked during the game. We even heard comments about the Buffs overlooking Colorado State, which is a shocker since it was game one of the season against a rival. No disrespect to Toledo or Wyoming (no one is looking ahead to the Buffs either) but it’s not like Ohio State overlooking their first game of the year because USC is coming in next week. That just shows you a complete lack of focus was exhibited from Dan Hawkins’ team, something we have seen before. Certainly a lack of a killer instinct.

Then their was the obvious issue with the running game, something that was supposed to be a strength of this team was completely abandoned by the coaching staff after Colorado State jumped ahead to a lead, although it was not enough of a lead to panic like the staff did. Colorado only gained 29 yards on the ground with Darrell Scott and Brian Lockridge, two of our biggest playmakers, only touching the ball three times on offense. That is not acceptable and shows that Colorado State took the Buffs out of their gameplan very early and the Buffs allowed that to easily occur by not dealing with sudden change. If Toledo wants to win this thing, a good route to go is get ahead like Colorado State did and then see how Colorado reacts. If Toledo makes Cody Hawkins beat them, he won’t. Colorado needs to get the ground game going as that is where most of the playmakers are, not at quarterback or wide receiver.

On the defensive side, the propensity to give up the big play was very troubling. Looking at Toledo, who has a pretty strong offense based on the first week matchup against the Purdue Boilermakers, the Buffs are going to be challenged through the air again and if they don’t get their communication figured out, it could be trouble. Who knows if the defensive line will generate enough of pass rush either.

In fairness, Colorado’s starting safety, Patrick Mahnke, was a late scratch from the game and a converted running back in Ray Polk had to start his first game ever as a replacement. Also, the Buffs started three first timers on the offensive line against CSU so we are hoping that a game under their belts will lead to better results.

2) How big a factor will traveling to Toledo play in this game ? (jetlag, shortened week, etc.)

Personally, I love that the game is on short rest after the Colorado State game but that is the competitor in me. Dan Hawkins will hate it, the players will hate it but if they are a competitive team, they have to play this off as a quick opportunity to take out the poor play against Colorado State on someone else.

Again, that being said, who knows about this team’s psyche? If they feel sorry for themselves, Toledo will have a huge advantage. A lot will depend on how the coaches prep them for the challenges. One thing is for sure; Dan Hawkins has been very vocal about hating this short week so if that filters down to his team and they make excuses, once again, it could be a long night for Colorado fans.

And finally, Dan Hawkins has won two games on the road in his three previous years at Colorado. Two. Short week, a poor showing on the road in prior years; Colorado fans are taking this game very seriously.

3) Who needs to have the biggest night, in order for Colorado to win: Hawkins, Stewart, Sumler, Geer, McKnight?

RB Darrell Scott and QB Cody Hawkins. Hawkins needs to be smart with the ball and not commit turnovers while getting the ball out on time…don’t take bad sacks that lead to long third downs as this team does not have the explosiveness on the edge to be a big play threat on a consistent basis. The Buffs don’t need Hawkins to throw up Opelt-like stats but he needs to be consistent.

As for Darrell Scott, both Dan Hawkins and running backs coach Darian Hagan have hinted at more carries for the running back, something he asked for after the Colorado State game and rightfully so. Considering Toledo’s first week showing allowing 300+ yards on the ground and an increased workload for Scott, we need him along with the offensive line, to have a huge night.

Also look for a bigger role from WR Andre Simmons, who only caught one pass for 44 yards against Colorado State. He was a late arrival to camp so the playing time was limited in game one but as he gets more practice time in him, he should be on the field and be able to make a threat in the passing game. Simmons is the Buffs biggest receiver a 6’3″ 215 pounds. He transferred into Colorado this year from a junior college.

4) Do you view Toledo as an easy win or an opponent that can not be overlooked?

No opponent can be overlooked by the Colorado Buffaloes, especially after the Colorado State game. Tim Beckman has Big 12 roots so he has experience playing the Buffs. We also know that Toledo has had success against Big 12 and BCS opponents in the recent past so that should be enough to let everyone know that Toledo is not to be taken lightly. Buff fans surely would rather be playing Miami (OH). Colorado State laid the blue print down for future teams to beat Colorado by getting points on the board quick and making Cody Hawkins beat them. In no way is Toledo considered an easy win…in fact, Buffs fans are probably 50-50 on whether Colorado will win this game.

5) With Safety Mahnke and Center Iltis both suffering sprained ankles, do you think the Buffaloes can bounce back from the brief injuries or could this become a lingering problem all season?

I am more confident that Mike Iltis and WR Scotty McKnight (concussion) will return against the Rockets and should be okay to play this season full go. The Buffs need all three players to return as those three spots don’t have a lot of experienced depth waiting in the wings. Mahnke has been walking around in a boot which is never a good thing so I am not confident in predicting that he will be back for the Toledo game.

Thanks to The Ralphie Report for taking the time to answer our questions. We did the same over on their blog – so be sure to head over there and check that out too. Safe travels to the Buffaloes – we’ll see you on Friday night in the Glass Bowl.