INSIDE SLANT

Colorado went on the road and played the second-best team in the Big 12 to the wire, yet many of the same problems that have afflicted the Buffaloes all season proved costly.

A blown defensive assignment led to a critical touchdown for Oklahoma State, penalties again proved costly, plus a decision inside three minutes to punt the ball prevented Colorado from getting the ball back.

Although the 31-28 defeat showed the Buffaloes have not given up on fourth-year coach Dan Hawkins, the loss did little to help his fading job security. Colorado dipped to 3-9 overall and 2-5 in the Big 12, and doubled the number of losses (32) to wins (16) Hawkins has seen along the CU sideline.

Still, Hawkins expressed no concerns when asked about his status, and he again complimented athletic director Mike Bohn.

“I’m good. Mike’s good. We’re good,” Hawkins said. “You guys are the ones more focused on it than anybody else.”

The dilemma facing the Colorado administration is raising the money needed to cover Hawkins’ buyout. The CU athletic program may be as strapped as any in the Big 12 and the buyout could approach $3.5 million. CU athletics continues to owe money on most of the $8 million loan it received in 2006 from the academic end of the CU system, with $4 million of that going to a buyout for previous coach Gary Barnett.

Meanwhile, the university is cutting its operating budget, which raises concerns whether a buyout for Hawkins is appropriate, especially if funds cannot be raised privately. If such funding is not obtained, it would be a reflection of the apathy that permeates the entire Colorado athletic program.

But there is sentiment to remove Hawkins, considering his overall record and the failures of this season.

NOTES, QUOTES

• The Colorado Board of Regents must approve any buyout package for Dan Hawkins if the Colorado coach is fired at the end of this season. A majority vote is required if campus officials elect to terminate Hawkins. It appears enough votes are obtainable to approve the buyout, though regent Tom Lucero told the Boulder Camera, “I’m a huge fan of Dan Hawkins and I am of the opinion that the guy needs at least one more year.” Lucero, however, indicate he would not block any termination agreement. Hawkins stands 16-32 in his fourth season and will miss out on a bowl for the third time.

• PK Aric Goodman missed a 50-yard attempt off the right upright early in the fourth quarter in the Nov. 19 loss against Oklahoma State. With Colorado facing the prospect of another long field goal, the Buffs coach opted to go for it on fourth down. The Buffs failed to convert.

• Nothing will be riding on Colorado’s final game except pride. Nebraska, which visits Folsom Field on Nov. 27, clinched the Big 12 North title by defeating Kansas State on Saturday. Colorado cannot qualify for a bowl and is playing out the string.

Game Ball Goes To:   WR Markques Simas—Although he barely missed out on becoming the first Colorado receiver since 1993 to record three straight 100-yard games, he did tie a school record with 11 receptions against Oklahoma State. He finished with 90 yards receiving and also tied the CU record for most consecutive games with at least seven catches.

Keep An Eye On:   QB Tyler Hansen—Although he bruised his thumb in the second quarter and required X-rays, Hansen returned against Oklahoma State and was respectable, completing 23 of 36 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions.

Quote To Note:   “We came up on the short end. They feel bad. They do, but I love those guys and I love their effort and I love their intensity and I loved the way they competed. They did everything right. They’ve got nothing to hang their head about that way.”—Colorado coach Dan Hawkins.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Looking Good:   Special teams came up big for the Buffaloes on a couple of occasions against Oklahoma State. KR Brian Lockridge returned a kick 98 yards for a touchdown to immediately reverse the lead and put the Buffs back up 28-24 in the fourth quarter. In addition, DT Conrad Obi blocked a field goal attempt. As with most phases regarding the Buffs, there was also a negative. They allowed a punt return for a touchdown the first time Perrish Cox touched the ball for Oklahoma State.

Still Needs Work:   The Colorado defense was impressive throughout the first half and allowed Oklahoma State just one completion through the first 39 minutes. But the Cowboys’ third-string quarterback, Brandon Weeden, eventually caught fire and spoiled the Buffaloes’ defensive night. Touchdown plays of 45, 47 and 28 yards in the second half enabled Oklahoma State to rally and again proved to be a backbreaker for the Buffs, who failed to win despite forcing four turnovers.

Roster Report:  

• QB Tyler Hansen was taken for X-rays on his throwing thumb in the second quarter, prompting QB Cody Hawkins to come in. Hawkins engineered a touchdown drive to give Colorado a 14-10 halftime lead, but Hansen returned in the second half.

• LB B.J. Beatty missed his second straight game with a concussion and was replaced again in the lineup by LB Tyler Ahles.

• LB Jeff Smart also missed the game with a pinched nerve. He was replaced by LB Shaun Mohler.

• QB Josh Moten, a member of the 2009 recruiting class who was not accepted by the CU admissions office, has been cleared to enroll for the spring semester.