The Wiz of Odds

Colorado

Colorado, a once-proud program that reached new lows in recent seasons, appears to have made the right hire in Mike MacIntyre, who guided the team to four victories in 2013. OK, that's not a big number, but given how low the Buffaloes were at one point, it's a marked improvement. Colorado, which produced six posters, opens Friday night against rival Colorado State.

Things Remain Totally Messed Up in Colorado

Colorado was given clearance Monday by university police to use its practice fields, but the normal route was flooded and players had to find a new way to practice, the team's first in three days.

Ten players have been forced out of their apartments because of flooding, structural issues or lack of water or power. Several players served lunch to first responders and displaced families after Saturday's game against Fresno State was postponed.

Trying to reschedule the game against the Bulldogs is next to impossible. All options are being discussed, including the team playing only 11 games. Colorado has a bye this week, creating a three-week hole in the schedule. The next game is Sept. 28 at Oregon State. Fresno State has a bye on Nov. 16, but Colorado plays host to California that day.

Colorado

No team came through with a request for team posters like Colorado. The Buffaloes produced six, each featuring a player.

Defensive lineman Chidera Uzo-Diribe is featured on top, followed by quarterback Connor Wood, inside linebacker Derrick Webb, offensive lineman Jack Harris, receiver Paul Richardson and inside linebacker Paul Vigo.

The Buffaloes have a new coach in Mike MacIntyre, who guided San Jose State from a 1-12 record in 2010 to an 11-2 finish in 2012.

Thanks to Justin.

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Colorado

Jon Embree's first season at Colorado resembled so many others in recent years. The Buffaloes finished 3-10 and extended the program's streak of losing seasons to six. In fairness to Embree, he inherited the mess left by Dan Hawkins, who went 19-39 before being fired in 2010. Embree's second season should be an improvement simply because of a three winnable nonconference games. But the defense, which gave up 475 points (36.5 points per game) in 2010, needs a serious upgrade if the Buffs are going to be competitive in Pacific 12 play.

After the jump is a look at Colorado's offseason conditioning drills.

Click the image to enlarge. Thanks to Justin.

USC Cruises to 42-17 Victory Against Colorado

Wiz correspondent Greg Laughlin made the trek Friday night to snowy Boulder, Colo., where the USC Trojans squared off against the Colorado Buffaloes. Matt Barkley passed for a team-record six touchdowns as the Trojans rolled to a 42-17 victory before 50,083 at Folsom FIeld.

Now if you've never been to Boulder, your life is not complete. It's one of the most picturesque campuses in the land, as you will see from photos after the jump. To view Greg's complete gallery, click here.

Colorado

New coach Jon Embree and his Colorado players will build up the frequent flyer miles in September, opening at Hawaii and closing the month at Ohio State. In between are a neutral site game in Denver against rival Colorado State and a home game California, a team that embarrassed the Buffaloes by 45 points last season.

Thanks to Justin. Click the image to enlarge.