As Colorado licks their considerable wounds after a 52-24 shellacking at the hands of Washington, Oregon comes to Folsom Field with their innovative and dynamic offense operating at full force.

One month after Colorado participated in its first Pac-12 athletic event, one thing has become painfully clear to all observers. The Buffs — in most sports — currently lack the speed and athletic firepower to compete in their new conference.

As Colorado prepares to limp into Husky Stadium on Saturday to take on the University of Washington, it may seem like the two programs are light years apart.

While many in her position would grow frustrated, Kerra Schroeder viewed facing five top-15 teams in three weeks as an enjoyable experience. Colorado volleyball’s junior captain and outside hitter recorded a match high 19 kills against No. 2 UCLA, as the Buffs fell short for the seventh straight outing, losing in three sets.

After a disappointing loss to Washington State, Jon Embree’s Colorado Buffaloes hit the buzz saw of their Pac-12 schedule starting this weekend at Stanford. The Cardinal feature consensus top NFL prospect Andrew Luck at quarterback, leading a formidable offense, averaging just under 46 points per game.

Obviously, that’s a difficult assignment, given that’s all you’ve been told for the past six seasons, going back to Dan Hawkins’ first in 2006. But the coaching staff as presently constituted is savvy, intelligent and, most importantly, has put a high priority on accountability.

Colorado men’s golf is looking to return to prominence A program that boasts 27 NCAA championship appearances under legends Les Fowler and Mark Simpson and current head coach Roy Edwards has failed to make a trip to the NCAA finals since 2002. Judging by the squad’s early performance, Edwards could have a group that could challenge in postseason next spring.

While Colorado volleyball’s official Pac-12 opener came last week against Utah, their true first test came this past weekend against the top two teams in the nation, California and Stanford.

Passion and pure drive are undoubtedly the reasons for CU’s starting punter Darragh O’Neill’s success as a Division I athlete in a sport he never played in high school. The fact that O’Neill propelled himself to a starting role at a program with a storied history in football in a matter of months speaks volumes about not only his athletic ability, but also his will to compete.

In a season that is shaping up to be a difficult one for the Colorado Buffaloes, quarterback Tyler Hansen and wide receiver Paul Richardson are providing a bright spot for fans at Folsom Field.