The Broncos are 8–2 but not exactly inspiring confidence after a sloppy 10–7 win over the Raiders. Big Al calls it “the ugliest game of the season,” while CJ insists that winning ugly still counts. The guys debate whether Bo Nix or Sean Payton deserves more blame for the sputtering offense, and why the defense continues to carry the team. Then they turn their attention to Boulder, where Julian “Juju” Lewis makes his first start for the Buffs against West Virginia. Big Al says it’s the start of the 2026 season — and maybe the start of a new era in Colorado football.
Big Al and CJ dive into a tale of two programs — one surviving on defense, the other trying to find its future on offense. The Broncos’ 8–2 record may look good on paper, but their double-pass fiasco, missed field goals, and lack of offensive rhythm have fans uneasy. CJ argues it’s time for Sean Payton to embrace the run game and stop overcomplicating things, while Al questions if the Bo Nix experiment is already plateauing.
Then it’s on to the Buffs, where all eyes are on five-star freshman Julian Lewis as he takes over at quarterback. The guys break down what to expect against West Virginia, the risks of starting him on the road, and why this game could define not just the season — but the next era under Coach Prime.
00:00:02:17 - 00:00:07:28
CJ
Hello and welcome again.
00:00:08:01 - 00:00:37:17
Big Al
Well, big day for the Colorado Buffaloes on the road as a new quarter back is under center. Can't wait to talk about it. And there's no way we can go through this podcast without talking about whatever that was at Empower Field at Mile High this past Thursday. Let's talk about.
00:00:37:19 - 00:00:44:15
Big Al
It, big fella. It's here to see us on the road trying to get things. What's up man?
00:00:44:17 - 00:00:54:11
CJ
Man I'm good man. Just, just just, still frustrated about, my travels yesterday.
00:00:54:13 - 00:00:58:14
Big Al
That's right. That's right. But you made it to your destination, so you're good.
00:00:58:20 - 00:01:17:29
CJ
I did, I did, I made it to Houston, Texas when I got. I'm out here seeing family and of course, great friends. And, but I mean, at what what what a day yesterday, man. It was the most, it's the most frustrating airline day. I've had it felt like I was flying somewhere in the middle of Mexico.
00:01:18:01 - 00:01:44:06
CJ
We had gate changes. We had a three hour and 15 minute delay. In that process, they pushed the flight time back four times while I was sitting at the gate, and it was, it was nightmarish. I just happened to be sitting next to a man who, a young man who was, that was getting off of tour for two years, and he had not been home.
00:01:44:08 - 00:02:03:20
CJ
And he was the most anxious, you know, I think he was you know, in his early 20s, mid 20s and, he was so anxious to get home. And, when that airplane landed, people just let him walk off the airplane because, you know, he was in his army fatigues. And, everybody knew that, you know, he he was ready just trying to get home.
00:02:03:21 - 00:02:27:20
CJ
I mean, it was if you're traveling out there this, holiday season, just be ready for it. It's, it's no joke. And, some planes, took off on time. Some had, heavy pushbacks like mine. Some were canceled. So, just be diligent while you're out there traveling and moving around during this holiday season.
00:02:27:22 - 00:02:47:27
Big Al
I'll tell you what, man, this government shutdown has, a lot of a lot of folks. Anxiety is high. You mentioned travel. Hopefully. And I do hold out hope that, that this can be resolved before we get really deep into the holiday season. We have about maybe a week and a half before that actually happens.
00:02:48:00 - 00:03:15:12
Big Al
Hopefully the powers that be in DC can get their heads out of their asses and get right, get this country in sort of normal pattern, but, yeah, I know it was a trying time for you, in your travels, yesterday, as it, as is the case for millions of Americans. And so, not only that, we're talking about all kinds of disruptions to our normal sort of way of life in this country at this point, and in my estimation, for no good reason.
00:03:15:14 - 00:03:30:28
Big Al
So, again, I, my heart goes out to those who are all of us are impacted by it, but there are those who are impacted more than others. So, that's a great point to make right there. And, and has disruptive.
00:03:31:00 - 00:03:45:14
CJ
I didn't think about it, but how about a double whammy? Okay. A young soldier who's not getting paid sitting at the airport waiting on a delayed airplane. How about that? How about that?
00:03:45:17 - 00:04:08:04
Big Al
Yeah. How about that? Yeah. That's, that's where we are in this world. I mean, up is down, down is up. And none of it. None of it, makes sense to the majority of the 340 million Americans that are impacted by this. Foolishness that's happening in, in DC. Hey, man, let's talk about what happened Thursday night in DC.
00:04:08:04 - 00:04:31:01
Big Al
I'm talking about Denver, Colorado. Your Broncos I'm going to have to put pull back on something real quick. Last week or no, earlier this week, I made the comment that, the Denver Broncos, after going seven and two and being tied for, the best record in the National Football League, which they still are. I might add, now at eight and two, I made the comment.
00:04:31:01 - 00:04:57:07
Big Al
Then perhaps the Broncos can make the case that they are the best team in the National Football League because they find a way to grind out victories in the most improbable way. I think after a ten seven win over the Las Vegas Raiders and what was probably the ugliest game played this past week, quite frankly, the ugly game played all season long, not just by the Broncos, but by any team.
00:04:57:09 - 00:05:18:21
Big Al
That game was horrific. It was a badly played game. I've seen ten, seven games before that were great games. But this was just it was a comedy of errors for both teams. It was ugly. I can no longer stand and say that the Broncos, despite having the best record in the National Football League, was still seem strange.
00:05:18:23 - 00:05:31:12
Big Al
I don't feel like and I don't think the fan base feels like big like that. This is a team that that's destined for, you know, a deep playoff run this year.
00:05:31:14 - 00:05:35:24
CJ
The most important thing that happened. And that's.
00:05:35:27 - 00:05:45:15
CJ
What? They've won. You know, we can work on until we're going in next week or next month, put on.
00:05:45:15 - 00:06:04:02
Big Al
And all of a sudden we have to have some, we're having some, some interference, some technical interference that. I don't know if it's you, Mike. Just all of a sudden it just happened. But go ahead and see if you're good at everything big. I think.
00:06:04:05 - 00:06:05:19
CJ
Okay. Can you hear me now?
00:06:05:21 - 00:06:13:12
Big Al
It was just loud. I got you. I can hear you, but I can't see. That might be a blessing for everybody.
00:06:13:15 - 00:06:16:27
CJ
Go ahead. I'm going to reset.
00:06:17:00 - 00:06:45:09
Big Al
Okay. You reset, you reset. So, yeah, I you know, again, I think what we witnessed this past week, this past Thursday Night Football, which Thursday night games historically have been tough to to view. And I think there's a reason why the short week, you know, particularly this time of year when teams can be beaten up a little bit, you don't get the best product of in terms of a football game, but the Raiders Broncos game was was extra bad.
00:06:45:13 - 00:07:19:16
Big Al
It was something that, you know, again I, you know, bad football when you see it. I don't need a 45 to 38 shootout. For me to be entertained with the football game. You can see because that could also be bad football as well. But what we saw, I think was bad football. And I think that, you know, their Broncos fans, certainly myself in this makes this looking at this team and saying, my goodness, you know, why can't the offense at this stage in the season seem to pull it together a little bit, a little bit better than what we've seen?
00:07:19:17 - 00:07:51:16
Big Al
I mean, they've seems like Bo Nix the connection that every important connection between quarterback and coach is actually diminishing is getting worse as we go through the season, which is a head scratcher for a number of different reasons. Not the least of which Bo is is is the guy, right? He's the handpicked guy. And then we've seen flashes of Bo Nix where he actually looked like, the guy who could be, you know, the franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future for the Broncos.
00:07:51:18 - 00:08:12:05
Big Al
I can't tell one of the frustrating things I'm imagining for Broncos fans as well is you really can tell where the problem. Who's the problem? Do you have a quarterback that that let's say he's reached his cap and there's not much more juice in that, in that, in that squeeze? I don't think that's the case. But something's going on there.
00:08:12:05 - 00:08:36:24
Big Al
Is that a coach that, that's trying to do more than perhaps he should, or perhaps that's in there, and stretching his quarterback, his young quarterback still in ways that doesn't, serve him well, is it, you know, an offense that just doesn't have the talent from top to bottom to be proficient on a regular basis? Who's your go to guy?
00:08:36:25 - 00:08:58:21
Big Al
I know Courtland Sutton has played that role and has been pretty damn good in that role. This year. But, the laws of averages, you know, sort of bear this ugly head and revealing this team in terms of its offensive talent for what it really is for the most part, it's okay. I think that's the best case scenario, although I think J.K. Dobbins has been outstanding.
00:08:58:21 - 00:09:25:23
Big Al
The more I watch this guy run, the more I realize there's something really special to this guy. And then with, RJ Harvey, coming in and spelling him, I think you're pretty solid in that running back room. Inconsistency at the receiver position. Certainly. Inconsistency at the quarterback position. I just don't know how, the Broncos fare for the balance of the season.
00:09:25:23 - 00:09:29:27
Big Al
I see you, big fella. You back, you back. Can you tell us.
00:09:30:00 - 00:09:36:22
CJ
Just going on like that, parently. Let me see if I do that on.
00:09:36:25 - 00:09:55:09
Big Al
If I can say, hey, man, you want to use my mic? You know, you want to get to a real microphone, man, we won't have these problems. But, yeah, I think that may be the case. And there you go. I can hear you clearly now.
00:09:55:11 - 00:10:03:09
CJ
Okay, maybe I just. I can't see heads around on this one. That's that's probably not bad. Okay, I can, you know.
00:10:03:11 - 00:10:37:13
Big Al
I was going to say yes, early Saturday morning. That's probably a good thing for a listening audience, but, I just, you know, I'm I'm I'm saying, man, I think this is this is a team that's just limited offensively from a talent perspective. And perhaps what we're seeing is just the defense that is dragging and carrying this team over the finish line, across the finish line, in games that just aren't very, appealing to the fan bases.
00:10:37:13 - 00:11:05:08
CJ
I, you know, C.J. We've had this conversation several times, and I've been trying to explain the DNA of this football team, and it's really not Bo Nix going back and throwing the ball 35, 45 times a game. It's really not. The identity of the football team. Should be a heavy dose of run and play action pass. But because of the, selfishness of the head coach, you're not going to get that combination.
00:11:05:08 - 00:11:29:20
CJ
This look, you know, that combination is a combination for championships. How many teams that we've seen, go out and and be able to control both lines, scrimmages and, find a way to get it, a win at the end of the day, it's just not happening for, the Broncos with the philosophy it's happening with the wins because the defense you know, they've been balling.
00:11:29:20 - 00:11:55:17
CJ
The defense has been balling. The offense has had some real show of force especially against the Dallas Cowboys. But I think what you have to look at when you're evaluating a team is at this stage in the game and which is, crazy because we still haven't had our bye week. We're going to have it after this next game against the Kansas City Chiefs after this many bye that we have right now.
00:11:55:19 - 00:12:09:22
CJ
We still don't understand the identity of what winning football is from an offensive standpoint. And I think that's got to change if we want to have great success in the postseason.
00:12:09:25 - 00:12:16:13
Big Al
Now, look, I know I call you black from time to time, but this black screen I'm looking at wasn't really what I had in mind.
00:12:16:15 - 00:12:17:03
CJ
You know.
00:12:17:05 - 00:12:23:18
Big Al
Is it is warmer down we could get. Can I see you? You're pretty face.
00:12:23:21 - 00:12:24:29
CJ
I know we were good.
00:12:25:06 - 00:12:26:16
Big Al
Together before, but.
00:12:26:19 - 00:12:37:04
CJ
I thought we were good. Okay, we want to. You want to roll? I want. No, no, I mean, I mean, you want to go like that? No, it's not me. Can you not see me?
00:12:37:06 - 00:12:38:13
Big Al
Okay.
00:12:38:15 - 00:12:39:20
CJ
Can you see me?
00:12:39:22 - 00:12:45:23
Big Al
No, no, no, I don't I can't see, I see a black screen. And again.
00:12:45:23 - 00:12:57:18
CJ
I well, I can see you. I saw that, I mean, I can see you. I mean, but this is this is technology. Sometime this is what you get. But I bet you DC.
00:12:57:24 - 00:13:04:10
Big Al
Listen to you. Right? So.
00:13:04:13 - 00:13:11:06
CJ
DCS handling this. So we'll probably have to reset or. Yeah. This is crazy.
00:13:11:06 - 00:13:51:25
Big Al
Good. We just we going to roll. We're going to roll. We're going to roll. Okay. Perhaps, the football and football gods will allow your face to appear on the screen again, and all is well, 82, though. Here's the here's the trick part of this. This team is 82, right? You know, if ever they say you are what your record says you are is tested, I think right now it's tested in a way that we haven't seen in a while, where we're bellyaching and, you know, confused and, and perhaps, you know, beaten down as a fan base a little bit.
00:13:51:25 - 00:14:18:16
Big Al
We are talking about the team with the best record in the National Football League at this point, with a, game and a half lead over the, the, the LA Chargers. And what, a full two game lead over the Kansas City Chiefs. Who you got next? I'm I'm I'm I don't know how to feel about this man as as an alarm.
00:14:18:18 - 00:14:30:22
Big Al
Like what he what would you tell the fan base here in Broncos country. That's like, hey, you know, this is this is a mess, but it's a mess that's producing wins. Is that good enough?
00:14:30:25 - 00:15:03:14
CJ
You know what it reminds me of as, as, football guy, it's it's like the Baltimore Ravens. When you first saw Lamar Jackson and they were dominating and they got to the playoffs. And, you know, I forget who they were playing, but they used it three three. Three three defense on the Baltimore Ravens, which said, basically, we're going to always have a guy close to the line of scrimmage.
00:15:03:14 - 00:15:27:21
CJ
And it was so disruptive because, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens couldn't find a way to win. Now, we knew Lamar Jackson was a, fantastic player, but there was always something that was a little off about that team. And I think that's what's happening, with the Denver Broncos, we know that they're a good football team led by a great defense.
00:15:27:24 - 00:15:55:06
CJ
But there's something just a little off. It doesn't mean you can't enjoy them. It just means that it doesn't look like the traditional best team in the National Football League. It's just there's something there's something that's missing that you just can't you can't put your finger on it. And but I think it's just, you know, the head coach just won't commit to the run game first and play action second.
00:15:55:09 - 00:16:06:05
CJ
You know, and and because of that it's it's it's going to look like it like it looks right now. It's going to be wonky.
00:16:06:08 - 00:16:27:28
Big Al
You know, it is wonky. And at times it just looks like a team that's not very well coached. I mean, I'm looking at a third and one and they try a double pass that, I mean, and the game is in the balance. Double pass to Courtland Sutton. I'm guessing he's supposed to either throw it back or throw it down the field.
00:16:27:28 - 00:16:53:15
Big Al
It was a mess. Special teams that feel like it's. That was probably the worst special teams game that I've seen with the two combine teams ever. I mean, they couldn't execute, you know, sort of running a mill. Special team. It was just bad football. But the shocking thing, I think for a lot of Broncos fans is that it looks like it's not a well coached team.
00:16:53:17 - 00:17:16:27
Big Al
You take the defense away and well, you may wonder whether or not this is a team that can compete against the cellar dwellers in the National Football League and in this division. We're talking about a team that they just, you know, but for a missed, you know, very makeable field goal by Carson. In the Raiders this game goes into overtime.
00:17:16:27 - 00:17:36:12
Big Al
And who knows. You know it's it's quite in the balance at that point. So and yet they're eight and two. And it sounds crazy when I say they're the best team. They have the best record I should say in the National Football League. Here's another little anecdote for you though. After ten games, they've only beaten one team with the winning record.
00:17:36:14 - 00:17:51:25
Big Al
That was the Philadelphia Eagles. Very impressive to be sure. But again, I don't know what we take away from it, given how unbalanced this thing has been all year long.
00:17:51:27 - 00:17:57:08
CJ
C.J., I think once again, man, you know, I think.
00:17:57:10 - 00:18:22:12
CJ
You know, it's so hard to win in this league in the NFL. It is so incredibly tough to win when you have the exact same salary cap. You have the same amount of drafted players. You have the same number of players that you can draft every year, you know, plus or minus trades. It's it's it's supposed to be, tight games if you are doing things the right way.
00:18:22:15 - 00:18:49:17
CJ
And I think that's what makes football so, in the NFL, it makes it so competitive every week because everybody has the same pool of pot to actually, pour from. And so how you make your gumbo is different than how I make my gumbo. And every week everybody's recipe is on display right now for the Denver Broncos.
00:18:49:19 - 00:19:08:04
CJ
You know, they think they got it. They think they got a seafood gumbo. But all they got is chicken and sausage. You know, that's just to be damn sure. Like, don't don't don't don't get it twisted. You ain't got no. You know, this ain't no crab and shrimp and and, blue crab and it ain't lapsing.
00:19:08:10 - 00:19:26:09
CJ
It's not that kind of gumbo. This is just a hey, it should be just a good. It should be just a good chicken and sausage gumbo. But they don't understand that yet. But they will, as things get closer to the postseason, they have to change their identity.
00:19:26:12 - 00:19:51:21
Big Al
Let me ask this. The Kansas City Chiefs are next. The Broncos play host to the Chiefs. About said about nine days from now, eight days from now, the Chiefs will be coming off of a buy the Broncos with, extra time because they played this Thursday. I would assume I would like to assume anyway that both teams will be at the absolute best, the Chiefs in third place place in the division at five.
00:19:51:21 - 00:20:05:27
Big Al
And for the Broncos, atop the division at eight and two, who would who's playing the best football and who would you rather be? And again, think about that. Three games in the win column.
00:20:06:00 - 00:20:23:09
Big Al
Three games ahead of the Chiefs I should say period. But three in a win column. Who would you rather be? The Broncos? Well, the Chiefs. What fan base do you think is more optimistic about the prospects over the next what, seven games of the season once again.
00:20:23:11 - 00:20:37:00
CJ
We have to go with what we have right now. The schedule is what the schedule is. We're eight and two and we very easily could be undefeated. I look at the Denver Broncos as you could very easily, very easily.
00:20:37:00 - 00:20:40:10
Big Al
Be three and you could very easily be three and seven two.
00:20:40:13 - 00:21:07:29
CJ
But we're not, you know, the team that won, Super Bowl 50 had 11 games where they won by a touchdown or less. So sometimes that's just the way the, the cookie crumbles sometimes. I mean, it's just you can't you can't look at it like that. I think when you really look at it, I think what you really want is, can we identify who we are as a team?
00:21:08:02 - 00:21:41:03
CJ
And I want to tell you something because I think this is a good story to let you know. Kind of how Super Bowl 50 team, was really, formed. It was formed by and I call the, you know, I call it a first game with Gary Kubiak and Peyton Manning. Experience was, put together and Peyton Manning, was trying to run out a pistol because he couldn't get under center and run back for handoffs anymore.
00:21:41:06 - 00:21:57:17
CJ
Like that one. You got to remember now, I think some of you know, and maybe you can speak to this a little bit better since you played the position when you are a quarterback and you are running back and play action, man, you got to have strong legs and you have to be athletic. Like, I don't think most people know that.
00:21:57:17 - 00:22:30:17
CJ
C.J. And Peyton did the entire year. No. Know the entire year to start the, start that Super Bowl. 50 year man Peyton Manning was under center every day in practice for at least 20 plays. Just taking snaps and just going to his assignments in and handoffs. Now I want you to think about that, okay. This is possibly one of the greatest quarterbacks that will ever see play football in our life.
00:22:30:19 - 00:22:57:04
CJ
But he had to retrain himself to get on the Senate to hand the football off. So it was a problem. Okay. It was a problem because he couldn't see you know, and another thing that people don't realize is when you're under center and you're going for a play action pass, you turn your back to the defense. And he had forgotten how to do that at that point in the season.
00:22:57:07 - 00:23:19:22
CJ
So they tried to make a compromise, put him in pistol and let's see if we can run the same outfits. It didn't work. And so what they ended up doing, what they ended up doing is, unthinkable. You know, Peyton had a slow start. He had a little bit of an injury. They benched him, they beat him.
00:23:19:24 - 00:23:46:09
CJ
Now, they said that. They said that he had, some, some problems. But really, what they were looking to do is put a quarterback under center and let that quarterback play Peyton Manning in that season. In that season, C.J., Peyton Manning, was a healthy scratch. He was a healthy scratch. I want you to think about that.
00:23:46:11 - 00:24:08:16
CJ
He was a healthy grant. Yeah, he was a healthy scratch. And, at the end of the season, after they won Super Bowl 50 and he was reinserted into that, into the, game plan in the last half before the start of the season against the San Diego Chargers. Think about this. Think about this.
00:24:08:16 - 00:24:10:20
Big Al
For the start of the play, for the.
00:24:10:23 - 00:24:38:11
CJ
Start. Yeah, that's what I guess. Scuse me before the start of the playoffs. And I'm going to tell you I'm going to tell you the best part of this story. Gary Kubiak had an idea of who the Denver Broncos were. Peyton Manning had just won two scoring titles. He had an idea who the Denver Broncos were. In the end, it was Gary Kubiak who said, no, we're not throwing the ball all over the field.
00:24:38:13 - 00:25:04:17
CJ
No, we're not going to put the ball in, in the way of, of harm by throwing the football. We're just going to run it and enjoy this great defense, that's all. That's all that happened. We have to identify our quarterbacks, just not quite there yet. And in how he operates under center, it's just going to take a couple or maybe another year or so before it looks the way that Sean Payton really wants to look.
00:25:04:23 - 00:25:23:24
CJ
But in the meantime, let's enjoy this great defense and and find creative ways to run the football. And you know what? With that being said, I'm going to not log out and try to log back in to see make sure we get the video going so you can take it from there. I'll just log out for a second.
00:25:23:27 - 00:25:50:27
Big Al
Right. I was just going to ask you to do just that. But go ahead Brian, I'll take and take it back. I here is and I've heard the analogies. I've heard the comparisons with the, 2015 team. And I think in sports we tend to, we were always drawn on history to inform us of something or to give us some context or to explain what it is that we think we're looking at.
00:25:51:00 - 00:26:10:23
Big Al
Sometimes it connects, sometimes it makes sense. And then there are other times where it just absolutely makes no sense. We're talking apples and oranges. And to be honest with you, I think this is one of those times. This is an apples and oranges comparison. I've heard references to the 2015 team probably 3 or 4 times this week, if not more.
00:26:10:25 - 00:26:46:09
Big Al
And I say that's ridiculous. And the bottom line is this whenever you reference the sort of, jaggedness or the unevenness of the 2015 Super Bowl championship team, we always have to remember that the quarterback was Peyton Manning. And no, he wasn't the Peyton Manning. You know, the early 2000s when he was winning you a super Bowl in Indianapolis and breaking records with the previous couple of years when they were the Broncos offense was, you know, at, breaking records for the most productive scoring offense in NFL history.
00:26:46:11 - 00:27:11:11
Big Al
It wasn't that Peyton Manning in the 2015 season. But here's what I'll tell you. The Broncos do not win a Super Bowl with Brock. Osweiler is the quarterback. If Peyton doesn't come back, the Broncos don't win the Super Bowl, period. Not because of his ability, not because he was still the young, strapping gunslinger that he had been over the course of his career.
00:27:11:11 - 00:27:35:07
Big Al
Arguably, as Alfred said, the best, certainly one of the best quarterbacks to ever do it. That wasn't what he was going to bring to a Super Bowl team. It was his knowledge and understanding of the game. He managed that offense to competency, good enough for the defense to do what it had to do and be the best that it could be.
00:27:35:07 - 00:27:55:04
Big Al
With Von Miller and that vaunted pass rush and that aggressive defense, to actually win a Super Bowl. So, let me tell you, I think the comparison between the 2015 team, as you just described it, aptly described it, and what we're witnessing now are two completely different things.
00:27:55:06 - 00:27:57:06
CJ
Well, and, here.
00:27:57:06 - 00:28:00:24
Big Al
Is no Peyton Manning to call.
00:28:00:27 - 00:28:25:27
CJ
Go ahead. No, no, I heard what you just said, and I heard most of your commentary. And I understand when you say we don't win the Super Bowl without Peyton Manning. I agree, but you need something to happen to have a hard reset. Like if we were still winning games and Jarrett Stidham was the quarterback. I don't believe that we will be trying all of these exotic plays.
00:28:26:00 - 00:28:51:18
CJ
I don't believe that we would be trying to push the ball down the field. 40 times a game, you know, and we would just go, what was working to get us the wins if Jarrett Stidham was a was the starting quarterback and then Bo Nix would come back. You know you say hey man you know I think you need you need something dramatic to happen before you change the the change the outlook of the team.
00:28:51:22 - 00:29:16:05
CJ
Something's something's got to happen. You know, like, you know, I don't know what it is, but the philosophy has to be almost on this coaching staff. It has to be thrust upon them to show, with no uncertainty, that this is the way we win games. Something has to happen, you know? And and maybe it's a blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
00:29:16:07 - 00:29:26:12
CJ
Something has to happen to make them reset. Because right now, I think it's falling on deaf ears, man. It's it's really it really is.
00:29:26:14 - 00:29:54:22
Big Al
You know, I hear you and, you know, the interesting thing about how you just described that. I don't disagree with you at all. I think the problem is something needs to happen. Unlike the 2015 team, it was clear what that something was. Yeah. I have no idea what the something is. This year. You mention the prospect of a blowout loss that would force this team to to course correct.
00:29:54:25 - 00:30:01:16
Big Al
Okay. Maybe, but what would the, is Jarrett Stidham for a spill. Is he the course correction.
00:30:01:18 - 00:30:03:09
CJ
If they win. If they win.
00:30:03:09 - 00:30:06:21
Big Al
You and I have been saying all.
00:30:06:24 - 00:30:13:21
CJ
You know I think if they win you.
00:30:13:24 - 00:30:18:28
Big Al
So then so then that's your so then you're leaning on Jarrett Stidham to lead you to a Super Bowl.
00:30:19:00 - 00:30:49:28
CJ
No no that's seat. That's so this this is this is the way I would say okay. If you would have won four games straight with Jarrett Stidham in there and you had run the football. And then you got Bo Nix back with the last two games. And let's just say you had you know you were able just to get into the playoffs when that that it would have validated I think my idea that you run the football first with this team short in the game.
00:30:50:00 - 00:31:16:14
CJ
Reason I say run the football and it doesn't necessarily always lead to, you know, first downs, but what it does is that it keeps the clock running and it it shortens the game. What's no you know, it makes the opposition's, offensive coordinator feel like they have to do something special at the end of halves and ends of game to win.
00:31:16:14 - 00:31:26:11
CJ
And that's when turnovers happen. And this defense is one of those kind of defenses. So I say run the football.
00:31:26:14 - 00:31:42:08
CJ
Off the ball also for the also for the offense offense and the defense benefits. If you run the football.
00:31:42:10 - 00:31:46:26
Big Al
Well, again, I you and I have been on the same page there, particularly with this.
00:31:46:26 - 00:31:47:23
CJ
Community.
00:31:47:25 - 00:31:52:21
Big Al
All year long. I think that's a fun to watch period.
00:31:52:24 - 00:31:53:00
CJ
You know.
00:31:53:02 - 00:31:55:23
Big Al
We we lost again and,
00:31:55:25 - 00:31:56:17
CJ
Yes.
00:31:56:20 - 00:32:27:10
Big Al
But we'll we're going to get through it with. But, but, you know, I think I think in essence, what I'm hearing you say is this is really on Sean Payton, period. This is just flat out on him. Because if you need to change the quarterbacks to figure out that you need to be more proficient in the run game or you need to be more committed to it, then I think that's that's just a flaw.
00:32:27:12 - 00:32:49:19
Big Al
In the in the coach, well, you shouldn't have two bits. Your starting quarterback put a lesser quarterback in. Who in your mind will force you to run the ball more to prove that running the football, will benefit your team is kind of a, a twisted sort of logic to me. I don't know that.
00:32:49:22 - 00:33:09:12
Big Al
And we've talked about this as well. Is it in his DNA to just do what's in front of you? Take what's in front of you? There were a number of times in this game where I'm thinking, why didn't they just take what was right in front of them? You have a, third and medium, or or even third and shorts.
00:33:09:12 - 00:33:35:12
Big Al
I would like this team to be more like Detroit in a way, from this regard. They will on third and two. It's not automatic pass down. Right. I think you're offensive line of zone and J.K. Dobbins again I think this guy is probably one of the underrated or under talked about story in the league. So he's in this league I've always known I've always had a great deal of of respect for his game.
00:33:35:12 - 00:34:04:16
Big Al
But watching him up close and personal, this guy can go. I mean, he is a weapon. And he's proven it week in and week out. It's just if the offense was more in sync, if the offense was more was better coordinated, the way we imagine what we think of Sean Payton's offense. I think this guy would be, you know, leading the league in rushing or at the very top of the league.
00:34:04:18 - 00:34:29:29
Big Al
In terms of his, rushing output. But that's not the case because it's so it's so off balance. And if not for this defense, once again, stepping up and just playing over its head, leading the league with by far I think I heard a stat Thursday night where the Denver Broncos now have 46 sacks after ten games.
00:34:29:29 - 00:34:58:25
Big Al
That's over as four and a half sacks a game that they're averaging. That's amazing. And I think that after ten games is the most in NFL history. The Detroit Lions I believe, is second to the Denver Broncos with almost 20 fewer sacks. I think they have 28 sacks. Think about that. The Broncos are at 46 and the next closest team to the Denver Broncos in terms of sack total is the Detroit Lions.
00:34:58:25 - 00:35:36:01
Big Al
With I like that it's the Detroit Lions 28 sacks again almost 2018 fewer sacks. That is an amazing stat. Which means that they're they're giving their offense obviously opportunities and chances. Getting them more snaps than than most teams get because you're, you're flipping again, you're flipping that, you flipping the ball, you flipping possessions. But this office just isn't able to get it going on a consistent basis to take advantage of it.
00:35:36:03 - 00:35:53:21
Big Al
Big game coming up against Kansas City. Not this Sunday, but the following Sunday. And I think I do think the winner of that game, we have to keep our eye on the, the, Los Angeles Chargers because they're sitting right there right now between the two. Okay, we're gonna try this version of the big fella.
00:35:53:23 - 00:35:58:02
CJ
Can you hear me? Better now? Is it wind?
00:35:58:05 - 00:36:02:04
Big Al
I can hear you. Great, man. I can see you great as well. Yeah.
00:36:02:07 - 00:36:34:24
CJ
How does that go? Hey, do what I say. Hey, hey, hey, let me, let me let me say this. Let me say this to finish up this conversation that we before we move on to where the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Diego Chargers are. The only reason I say that this team remember Los Angeles. Okay, the Los Angeles Chargers, the only the only reason I equate these two teams to that football team is because the defense is dominant.
00:36:34:26 - 00:37:02:24
CJ
And all you want to do is just don't lose the game. You don't have to win it on offense. You know what I'm saying? You don't have to win it. Just don't lose it. So whatever that means, that's what it. The Denver Broncos lead the entire NFL in screams no that's it. Tell you everything that you need to know about this passing offense okay.
00:37:02:26 - 00:37:28:13
CJ
We lead the entire NFL in thrown and completed screens. So I think they understand how we kind of operate. Just don't lose it. Don't you know ten seven football games are good. How do you get to the ten. That's that that's another question. But we have the gumption to win in the fourth quarter, which is which is really the best part about this team that they find ways to win.
00:37:28:13 - 00:37:40:01
CJ
I'm okay with them. And you ask me, who would I rather be, the Kansas City Chiefs or the Denver Broncos? I'd rather be the Denver Broncos, because that game will happen in mile High.
00:37:40:04 - 00:37:42:16
CJ
00:37:43:10 - 00:37:44:13
CJ
Okay.
00:37:44:15 - 00:38:12:21
Big Al
All right. Well look man, you know again I think the Chargers they will factor in they are quietly sort of just doing their thing. They're one game behind the Denver Broncos. If they win this upcoming weekend then a full game behind them. It's still a contested division. And the irony here is at five and four in third place in the division, I'm still thinking the Kansas City Chiefs is the, you know, the defending.
00:38:12:24 - 00:38:13:23
Big Al
You know.
00:38:13:25 - 00:38:14:29
CJ
100 year.
00:38:15:01 - 00:38:27:10
Big Al
Consecutive season run with this division. I'm still thinking there. That's the team to beat. I feel like that's the team to beat despite the regular.
00:38:27:12 - 00:38:51:26
CJ
Yeah. I think that, you know, you, you make a great point. They have the season coach. They have the seasoned quarterback. But there's there's something there's something going on with them right now. And it's happened since the beginning of the year. The way that they started the year off. And it's continued into now, where they don't look like the Kansas City Chiefs that we're used to.
00:38:51:28 - 00:39:18:04
CJ
And because of that, I think, we'll, we'll have to see how they look down the stretch, because, remember, for the fan base, the conference games start at the end of the year for most teams, and at the end of the year, you will see a lot of AFC versus AFC contests. And in particular, you'll see division rivals versus division rivals.
00:39:18:07 - 00:39:55:00
CJ
And that has led to more viewership for the NFL. It's led to more late outcomes of how the, outcomes of how the, season unfolds as far as the playoffs and the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs and the rest of the NFL. There are no different than any other team. The games won't really be decided, or the division won't really be decided until middle of November through December and into January.
00:39:55:02 - 00:39:57:14
CJ
So all right.
00:39:57:17 - 00:40:20:16
Big Al
I'm going to put this one the rest, man, because, watching the game was depressing enough. And, to sit here and have to talk about it, you know, kind of contribute to that. I was over it for a day or two, and and here we are. That being said, anything else you want to add to this Denver Broncos game where they are as a team this season moving forward?
00:40:20:16 - 00:40:36:04
Big Al
Before we, switch topics here, because I'm excited about the number, I am genuinely excited about the next topic. But I mean, I am like clutching my pearls. But anything else you want to say, man?
00:40:36:07 - 00:40:46:08
CJ
No. It's better to be eight and two than two and eight.
00:40:46:10 - 00:40:51:11
Big Al
That's your word. Those are the words of wisdom. You want to end this? This segment on.
00:40:51:13 - 00:41:08:27
CJ
KD winning cures all in football. You're winning. You'll find a way to make adjustments. Who will make the adjustments after every win? Not after every loss.
00:41:09:00 - 00:41:41:15
Big Al
No truer words have been spoken. And with that in mind, look, man, I see you. Bus are headed to Morgantown, Virginia. They're there now. About a half hour away from kickoff. The see you buffs at three and six at West Virginia, who are also at three and six. Both teams have one win in the conference. Unfortunately for Q, its last two games have been program embarrassing outputs.
00:41:41:17 - 00:42:10:22
Big Al
I think the the combined score is 109 to 24. In those two games, two losses, one at home to Arizona last week. In the previous week, a loss at Utah. Now West Virginia is coming off of a 4535 victory at Houston. We were there at Houston when I c buffs got beaten up by the Houston Cougars.
00:42:10:24 - 00:42:31:08
Big Al
I was a little bit surprised, in fact, very surprised to see the outcome of that game. I don't know what's changed much in West Virginia, but I know there's been big changes here in Boulder. For our CU buffs, it is the beginning of the Juju Lewis, the Julian Lewis era at quarterback for CU. And our I am excited.
00:42:31:09 - 00:42:50:06
Big Al
I'm excited as hell about this and can't wait. What's in store for the future of this program? And probably more important, the future of this young man who, I've had a chance to meet and talk to just a little bit. Got a feel for who he is watching practice. I'm a big fan, and I'm excited about what we're going to see.
00:42:50:08 - 00:42:53:28
Big Al
Unveiled in Morgantown today.
00:42:54:00 - 00:43:18:26
CJ
Yeah. You know that that, you know, Rich Rodriguez, the head coach of, West Virginia, he found a way to get a win against a top 25 team in the 71 Euston Cougars, last week. And you know what? What's, You know, what's funny is that that game was in Morgantown. I do believe that game was in Morgantown.
00:43:18:28 - 00:43:22:06
CJ
You know what happened in that game?
00:43:22:08 - 00:43:27:15
Big Al
No, I think it was.
00:43:27:18 - 00:43:30:05
Big Al
So it was at Houston. What?
00:43:30:08 - 00:43:38:26
CJ
It was at Houston? No, I don't think so. Yeah.
00:43:38:29 - 00:43:39:14
CJ
I mean, I was.
00:43:39:14 - 00:43:41:08
Big Al
Watching look it up, man. I mean, I'm.
00:43:41:14 - 00:43:57:10
CJ
Well, well, well let me let okay. Maybe it maybe it was. Okay. Let me explain what happened in the game because I saw the game okay I don't I maybe I'll remember where they played okay, okay for turnovers.
00:43:57:12 - 00:43:57:22
Big Al
You didn't.
00:43:57:26 - 00:44:31:26
CJ
You guys now listen to this. Four turnovers from the University of Houston two interceptions two lost fumbles. West Virginia cashed in on every last single one of them zero turnovers for West Virginia. And the quarterback. Was absolutely stunning as a runner in the game for West Virginia. So everything worked right. And Houston had a chance to get in the conversation about getting into the playoffs.
00:44:31:28 - 00:45:04:04
CJ
And they absolutely got embarrassed. They, you know, West Virginia, with the turnovers, by the way, West Virginia in the last two football games, they have four interceptions two football games okay. Against UCF who blew them out. They still got two interceptions okay. So you have to know this okay. If you're Juju Lewis and you're playing against West Virginia.
00:45:04:06 - 00:45:31:04
CJ
They are a take away schematically strong defense. And they play they play zone well. And man to man see they they get smoked. They get smoked and man to man. But when they're in their zone concept you know pick six and you know deep interceptions. Everybody's in position as soon as they go to man to man they get smoked.
00:45:31:04 - 00:45:51:09
CJ
So I think as as you look at that team, if I'm seeing it then everybody out there seeing it, you know, if you can make them play man to man, I'm telling you right now, our receivers man are going to have a huge day. And I think juju has the right kind of arm strength to really push the ball down the field.
00:45:51:09 - 00:46:23:15
CJ
And if they can see and get through the zone defense then we got a shot. But I'm telling you right now man this is the these two teams mirror each other. Both have wins against top 25 teams. Both have quarterbacks that are really unproven. And both teams have had struggles defensively. So UCF man, Scott Rose and that team over there, they embarrassed West Virginia just a week for the week prior.
00:46:23:17 - 00:46:46:26
CJ
And so you know that that was maybe it was the UCF game where West Virginia was on the road where I looked at it and there were explosive plays. When you look at the when you look at the stat sheet, you see that, you know, as far as the, game goes, it looked like it was a decent game for both teams.
00:46:46:28 - 00:47:19:13
CJ
Terrible. I mean, West, but, UCF scored on fourth down touchdowns. And that was unusual. Fourth down to two for 23. And West Virginia brought pressure. They brought pressure. And and, UCF made them play every single time. So, this game right here to me, man, this is this screams not a lot of passing yards for Juju Lewis but have a great coordinated run game.
00:47:19:15 - 00:47:48:10
CJ
Because once again this is a take away defense for West Virginia for turnover for four interceptions. Excuse me six turnovers for the defense in two weeks okay. They got four against the University of Houston two against UCF. It's a take away defense. You just can't allow this team to force you into playing fast. And you just got to take the little dump downs.
00:47:48:10 - 00:47:57:27
CJ
And you can't push the ball down the field because I'm telling you, it's it's a it's a great takeaway defense, especially here at late.
00:47:57:29 - 00:48:37:16
Big Al
Well, the headline of this game, the story of this game and you broke down I think you're right. That was a beat down at, at UCF, Central Florida I think 4813. And yep, that was the 4513, the final. They're both teams, one and four in their last five football games. West Virginia had lost four consecutive games before the, you know, the upset victory at Houston, the buffs to two losses before Iowa State.
00:48:37:16 - 00:49:05:27
Big Al
Very impressive Iowa State win and then two of the most embarrassing losses, I think, in program history to follow that up. So here they are both trying to they're fighting for the 10th spot in the big 12 conference. Oklahoma State is is winless. And then there's West Virginia. And see you. The winner of this game will lock down the 10th spot in the big 12 conference.
00:49:06:00 - 00:49:36:19
Big Al
But the storyline here is really Juju Lewis. And, here's here's my my belief here. You know, I had a long conversation yesterday with, Colorado. Great. You know, Colorado sports Hall of Famer, CU Sports Hall of Famer Kordell Stewart, caught up with, him last night because I wanted to kind of get his feel for his first start at the quarterback position at CU.
00:49:36:21 - 00:50:03:16
Big Al
I remember Darian Hagan's first start as the quarterback at sea when 88. You know you talk about these young men in their first start. The game itself. Look you play to win it. And certainly that's the outcome I hope for but I think their biggest stakes for you in this game, I think there's a lot at stake here, man, particularly in the college football landscape that we live in.
00:50:03:18 - 00:50:26:01
Big Al
I think it's vitally important that this team I'm so I'm glad Juliette Lewis had the benefit of a full week of game planning, knowing that he's going to be the starting quarterback. You got to get him off to a quick start. If they're going to play zone and there's holes in zones that you have to exploit, it gives you an opportunity to get your zone beaters.
00:50:26:01 - 00:50:48:27
Big Al
You can high low you can you can spread seeds. There's zone beaters that you just you have the game plan. And to make sure this kid gets off to a good start because even more than winning the game, winning the imagination of two constituencies, one the fan base. Which is why last week was such an important must win game.
00:50:48:27 - 00:51:22:15
Big Al
I think he lost that and part of the reason behind the change, I think at quarterback, is to give the fan base something to look forward to. So you got you have to get them back. Three constituencies, the fan base, the donor base. You have to, you know, again, reimagine what this program can look like with this young five star phenom quarterback now under center and the most important constituent that you have to sell is Julian Lewis himself.
00:51:22:17 - 00:51:51:05
Big Al
You have to I think this game is the beginning. Imagine what you go what you're going to be in this program for years to come. Julian. And if things go well in this game, it's easy to begin to put those pieces together back together for see you. You are our next should do ascend. You are our next Kordell Stewart or Darian Hagan.
00:51:51:08 - 00:52:23:05
Big Al
And here's the beginning of that process. This game is vitally important to go to, to, to. It will go a long way in making that a reality. Now there's a downside risk to it as well because of the mobility in college football. If in fact, that's not that imagination isn't captured. And there is a risk, particularly given the unevenness of this season of that young man imagining something else.
00:52:23:07 - 00:52:52:25
Big Al
What might it look like at a different program? I don't even want to really go there. But that's the reality of the sports world that we live in today, the college football world that we live in today. So there's a lot at stake. And I think Coach Prime was extremely wise. And the move that he made for a number of different reasons and putting this kid under center on the road in this game against West Virginia.
00:52:52:27 - 00:53:20:04
CJ
You said that you had an audience of three that, cares most about this team. And I think you pointed out some good things, but I think you missed the most obvious audience that he has to, really appease. And that's his teammates because, at times, and I hate seeing this. It look like they quit. It looked like they didn't give a damn.
00:53:20:06 - 00:53:57:29
CJ
They looked like they were uncoordinated. And by the way, Pat Shurmur is out as playcaller at the University of Colorado. And that happened before this last embarrassment of a football game against Arizona. Yeah. I think that, you know, I'm thinking about this team, T.J., and I am, thinking about the senior leadership and what it must feel like to be in a losing situation right now and having your backs blown out two weeks in a row.
00:53:58:01 - 00:54:19:10
CJ
For guys that are both on the offense and defense, like you, you worry about Juju Lewis. You know I'm worried about you know absolutely all of the team and what it may look like. Do we have to break it down and start over all over again. Everywhere. We have one of the best offensive lines in all of college football.
00:54:19:13 - 00:54:47:10
CJ
And each one of those guys are free agents at the end of the year as well. So can you recapture the hearts and minds of the team? And I think that that's what's at stake here, today for the University of Colorado, if you don't, man, I can't imagine how badly it's going to look down the stretch. And I'm telling you, like, that's what I don't want to see.
00:54:47:10 - 00:55:13:09
CJ
I don't want to see a defeated football team. And I think we all know what it looks like when you see a defeated football team. I just don't want to be part of that. At the University of Colorado again. Like, we've seen this and I don't want to see it again. So he's he's we're giving him a lot of opportunity to change the outcome of this season.
00:55:13:11 - 00:55:23:09
CJ
But I think as a program he changes this could he could possibly change,
00:55:23:12 - 00:55:53:07
CJ
The hearts and minds and spirit of those that are leaving and playing for Colorado, the last time. And I'm always reminded of, of how precious your time is, especially at the college level, because I'm watching Shilo Sanders. I'm watching Shiloh Sanders, who's out of football right now, and he went to a football game. And it's not I think he's with his mother.
00:55:53:10 - 00:56:25:07
CJ
And I think they were watching solder somewhere. Maybe they will. I don't know where he was, but he said something like, last year I was out there playing and you know, and I thought to myself, yeah, but you thought there was a lot more left. Sometimes it just isn't. So what you remember is this last go around and there are a bunch of kids, whether they are seniors or transferring, this will be their last go around and you can change your outlook.
00:56:25:13 - 00:56:31:06
CJ
With three big wins down the stretch.
00:56:31:08 - 00:56:37:28
Big Al
I think I think you're absolutely right. And I think that's one of the,
00:56:38:00 - 00:56:55:22
Big Al
That's one of the sort of residual benefits of the change that's been made here. And, and I hope it works out for them in that way. It's a little different in today's college football, because the sentimental aspect of it is that when there's payoff.
00:56:55:22 - 00:56:57:01
CJ
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:56:57:01 - 00:57:27:29
Big Al
But I think that's the thing that I think those things. Yeah, our, our generation and this generation is just different. Not, you know, we have this conversation about the fight song, for example. I'm like, I don't know that kid's that resonates. It's a different world today. We took great pride in singing the fight song. And I think these kids take great pride in other things, and it's not a value judgment.
00:57:27:29 - 00:57:52:03
Big Al
I'm not saying it's better or worse, it's just different. And we evaluate these things through our frame of reference, which was 35 years ago. It's just a different world. And, I just think this is a great opportunity for you to give this kid, the stage to impact so many things. You're right. Think about it. Because our our positions aren't made equal.
00:57:52:03 - 00:58:18:03
Big Al
I mean, the quarterback position is special for a reason. It's the one position. He's the one player in a Q uniform that could do exactly what you and I are just talking about. He's the only one. There's no other player on this team that could could readjust, reset the imagination of Q fans. And you know, alarm and donors.
00:58:18:09 - 00:58:28:15
Big Al
There's no other player on this team that can do what Juju is capable of doing today or over the next three games for the University of Colorado.
00:58:28:17 - 00:58:30:21
CJ
He's the only one.
00:58:30:23 - 00:58:32:22
Big Al
Again, that puts it.
00:58:32:22 - 00:58:34:10
CJ
More than Fresno.
00:58:34:12 - 00:58:53:09
Big Al
But it's incumbent upon this coaching staff to make sure he has every opportunity, the absolute best opportunity to see success on an ongoing basis. This game today, to me, big fella, is the beginning of the 2026 football season.
00:58:53:12 - 00:59:23:10
CJ
I agree, I agree, I agree, and I'm hopeful that it works out. Once again, if you just man, you know, like film study is film study is is huge, right? When you, when you have it and you get it right, you get to exploit, your opponent. I'm telling you right now, man, this is not the game for you to go out and throw for 300 yards.
00:59:23:14 - 00:59:49:18
CJ
It's not. I'm telling you, this is defense, man. You know, they don't have great cover corners. You know I'm watching the movement of the safeties. They they aren't you know they aren't quick twitch guys a bunch of long guys that run and cover a lot of distance. And cornerbacks are twitchy. They're kind of in that same category.
00:59:49:20 - 01:00:10:28
CJ
You know, they're going to get their hands on the football. And when they get the hands on the football, the defense is going to rally to it. Don't they don't try to make this guy into a 35 pass guy. In the first half. You know, I'm saying like let's, let's, let's, let's make sure that he's managed properly.
01:00:10:28 - 01:00:34:04
CJ
Maybe take some with Sean Payton's game plan, throw a lot of screen passes and get the guy moving. You don't want to get him hurt. This is a typical situation, man. You know? You know what it says to me that you when you say it's the start of the 26 football season, you also saying it's the end of the 25 football season.
01:00:34:07 - 01:00:58:10
CJ
And that's a sad that's a sad deal. Yeah. When you are, I see you fan and you, you're turning the page, right? You're turning the page and, you know, like, I don't I don't believe Pat Shurmur whatever call plays ever again at the collegiate or professional level. I don't believe it's going to happen again. I don't think nobody said that.
01:00:58:12 - 01:01:00:26
CJ
Not just that.
01:01:00:28 - 01:01:04:06
Big Al
Somebody made that statement three years ago.
01:01:04:08 - 01:01:05:16
CJ
Well, I think it was me.
01:01:05:16 - 01:01:07:04
Big Al
But that sir.
01:01:07:07 - 01:01:22:25
CJ
I did, I did, I think it was me and but I was, I said and I said in the NFL, I didn't know. Listen, I didn't know he was going to go down to Boulder, Colorado. You know he's not going to get another chance in the NFL. I don't believe he's going to get another shot in college football.
01:01:22:25 - 01:01:32:16
CJ
It's done. The jig is over. You know, it's done. I mean, unfortunately, unfortunately, C.J.,
01:01:32:18 - 01:01:50:06
CJ
It's cost a lot of people. A lot. It's really cost a lot of people a lot. And unfortunately, that's on Coach Brian. That's on Coach Brian. You know, you you fired. You fired.
01:01:50:08 - 01:01:51:17
Big Al
Up Buck. Always something.
01:01:51:19 - 01:02:14:05
CJ
Coach. Listen, man, you fired two offensive coordinators in three years. The job to get it right this time, you got to get it right. Next time you hire an offensive coordinator. And it does not have to be somebody who's had a huge history of calling in plays. Sometimes it's guys who just have a knack for it and sees it a little differently.
01:02:14:09 - 01:02:34:19
CJ
You know, maybe it's a high school coach who has had great success somewhere. You know, in Colorado that wants to move on to the next level. You know, I don't I don't know, but it's it's got to be somebody who not that somebody who can be, not that where it's got to be somebody who is creative. Yeah.
01:02:34:20 - 01:02:52:08
CJ
I mean, it's got to be somebody creative and and understands moments, situations and how to get the best players in the best position. And it's just not happened at Colorado for the last three years.
01:02:52:10 - 01:03:16:16
Big Al
No, I agree. I think the offensive system has been milquetoast at best. They are like when I say man beaters and zone beaters. Like, none of this stuff is rocket science, right? None of it. But you have to know what you're looking at and you have to know. You have to know the tendencies of your your opponent and how you're going to attack their weaknesses.
01:03:16:16 - 01:03:42:16
Big Al
And I've never got the sense that Pat Shurmur in this offense ever, even got to a place where it began to approach that. We we either get big plays or we're turning the ball over or we're three and out. You don't see a systemic sort of matriculation. You like that word on a Saturday morning of this offense consistently down, you know, and, that's that's the problem.
01:03:42:16 - 01:04:08:17
Big Al
Yeah. There are a bunch of like innovative, smart guys, but the smart guys are the ones who know how to really simplify the game and keep it simple. And take been able to situationally take advantage of what the defense gives you. That's not been the case. Now, if the task wasn't great for you before we started this show, Big Fall, I just got news that, unfortunately, I think Jordan Seaton is out for this game.
01:04:08:20 - 01:04:35:19
Big Al
They came out with the boot on his foot, so that that's, that's not a good way to start. But still, I have faith and confidence that my buffs can go out and put this young quarterback on the stage that, will allow him to shine. But I'm watching out for how they protect him, and how well they can run the ball with their anchor on that offensive line.
01:04:35:19 - 01:04:48:11
Big Al
And Jordan Seaton apparently out, for this game. Give me a prediction. There.
01:04:48:13 - 01:04:49:17
CJ
I'm going to say. Well, that was a.
01:04:49:17 - 01:04:52:25
Big Al
Deep, long breath there, man.
01:04:52:27 - 01:05:26:00
CJ
Yeah. Because, you know, I just I don't think making your first start on the road is a good look for any quarterback, especially after the other team figured it out last week about how to win. So I'm I'm not I'm not optimistic here, but I'm looking forward to a Colorado win. But I have, I have West Virginia winning this game 31 the 20, you know, 20, 31, 20.
01:05:26:05 - 01:05:32:22
CJ
That's what I have. Okay. Good. By the way. And by.
01:05:32:22 - 01:05:35:00
Big Al
The way, I got to be.
01:05:35:03 - 01:06:02:04
CJ
Rich Rodriguez. Rich Rodriguez is, an excellent football coach. He's a retread there in West Virginia. They're going to run the ball with the quarterback. Quarterback is not really an accurate thrower of the football. If. See, you can't stop this quarterback from running. What? The football, like University of Houston did like Utah did. We're going to get our asses kicked today.
01:06:02:06 - 01:06:13:29
CJ
I'm telling you right now, the quarterback at at West Virginia, well, put his body on the line and they're going to run the football with him at least 15 times.
01:06:14:02 - 01:06:36:08
Big Al
Well, in having said that, West Virginia comes in, as you've described it, pretty much as a one dimensional team, which means you can't let that dimension beat you. You make him throw the ball, unlike we did at Utah when they were extremely one dimensional with a running freshman quarterback, and we allow them to run the ball up and down the field.
01:06:36:08 - 01:06:38:19
Big Al
That was extremely frustrating. Watch.
01:06:38:22 - 01:06:42:01
CJ
Hopefully give them some high.
01:06:42:03 - 01:07:16:19
Big Al
As an outcome of the game that, I'm with you, I think is this is going to be a tough game to see you. The win for me and here I am sort of qualifying with a win is wins when I give you a score, a final score. But a win for me, if I could see, 17 for 23, 205 yard, 240 yards passing, with the touchdown pass and no interceptions for Juju Lewis, that to me is a the kind of win that I'm really looking for in this game in terms of its outcome.
01:07:16:21 - 01:07:29:16
Big Al
I will take and this is going to be a tough one. I'm going to take you 27, West Virginia, 24 to 8.
01:07:29:18 - 01:07:49:21
CJ
I'm, I'm go up. I'm team go up to. Well, but I want you to remember this when we talk next week and I'm going to tell you this and it's going to show up like a sore thumb. The team who wins the turnover battle in this football game is going to win the game. Just that I don't care if it's one turnover.
01:07:49:21 - 01:08:01:28
CJ
I think you're right. It could be four turnovers to two. Whoever wins a turnover battle is going to win the game. They're the exact same football team.
01:08:02:00 - 01:08:20:25
Big Al
I think you're absolutely right on that now. I think you're right on that. And we'll see whether or not see you with that with our, new freshman quarterback can take care of the ball. And if they could force, a turnover a two against this West Virginia offense. And I agree with you, never wins that battle.
01:08:20:25 - 01:08:46:08
Big Al
Wins the game. Hey, man, it's almost kickoff time. And so I got to go get my you know, the last couple of times I was late to the beginning of the game, it didn't go so well man. So I'm I need to go get my spot, my my libation and watch this bus team get off to victory. By the way, on the 22nd of November, which is the season finale, both myself and the Big Fella, the Big Island CD podcast.
01:08:46:09 - 01:09:08:07
Big Al
Taking it on the road again to the Boulder Marriott where it's going down now, we don't have a kickoff time yet for the game. We'll let you know, in future podcast. But it's going down at the Boulder Marriott pregame, the best pre-game tailgate in Boulder. And it's for the season finale coming up on November 22nd.
01:09:08:07 - 01:09:20:29
Big Al
Stay tuned for that. In the meantime, big fella, man, enjoy this game and be patient when you're in those airports man. And I use know I just want you to get home safely. So again next week.
01:09:21:01 - 01:09:33:23
CJ
Yeah, man. I don't want to be in the airport the way that Antonio Brown was just in the airport. But we'll talk about that on, on on that next time we get together.
01:09:33:26 - 01:09:40:23
Big Al
It's the big out of the cage podcast right here on Gorilla Sports. We'll see you next week. And golf buffs go buffs.