FanHouse NickNelson

I'm all for having a realistic outlook on life, and I understand the importance of doing one's best. That being said Nick Nelson, a junior college transfer at Colorado, might be taking things a bit too seriously. This is what he had to say about his battle with Cody Hawkins for the Buffaloes starting quarterback job:

"I think it's real crucial because this is my last chance," Nelson said. "If Cody starts, I'm pretty much done. I'm going to be a backup for the rest of my career. So that puts a little extra pressure on me, but that's OK. I can handle it. I like pressure."

Pretty much done? A little extra pressure? I'm pretty sure this is what psychologists call "catastrophisizing". I understand that you're facing an uphill battle in trying to beat out the coaches son, but relax Nick, you've only been campus since January. It should come as no surprise then that, while Cody and his dad were off spring breaking with Urban Meyer, Nelson was busy criticizing his own play.

"I've got to pick it up a little bit. I can't be making some of the mistakes I've been making."

Nick Nelson – he's so emo.

Last Year: 2-10, Unranked

Fans Are: Stoned, and/or skiing

Expectations: Fewer embarrassing losses. Win six games and head to a lower-tier bowl.

Questions:

1. Is Montana State on the 2007 schedule?

Thankfully they are not. Colorado loses the I-AA giant killer, but will still have to contend with in-state rival Colorado State, Arizona State, Florida State and Miami (OH) on their non-conference slate. The Buffaloes face their toughest big 12 opponents – Oklahoma, Missouri and Nebraska – at home, but must travel to Baylor, Kansas State, Texas Tech and Iowa State. Even the most optimistic CU fan would be hard-pressed to find six "automatic" wins from that list to get the Buffs bowl eligible come December.

2. Can incumbent QB Bernard Jackson hold off challenges from Cody Hawkins and Nick Nelson?

Probably not. While Jackson has a season of experience under his belt, his performance was underwhelming at best. He completed fewer than 50% of his passes and had as many interceptions (7) as touchdowns. While Jackson is a threat to run – gaining 80 or more yards rushing in 4 games – he will never be mistaken for Michael Vick.

Hawkins is a redshirt freshman and the coach's son, which gives him an advantage as he attempts to grasp the offense. He fancies Chris Leak and carries an impressive resume as a high school All-American and the Gatorade Player of the Year for Idaho in 2005. He lacks size (5-11, 190 pounds), but should be fine as long as he inherited his father's famed intensity. Nelson is a JUCO transfer who enrolled in January. He played against solid competition in the California JUCO system and threw for over 2000 yards and 18 TDs in 2006. If he manages to pick up the offense in the spring he will add depth and could wind up as the starter come August.

More than likely Hawkins or Nelson wins the starting job in the fall and Jackson is used as a QB in certain packages or moves back to RB or WR where he saw time in 2005.

3. Can Patrick Williams finally become the Buffaloes' go-to-guy at wide receiver?

Maybe. Williams arrived in Boulder as one of their most-heralded WR recruits in years but has yet to live up to his billing. Thus, for the third year in a row coaches and fans find themselves projecting a "break out" year from the 6-2, 200 pound junior. Some of his lack of progress can be attributed to CU's woeful QB play, but Williams caught just 20 balls for 303 yards and one TD in 2006. The Buffaloes have lacked a true deep threat since guys like D.J. Hackett, Jeremy Bloom and Derek McCoy departed. Although Williams is part of an experienced group of receivers that returns in 2007, that unit accounted for just three touchdowns in 2006. If Colorado can iron out their quarterback situation and find a playmaker at wide receiver, their offensive production – which ranked 102^nd nationally in 2006 – should improve.