The Colorado Buffaloes left the continental United States during the week to travel to tropical Hawai'i to face the Warriors. When they kickoff, their time in the Pac-12 begins, but it will also be a new beginning for the school on the sidelines, as well. New head coach Jon Embree and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy return to their alma mater to make players and fans forget about the Dan Hawkins era.
That inglorious time is all gone now, and hopefully along with it the team's road game losing streak. The Buffs haven't won a road game since Oct. 27, 2007, a 31-26 victory over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. That's 1,407 days, as the Ralphie Report points out.
The Buffs will also have Tyler Hansen back under center after missing the last half of the 2010 season due to a ruptured spleen. This will be Hansen's senior season and his time to take over as the unquestioned starter for the Buffs. He did play on-and-off with Cody Hawkins around the last few years.
The Hawaii Warriors enter their last season as a member of the WAC. They will become a football-only member in 2012. After a 6-7 season in 2009, Greg McMackin led the Warriors to a 10-4 season, including a season-ending loss to Tulsa in the Hawaii Bowl. They reached No. 24 in the AP Poll before that loss.
Quarterback Bryant Moniz leads the always potent offense. He threw an NCAA-high 5,040 yards and 39 touchdowns. The Buffs' secondary better be ready for a heavy aerial attack. Last season, when Jimmy Smith was in the secondary, the Buffs held Moniz to one touchdown, though he picked up 330 yards. The Buffs won at Folsom Field, 31-13.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. MT. ESPN 2 will air the game.
For more on the Buffs, visit the Ralphie Report.