Buffs’ Neuheisel Can Take The Heat

Go ahead, give Rick Neuheisel your best shot. You can’t hurt him. Besides, he has heard it before. As Neuheisel has seen Colorado stumble to what may be its first losing season since 1984 a victory over Nebraska is needed to go 6-5 it seems everyone wants a piece of him.

“Criticism is part of this job,” he says. “Even in the years we went 10-2, I was subject to a lot of criticism. Colorado is a tough town in terms of newspapers because there is a paper war here.”

Many teams have taken a hunk out of the 5-5 Buffaloes. Injuries have played a big part, hitting the defense, offensive line and running-back corps especially hard. And quarterback John Hessler hasn’t developed.

Though the work ethic has pleased Neuheisel, he knows his team has been inflicted with more self-doubt after each loss. And why not? Losing was new ground for the Buffs.

“The most difficult thing to deal with this season was the confidence level,” he said. “You know, we’re down, but we’re not out. And we’re going to come back.”