The Colorado Buffaloes (6-0) have amassed an undefeated record in the early goings of the 2017-2018 season. Including an impressive, three wins in three days to win the 2017 Paradise Jam, the Buffs now prepare to take to the road for the first time this year. A date in the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown, hoops edition, with the Colorado State Rams (3-4) is set for 11am MST on Saturday, December 2nd in Fort Collins.  Mat Smith breaks down Colorado’s impressive beginning to this campaign despite having a team with eight freshmen on it. A big factor in the Buffs’ success has been the play of “The Wright Bros.” Redshirt-junior guard/forward Namon Wright and freshman point guard McKinley Wright IV are key pieces to the 2017-2018 team. Mat goes 1-on-1 with Namon Wright to discuss the Buffs’ hot start. Topics include the rivalry with Colorado State, the kids are earning their stripes, staying motivated, and what it’s like to play on the road in college basketball. Through six games, Namon is one of three Buffs averaging in double figures with 12.7 points, and 3.3 rebounds per game.   Mat also goes 1-on-1 with freshman standout McKinley Wright IV to discuss his basketball roots and figure out what’s in McKinley’s fabric. Topics include lofty expectations, staying grounded, Colorado’s alumni support system, big shoes to fill, McKinley’s upbringing, his decision to re-open his recruitment, and early impressions of the Rocky Mountain Showdown matchup.All that and MUCH more on this episode of No Bull, Just Buffs!

No Bull, Just Buffs

30: Episode 30: Conversations w/ The Wright Bros; RMS Preview

The Colorado Buffaloes (4-3, 1-3) snapped a three-game losing streak last weekend by nabbing their first Pac-12 win in 2017. CU edged out the Oregon State Beavers (1-6, 0-4), 36-33 to secure their first Power 5 win of the season.This week, the task becomes much more challenging. Colorado heads back out on the road where they will take on the (#15/#18) Washington State Cougars (6-1, 3-1) on Saturday, October 21st at 8:45pm MT. The game will be broadcast on national television, this time appearing on ESPN2. It is the main course for this Saturday's #Pac12AfterDark offering.The Buffs defense must improve if they want a chance to come away with a win in Pullman. Over their last two games, CU has allowed their opponents 1,136 total yards. The Buffaloes' defensive unit has to improve on back-to-back dismal performances. If not, things could get out of hand quickly against Wazzu.Redshirt-senior quarterback Luke Falk and the Cougars' offense is dynamic. They boast the third ranked passing attack in the NCAA and are one of the most efficient teams in the country. CU will have to find a way to create pressure on Falk and build off the better pass rush they showed in the second half against the Beavers.Mat Smith also goes one-on-one with Buffs' co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Brian Lindgren. They get into where redshirt-sophomore Steven Montez is in his development process and what the two are working on. Lindgren also shares his thoughts on where he feels the team is at right now and the mentality they must have the rest of the way.All this and MUCH more on this episode of No Bull, Just Buffs...

29: Episode 29: Wazzu GAMEDAY; Make CU Great Again?

The Colorado Buffaloes (3-3, 0-3) face the Oregon State Beavers (1-5, 0-3) on Saturday, October 14th at 2pm MT from Corvallis. The Buffs begin the second half of the season without a Power 5 win, let alone a Pac-12 win.CU is in the heart of three game slide that saw two losses by a combined seven points in the last two weeks. After allowing the Arizona Wildcats (3-2, 1-1) 425 yards rushing, a reeling Buffaloes defense must step up to the challenge. In a podcast that normally runs 30 to 45 minutes, Mat Smith sums things up quite quickly. It's win or face the consequences for Head Coach Mike MacIntyre and the Colorado Buffaloes.

28: Oregon State GAMEDAY; must-win in Corvallis

The defending Pac-12 South champion, Colorado Buffaloes (3-2, 0-2) sit at the bottom of their division nearing the halfway mark of the 2017 Season. On Saturday, October 7th at Folsom Field, they will play host to the Arizona Wildcats (2-2, 0-1). Both teams are separated by just one game in the South standings after Arizona had their bye week last week and Colorado lost to the UCLA Bruins (3-2, 1-1). If Colorado wants any chance of remaining in the mathematical discussion for Pac-12 South contenders then a win against Arizona is essentially a requirement. However it will not be easy, as the Wildcats eighth ranked rushing attack makes it was to Boulder on Saturday night.Colorado's near win over UCLA should've served as final notice to the Buffs that while expectations are much higher, patience is in a much shorter supply. Opportunities like Colorado had last week don't come around very often and it hurts to squander them when you do.Mat Smith breaks down the Buffaloes' offense and thinks he may have found the missing puzzle piece to the equation. Mat goes in-depth on how to fix the Colorado offense and what specific things the Buffs need to implement in their gameplan in order to do so. Also, Colorado Men's Basketball practice has begun and Mat has been there everyday, ear to the ground, keeping up with the latest in the Hoops World. Buffs' Head Coach Tad Boyle joins Mat, one-on-one to talk about the first week of practice. All this and MUCH more on this episode of No Bull, Just Buffs.

27: Arizona GAMEDAY; Back to Basketball

The Colorado Buffaloes (3-1, 0-1) will take to the road for the first time in 2017 as they travel to the Rose Bowl to face the UCLA Bruins (2-2, 0-1) at 8:30pm MT on Saturday night. Colorado snapped a five-game losing streak to UCLA with last year's 20-10 win in Boulder, it was their first win over the Bruins since the Buffs joined the Pac-12.It is the second straight game on national television for the Buffs. The game being broadcast on ESPN2 figures to be a #Pac12AfterDark night cap to an exciting Saturday in college football. CU fell to the (#6/#6) Washington Huskies (4-0, 1-0) in the rematch of the 2016 Pac-12 Championship game to open conference play last Saturday, 37-10. Redshirt-sophomore QB Steven Montez threw three interceptions in the loss. For the Buffs to compete with the nation's best passing attack, Montez has to take better care of the football. UCLA enters the game averaging over 45 points per game and Colorado will not be able to compete if they give the Bruins any handouts.Mat Smith breaks down film of the Washington game and explains his takeaways before previewing the matchup with the nation's leading passer in junior QB Josh Rosen. Find out why Mat thinks the Buffs have a good chance to pull the upset on the road in Pasadena. All this and MUCH more on this episode of No Bull, Just Buffs!

26: #CUvsUCLA GAMEDAY Preview

The Colorado Buffaloes (3-0) play host to the (#7/#6) Washington Huskies (3-0) on Saturday at 8pm MT. This game represents the conference play opener for both schools and a rematch of the 2016 Pac-12 Championship Game. After getting blown out 41-10 in December of 2016, the Buffaloes are seeking redemption from what many called an "embarrassing loss". However, things are much different this year for CU following the departure of 27 seniors. RS-SO QB Steven Montez is now at the helm and Colorado had to replace almost their entire defense from the year before. UW is coming into Folsom Field looking to check the Buffs off their list in their quest to return to the College Football Playoff.Mat Smith brings you a special edition of No Bull, Just Buffs for GAMEDAY. Mat shares the requested film review from CU's win over the Northern Colorado Bears (1-1) last weekend. Additionally, Mat puts a bow on non-conference play and shares what he takes from this small sample size. Other topics include early surprises, concerns as the Buffs move into conference play, and finally, Mat seeks a blueprint to beat the Huskies. The Buffs and Huskies will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1, giving the rematch of the Pac-12 Championship game a national audience.

25: Pac-12 Championship Rematch GAMEDAY Edition

The Colorado Buffaloes (2-0) will face the Northern Colorado Bears (1-0) on Saturday, September 16th at Folsom Field. It's the first meeting between the two schools since 1934. The Buffs are just one of three teams in the country to hold their opponents without a touchdown through their first two games. It's the first time since 1958 that a CU team has accomplished this feat. Despite scoring 37 points in a win over the Texas State Bobcats (1-1) last Saturday, the Colorado offense is still not operating at the level that many expected before the season. The primary goal against UNC is to get the offense rolling before the #6 Washington Huskies (2-0) come to town the following weekend. When looking for answers, Mat Smith knew exactly where to go. All-time leading passer and holder of 99 school records, former Buffs QB Sefo Liufau joins No Bull, Just Buffs.Mat talks to Sefo about the historic 2016 Campaign, a summer with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his time at Colorado, and how far away the Buffaloes and RS-SO QB Steven Montez are from finding top form. All this and MUCH more with Mat Smith on No Bull, Just Buffs!

24: How to play fast; A Conversation with Sefo Liufau

Not long after getting bounced by the UConn Huskies in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament, when looking towards the next season, CU Buffs RS-JR G/F George King said, "Without a doubt we can be playing in the Sweet 16."Then later in October as the Buffs prepared for training camp, Head Coach Tad Boyle said, "I think this has the makings of a top-25 basketball team. I really do. Talent-wise, experience-wise. Hopefully in the seventh year of your program the pipeline is full and recruiting has gone well."Well, three months later the Colorado Buffaloes (10-9, 0-6) are off to the program's worst start to conference play in 24 years. On a six game slide to start Pac 12 Play, CU is tied for last place as they prepare to take on the Washington State Huskies (9-9, 2-4) on Saturday afternoon in Pullman at 2pm MT. Mat Smith and No Bull, Just Buffs returns to answer the burning question surrounding this program, just exactly what happened to Colorado Basketball? Smith has the answers and provides clarity and insight into the bitter disappointment that is the 2016-2017 season to this point. However, the free fall may soon be over for the Buffs as he previews CU's upcoming rumble with the Cougars.All of this and MUCH MORE on this episode of No Bull, Just Buffs.

23: What Happened to Colorado Basketball?

Mat Smith joined James Gomez on Mile High Sports Radio in Denver on Thursday morning to break down the upcoming Valero Alamo Bowl. The #10 Colorado Buffaloes (10-3, 8-1) face off with the Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-3, 7-2) at 8pm CT from the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX on ESPN.

Special Edition: Mat Smith joins Mile High Sports Radio to preview Alamo Bowl

The #10 Colorado Buffaloes (10-3, 8-1) will take on the #12 Oklahoma State Cowboys on Thursday night from the Alamodome in San Antonio Texas. The 2016 Valero Alamo Bowl consists of two former Big 8, then Big 12 opponents in the Buffs and Cowboys.Both teams have had nearly a month off and weeks to prepare for the first Bowl game in 10 years for the Buffs. Colorado has not won a bowl game since 2004 and last appeared in the postseason in the 2007 Independence Bowl (L vs Alabama).Mat Smith breaks down the Cowboys led by JR QB Mason Rudolph , FR RB Justice Hill and JR WR James Washington. CU has a big task at hand trying to stop one of the most high powered offenses in the country.Also, EXCLUSIVE 1-on-1 interviews with JR WR Shay Fields, RS-JR RB Phil Lindsay and SR SS Tedric Thompson in preparation for the Alamo Bowl.Mat Smith discusses this and MUCH more on this episode of No Bull, Just Buffs.

22: Alamo Bowl GAMEDAY Preview

No Bull, Just Buffs is back! The Colorado Buffaloes Basketball (9-3) team is a topic of controversy lately despite owning two of the Pac-12's four wins over ranked teams so far this season. CU has one more game in its non-conference slate against Eastern Washington (8-4) on Thursday night at 6:30pm at the Coors Event Center.Mat Smith goes in-depth to review this year's version of the Buffs and evaluates the potential they have shown, yet the progress that needs to be made. This extended episode is PACKED with great content from start to finish! Tune in for exclusive 1-on-1's with RS-SR G Derrick White and JR F Tory Miller to get their input and perspective on the first half of their season and the strides they have to make before Pac-12 Conference season begins in the new year.Smith previews the final game of non-conference play against Eastern Washington and their dynamic JR PG Bogdan Bliznyuk who leads a trio of Eagels that average nearly 50 points per game.Also, lend an ear with insider access to Buffs practice. Head Coach Tad Boyle addressed the media regarding his team's status following a win on the road at Air Force, and looked ahead to the challenge that Eastern Washington presents.Mat Smith discusses this and MUCH more on this episode of No Bull, Just Buffs!

21: Non-Conference Recap & Eastern Washington Gameday

The #10 Colorado Buffaloes (10-3, 8-2) were dominated by the #4 Washington Huskies (11-1, 9-1) 41-10 in the Pac-12 Championship game last weekend. It was a disappointing performance but CU earned an invitation to the 2016 Valero Alamo Bowl to face the #12 Oklahoma City Cowboys on December 29th in San Antonio, Texas.While the Buffs football team takes a brief hiatus to complete finals, the Colorado basketball team host #13 Xavier at the Coors Eventer Center on December 7th. It represents the highest-ranked non-conference opponent to visit Boulder since, at the time, #6 Kansas was defeated 75-72 on Askia Booker's buzzer beater in 2013.Mat Smith previews the BIG game against the Musketeers and also, here's your chance to go inside Buffs basketball practice with Head Coach Tad Boyle. Hear the status of the 2016-17 season from Boyle himself and go in-depth on the huge opportunity that lay ahead for CU. As a bonus, Mat Smith catches up with 2015's Pac-12 Most Improved Player of the Year, RS-JR G/F George King and get his perspective on what it takes to beat an elite basketball team. ALL of this and MUCH MORE on this episode of No Bull, Just Buffs!

20: Pac-12 Championship, Alamo Bowl & a shot at redemption for Boyle's Buffs

Mat Smith from 5280 Sports Network joined Nate Lundy and Shawn Drotar on Friday morning live from Santa Clara. Mat discusses how the Buffs went from the basement to the top of their division and what has to go their way to win the Pac 12 Championship Game over Washington.

Special Edition: Mat Smith joins SB Nation Radio to preview Pac 12 Championship

The #9 Colorado Buffaloes (9-2, 7-1) will take on the #22 Utah Utes (8-3, 5-3) at Folsom Field on Senior Night in the 2016 regular season finale. CU rides in on a five-game winning streak and sits atop the Pac-12 South with one game to go. If the Buffaloes beat the Utes, they will win the Pac-12 South and go to Levi's Stadium to compete for a Pac-12 Championship versus Pac-12 North Champs, #5 Washington (11-1, 8-1) next week. If they lose, USC holds the head-to-head tiebreaker and will win the Pac-12 South and go to Santa Clara. CU is going to have to slow down Utes SR RB Joe Williams who has accumulated over 1,000 yards rushing in just seven games this season. The Utes are the third ranked rushing offense in the Pac-12. Utah leads the Pac-12 in Time of Possession due to their efficiency running the football and the Buffs will do their best to keep the Utes offense off of the field.27 Seniors including 11 starters and 13 rotation players will be honored at Folsom Field on Saturday in what is most likely to be the first sellout in eight years. For the second straight week, the game is broadcast on the FOX network, despite not having a game on a major network since 2009. SR QB Sefo Liufau owns or shares 85 school records as he leads his troops onto Folsom Field behind Ralphie for the final time in his career. It's been an epic ride and the Buffs are not done yet. Mat Smith discusses this and MUCH MORE on this week's No Bull, Just Buffs!

19: Utah GAMEDAY Preview

It's time. The #10 Colorado Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1) play host to the #22 Washington State Cougars (8-2, 7-0) at 1:35pm MT on FOX. It's the first time since 2009 that CU Football will be carried by a major network. It is also the first Top 25 matchup at Folsom Field since 2002. The Buffs enter the game #1 in the Pac-12 South and the Cougars enter #1 in the Pac-12 North. The battle between the conference's elite represents seven of the last 10 last-place finishes in the Pac-12 from 2011 to 2015.Wazzu comes into Folsom Field on an eight-game winning streak with the #2 Passing Offense in the NCAA. They are led by RS-JR QB Luke Falk, the FBS leader in completion percentage. He completes over 74% of his passes while leading the country in completions per game at more than 35 per game. CU's #1 Defense in the Pac-12 will look to slow down a Washington State team that averages over 44 points a game. They have scored 125 points in their last two games and has four 50-point performances on the 2016 season.Colorado's Offense got back on track last week, scoring 49 points in a win over the Arizona Wildcats in Tucson. SR QB Sefo Liufau now owns or shares 84 school records and is just one touchdown shy of tying Cody Hawkins for most passing touchdowns in CU history with 60. It remains the one major passing record the Senior has not yet broken or tied. It is a MUST WIN game for the Buffaloes who maintain a .5 game lead over the USC Trojans in the Pac-12 South. However, USC owns the tiebreaker from their 21-17 win over CU earlier this season. Should Colorado lose this game, winning their division would be a longshot.It's the most anticipated game in Buffs history in over a decade. Head Coach Mike MacIntyre will lead his team out onto Folsom Field on Saturday afternoon, a place CU hasn't lost in over a calendar year. Ralphie's ready. Are you?Mat Smith breaks down the biggest game of the 2016 season yet in the ONLY GAMEDAY PREVIEW PODCAST out there. Listen on your way to the stadium or turn it on at the tailgate, it's a must listen for Buffs fans.

18: Wazzu GAMEDAY Preview

Mat Smith hosts the "No Bull, Just Buffs" podcast covering University of Colorado Buffaloes athletics. Whether it's news off the field or the latest action on the court, Mat covers CU athletics with analysis and interviews to keep you connected to the Buffs year round.Find Mat on Twitter @RealMatSmith (twitter.com/realmatsmith).

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