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Former Colorado coach defends Embree

Published: September 19, 2012 Comment on this article

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado's fiery former coach didn't take long to raise his voice as he came to the defense of Jon Embree.

Unsolicited, Bill McCartney stood in front of a group of boosters on Tuesday, imploring — no, demanding — that fans give the second-year CU coach some breathing room.

photo - FILE - In this Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, file photo, Colorado head coach Jon Embree, left, reacts to a call against his team after conferring with field judge Michael Mothershed as during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Colorado State in Denver. Embree is facing a chorus of jeers from fans after the Golden Buffaloes lost the opening three games of their 2012 season. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

FILE - In this Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, file photo, Colorado head coach Jon Embree, left, reacts to a call against his team after conferring with field judge Michael Mothershed as during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Colorado State in Denver. Embree is facing a chorus of jeers from fans after the Golden Buffaloes lost the opening three games of their 2012 season. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

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Just 16 games into his regime and Embree is already feeling plenty of heat. Falling to rival Colorado State was bad enough, but then the beleaguered Buffaloes were beaten by FCS-level Sacramento State and trounced 69-14 at Fresno State.

McCartney, revered around these parts for leading Colorado to a national title in 1990, understands the frustration. He even acknowledged the Buffs may be "in over our heads right now." But McCartney believes Embree can turn around the program if given time.

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Follow AP Sports Writer Pat Graham on Twitter: http://twitter.com/pgraham34