In a conference opener to forget, the Colorado Buffaloes (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) were outlasted 23-13 by the Baylor Bears (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) in Waco, Texas.
Colorado’s offense held them back in the first half, only managing to kick a field goal. Quarterback Julian Lewis finished 11/16 for 75 yards but struggled to complete anything downfield.
Wide receiver DeAndre Moore left the game in the second quarter after being hit unconscious, adding to the day's troubles. The lifeless offense needed a spark. Down 10-3 with a capable defense at halftime, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders made a move.
He benched Lewis in favor of backup Isaac Wilson.
“It was a decision that we made. I will take the responsibility for that,” Sanders said. “I was trying to get us going…[I told Issac] you don’t have to be the man, just get it to the men.”
Although he started rocky, Wilson finished 12/25 for 156 yards and a touchdown pass. While the numbers weren’t flashy, the efficiency kept Colorado in the game late. Wilson’s lone TD pass came to Joseph Williams in the fourth quarter to tie it 13-13.
But just when the defense needed a stop, they finally broke. With linebacker Tyler Martinez off the field due to injury, Baylor quarterback DJ Lagway found Jadon Porter for a 33-yard touchdown. The Bears went up 20-13, controlled the rest of the clock and found three more points. Unable to score again, the Buffs faded.
Colorado’s defense limited the Baylor offense, and cornerback Jason Stokes recorded an interception. Lagway finished 19/39 for 221 yards and two touchdowns.
The Buffs outgained the Bears 363-337 in total yardage and 31:26-28:34 in time of possession. However, it just wasn’t enough.
“It seems as though we're better than our opponents, but the score does not dictate that,” Sanders said. “That’s the fascinating thing about that; we got to find out why.”
The Buffs had clear offensive issues, but their return and coverage struggles kept repeating. Colorado started 6/15 of their drives inside or on their 10-yard line. On the flip side, the Bears began 5/15 of their drives in Buffs territory.
Special teams miscues have consistently hindered Coach Prime’s team and kept them from winning the field-position battle.
“Those are some of the things we have to clean up,” Sanders said.
With injuries to Moore, Martinez and tackle Leon Bell, Colorado got hurt at key positions. At 2-2, the team faces many questions, but the biggest is who starts in Boulder next week. With three viable options, the situation eerily mirrors last year’s quarterback carousel.
Between Lewis, Wilson and freshman Kaneal Sweetwyne, there are reasons to go with any of the three. No decision has been made.
‘Don’t give up on JuJu [Lewis]. I think he plays with tremendous effort, tremendous heart and he’s not quitting,” Sanders said. “He’s not abandoning anybody; we just needed a change.”
The Buffs will be back at home next Saturday to face the Texas Tech Red Raiders at 5:30 p.m. MT.
Coaches Mentioned
