The Colorado Buffaloes (2-1, 0-0 Big 12) face a pivotal early-season opponent as they open conference play against the Baylor Bears (2-1, 0-0 Big 12) in Waco, Texas.
After a disappointing 41-7 loss to Northwestern, Colorado is looking to rebound before the brunt of their Big 12 schedule. The Bears defeated Louisiana Tech 36-19 without their starting quarterback and will welcome back DJ Lagway this week.
Baylor’s lone loss came in Week 1 to Auburn, 17-16, after failing to convert a two-point conversion for the win. It was also the game in which Lagway suffered an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined until Saturday.
For both teams, a win would bode well for the rest of their seasons. Here are three battles to watch for Saturday’s Big 12 showdown.
Baylor pass game v Colorado Secondary
While Lagway is expected to start, the Baylor offense can still run the show with quarterback Nate Bennett. The Bears are averaging 306.3 yards per game through the air and have scored eight touchdown passes.
In Lagway’s only game, he attempted 50 passes, showing a willingness to attack the sky. With the passing attack being a prominent weapon, wide receiver Gavin Freeman has been the top target. He’s averaging 101 yards receiving per game and is the true number one receiver.
For the Buffs, containing the air raid will be key. Their secondary has struggled most consistently, giving up 242 yards per game and six passing touchdowns. The Buffs have continued to rotate personnel and scheme to try and find an answer.
Saftey Randon Fontenette has the lone interception for the unit and has called upon his group to improve. His message was simple to the secondary this week.
“We gotta drop our nuts at the end of the day,” Fontenette said.
On Saturday, there may not be a bigger matchup.
Colorado rushing attack v Baylor front seven
Keeping the ball out of Baylor's hands is one way the Buffs can limit their offensive output. Running the ball has been Colorado’s calling card, racking up 181 yards per game. While they’ve been efficient on the ground, the Buffs also fumbled twice last week.
How they handle the football will determine their success against the Bears. On the road, they'll need to help their young quarterback, Julian Lewis, by running effectively. However, it won’t be easy in the trenches.
Up front baylor has shown toughness but is giving up 101 yards per game rushing. The Bears have 10 sacks on the season and have forced two fumbles. Their willingness to compete with Colorado’s physical O-line can shape the day.
Colorado will likely be without running back Damian Henderson II and will look to Micah Welch and JaQuail Smith to have the bulk of the carries. Both are capable options for the Buffs, but the unit's overall success will be the factor.
Kickoff is set for 10:00 a.m. MT (ESPN 2).
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