WHAT’S AT STAKE
.Kansas puts its national ranking on the line and hopes for another season ending in a Bowl Championship Series bowl game. The Buffs can’t really call this a must win because it’s on the road against a ranked opponent, but if they lose today, next week’s home game against Kansas State falls under that category. The Buffs cane take a big step toward another bowl game and a winning record this season by earning their fourth win today with six games remaining on the schedule.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Can the CU offensive line sustain blocks and give running backs room to operate and quarterback Cody Hawkins time to throw? If the line comes through, this should be a very competitive game. Watch for Eugene Goree to get some time at guard on offense. Don’t expect to see backup quarterback Matt Ballenger get some work, but don’t be surprised if he does either. On defense, it’s all about limiting Todd Reesing to short routes and no long scrambles. Kansas has struggled to run the ball effectively and the Buffs haven’t been real good at stopping it the past three weeks. The Buffs need a strong showing in that area today. The Jayhawks bring the nation’s sixth-ranked passing offense into the game and will make its share of plays through the air..
INJURIES
Colorado running back Darrell Scott (ankle), safety Ryan Walters (knee), wide receiver Scotty McKnight (concussion) are expected to play. Kansas reports no significant injuries.
OF NOTE
Colorado hasn’t produced 400 yards of offense in a game this season. This is the sixth time the Buffs have failed to gain 400 yards in the first five games of the season in the past 43 years. In each of the previous five years, CU finished no better than .500
FINAL THOUGHT
The Buffs could have beaten the Jayhawks last year but the game was decided by turnovers. CU has to hold on to the ball today and force Kansas to make the mistakes this time around.