After starting the season 2-0, the wheels fell off for Colorado against Northwestern, getting blown out 41-7 in their first loss of the season.
The Buffaloes are looking to get back in the win column in their first Big 12 game of the season against Baylor, which is also coming in with a 2-1 record. This game will mark the 18th time these two teams have met, with Colorado leading the all-time series 10-7
.But that is in the past. Both teams are drastically different from what they were in 2024, when they last met. Baylor is even a bit different on offense compared to last week, with quarterback DJ Lagway returning to the lineup after being injured. One thing that hasn't changed since that 2024 lineup is that both offenses can put up points, and
if Colorado wants to win this game, they will have to.
Here are five things Colorado has to do right to win this game.
No turnovers
Ball security was one of the keys to last week's game, and the Buffaloes made it clear quickly why. Their four turnovers completely derailed any momentum they could have had and gave it to Northwestern. Especially since they are looking to rebound from this look, Colorado needs to hold onto the ball and avoid turnovers in this game. That is how they beat Georgia Tech in the opener, and they need to rely on the same formula here.
Get to DJ Lagway
Speaking of that win against the Yellow Jackets, part of how they won that game was by getting pressure on quarterback Alberto Mendoza. However, in Colorado's loss to Northwestern, they only had one sack. That won't cut it against Baylor. Ironically, Lagway throws fewer interceptions when he is blitzed, so the solution isn't to blitz him. However, if Colorado can get to him with a four-man pressure, that could force Lagway into some bad decisions or, at the very least, get Baylor's offense off the field.
Contain Baylor WR, Gavin Freeman
Another reason why Colorado wants to get after the quarterback with just a four- or five-man pressure is so they can double-team the Bears' top receiver, Gavin Freeman. Freeman will be key in deciding this game. If the Buffaloes can make him a non-factor in this game, Colorado could certainly get a win in this one. This promises to be a high-scoring game, so Freeman will likely have a role in the offense; Colorado just cannot let him take over the whole game. Keeping him to under 75 yards would be a success.
Success in the red zone
Part of red zone success is getting into the red zone, which was also a struggle against Northwestern. Colorado had only one red zone trip last week, and they did not score a touchdown; that almost always results in a loss. If the Buffaloes are going to win this game, they need to get into the red zone multiple times and score touchdowns when they get there.
Run the ball efficiently
Running the ball does not automatically guarantee a win. Colorado had 180 rushing yards against Northwestern, but you could never tell by the score. The Buffaloes' offense thrives on running the ball, and if they don't run it efficiently, it will derail their entire attack. Colorado has to succeed in the run game, even though Baylor gives up an average of 101.7 rushing yards per game.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Five keys for Colorado football to beat Baylor in Big 12 opener
