The Colorado Buffaloes get their first Big 12 test Saturday at Baylor, entering the game after a 41-7 loss at Northwestern. The Buffaloes and Bears are both 2-1, but the teams arrive in Waco moving in different directions.
Baylor has won consecutive games and is a 10.5-point favorite at McLane Stadium. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. MDT, 11 a.m. local time, on ESPN2. Colorado needs a better showing from Julian Lewis and the defense, who gave up way too many explosive plays in Evanston.
Here are five things to know about Baylor ahead of Colorado's Week 3 game in Waco:
1. Baylor may have its starting quarterback back
Baylor should have its starting quarterback back for conference play. DJ Lagway missed the last two games with an ankle injury, but coach Dave Aranda said Monday that Lagway had the "green
light" to return to practice and play against Colorado.
Lagway's availability adds another layer to Colorado's preparation. The former Florida transfer gives Baylor a more established option under center, even as the Bears received strong play from backup Nate Bennett.
2. Nate Bennett has made the job difficult
Bennett, the Bears' No. 2 quarterback, has played too well for the Buffs to assume the Bears are vulnerable if Lagway is limited. He has completed 45 of 60 passes for 567 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions, a 75% completion rate.
In Baylor's 36-19 win against Louisiana Tech, Bennett completed 21 of 24 passes for 253 yards and three touchdowns. He also scored on the ground.
Colorado's defense allowed 241 passing yards per game through three contests. Whether they face Lagway, Bennett or both, the secondary will be tested.
3. Dave Aranda has studied the Go-Go run game
Aranda spent part of his weekly press conference breaking down Colorado offensive coordinator Brennan Marion's Go-Go scheme. The Bears coach discussed the strain Marion's unusual backfield alignments and tight-end formations create for defenses.
Colorado averages 181 rushing yards per game, led by Micah Welch's 178 yards and two touchdowns on 33 attempts. Aranda's defense gives up only 101.7 rushing yards per game, which will create a major line-of-scrimmage matchup.
4. Baylor's offense has big-play potential
The Bears average 468.7 yards per game, ranking 32nd nationally. Their passing game has produced 306 yards per game, good for 18th in the country. Baylor also averages 32 points per game.
Colorado must limit explosive throws after Northwestern exposed several coverage issues. Jayden McGowan caught two touchdown passes from Bennett against Louisiana Tech, including scores of 43 and 36 yards. Baylor will look for those chances downfield if Colorado's safeties lose leverage.
5. Baylor is seeking revenge
Baylor is calling Saturday its Throwback Game, marking Colorado's first trip to McLane Stadium since 2007. The Bears will wear throwback uniforms, distribute 5,000 bobbleheads, and host a postgame concert featuring Pat Green.
For Baylor fans, this game is entirely personal. In the 2024 Big 12 opener, Colorado won an absolute overtime thriller 38-31. The Buffaloes tied the game on a miraculous, desperation Hail Mary to LaJohntay Wester as regulation expired, and then secured the victory after Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter caused a Baylor fumble out of the end zone on what would have been the game-tying touchdown. Expect the Baylor crowd at McLane Stadium to bring extra intensity as they seek revenge.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Five things Colorado should know about Baylor before Week 4 matchup
