After their sloppy performance against Northwestern, Colorado has a chance to bounce back against Baylor.
However, if they are going to win this game, they will need to account for the Bears' top receiver, Gavin Freeman, who currently leads the NCAA in receptions and is one of the top receivers in the Big 12 through the first three weeks.
How Gavin Freeman can change this game
Freeman is an explosive receiver and was also quarterback DJ Lagway's favorite target in their season opener against Auburn. In that game, Freeman had 12 receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown. Even with a backup quarterback the past two games, he has remained central to this offense, posting over 100 yards in their second game of the season.
He is the key to this Baylor offense and acts as a safety blanket
for Lagway. Freeman will keep the chains moving, allowing the Bears to sustain drives and control the clock. Especially after last week, the Buffaloes cannot afford to be dominated offensively, and Freeman has the potential to do exactly that.
How Colorado slows Freeman down
Despite how well Freeman has done this season, he has one big weakness he cannot do anything about - he is rather short. Wide receivers are generally about six feet tall, but Freeman is only 5-foot-9. All of Colorado's cornerbacks are taller than him and must use their size to their advantage. The Buffaloes need to be physical, challenge Freeman at the line of scrimmage and contest every catch.
Another way to help defend him is to make Lagway uncomfortable in the pocket. It can be difficult to get the ball to your top playmaker if you barely have time to get through your reads. Lamont Lester, who leads Colorado and the Big 12 in sacks, will be crucial to this part of the game plan.
Prediction
Against Northwestern, the player Colorado needed to shut down was receiver Griffin Wilde, but he finished the game with 85 receiving yards. I think that is about what Freeman will ultimately walk away from this game with.
I also think Freeman will score. He only has one touchdown this season, and that is from the opener when Lagway was at quarterback. With Lagway returning, he will want to make sure his top receiver gets a scoring chance and should target Freeman often.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: One player Colorado must contain in Week 4 matchup vs. Baylor
