PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado (2-1): Cornerback Lorenzo Sims figures to be matched up much of the time against the Cowboys’ best wideout, D’Juan Woods. Sims leads the Buffs in passes broken up with seven and also has an interception. CU’s secondary will be tested by the wide-open, no-huddle Cowboys offense. Linebacker Thaddaeus Washington and others will be counted on to contain Oklahoma State quarterback Bobby Reid, should he decide to scramble. Washington has battled nagging injuries and has a foot ailment, but leads the team in tackles with 26.
Oklahoma State (3-0): Quarterback Bobby Reid is starting his second game, his first against Big 12 competition. His stats have been average – 13-of-33 for 217 yards and one touchdown – but coach Mike Gundy insists those numbers will improve as Reid gets more comfortable. Effective running from redshirt freshman tailback Mike Hamilton (50 carries, 246 yards) will help ease the transition for Reid, who not only was the backup quarterback early this season but played some wide receiver.
KEY STAT
10 – Colorado has won 10 of its past 12 meetings against Oklahoma State.
KEY FOR COLORADO
Red zone touchdowns. The Buffs’ sluggish offense was not able to convert two chances inside the Miami 20-yard line. That won’t do as they move forward. CU needs touchdowns, no matter where they come from on the field. Only Oklahoma State (six) and Nebraska (three) have scored fewer offensive touchdowns than CU (seven) in nonconference play.
KEY FOR OKLAHOMA STATE
Poise. The Cowboys are young, which means they make costly mistakes typical of young teams. If OSU responds well to adversity, the energy and emotion of its home field could be enough.
CHRIS DEMPSEY
