Stillwater, Okla. – The most amusing moment in a game full of them for Colorado came when linebacker Marcus Burton crossed the goal line on his 99-yard interception return for a touchdown.
“Write about it!” he shouted to a group of reporters as he ran by them in the back of the end zone.
It just so happens that Burton, a true freshman, is making it easy for reporters to put pen to pad on his behalf.
A solid week of practice earned Burton, from Channelview, Texas, many more snaps on defense against Oklahoma State than he’s had in any game this season. His performance – three tackles, one sack and the interception – validated the coaches’ confidence in his abilities.
“When he decided to come here, we just couldn’t pass up a guy like that,” said Barnett, who was not in the market for a linebacker when they signed Burton anyway in February. “He has proven to be everything that we thought he would be.”
More importantly, said senior defensive tackle James Garee, Burton’s play stopped Oklahoma State from scoring, preserving CU’s shutout. The Cowboys had driven deep into CU territory to that point.
“The (starters) were champing at the bit, saying ‘Don’t kill our shutout!”‘ Garee said. “(Burton) took it to the house. That’s awesome.”
Said Burton: “It meant a lot to us to get the goose egg. I was excited. It’s my first college touchdown.”
Burton made waves in the preseason with solid play during camp. Barnett said then he thought Burton would contribute to the Buffs’ cause. Saturday was that day.
“The coaches put me in and trusted me,” Burton said. “It worked out real well.”
Catching their breath
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy describes his offense as a “fast break,” a whirlwind of plays in a no-huddle scheme designed to run opposing defenses ragged.
But Saturday, he admitted it was his defense, which gave up 381 yards to Colorado, that needed a blow.
“We never got momentum on offense,” he said. “Our offense had so many three and outs that it was hard for our defense to ever catch its breath.”
Injury report
Fullback Lawrence Vickers (lower leg bruise) is probable for CU’s next game, against Texas A&M. Linebacker Brad Jones (fractured finger) will be X-rayed and evaluated today. Tackle Clint O’Neal (shoulder sprain) is probable. Safety J.J. Billingsley (neck stinger) is probable; and safety Tom Hubbard (concussion) is listed as day-to-day. Guard Jack Tipton (sprained ankle) did not play against OSU and is still listed as questionable for Texas A&M.
