Boulder – It has been a turnaround season for the Colorado defense, and Saturday the Buffs enjoyed another night of dominance.
The first-team defense held Texas A&M without a touchdown, marking the third time this season that unit has stopped an opponent from crossing the goal line.
Naturally, defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz was only partially pleased.
“We’re getting better,” Hankwitz said. “I’m really pleased about our attitude and our chemistry right now. I think we’re developing some confidence and some pride in what we’re doing.”
Texas A&M’s 336 yards were its second-fewest this season. Quarterback Reggie McNeal, who averaged 319.25 yards in total offense coming in, was limited to just 127 total yards. Included in that was minus-14 yards rushing.
“McNeal is a great player, and last year he absolutely killed us with his feet,” defensive end Alex Ligon said. “We really concentrated on containing him and not allowing him to make any plays.”
Aggies coach Dennis Franchione pulled McNeal early in the fourth quarter.
“Our defense did a good job against McNeal,” CU coach Gary Barnett said. “The game did get a little sloppy there in the last third. That happens when somebody gets a lead like that.”
No sellout
Athletic director Mike Bohn’s efforts to sell out Saturday’s game came close but did not completely fill Folsom Field, which holds 53,750. Officially, the attendance Saturday was 50,686.
Bohn put an emphasis on this game because he wants to create a renewed interest in homecoming. The Buffs have not sold out a homecoming contest in three decades.
Injury report
Offensive lineman Daniel Sanders (torn hamstring) is doubtful for CU’s game against Texas. Defensive end Alonzo Barrett has been ruled out of the Texas game with a torn PCL in his left knee. He is scheduled to have an MRI today.
Footnotes
With 398 yards, quarterback Joel Klatt recorded his fifth career 300-plus yard passing game, one short of the school record, held by Koy Detmer. Klatt also moved past Darian Hagan into second in career total offensive yards at CU. Klatt has 5,825 and trails only Kordell Stewart’s 7,770. …
The Big 12 win was Barnett’s 31st at Colorado. That ties him with Dal Ward for the fifth-most league wins in school history. …
Safety Dominique Brooks suited up for the first time this season. He had missed the previous three games because of a suspension and the season opener because of an injured ankle. He did not play.
