Boulder – Never thought Colorado and Baylor could have anything in common? This year is proving that wrong.
Though one team has changed coaching staffs (CU) and the other hasn’t (Baylor), both have drastically different offensive philosophies from a year ago. CU went from a safer, run-first and play-action offense to a more open, push-the-envelope playbook under new coach Dan Hawkins, who replaced Gary Barnett.
Baylor went from conservative to a spread formation. Now, the Bears spray the ball around the field via the pass to the tune of 281.4 yards per game, second in the Big 12 to Texas Tech.
Neither Baylor nor CU have had the success they’d hoped. As a result, both have had to lean on their defense to keep them in games while the offenses get their legs under them.
“That was something else we talked about early in the season,” said Baylor coach Guy Morriss, whose Bears (2-3, 1-0 Big 12) play the Buffs (0-5, 0-1) at Folsom Field on Saturday. “We knew the defense was going to have to hold up well and go through some growing pains. We were not anticipating to still be going through growing pains six weeks into the season like we are. But the defense has responded well. They’ve kept us in every ballgame and have given us the opportunity to win every ballgame.”
Baylor’s defense ranks 10th in the Big 12, allowing 323 total yards per game, but has largely kept points off the scoreboard, allowing just 14.8 per game.
CU has allowed more points (19.2), but has faced more potent offenses. Until their 28-13 loss at Missouri, the Buffs had not allowed more than 21 points.
Fenton update
CU senior center Mark Fenton said he’s trying to get back on the field as fast as possible from a cracked right fibula, but he’s likely to be back for the Oct. 21 game at Oklahoma.
He gets around for the most part on crutches, but says he can walk around on the leg without crutches or the protective boot. He hopes to start noncontact football activities next week.
Recruiting update
Recent reports that CU has received a solid oral commitment from Pittsburgh-area fullback Devan Johnson may be a bit premature. He told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in Wednesday editions, “They told me I’d play as a freshman, but I’m taking my time. I’m pretty solid in my decision, but you never know what might come along.”
Johnson is expected to visit Colorado this weekend. The Buffs have 10 known commitments.
Tickets available
About 11,000 tickets remain for Saturday’s homecoming game. About 11,000 tickets also remain for the Oct. 14 game against visiting Texas Tech.
Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
