BOULDER — If there were any concerns about Colorado players suffering a psychological hangover from the 27-point loss at Kansas State on Saturday night, Buffaloes coach Dan Hawkins made sure to get his team’s attention Sunday.
Serving as penance for committing 10 penalties against KSU, the team had to complete an additional 30 minutes of conditioning work, including wind sprints.
At least everybody stayed dry. For the first time, the team used the new practice bubble Sunday.
“The players’ (psyche) is good,” Hawkins said of recovering from the blowout loss. “Everything happens for a reason. You’re not just going to jump on a fast track to success.”
Up next is an ESPN-televised, Saturday afternoon home game against 15th-ranked Kansas. The Jayhawks (6-0, 2-0 Big 12) will walk into Folsom Field as the only undefeated Big 12 team – in overall record and league record.
“We’ve watched their tape; they’re good, obviously,” Hawkins said. “Good running game. Good receivers. The quarterback (Todd Reesing) runs around and makes plays. And they’re very solid on defense.”
CU senior tailback Hugh Charles believes preparing to play a ranked team is the perfect remedy for any hangover remaining from the Buffs getting blitzed Saturday night in Manhattan, Kan. Colorado (4-3, 2-1) fell apart in a 47-20 meat grinder and saw its three-game winning streak end.
Charles was one of the few bright spots, rushing for a career-best 171 yards and a touchdown.
“Playing a ranked team like Kansas is going to get us going,” Charles said. “This will be a big game for us. We have to practice harder, go faster and focus on the little things.”
Still considered unproven in the national perception, the Jayhawks will be venturing outside the state of Kansas for the first time this season. KU opened at home against four teams from non-BCS leagues (Central Michigan, Southeastern Louisiana, Toledo and Florida International). Then they feasted 58-10 on Baylor on Saturday.
But Kansas sure looked like the real deal on Oct. 6. Whereas Colorado looked like roadkill at KSU, the Jayhawks came away with their first victory there since 1989.
Not to be overlooked is Kansas ranking among the nation’s best in total offense (seventh, averaging 515.8 yards per game) and total defense (fourth, yielding 240 yards per game).
“They’re a good team,” Charles said. “We have to be ready.”
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
EYE ON … The Jayhawks
No. 15 Kansas at Colorado, Saturday, 3:45 p.m., ESPN
For the record: The Jayhawks (6-0, 2-0 Big 12) moved up five spots in the Associated Press media poll after crushing Baylor 58-10 on Saturday in Lawrence. Kansas is tied with archrival Missouri for 15th in the AP poll.
Streaking: Kansas’ initial appearance in this season’s AP poll last week was its first in 11 years.
Who’s hot: Sophomore quarterback Todd Reesing, who threw for 186 yards against Baylor before retiring early to the bench in the blowout. Someone will call Saturday’s game in Boulder the “Shrimp Bowl” because, like CU quarterback Cody Hawkins, Reesing is listed as 5-feet-11. Hawkins’ measurement appears to be legit, but Reesing is said to be closer to 5-9.
Who’s not: If Saturday’s game becomes a punting contest, it will be advantage: Colorado. Kansas coach Mark Mangino benched his regular punter, Kyle Tucker, after he averaged 29.5 yards on two punts.
Key stat: Kansas has lost in its past five trips to Boulder. The Jayhawks’ last victory at Folsom Field was 40-24 in October 1995. CU is 23-8 against KU in Boulder.
FYI: Big 12 North rivals are aware Kansas got a huge break in scheduling this year. The Jayhawks do not play Oklahoma, Texas or Texas Tech.
Coachspeak: “I talk to our players every day. Here’s how it works: When people are saying good things about you, don’t believe it, just like don’t believe it when they’re saying bad things about you.” – Mangino, on keeping his team focused through the winning streak
Tom Kensler
