BOULDER — Having the mind-set to get out to a fast start will be one of the themes of Colorado’s football practices this week. Eleventh-ranked Oklahoma State averages 42.8 points per game. Playing catch-up Saturday probably would not be a good idea.
CU coach Dan Hawkins pointed out that several Big 12 games were decided early when a team jumped out to a huge lead in the first half.
“When you watch teams get hot . . . you see some of those scenarios where a snowball effect just happens,” Hawkins said Tuesday during his weekly media luncheon. “It’s very tough to counteract that.”
To become bowl eligible, Colorado (5-5, 2-4 Big 12) needs a victory against Oklahoma State (8-2, 4-2) on Saturday at Folsom Field or against Nebraska on Nov. 28 in Lincoln.
Colorado averages 19.4 points per game, lowest in the Big 12.
“When you play a great football team, you had better take care of business and not give up big plays and not turn the ball over and be sound,” Hawkins said, referring to Oklahoma State. “You need to get some momentum going and make some things happen.”
It’s also important for Colorado’s defense to get off to a good start against the Cowboys, Buffs senior linebacker Brad Jones said.
“We need to go out there and show (Oklahoma State) that they’re not going to move the ball on us,” Jones said.
The 6 p.m. game (KMGH-7) will mark the final home appearance for Colorado’s 16 seniors.
“The last time for us in Folsom, we want to make it a memorable one,” Jones said.
Cody to start.
Dan Hawkins named sophomore quarterback Cody Hawkins the starter against Oklahoma State.
Freshman Tyler Hansen started the Missouri and Iowa State games. Cody Hawkins started against Texas A&M.
Footnotes.
Junior defensive lineman Jason Brace (concussion) likely will not play again this season, according to CU. . . . Freshman tailback Rodney “Speedy” Stewart underwent surgery to repair ligament damage suffered when he fractured a fibula against Texas A&M.
Tom Kensler, The Denver Post
