Line: Texas A&M by 5 1/2.
Series Record: Colorado leads 5-3.
Last Meeting: 2008, Texas A&M 24-17.
What’s at Stake
Colorado’s season went from bad to worse this week when sophomore RB Darrell Scott decided to leave the program. Scott was the crown jewel recruit for coach Dan Hawkins, who is 15-30 in his fourth season and piling up more votes of confidence than wins. The Buffs need to win out to become bowl eligible in a season where Hawkins had talked about 10 victories. The Aggies’ confidence is soaring as they have hit their stride under coach Mike Sherman with back-to-back big wins over Texas Tech and Iowa State.
Key Matchup
Colorado QB Tyler Hansen vs. Texas A&M’s Garrick Williams, who has 55 tackles, 34 of them solo, and Von Miller, who has 13 1/2 sacks. Against the Aggies last year, Hansen set a school record for most single-season rushing yards by a true freshman QB with 216. And the Aggies have struggled defensively this season, allowing 400 yards and 30 points per game.
Players to watch
Texas A&M: Miller, who ranks No. 1 in the nation with 13 1/2 sacks, and RB Cyrus Gray, who has consecutive 100-yard rushing games, giving him 567 yards and five TD runs. He is a dynamic addition to an offense that ranks third in the nation in total offense at 490.5 yards per game while averaging more than 35 points.
Colorado: RB Rodney Stewart, the Buffs’ short and speedy tailback who’s stunning emergence played a role in Scott not getting as many snaps as he would have liked. Stewart will be counted on to take some heat off Hansen, who was sacked eight times against Missouri last week, including once for a safety, and had three fumbles and an interception.
