Colorado by four
Cody Hawkins threw three interceptions in the 20-47 loss to Kansas State University last weekend. University of Kansas quarterback Todd Reesing has thrown four interceptions the entire season. Both standing 5-11 (although rumor has it Reesing is more like 5-9), the 19-year-old quarterbacks are only the beginning of the stats standing against the Buffs in their game against Kansas this weekend.
Kansas leads the Big 12 in scoring offense, scoring defense, pass defense, kickoff returns, total defense, turnover margin, opponent first downs, opponent third down conversions, pass defense efficiency and red zone defense.
The Buffs? They lead the Big 12 in opponent penalties.
There is one thing that Kansas has failed to do in their 7-0 start this season: take a challenge head on. In their non-conference schedule, the Jayhawks have defeated these national powerhouses: Central Michigan University (4-3, 3-0), Southeastern Louisiana University (2-4, 1-1), University of Toledo (2-5, 0-3), and Florida International University (0-6, 0-2).
And the Kansas conference schedule? They beat fellow Big 12 school Baylor University (3-4, 0-3). Baylor’s three wins have also come from a weak non-conference schedule.
Their big win came two weeks ago against Kansas State University. No. 25 K-State turned around the next week and defeated Colorado by 27 points. However, for the sake of being fair, rivalry games should never count in consideration of a team’s quality. Too many emotions for one stadium for talent to come into play.
So that leaves Colorado. Colorado, unlike KU, likes a challenge. Even after losses to non-conference Florida State University and Arizona State University, athletic director Mike Bohn said CU has always, and will always, look for tough non-conference games.
“I think Colorado has been known for always scheduling high-profile teams, and I think that’s worked for the Buffs,” Bohn said. “I think that’s a standard that’s important to us.”
Both FSU and ASU have found their way into the Top 25 more than once this season. In fact, I should be saying No. 12 Arizona State and FSU have found their way into the Top 25 more than once.
Sophomore fullback Jake Behrens said he likes playing tough non-conference schedules.
“It’s not fun playing teams that aren’t very good – aren’t challenging to you,” Behrens said. “We look forward to it.”
Playing a tough non-conference schedule is not required. In reality, a lot of good schools from tough conferences schedule these games like bye weeks to give their team a break. In the long run though, taking that challenge does what college athletics are supposedly all about: building character.
Also, in this crazy, mixed-up, BCS world, it will get you some Orange and Rose glory.
So come Saturday’s game against the undefeated Kansas, Colorado is actually favored to win. By four. And betting lines never lie right?
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Margot Schneider at margot.schneider@thecampuspress.com
