Image Source: Daily Camera
Colorado vs Baylor arrives with the feel of an early season test that could shape the direction of the Buffaloes’ year. Colorado, 2-1, travels to Waco, Texas, on Saturday, Sept. 26, for its Big 12 opener against Baylor, also 2-1. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. Mountain Time at McLane Stadium, where the Buffaloes are 9.5-point underdogs.
The matchup comes one week after Colorado suffered a stunning 41-7 loss to Northwestern. That defeat exposed familiar concerns on defense, including a long possession battle and problems stopping the run. Now, Coach Prime and his players must respond quickly against a Baylor team that has not forgotten Colorado’s dramatic overtime victory in 2024.
Colorado vs Baylor Offers a Critical Big 12 Test
Under Deion Sanders, Colorado’s conference opener has often provided an early indication of what lies ahead. In 2023, the Buffaloes entered league play at 3-0 before losing 42-6 at Oregon. Colorado then went 1-8 in Pac-12 action.
The 2024 season produced a much different result. After falling to Nebraska, Colorado entered its Big 12 opener against Baylor at 2-1 and won in overtime. The victory sparked a strong conference run, with the Buffaloes finishing 7-2 in Big 12 play.
Last season, however, Colorado opened conference competition with a 36-20 loss at Houston and again finished 1-8 in league games. That history gives Saturday’s contest extra significance. The Buffaloes are once again 2-1, once again coming off a lopsided road loss and once again facing Baylor at the start of Big 12 play.
Buffaloes Rely on Improved Ground Game
Unlike the 2024 team, which featured Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, this Colorado roster is built around physical play. The Buffaloes have rushed for at least 180 yards in each of their first three games and are averaging 4.5 yards per carry, a notable improvement from last season’s 3.5-yard average.
Colorado’s running game showed resilience even during the Northwestern loss. The Buffaloes averaged 5.5 yards per carry in that game, despite struggling in nearly every other area. JaQuail Smith, who ran for 91 yards on just eight carries against Northwestern, is considered probable for Saturday.
Colorado will be without several contributors. Running back Damian Henderson II is doubtful, while offensive lineman Demetrius Hunter and tight end Charlie Williams are expected to miss the game. The Buffaloes also remain without players who Sanders said are no longer part of the team because of conduct-related issues. The program had not publicly identified those players as of the report.
Defense Shows Progress but Faces a Major Challenge
The defensive front has made significant strides from last season. Colorado ranked 135th nationally against the run last year while allowing 222.5 rushing yards per game. Through three games this season, the Buffaloes are giving up 120 yards per game and only 3.3 yards per carry.
Lamont Lester Jr. recorded three sacks in the season opener, while Georgia Tech managed only 51 rushing yards on 30 carries against Colorado. Still, Northwestern ran for 182 yards and controlled the ball for nearly 37 minutes, showing that the defense remains vulnerable when opponents establish possession.
That challenge will be central in Waco. Baylor has its own physical identity, and Colorado’s ability to win at the line of scrimmage could determine whether the Buffaloes rebound or suffer another damaging defeat.
Baylor Still Remembers the 2024 Heartbreak
Baylor coach Dave Aranda has described the 2024 overtime loss as “heart-wrenching.” He told reporters that the game remains an example he uses when discussing the importance of finishing plays and closing out contests.
The Bears also have connections to Colorado. Receiver Dre’lon Miller and offensive lineman Cooper Lovelace were previously Buffaloes before joining Baylor. Aranda and Sanders have discussed those players at Big 12 meetings, with Sanders describing himself as direct when asked about former members of his roster.
- Matchup: Colorado Buffaloes at Baylor Bears
- Records: Colorado 2-1, Baylor 2-1
- Kickoff: 10 a.m. Mountain Time Saturday
- Venue: McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas
- Television: ESPN2
- Series: Colorado leads 10-7
Colorado safety Naeten Mitchell said the team was angry and surprised after the Northwestern loss. Cornerback Jason Stokes Jr. called it a difficult day that players must accept before moving forward. Safety Randon Fontenette added that Sanders’ frustration reflected his competitive nature rather than a lack of confidence.
Saturday’s game will reveal whether Colorado can turn that frustration into a response. For the Buffaloes, the goal is to recreate the confidence and resilience of the 2024 conference opener—not repeat the collapse that followed the 2023 version.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Colorado vs Baylor game?
The game is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m. Mountain Time.
Where will Colorado play Baylor?
The Buffaloes will visit Baylor at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas.
How can fans watch the game?
The Big 12 opener will be televised on ESPN2.
What is Colorado’s record entering the game?
Colorado enters the matchup with a 2-1 record, while Baylor also stands at 2-1.
What happened the last time Colorado played Baylor?
Colorado defeated Baylor in overtime during the 2024 season after a dramatic late-game finish.
