All of that adds up to Colorado's first ranking -- No. 20 in the Associated Press -- since last year's preseason polls.

"We have had absolutely tremendous effort in every game," Barnett said. "We're just starting to really play with some confidence now. That's really what has happened to us more than anything else."

More than anything else, Texas A&M coach R.C. Slocum said, Colorado has succeeded in returning to rough-and-tumble physical football. Slocum had to pause early this week as he watched film of the Colorado-Fresno State game. The Buffs outgained Fresno State, now ranked in the Top-10, 412 yards to 287 but still lost, 24-22.

"It was a physical contest and Colorado matched them blow for blow," Slocum said. "They're playing sound football. They line up and they're physical. They run right at you. Yet, they've got a finesse component to their offense because their quarterback is such a good passer."

Indeed, Ochs, a sophomore, can dazzle with his deft touch and fleet feet. But so far this year, the Buffs have benefited from a ferocious running game led by junior college transfer Chris Brown (98 yards a game) and sophomore Bobby Purify (68 yards a game). Those newcomers have been so good that the Buffs have barely missed senior Cortlen Johnson and sophomore Marcus Houston, who have been hampered by injuries.

Slocum said there's no secret to the running backs' success.

"They've got the best offensive line I've seen on tape," he said. "Their running backs run hard. And there are a bunch of big wide bodies across that offensive line."

None bigger than Gurode. Barnett said he has not been around a better offensive lineman than the 6-foot, 4-inch, 320-pound Outland candidate. Throw in tackles Victor Rogers and Justin Bates and 250-pound tight end Daniel Graham and the Buffs are a force up front.

Gurode said he and his teammates have brought a ferocity to practice and games that they couldn't consistently muster last year.

"We couldn't finish games last year," he said. "It was very frustrating. We couldn't figure out what was going on. This year, we made it a point to try to take care of business from start to finish."

It's a lesson A&M could well use. Though they're 5-0, the Aggies have nearly mirrored Colorado's roller-coaster ride of a year ago.

A&M had a tough time beating McNeese State -- yes, Division I-AA McNeese State -- before edging Wyoming and Oklahoma State and clobbering Notre Dame. On Saturday, the Aggies sputtered against Baylor -- yes, Baylor -- before surviving 16-10.

In the process, A&M seems to have adopted the Buffs' bad luck. First, Slocum lost junior running back Ja'Mar Toombs and junior receiver Robert Ferguson, who declared early for the NFL draft. Since then, a handful of key players -- including receivers Bethel Johnson and Greg Porter -- have been lost to injury.

Though the Aggies' Wrecking Crew defense has been stingy, Slocum said, the injuries and inconsistency on offense have led to uncertainty.

"The game coming up is a big, big game for us," he said. "We'll go up there as underdogs. If we can go up there and play with them, I'll feel much better about our team."

Barnett said he'll feel much better about his team if they can finish the season the way they've started it.

And just how did they start it? During the Big 12 media days in August, Barnett took his team leaders, including Gurode, on a tour of Texas Stadium. His challenge: Get back there for the conference championship game.

Colorado's current three-game gauntlet against ranked teams -- K-State last week, A&M this week, Texas next week -- will determine whether the Buffs are up to the challenge.

Barnett said he has been unfazed by the fact that the Buffs weren't ranked, and really weren't well regarded, until this week.

"None of that stuff makes any difference to coaches or to players," he said. "It doesn't get you anything. It means absolutely nothing.

"It's not how you start. It's how you finish."

A lesson Colorado knows well.

Around the Big 12

Baylor
For a guy who coached at Nebraska, Tennessee and in the NFL, Kevin Steele knows there are no moral victories. Steele said as much after the Bears saw two passes deflected in the end zone to foil their upset bid of Texas A&M Saturday. Even so, he admitted the Bears had come a long way from their conference-opening shellacking at the hands of Iowa State. The Bears led at halftime and came within a blocked field goal of tying the game in the fourth quarter before losing 16-10 at hostile Kyle Field. "I think everybody sees now what I was talking about when I said we had a good football team," he said. ... Everybody, or at least everybody from A&M, saw what kind of defense the Bears have. The Bears bent but didn't break against the Aggies, giving up 376 total yards but just 16 points. Perhaps more impressively, they stopped the Aggies on a goal-line stand, held on downs two other times and forced two fumbles. ... Quarterback Greg Cicero's 38-pass performance marked the first time in three games the Bears hadn't attempted 40 passes.

Colorado
There's no debating that little Aaron Lockett of K-State is an explosive returner but the equally diminutive, equally speedy Roman Hollowell of Colorado produced the biggest returns Saturday. He had three returns for 101 yards. And his biggest was a 53-yarder in the fourth quarter that set up Jeremy Flores' game clinching field goal. ... Cornerback Phil Jackson suffered two broken bones in his left hand. Jackson, whose hand has been in a cast, is questionable for Saturday's game against No. 19 Texas A&M. ... His comrade, junior cornerback Donald Strickland, was named co-defensive player of the week in the conference for his 10 total tackles (seven unassisted) and game-high three pass deflections against K-State. ... Linebacker Jashon Sykes, a Butkus candidate, probably is out for the season with a herniated disc. Barnett said Sykes would seek two more medical opinions but his future, unfortunately, looks bleak. "I don't foresee anyone allowing him to play," Barnett said.

Iowa State
While the Cyclones no doubt are closing the door on the nation's elite like Nebraska, this number is humbling for coach Dan McCarney: 170-14. That's the combined first-half score of the last four NU-ISU games in Lincoln. On Saturday, it was 41-0 before Nebraska went onto win 48-14. "They just absolutely annihilated us in the first half," McCarney said. ... Seneca Wallace found out just how far it is from Sacramento City College -- or even Ames, for that matter -- to Lincoln. The junior college transfer, who had completed an astonishing 22 of 24 passes against Baylor in Ames two Saturdays ago, was 13 of 29 for 214 yards and two interceptions (both in the first half). But he did dazzle with a spectacular sideline-to-sideline 17-yard scramble for a touchdown against the Huskers. ... Iowa State now heads to Missouri for a pivotal game. Win, and the 'Clones will be in the running for fourth in the Big 12 north and one of the conference's seven bowl spots. Lose, and they'll be back to battling for bowl-eligibility.

Kansas
Even if it only evened the Jayhawks' record at 2-2 and even if it was just a win over Texas Tech, it had to be a huge boost for a coach who's clinging by his fingernails to his job. The win at Texas Tech marked just the second conference road win in KU's coach Terry Allen's five years. ... After it appeared he was destined to be replaced by true freshman Marshell Chiles, sophomore Reggie Duncan brought the wood against the Red Raiders, running 38 times for 227 yards. The sophomore from Killeen, Texas, enjoyed his homecoming and enjoyed ruining Tech fans' homecoming. "They were talking a whole bunch of trash," he said. "I ain't going to tell them what I want to say but they know what I want to say." ... Trailing by 8 with two minutes remaining, Allen took a page from the Jayhawks' opponent this week, Oklahoma, by running the hook and ladder. On third down and 16, quarterback Mario Kinsey threw to Termaine Fulton, who pitched to a streaking Derek Mills, who made it to the Tech 15. Six plays later, Kinsey hit Fulton again and the Jayhawks forced overtime. ... Freshman Johnny Beck continued his golden kicking, connecting from 42, 42, 44, and 37 yards to go to 9 of 10 on the season. The performance earned him co-special teams player of the week honors in the Big 12.

Kansas State
What the Ell is going on? K-State quarterback Ell Roberson, who dazzled against Oklahoma in the Wildcats' narrow 38-37 loss, fizzled against Colorado. In short, he looked like he was starting just his fourth game -- which he was. He was just 10 of 29 for 109 yards, often underthrowing his targets. ... After the emotional near-miss at Oklahoma, Snyder said, K-State had been flat as it prepared for Colorado. But Snyder didn't expect his Cats to be that flat. "A long time ago I gave up on the old adage of playing like you practice, but that certainly was the case Saturday," Snyder said. ... K-State's loss ended a 58-game win streak against unranked teams at KSU Stadium. In other words, the Wildcat bullies are no longer a lock to beat up on the geeks at their playground. Then again, Colorado isn't exactly Northern Illinois.

Missouri
Though it was a big win, coach Gary Pinkel isn't gloating about Missouri's triple-overtime win over Oklahoma State. The way he sees it, the Tigers never should have squandered a 14-point lead in the fourth quarterback. "It's not real wise in this business to have 14 point leads and give them up," Pinkel said. ... Senior Brad Hammerich was co-Big 12 special teams player of the week for his clutch 4-for-4 field goal performance in the Tigers' 41-38 triple overtime victory. Hammerich nailed kicks from 47, 39 and 31 yards -- and the 36-yard game winner in the third overtime. "He took himself to a little different level because of the magnitude of that kick," Pinkel said. Hammerich is now 7 for 8 this season. ... Pinkel said there's no underestimating the significance of Missouri's game against Iowa State Saturday in Columbia. If the Tigers win, they could jockey for fourth in the Big 12 north. Lose, and they'll be battling to stay out of last place. "This is a huge, huge game for our program," Pinkel said. "It's maybe not as big for them because they're winning at a bit higher clip than we are."

Nebraska
Eric Crouch probably wouldn't mind it if ESPN Classic decided to rerun his profile, oh, say, every week till the end of the season. A day after the half-hour profile debuted, it was nothing but classic Crouch on Saturday night. Crouch ran for four touchdowns and, in the process, laid claim to the NCAA record for rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks with 51. It also gave him the Nebraska record for rushing touchdowns at any position. The previous Nebraska record holder? Mike Rozier, Nebraska's 1983 Heisman Trophy-winning running back. ... If his name was Tom Collins, he would be nothing more than a mixed drink. But his name is Thunder Collins and, well, that's simply too sexy to be wasted on watered-down gin. Nebraska is trying to use the explosive Collins, a back-up I-back, as a sort of mixed bag -- by pitching and throwing to him, a rarity for a running back at Nebraska. Collins had 95 yards on nine touches Saturday night -- four rushing and five receptions. "He really is a versatile guy," Crouch said. "With him in there, it naturally makes us more dangerous." ... An X-ray revealed no broken ribs for DeJuan Groce, Nebraska's interception leader. Groce, who had an interception and a sensational 34-yard punt return, missed most of the final three quarters but is expected to return against Baylor Saturday.

Oklahoma
Once again, the Sooners' playmaking defense rose to the occasion on Saturday. Literally. Strong safety Roy Williams made perhaps the defensive play of the year when he leaped a Texas blocking back and deflected the ball out of Chris Simms hands, forcing an interception that went for a touchdown and a 14-3 lead. The Sooners, who intercepted Simms four times Saturday, are seventh in the nation in turnover margin. And they've scored at least one defensive touchdown in seven of their last eight games. ... Immediately after Saturday's game, Stoops refused to elaborate on the injury to starting quarterback Nate Hybl, even though everyone watching saw Hybl holding his left side and arm as he ran off the field. On Tuesday, Stoops relented a bit, after Hybl participated in full practice. He said he expects Hybl, who suffered rib and shoulder injuries, to play Saturday for the third-ranked Sooners. As you'll recall, Stoops also didn't disclose the nature of Josh Heupel's injury to his throwing arm until seventh months after the Orange Bowl. ... Sophomore Jason White, who had just six career pass attempts, filled in admirably, producing 146 total yards. The Sooners, who gained just 11 yards against Kansas State, looked a bit like the Oklahoma of old in running the option twice near the goalline. On OU's lone touchdown drive, White and Quentin Griffin ran the option to perfection for 17 yards on 4th and 2. Then, White ran 11 yards on an option keeper. "We haven't totally abandoned our heritage," Stoops said.

Oklahoma State
With Texas coming to Stillwater, coach Les Miles said his 2-3 Cowboys don't have time to sulk over their heartbreaking triple-overtime loss to Missouri. "Texas is awfully talented and they have great expectations," he said. "For us to face them, no matter what game they came off of, it's going to take great effort." ... Miles said he was pleased with Aso Pogi's performance. Pogi was 28 of 38 for 272 yards and three touchdowns, none gutsier than his fade pass to Rashaun Woods for the tying touchdown with 25 seconds left. "I really felt like it was his best game," Miles said. "He was better in the pocket. The decisions he made were good and sound." ... The Cowboys' biggest concern? After having been ranked 13th nationally, the 'Pokes defense gave up 424 yards, 318 in the second and third quarter alone. Miles said Oklahoma State's offense didn't help any by committing two turnovers during that time span. "Those came at a time when our defense really needed time to regroup," Miles said.

Texas
Coach Mack Brown summed up his psyche after the 14-3 loss to Oklahoma Saturday by saying: "Last year's loss was embarrassing. This year's loss was hurtful. But you can also take an awful lot away from it. We're a few plays away from beating the best team in the country." ... Alas, the Longhorns are a few major miracles away from a chance at redemption. To get to a major bowl, the Longhorns have to hope that either Colorado or Texas A&M, who play this week, rise rapidly in the national rankings. The Aggies and the Buffs are the only quality opponents that the one-loss Longhorns have left. Unless the Sooners stumble twice - which isn't likely -- the Horns won't be hitchin' a ride to Irving for the Big 12 championship game. ... There is no quarterback controversy at Texas -- if only for the fact that Brown refuses to let Major Applewhite get on the field to create one. While Chris Simms didn't play horrible against Oklahoma -- completing 24 of 42 passes for 198 yards -- he also didn't lead the Longhorns into the end zone. Despite that fact -- and the fact that Simms tossed four interceptions -- Brown said he didn't give a moment's thought to replacing Simms.

Texas A&M
The Aggies apparently are doing their best to provide drama for the ESPN crew that is filming the behind-the-scenes documentary, "Sidelines." First, the Aggies have had enough injuries for an episode of ER. Then, they almost lose to Baylor -- at home. For his part, coach R.C. Slocum said he enjoyed the first show, which featured the patriotic plight of an Aggie fan named "Chunk" to print and distribute red, white and blue t-shirts for the first home game after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. "I don't know anything about that guy 'Chunk,'" Slocum said. ... Defensive lineman Ty Warren (bruised heel) hopefully will be able to play against Colorado, Slocum said. Wide receiver Greg Porter is out with a broken foot. ... Junior outside linebacker Jarrod Penright leads the Big 12 with 8.5 sacks, including one in every game. Likewise, junior cornerback Sammy Davis leads the conference and is tied for the national lead with four interceptions - matching his total from all of last year. Davis also leads the Aggies with four pass break-ups.

Texas Tech
Losing to Kansas left coach Mike Leach feeling a bit like the old Saturday Night Live character Stuart Smalley ("I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and, doggone it, people like me"). Leach said he wasn't sure if his team needed a pat on the back or a kick in the rump. "The biggest thing is our self-esteem needs to go up," Leach said. ... Unfortunately, the Red Raiders will play host to another team that desperately needs a shot of self-esteem. Kansas State, who barely beat Tech last year, arrive in Lubbock Saturday, trying to ensure that they don't start 0-3 in the Big 12. ... Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury, who sprained his right thumb and had to leave Saturday's game, is questionable for Saturday.

Todd Cooper is a staff writer at the Omaha World-Herald.