Colorado Buffaloes
2000 Record: 3-8 (3-5).
Coach: Gary Barnett (3rd year, 10-13).
Starters returning: 10 offense, 8 defense, 2 kickers.
Outlook: The Buffs will find out what life is like without a murderer's row schedule. Last year, they lost their first three games to Colorado State, Southern Cal and Washington by a combined 10 points. This year, they replace most of those powerhouses with state schools -- Fresno State, San Jose State and Washington State. But Barnett issues a warning about that 3-8 mark, CU's worst since 1984: "If you're looking at us just on our record from last year, you're really going to underestimate how good we're going to be."
There's no underestimating the talent of quarterback Craig Ochs and running back Marcus Houston. Ochs set CU freshman records for passing yards and total offense. Houston dazzled in three games until tearing his hip flexor. The two should get more help from up front with seniors Andre Gurode and Victor Rogers anchoring an improved line.
Speedy linebacker Jashon Sykes leads the Buffs' defense but he will need more help from upfront. Justin Bannan is a force at tackle and Tyler Brayton and Marques Harris have shown promise at defensive end. Colorado's secondary must improve markedly after finishing 11th in the Big 12 and 104th in the nation in pass defense last year.
Keep an eye on: Colorado tight end Daniel Graham. Graham, who led Big 12 tight ends with 33 receptions last year, could have opted for the NFL but chose to return. Ochs' scrambling ability should draw linebackers and free Graham up for huge numbers.
Key game: The finale vs. Nebraska, Nov. 23. Colorado gave away its "bowl" game in the final minutes last year in Lincoln. Not so this year. Barring major injuries, the Buffs will beat the Huskers for the first time since 1990.
It's a good year if... Colorado wins one of its three games against Kansas State, Texas or Nebraska. The Buffs will return to a decent bowl, though they want more. After the conference media day in July, Barnett and a couple of his players toured Texas Stadium, site of this year's Big 12 championship. "We're on a mission to get there," Barnett said. "Anything less we'll consider a failure."
Todd Cooper is a staff writer for the Omaha World-Herald.
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