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Updated: August 18, 5:57 PM ET Barnett warns not to count Buffs out By Mark Wangrin Special to ESPN.com |
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Colorado Buffaloes
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2002 overall record: 9-5 Conference record: 7-1 Returning starters Offense: 3, Defense: 8, Kicker/Punter: 0 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Chris Brown (1,744 yds) Passing: Robert Hodge (1,547 yds) Receiving: Derek McCoy* (643 yds) Tackles: Donald Strickland (109) Sacks: Tyler Brayton (5.5) Interceptions: Medford Moorer* (4) Outlook: Two seasons ago Colorado coach Gary Barnett took the two players who accompanied him to media day in Dallas by Texas Stadium, site of that year's Big 12 Championship game. Four months later the entire team returned and upset Texas to win the league title. In late July, Barnett and his players stopped by Arrowhead Stadium, which is -- you guessed it -- site of this year's title game. "We're going to be a team you shouldn't count out in this race if you've already cast your ballot," Barnett said. "You may want to rethink that one a little bit." A Colorado win would be a longshot, what with the Buffaloes rebuilding their offensive line and kicking game, two staples of a Barnett-style team. The return of running backs Brian Calhoun and Bobby Purify and guard Marwan Hage give the Buffs something to build around on offense. The defense, led by safety Medford Moorer and linebacker Sean Tufts, should be the best its been under Barnett. Keep an eye on: Joel Klatt. The 21-year-old former San Diego Padres farmhand has eased any concern Barnett has had about the quarterback position. "He's the only one in that room that shaves," Barnett said. "His maturity alone gives him an edge." Klatt also runs well and, perhaps most importantly in Barnett's run-based system, limits mistakes. Key game: The Buffaloes get their own chance to make a statement about the overwhelming choice of Kansas State to win the North on Oct. 18 in Manhattan. The Buffaloes were the only North Division team to beat the Wildcats last year, catching them early in the season. The Wildcats will be fully focused on CU this time around -- the Wildcats' next two games are at home against Kansas and Baylor. It's a good year if. . .: The Buffaloes don't take too many steps backward after back-to-back title game appearances. With Nebraska down and Iowa State seaching for someone to replace Seneca Wallace, that may be possible. Beating KSU won't be easy, particularly in Manhattan, but if Klatt establishes himself and the young kicking game jells, the Buffs could be a strong title contender next year. Mark Wangrin covers the Big 12 for the San Antonio Express-News
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