Why This Game Matters

• Big 12 opener for both teams; first conference home game of 2026
• DJ Lagway listed as probable after missing two games with a sprained ankle
• Throwback uniforms: gold-chrome helmet, green jersey, B-A-Y-L-O-R across the chest
• Colorado is coming off a 41-7 loss at Northwestern and roster discipline cuts
• Baylor has not won a conference opener since 2022

Series History

• Colorado leads 10-7 all-time and 4-2 in Waco
• Last meeting: Hail Mary to force OT, then Travis Hunter strip in 2OT, CU 38-31 in Boulder
• Last Waco meeting: Colorado 43-23 in 2007
• Last Baylor home win vs. CU: 42-30 in 2003
• Colorado this year: W 14-13 at Georgia Tech, W 52-21 vs. Weber State, L 41-7 at Northwestern

Keys for Baylor

1. Get Lagway going early. He is 0-1 as a Bear and has not played since Auburn. Colorado’s pass defense is suspect.
2. Stop the Go-Go run game. CU’s strength is the ground attack and four backs averaging 5+ YPC. Brennan Marion needs a big game as OC.
3. Win the red zone. Colorado is last in the Big 12 in red-zone trips and has allowed seven RZ TDs. Baylor hasn’t finished better than 12th in red-zone offense scoring percentage dating back to 2023 and ranks 13^th currently. 
4. Apply pressure for 60 minutes. Aranda expects CU’s best shot after Northwestern. Baylor can’t have a Louisiana Tech type of fourth quarter.
5. Protect the ball. Don’t give Colorado life with turnovers. Baylor hasn’t done a good job of that this season. 

Players to Watch

Baylor: QB DJ Lagway (probable) • RB Dawson Pendergrass • WR Gavin Freeman, Jayden McGowan • LB Travion Barnes • DL Hosea Wheeler, Traevon Mitchell • S Micah Gifford, Devin Turner

Colorado: HC Deion Sanders • OC Brennan Marion (Go-Go) • DC Chris Marve • a four-back run game that’s banged up

SicEm365 Colorado week reading

• Behind Enemy Lines: Colorado’s Strengths, Weaknesses and Outlook Entering Baylor Matchup
• Bear Takes: Evaluating a Must-Win Matchup for Aranda and Coach Prime
• Inside the Huddle: Baylor’s Chance to Make a Statement Against Colorado
• S11 X’s and O’s Film Room Preview: How Colorado’s Go-Go Offense Looks To Stress Defenses
• S11 Stats Preview: Colorado’s Solid On The Ground, Questionable Elsewhere
• The Bear Cast: Previewing Baylor vs. Colorado, Big 12 Opener
• The Bear Cast: Final Thoughts on Baylor vs. LA Tech, Turning the Page to Colorado
• Presser: McGowan & Barnes Preview Colorado, Big 12 Opener
• Baylor Turns the Page to Big 12 Play: ‘Keep Our Foot on the Gas’
• Aranda’s Call Sheet: Bears Get Reinforcements Back, Look to Clean Up Mistakes Ahead of CU
• Inside Baylor’s Effort to Bring a Beloved Look Back to Life
• Early Opponent Intel: The Buffs Look for Answers Under Coach Prime
• Football homepage