BOULDER — The stakes for Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes get a little higher Saturday when the Buffs play host to Baylor in their Big 12 opener at 6 p.m. at Folsom Field (Fox).

The 2-1 Buffs would no doubt like to put themselves in contention for a Big 12 title game appearance. A win over the 2-1 Bears in their conference opener would be a great start in that quest.

Colorado enters the game with a wave of confidence and momentum after last weekend’s 28-9 win over rival Colorado State. The Buffs showed improvement in nearly every area on both sides of the ball and will aim to continue that trend against BU.

But Baylor is also coming off a big win, a 31-3 victory over Air Force. The Bears put up 28 unanswered points to secure the victory, including 25 points in the second half to break open a close game.

What the Bears haven’t seen this year is anything resembling the passing game the Buffs bring to the table. Baylor has limited opponents to just 76 yards per game in the air, but their opponents have attempted just 46 passes in three games — a total the Buffs could very well surpass by themselves Saturday.

Defensively, Colorado will see a balanced BU offensive attack. The Bears are averaging 167 yards per game on the ground and 214 in the air. But the Buffs’ defense is on a hot streak, having held opponents to just nine points over the last six quarters.

So how do the Buffs produce a successful debut in their return to the Big 12?

Our weekly Fast Five:

1. Continue the defensive takeaway trend. After going 10 quarters without forcing a turnover, Colorado’s defense produced four takeaways in the second half last week — two interceptions and two fumbles. That included three in a row to start the second half, as the Buffs methodically hammered the Rams onto the ropes.

The Bears certainly aren’t immune to turnovers. They have coughed up four fumbles already this year, including three in the first half last week against AFA, and have also thrown two interceptions.

The Buffs need to force a couple of those momentum-shifting plays in the first half Saturday. If they can do that, it will give CU’s high-powered offense a chance or two at a quick score and provide a sold-out Folsom Field crowd with plenty of juice.

2. Continue the run game improvement. Colorado’s rushing attack wasn’t overwhelming last week — 109 yards on 19 carries — but that 5.7 yards per carry average was efficient and enough of a threat to keep the CSU defense honest.

The Buffs need that same kind of approach against the Bears, who are giving up an average of 155 yards per game on the ground. If Colorado can use the run game to help move the sticks early, Baylor will have to respect the run game.

That, in turn, will open up passing lanes in the BU secondary, which brings us to …

3. Continue to spread the ball around in the aerial attack. Colorado’s passing game last week was a master class in using all the weapons available. Buffs quarterback Shedeur Sanders completed throws to 10 different players, with four receivers catching at least four passes.

That makes life tough on opposing defenses, especially if they are forced to respect the run or are sending extra defenders after the quarterback on obvious passing downs.

As Baylor coach Dave Aranda said, “You can only double-cover so many people.”

Give CU receivers Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr., Will Sheppard and LaJohntay Wester the opportunity against single coverage and you have to like their chances.

If the Buffs get those opportunities Saturday, chances are they will take advantage.

4. Keep up the solid work in the trenches. Much was made last week of CU’s solid work in pass protection, and for good reason. The Buffs gave up just one quarterback sack and gave QB Sanders ample time to find open receivers. The O-line also provided nice rushing lanes for the backs.

But CU’s defensive line also had a solid outing. While the Rams did finish with 131 yards on the ground, 62 of those came on one run late in the game, long after the outcome had been decided. Otherwise, the Buffs kept the CSU run game in check.

Meanwhile, the Buffs’ pass rush found its legs, collecting two sacks and  helping force two interceptions.

If Colorado can get that kind of effort again in the trenches, the Buffs will be in command heading down the stretch.

5. Limit the self-inflicted wounds. Colorado is averaging eight penalties per game, including 12 flags last week. CU is also struggling thus far in the field goal department, hitting just two of five attempts in the first three games.

But the Buffs have done a decent job in limiting turnovers thus far, with just two interceptions and two fumbles in three games.

Now, CU can’t afford unforced mistakes. As the margin for error becomes much more critical in conference play, the Buffs need to make sure they don’t give the Bears any easy opportunities to shift momentum.

That means good ball security, no silly penalties and taking advantage of every opportunity that arises.

If the Buffs do those things, they will be celebrating their return to the Big 12 with a win.

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Story by Neill Woelk, Contributing Editor for CUBuffs.com. Content courtesy of the University of Colorado at Boulder.