Buffs Favored In Key Game
In the 1990 Holiday Bowl, Texas A&M knocked Heisman Trophy winner Ty Detmer out of the game with a separated shoulder and routed BYU 65-14.
On Saturday, Detmer’s kid brother Koy will try to do better against the Aggies. Detmer, the nation’s top-rated passer, will lead seven-thranked Colorado (3-0) against No. 3 Texas A&M (2-0) in one of the key early season matchups in college football.
‘We understand the caliber of opponent Texas A&M is,” Colorado coach Rick Neuheisel said. “We have a great deal of respect for them … but we are not going to back down to anybody.”
Texas A&M quarterback Corey Pullig is 26-3-1 during his four years as a starter. But Colorado’s biggest challenge will be stopping sensational running back Leeland McElroy, who has 644 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns in his first two games. McElroy has gained 345 yards rushing, 177 receiving and 122 on kickoff returns.
“They try to get the ball to McElroy whenever possible,” Neuheisel said. “He’s one of the top competitors in the country.”
Colorado’s versatile, high-tech offense is directed by Detmer, who is completing 70 percent of his passes. He has thrown for 948 yards and eight touchdowns despite sitting out much of the second half in the Buffaloes’ three runaway victories.
“They’ve got a very talented offense,” A&M cornerback Ray Mickens said. “We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
The game matches two of the top programs of the ‘90s. Colorado has won 18 of its last 19 games, while future Big 12 rival Texas A&M is 34-3-1 since the start of the 1992 season.
Colorado is favored by four points primarily because the game is in Boulder, where the Buffs are 35-3-2 since 1988. Another factor: A&M hasn’t beaten a Top 10 opponent since 1989, and hasn’t defeated a Top 10 team on the road since 1979…. COLORADO 31-28.
Central Florida (no line) at No. 1 Florida St.
Seminoles can name score against I-AA foe … FLORIDA ST. 71-7.
Pacific (plus 51) at No. 2 Nebraska
Huskers won 70-21 last season; this could be worse … NEBRASKA 75-10.
No. 5 Southern Cal (minus 6) at No. 25 Arizona
First test for the Trojans … SOUTHERN CAL 24-14.
No. 6 Penn State (minus 19-1/2) vs. Rutgers at East Rutherford
Lions lead the series 21-2 … PENN ST. 55-24.
No. 8 Ohio St. (minus 10-1/2) at Pittsburgh
Eddie George one of nation’s best runners … OHIO ST. 31-17.
North Texas (plus 35) at No. 10 Oklahoma
North Texas already 0-2 vs. Big Eight this season … OKLAHOMA 42-17.
No. 11 Virginia (minus 4) at Clemson
Tigers upset Cavs at Death Valley … CLEMSON 21-20.
Stanford (plus 9) at No. 12 Oregon
Ducks hand Cardinal first loss … OREGON 35-17.
No. 13 Texas (plus 6-1/2) at No. 21 Notre Dame
First meeting since 1978 Cotton Bowl … NOTRE DAME 24-21.
Mississippi St. (plus 11-1/2) at No. 15 Tennessee
Vols plagued by off-field troubles … TENNESSEE 31-24.
No. 16 UCLA (minus 5) at Washington State.
Bruins have won four of last five at Pullman … UCLA 28-21.
No. 17 Miami (minus 9-1/2) at Virginia Tech
Hurricanes 12-0 vs. Hokies … MIAMI 32-14.
Rice (plus 13) at No. 18 LSU
Tigers ranked for first time since 1989 … LSU 27-10.
Akron (plus 39) at No. 19 Kansas St.
K-State 27-3-1 at home this decade … KANSAS ST. 55-0.
No. 20 Georgia (minus 6-1/2) at Mississippi
Bulldogs lead SEC in rushing defense … GEORGIA 24-17.
Army (plus 26) at No. 22 Washington
Huskies rebound from loss to Ohio State … WASHINGTON 42-14.
Duke (plus 5) at No. 24 Maryland
Terps (3-0) off to best start since 1986 … MARYLAND 31-21.
Last week: 14-6 (straight); 9-9 (spread).
Season: 44-12 (straight); 26-24 (spread).