Colorado and TCU are both looking to bounce back from three-point losses when they meet in Big 12 action Saturday night in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Buffaloes (2-3, 0-2 Big 12) jumped out to a 14-0 lead last weekend against then-No. 25 BYU before fading in a 24-21 setback.
Colorado coach Deion Sanders has alternated between Ryan Staub and Kaidon Salter under center, with Salter starting and playing the entirety of the last two games.
Salter threw three touchdown passes in a win over Wyoming on Sept. 20 but was held to 119 passing yards with one TD and an interception against the Cougars.
Sanders acknowledged his team’s offensive struggles and said there has to be more urgency on that side of the football.
“I want them to play like their life is on the line, like their careers are on the line,” Sanders said. “I just want them to play with full intensity and passion.”
TCU (3-1, 0-1) grabbed a 17-0 lead at Arizona State in its Big 12 opener last weekend and was ahead by seven in the fourth quarter before letting it all slip away in a 27-24 defeat.
The Horned Frogs got some good news when running back Kevorian Barnes returned to practice this week.
Barnes leads the team in rushing with 156 yards despite missing the last two games. He was in a non-contact jersey Tuesday and is trending toward playing Saturday but his return isn’t certain.
TCU isn’t as fortunate with its top wide receiver, Eric McAlister, who tried to play through a hamstring injury against the Sun Devils.
McAlister was injured in practice the day before the game and was not at 100 percent in the loss. He leads the Frogs in receiving yards (320) and touchdowns (three) but is questionable for the game against the Buffs.
“Right now if we had a game today, neither one would play,” head coach Sonny Dykes said after Tuesday’s practice of Barnes and McAlister. “I’m hopeful we’re saying something different by the time we get to Saturday. I’m hopeful for both of them.”