Colorado at Baylor: Deion Sanders’ Defense Faces Two-Quarterback Problem

Colorado probably would have preferred a quiet Big 12 opener after a disappointing outing at Evanston. Baylor has made that impossible. Colorado’s 41-7 loss to Northwestern included four turnovers and three failed fourth downs, helping the Wildcats turn a close yardage game into a blowout. The Buffaloes now have to fix those mistakes while preparing for a Baylor offense that has changed in two weeks.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders addressed that problem Tuesday during his weekly press conference. While explaining why neither side of the ball has met his standard, Sanders said, “I don’t care what the offense does. Defense, you still got to stop them. I don’t care what situation they put us in or what we put each other in. We still got to stop it, and we got to score. So no, that’s not satisfactory whatsoever.” The point carries straight into Waco because Baylor can punish a defense that lets one bad possession lead to another.

Baylor’s backup changed Colorado’s scouting report

Baylor head coach Dave Aranda expected starting quarterback DJ Lagway, the former Florida transfer, to be the main problem for Colorado. Lagway injured his ankle in the opener against Auburn and missed two games, which gave junior backup Nate Bennett the offense. Bennett threw for 557 yards across two starts before hitting touchdown passes of 51, 43 and 36 yards against Louisiana Tech.

Aranda explained Monday why those deep throws are more than a one-week curiosity. After reviewing the Louisiana Tech game, he said, “The one-on-ones on the outside were clearly one-on-ones, so there were double moves and shots that hit. Our ability to run the ball will bring those safeties down closer to the line of scrimmage and give us those opportunities to throw the deep ball. I think with DJ being able to hit on some of those and then the receivers feeling, ‘Hey, we’ve hit on them in the past, and they’re there for the taking, go get yours!’ That is something that we hope becomes very real.” 

Colorado therefore has to stop the run without giving Baylor the isolated matchups Aranda wants outside.

Lagway is expected back after Aranda said Monday that the quarterback felt good during an on-field workout before the Louisiana Tech game. Baylor has not announced a two-quarterback rotation, but Colorado still has to prepare for Lagway’s arm and mobility while respecting the vertical passing element Bennett uncovered.

Randon Fontenette has to keep the roof on the defense

Colorado safety Randon Fontenette sits in the middle of that assignment. The Vanderbilt transfer leads the Buffaloes with 24 tackles and an interception, and he had 13 tackles at Northwestern. Sanders singled him out Tuesday because his preparation and physical style fot the game Colorado needs from its safeties.

“He’s a big physical, pro-style safety. Loves the game. Challenges his teammates. Has matured a lot, and I love it. He practices right; therefore, he knows what he’s going to get out of the game because of the level of practice that he has. Proud of him,” Sanders said. Fontenette cannot be so eager to help against the run that Baylor gets a clean shot behind him.

The defensive response also shapes the afternoon for Colorado starting quarterback Julian Lewis. The first-year quarterback has thrown for 658 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions, while Colorado has rushed for at least 180 yards in every game. A steady first half lets offensive coordinator Brennan Marion keep that balance. Two early Baylor explosives could instead force Lewis to chase points in his first Big 12 road game.

Saturday is Colorado’s first trip to Waco since 2007, and the last meeting ended with Colorado winning 38-31 in overtime in 2024 after a Hail Mary forced the extra period. The old finish gives the matchup some personality, but the current question is simpler. If Colorado keeps its safeties patient and makes Baylor string together drives, the Buffaloes can slow the game down. If Baylor’s run game keeps pulling those safeties forward, Bennett showed last weekend what the next throw can become.