Colorado Buffaloes vs. Texas Longhorns: A Statistical Look

Coach: Mack Brown (107-25 in 10 seasons; 193-99-1 overall in 24 seasons).
In 2008: 4 - 0 overall, first Big 12 game of the year
In 2007: 10-3 overall, 5-3 in the Big 12 (second in Big 12 South).
Returning starters: Offense—7. Defense—5. Special teams—1 | Depth Chart
Key losses: Offense—TB Jamaal Charles, TE Jermichael Finley, C Dallas Griffin, T Tony Hills, WR Nate Jones, WR Limas Sweed. Defense—LB Scott Derry, CB Brandon Foster, FS Marcus Griffin, SS Erick Jackson, LB Robert Killebrew, T Derek Lokey, T Frank Okam. Special teams—P Justin Moore.

Actual	National	Category	National	Actual
	Rank		Rank
138.5	79	Rushing Offense	22	205.25
202	71	Passing Offense	18	276.75
340.5	82	Total Offense	10	482
26.75	66	Scoring Offense	6	49.5
172	87	Rushing Defense	2	52.5
103.47	23	Pass Efficiency Defense	40	109.4
335	53	Total Defense	26	303.25
23.5	63	Scoring Defense	6	10.75
32.79	89	Net Punting	3	41.85
11.83	47	Punt Returns	79	7.33
19.95	77	Kickoff Returns	43	22.89
0	58	Turnover Margin	T-49	0.25
163	21	Pass Defense	100	250.75
128.88	53	Passing Efficiency	2	206.77
1.5	66	Sacks	1	4
5.25	T-74	Tackles For Loss	10	8.25
2	78	Sacks Allowed	15	0.75

How scary is this? Really the only glaring advantage for the Buffs or the only weakness for the Texas Longhorns is Pass Defense where they are rated 100th in the nation. If you asked any Longhorn fan what the weakness on the defense is they would say cornerback. That being said, when you are up 30 - 40 points on every team you play, throwing is the only option for Texas' opponents thus far. The four opponents of Texas' thus far has averaged 40 passing attempts/game.

How accurate is this? On the flip side comes the argument of who has Texas played? I will tell you...nobody. Doesn't mean what they have done so far, especially Colt McCoy, hasn't been solid but the Buffaloes have a great opportunity here. Texas does too. Although Colorado might not be that "somebody" that gets the saying "Texas has played anybody" completely removed but it is still an upgrade for Texas over the last four opponents they have played...all in the state of Texas. Another stat for you is that Colt McCoy is 67% of the Texas offense which should be considered even higher because Texas has had a ton of garbage time this year at the end of games with those four 39+ point wins. Again, on the flip side to the Colt McCoy stats, Vondrell McGee who will be starting the game for Texas at running back has a total of 157 yards on 42 carries good for a 3.7 ypc average. That was against four teams that Texas beat by 39 points. Conclusion? Stats can be misleading, very misleading especially in the early part of the season. Texas has to love they are 4 - 0 but what if Colt McCoy struggles in the game...does Texas have the running game to get him through it? I think the Buffs have a better chance than most think.