CNNSI.com - 2000 College Football Preview - CNNSI.com's Colorado preview

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Colorado Buffaloes

Houston, we have a problem -- at quarterback

College Football: The New Century

'99: 7-5, 5-3 Big 12

Coach

Gary Barnett (second season, 7-5; 50-61-2 overall)

Key offensive players

Zac Colvin, QB, Sr. or Bobby Pesavento, QB, Jr.
Buffs need to settle on one quarterback during preseason practice after tight spring battle failed to provide a conclusive starter.

Javon Green, WR, Sr.
Leading returning receiver (40 catches, 663 yards, 7 TDs) keys deep and talented group of playmakers at the position.

Cortlen Johnson, RB, Jr.
Buffs' leading returning ball carrier (835 yards, 8 TDs) will battle heralded recruit Marcus Houston as Buffs' featured ballcarrier.

Key defensive players

Jashon Sykes, ILB, Jr.
Led the nation with seven forced fumbles last year.

Ivan Maisel's Player of the Century: Joe Romig, G, 1959-61
"Intense in class and on the field, the 5-10, 199-pound Romig was a two-time All-American and a Rhodes Scholar.

Brightest Moment: The national championship team in 1990, even if it took the controversial "Fifth Down" victory at Missouri to keep the season alive.

Lowest Moment: The Colorado defense was obliterated in Oklahoma's 82-42 triumph over the Buffs in 1980. The Sooners smashed the NCAA records for total offense (875 yards) and rushing (758).

Michael Lewis, SS, Jr.
Only returning starter in the secondary.

Key newcomer

Anwawn Jones, LB/DE, Sr.
Former Northwestern standout failed to play at two California junior colleges during last two seasons.

Throwback player

LB Jashon Sykes's defensive approach is about as subtle as a punch in the stomach.

21st century player

Marcus Houston, the biggest recruit in Barnett's short tenure, should emerge as CU's offensive cog for the next several seasons.

Fast fact

Colorado has defeated at least one top 25 team in each of the last 12 seasons -- second-longest streak in the nation.

Outlook

Barnett is making steady progress as he rebuilds the Buffs in his bruising ball-control image of a football team. The arrival of Marcus Houston will bring the most talented back to play at Colorado in Barnett's tenure, as well as an immediate contributor. But huge questions loom at quarterback, where neither Pesavento nor Colvin emerged as a true leader in the spring. The offensive line needs some work and the defensive secondary clearly will miss the playmaking abilities of Ben Kelly from last year. Colorado's brutal schedule will provide an early test, but don't be surprised if the Buffs turn into spoilers late in the season and contend for a bowl berth after one of the quarterbacks comes through.

-- Tim Griffin