Oklahoma State University Athletics
Buffaloes Look To Get Back On Track Against Oklahoma State
October 24, 2001 | Cowboy Football
Oct 23, 2001
One week after its five-game winning streak was snapped, Colorado looks to get back on track when it faces Oklahoma State.
The No. 25 Buffaloes (5-2, 3-1 Big 12) were denied their first six-game winning streak since 1996 after a 41-7 loss to No. 7 Texas last Saturday. They have a good chance to rebound against the Cowboys (2-5, 0-4), the last-place team in the South Division.
Colorado, tied for second place in the North with Iowa State, likely needs to win its remaining four games to reach the Big 12 championship game. Three of those games are against North rivals, including the last two against the Cyclones and undefeated Nebraska.
First, the Buffaloes will try to take advantage of the struggling Cowboys. Oklahoma State has lost three straight, surrendering 114 points during that stretch.
"It is painful for all of us and it makes it difficult to do anything when it comes to football," coach Les Miles said of the losing streak. "They are good kids, they have character and want to play. I think they are holding up and we will get through this."
After playing a mistake-filled game in Saturday's loss, the Buffaloes dropped 11 spots in the AP poll. Colorado had three early fumbles that helped Texas build a big lead.
There is some good news, however. Quarterback Craig Ochs could return after missing last Saturday's start because of concussions suffered the week before against Texas A&M and on Sept. 22 against Kansas. Backup Bobby Pesavento was 15-of-27 for 165 yards and an interception last week.
Despite the loss, the Buffaloes are pleased with the first half of their conference schedule.
"Everything we want is still in front of us," coach Gary Barnett said. "We just have got to play better. This is going to come up again, and we've got to fight through this thing. We've been the type of team that would fight through it before."
Colorado will need to improve its pass defense. The Buffaloes have given up six touchdown passes and 568 yards through the air in their last two games.
The Buffaloes have won nine of the last 10 meetings and lead the all-time series 24-16-1.
