⚡ CFB Dashboard

The scoreboard doesn't quite reflect it, but Colorado looked better in the first half of its Big 12 opener against Baylor on Saturday. Head coach Deion Sanders' Buffs minimized the mistakes that cost them in last week's blowout loss to Northwestern and played with a greater sense of urgency, at least on defense. The Buffs held Baylor to just 139 total yards, including 32 rushing.  Still, Colorado's offensive struggles resulted in a 10-3 halftime deficit. Below are a few takeaways from CU's first-half performance in Waco:  Special teams issues persist Now into Big 12 play, Colorado's special teams are still a major issue. Walk-on Cadel Ayala shanked the opening kickoff out of bounds, and Colorado later allowed a 36-yard punt return. Even more, Alex Ward committed a costly holding penalty on a punt return. Elliot Arnold restored some order with a 24-yard field goal, but the special teams issues remain concerning. Mixed results in the secondary Colorado's secondary struggled in nonconference play and was a major storyline heading into the week. Through 30 minutes of play, the Buffs' defensive backs produced mixed results.  Defensive back Boo Carter stepped up in the first quarter, recording one pass breakup and finally showcasing some physicality in the secondary. CU's pass defense still didn't look great, however. Cornerback Cree Thomas, in particular, struggled in coverage and committed multiple penalties. Nothing exemplified the Buffs' secondary better than what happened at the end of the first half. Immediately after Thomas was called for pass interference, Jason Stokes Jr. picked off Baylor quarterback DJ Lagway. Offensive changes Without Damian Henderson II, Colorado used Richard Young and DeKalon Taylor more early. Young, an Alabama transfer, turned seven carries into 2o yards. Taylor had two carries and a reception but was overall ineffective. Also of note, Taylor struggled in pass protection. Colorado's offensive line saw a notable change with Yahya Attia starting over Jayvon McFadden at right guard. McFadden wasn't listed on the pregame injury report and his status remains unclear. With only 75 passing yards, quarterback Julian Lewis didn't have a great first half. He held on to the ball for too long on certain plays and was lucky to have left the first half without an interception.