Print edition: 
What's at stake
The confidence of the Kansas defense heading into the teeth of its 2009 schedule. The Jayhawks rebuilt their confidence last year against the Buffaloes after a tough game against Iowa State, and they'll need to do the same this year.
Cheers if...
KU forces Colorado to beat it through the air. The Buffaloes will be starting a new quarterback, Tyler Hansen, who is a much better runner than Cody Hawkins, and Colorado's most talented offensive players are its running backs. The Buffaloes don't have the playmakers on the outside to hurt KU, so the Jayhawks must stuff the run.
Jeers if...
The Jayhawks don't put up 450 offensive yards. Colorado is giving up 390 and 30 points per game. The Buffaloes appear to be improving defensively, staying competitive in road losses to West Virginia and Texas. But KU's offense appears to be hitting its stride just in time for its Big 12 South slate.
Three things about Colorado
1. The Buffaloes have the No. 1 high-school prospect in the country from 2007, running back Darrell Scott, but he has just 20 carries for 94 yards through five games.
2. Colorado has turned the ball over 12 times in five games but created 11.
3. The Buffaloes have lost three straight to KU. They have never lost four straight.
Key matchup
KU's linebackers vs. Colorado quarterback Tyler Hansen. The Jayhawks' young group of linebackers had a tough time last week keeping track of Iowa State quarterback Austen Arnaud, who rushed for 69 yards. Hansen has that ability, too, which means KU's linebackers have to be more disciplined.
J. Brady McCollough's pick: Kansas, 31-28
The Jayhawks are the better team, but crazy things happen at Folsom Field. Colorado will rally behind Hansen and keep it close. Still, the Jayhawks survive and advance.
