Oct. 31, 2001

After overcoming a 12-point deficit in their last win, Colorado looks to keep its Big 12 championship hopes alive as it plays host to conference-rival Missouri on Saturday.

The No. 25 Buffalos (6-2, 4-1 Big 12) begin a crucial stretch against the Tigers (3-4, 2-3), with a matchup against No. 2 Nebraska looming on Nov. 23.

After a lackluster first half against Oklahoma State last Saturday, Colorado overcame a 19-7 deficit for a 22-19 win. The Buffalos became eligible for a bowl one season after going 3-8.

"We knew how much this game meant going into it," Colorado coach Gary Barnett said. "It is probably all we needed to hold onto the win in the second half. We also are trying to play through and have a chance to play Nebraska."

The matchup with the Cornhuskers isn't until Nov. 23, when the Buffalos hope the conference title will be decided. Despite a 41-7 loss to Texas on Oct. 20, Colorado can win the North division.

However, it will likely take three straight wins, including a victory over the Cornhuskers. Though Nebraska beat Oklahoma 20-10 on Saturday, a Colorado victory over top-ranked Nebraska would give the Buffalos the tiebreaker.

They may have to begin their current stretch of games without starting quarterback Craig Ochs, who left Saturday's game with an injury. Backup Bobby Pesavento went 15-of-20 for 180 yards and a touchdown and an interception to complete the comeback.

However, if the Buffalos continue making mental mistakes, a shot at a conference crown will be much more difficult.

Colorado has had at least nine penalties in four of the last five games and ranks last in the Big 12 in penalty yardage after having 13 penalties for 112 yards against Oklahoma State.

Missouri is coming off a 35-16 loss to Texas, the Tigers' second loss in three weeks, and they have win consecutive games this season.

Kirk Farmer and Darius Outlaw completed nine of 28 passes combined with one score - Farmer's 8-yard pass to Ben Fredrickson in the second quarter.

The only bright spot for Missouri has been running back Zack Abron, who rushed for 109 yards against Texas' 12th ranked rushing defense. It was Abron's third-straight game running for at least 100 yards and his fourth of the season.

"There is always room to do better," Abron said. "I just have to go out there and work harder."