A&M's run game vs. Colorado's run defense: Cyrus Gray has had back-to-back 100-yard rushing games behind an improving offensive line that has allowed A&M to rush for 588 yards on 108 carries (5.4 per carry) in victories over Texas Tech and Iowa State. Colorado linebacker Jeff Smart, who has started a team-best 30 straight games, has had double-digit tackles three times. Edge: Texas A&M
A&M's pass attack vs. Colorado's pass defense: The Aggies developed depth while wide receiver Jeff Fuller (broken right leg) missed four games, but he's worked out the kinks the last two weeks and is close to 100 percent. That gives A&M five wide receivers with at least 15 catches and a group that has combined for 14 TDs. "They have some juice at wide receiver," CU head coach Dan Hawkins said. Colorado's biggest concern is Jerrod Johnson. "The quarterback stirs the whole drink," Hawkins said. "He's very electric." CU cornerback Cha'Pelle Brown has played every defensive snap and has 57 tackles. CU opponents are completing 60.8 percent of their passes. Edge: Texas A&M
Colorado's run game vs. A&M's run defense: Rodney Stewart has had a trio of 100-yard rushing games, including in victories over Wyoming and Kansas. A seniorless offensive line is led by junior tackle Nate Solder, who has 66 knockdowns. Opponents have had success running against A&M, which has allowed six teams to rush for at least 150 yards. Edge: Even
Colorado's pass attack vs. A&M's pass defense: Colorado planned to redshirt quarterback Tyler Hansen, who has replaced Cody Hawkins, the coach's son. The Buffs have a pair of solid receivers in Riar Geer, a candidate for the John Mackey Award as the nation's best tight end, and sure-handed Scotty McKnight who has 30 first-down catches. Colorado, which has allowed 28 sacks, will have its hands full containing A&M's Von Miller, who leads the nation with 13.5 sacks. Edge: Even
Special teams: Colorado is strong on kickoffs, both returning and covering them -- opponents have started 26 times inside their 25-yard line. A&M ranks 84th nationally in kickoff returns (20.5-yard average) and 83rd in coverage (22.6). A&M fumbled a return last week and gave up two long returns. "I think talentwise we're fine," A&M head coach Mike Sherman said. "It's just guys trying to run around people rather than through people sometimes." Edge: Colorado
Intangibles: The postseason is four quarters away for A&M, while a Colorado loss cements the program's fourth-straight losing season. Colorado athletics director Mike Bohn said this week that nationally televised games at Oklahoma State on Nov. 19 (ESPN) and against Nebraska on Nov. 27 (ABC) are "huge games for us." But if CU loses to the Aggies and at Iowa State next week and falls to 3-8, can there be any "huge games?" A&M has three rivalry games left, but this is a "huge game" for the program. Edge: Even
-- Robert Cessna
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