Lagway Throws Two Touchdowns as Baylor Defeats Colorado 23-13 in Big 12 Opener.
WACO, Texas — DJ Lagway returned to Baylor’s starting lineup and delivered two touchdown passes to lead the Bears to a 23-13 victory over Colorado on Saturday, giving both teams a 1-0 start in Big 12 conference play. Lagway, who transferred from Florida, missed Baylor’s previous two games after suffering an ankle injury during the season-opening loss to Auburn. Making his return against Colorado, the Texas native completed 19 of 39 passes for 221 yards and one interception. Baylor improved to 3-1 with its third consecutive victory, while seventh-year head coach Dave Aranda moved his career record to 39-38. The Bears received an early boost from kicker Rhett Armstrong, who connected on field goals from 37 and 27 yards. His biggest contribution came late in the fourth quarter, when he converted a 54-yard attempt with approximately four and a half minutes remaining.
Colorado, now 2-2, struggled to generate consistent offensive production throughout much of the afternoon. The Buffaloes managed to tie the contest at 13 with 11:04 remaining after backup quarterback Isaac Wilson connected with Joseph Williams for a 17-yard touchdown. The score capped a 12-play drive covering 95 yards.
Baylor responded immediately with the decisive scoring possession. Two significant completions helped move the Bears downfield, including a 21-yard reception by Gavin Freeman. Lagway then found Jadon Porter for a 33-yard touchdown, putting Baylor ahead for good.
Freeman also contributed a touchdown earlier in the game, hauling in a 3-yard scoring pass midway through the second quarter.
Colorado Makes Quarterback Change
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders turned to Wilson after halftime, replacing Julian Lewis in an effort to improve the passing attack. Lewis finished 11-of-16 for 75 yards, while Wilson completed 12 of 25 attempts for 156 yards and a touchdown. Sanders explained that the offense had become too dependent on its rushing attack during the opening half, prompting the quarterback switch. The Buffaloes finished just 3-for-15 on third-down conversions, highlighting their difficulty sustaining drives. Kicker Elliott Arnold accounted for Colorado's other points, converting field goals from 46 and 24 yards. The loss followed Colorado's 41-7 defeat against Northwestern the previous week. Sanders acknowledged that his team needed to understand why its performances were not translating into better results on the scoreboard.
DeAndre Moore Jr. Leaves After Collision
Colorado wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. sustained an apparent head injury late in the second quarter with 4:33 remaining before halftime. Moore was struck by Baylor linebacker Travion Barnes while going to the ground on an incomplete pass. He remained down on the field before receiving medical attention. With assistance from a trainer and a teammate, Moore eventually made his way to the locker room. Sanders later said the receiver returned to the sideline to support his teammates.
Baylor's Special Teams Deliver
Baylor punter Palmer Williams continued to make an impact with a strong performance against the Buffaloes. The All-America punter recorded seven attempts for an average of 50.4 yards. Four of his punts traveled more than 50 yards, while another four landed inside the opponent's 20-yard line. His performance helped Baylor manage field position throughout the contest.
What the Result Means
Colorado: The Buffaloes continued to experience offensive difficulties, marking their second consecutive game with limited production. Their inability to convert third downs consistently and the use of two quarterbacks made it difficult to establish offensive rhythm.
Baylor: Lagway's return provided an important boost, even though his passing performance included an interception and several missed opportunities. His two touchdown throws proved decisive. Baylor's defense also played a major role in securing the victory, while the running game remained an area for improvement, averaging 3.3 yards per carry.
Looking Ahead
Colorado will return home next Saturday to face No. 11 Texas Tech, which enters the matchup with a 4-0 overall record and a 1-0 mark in conference play.
Baylor will travel to Arizona State next Saturday as the Bears look to extend their winning streak.
