Jackson gets surprise start over Cox
Updated with 7:11 left in first quarter:
CU Head Coach Dan Hawkins surprised the Buffs faithful by starting junior Bernard Jackson at quarterback instead of senior James Cox, who started the season opener against Montana State.
The Buffaloes used Jackson in their first drive primarily in shotgun formations and allowed Jackson to use his athletic ability to run the ball.
Jackson ran the ball using the spread option and also draw plays. He gained 32 yards on 3 carries and scored CU’s first touchdown on a 3-yard bootleg to the corner of the end-zone. The scoring run by Jackson capped a 9-play, 65-yard drive for the Buffs that took 9:47 off the clock.
CSU’s ensuing possession resulted in a three-and-out for the Rams after junior outside linebacker Jordon Dizon sacked CSU quarterback Caleb Hanie on third and five. A long punt return by sophomore Stephone Robinson was negated by a holding penalty on the Buffs.
