If Colorado can explode out of the gates like its live mascot, the Buffaloes could make the biggest strides of any Big 12 program in 2008.

Ralphie V, the new mascot, ran over one of her handlers and prompted two others to lose their grip, in her initial gallop around Folsom Field prior to Colorado's spring game.

This could be the kind of jolt the Buffs expect when running back Darrell Scott, the high-rated recruit they landed, reports this summer.

No matter how Scott responds, Colorado must still smooth its attack behind Cody Hawkins, a sophomore who was up-and-down throughout the 2007 season, when the Buffs finished 6-7 with a loss to Alabama in the Independence Bowl.

"If I can kind of rally the guys behind me both this summer and going into fall camp, ...More