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, then we'll be in good shape," said Hawkins, the son of the Colorado head coach.

Scott is the main reason the Colorado recruiting class was ranked among the top 20 nationally, but the key is for returnees to fill voids left by the loss of some key starters, namely linebacker Jordon Dizon and cornerback Terrence Wheatley.

With the biggest departures coming on defense, the offense needs to take its place among the many high-octane attacks throughout the Big 12. The new no-huddle attack was built following much research by Hawkins and his staff. They studied other systems among teams outside the Big 12 and are eager to use a hurry-up attack.

"As we keep going, it's going to be a pretty powerful thing," said defensive coordinator Ron Collins. "It just really puts a stretch on the defense. I mean, the challenge is on. It's kind of an offensive explosion right now and you've got to be able to keep up with it."

Obviously, with Scott in the mix, the Buffaloes will not be throwing the ball exclusively. Their challenge will be to develop a balanced attack while scrapping many of the substitution patterns the coaching staff used previously.

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