Head To Head Matchup: Quarterback

Cody Hawkins, the Buff starting QB, is the son of head coach Dan Hawkins. In 2007, he was named the starter midway through August drills and started all 13 games including the Independence Bowl. The 5-11/190 Hawkins is now in his sophomore year at Colorado. He was the Iron Buffalo Award winner among the quarterbacks for hard work, dedication, toughness and total poundage for spring strength and conditioning. He enters his sophomore year already 11th on CU’s all-time passing yards list(2,693),as well as eighth in touchdown passes(19).

Through three games in 2008, Hawkins has thrown for 654 yards and completed 70 passes for a 70% completion rate. He has 6 TDs and also has thrown 3 interceptions so far this season. In addition, he has rushed for 2 TDs. In the last game against West Virginia, Hawkins passed for 179 yards, 2 TDs , and 1 interception.

On the Nole side, Christian Ponder will be starting again despite his nightmarish game against Wake. Ponder this week admitted to being overwhelmed in the Wake game. Hopefully that "deer in the headlights" game is behind him and he will be able to lead the offense effectively against Colorado. On the year, Ponder has almost a 53% completion percentage rate and has passed for 426 yards and 6 TDs. He has also thrown 3 interceptions which were all in the Wake game. Look for backup QB D'Vontrey Richardson to play also in this game, sooner rather than later if Ponder gets into trouble early.