Asking I-AA Montana State to go into Boulder and compete against a Colorado football team that’s won four of the last five Big 12 North championships is like telling David to throw away the stones.

And while you’re at it, David, just stand there and take it like a boy.

But don’t cry for the Montana State Bobcats. They already had a paycheck in hand for the privilege of being the Buffaloes’ punching bag.

Only this time the punching bag actually hit back.

The Bobcats held Colorado to 216 yards and forced a fourth-quarter fumble to “shock the world” with a 19-10 victory on Saturday at Folsom Field. It was the first time Colorado has played a I-AA opponent, and quite possibly will be the last.

What are the odds of this?

“Let’s face it, something like this is very rare and probably couldn’t be replicated by us,” Montana State coach Mike Kramer said. “I don’t know if we played 100 more times that 99 of them could have been different. The game tonight wasn’t about height, weight or speed. It was about belief systems, and we found a way to get it done.”

Conversely, Colorado didn’t.

When first-year Buffs head coach Dan Hawkins was asked during the Big 12 coaches’ conference call if he wanted to make an opening statement, he replied: “I think we already made our opening statement, unfortunately.”

This is obviously a tougher go than Hawkins could have imagined. But remember, this is a Colorado team that was embarrassed by Texas, 70-3, in last year’s Big 12 championship.

“You have four or five little issues here or there, and they can change the whole complexion of the game,” Hawkins said. “They have to understand that a play here or there or a penalty here or there has huge ramifications on the game.”

If there’s any good out of the game, the Buffaloes’ opening statement sent a message to every other I-A program: The only thing that’s guaranteed is the money you spent on bringing those guys to town.

“No doubt,” said Baylor coach Guy Morriss, whose Bears host I-AA Northwestern (La.) State at 6 p.m. Saturday after a 17-7 loss to TCU. “I don’t think our kids will fall into that trap, especially after the loss. Now, if we had won, they might have been a little cocky. But I don’t see any reason why they would take anybody for granted.”

Maybe it’s better than 1-in-100

If misery loves company, at least Colorado wasn’t alone.

Duke was shut out by Richmond, 13-0; and New Mexico opened with a 17-6 loss at home to Portland State.

And then there’s Kansas State. Not only did the Wildcats score two touchdowns on special teams, but they had to stop Illinois State on a two-point conversion attempt in the final stages to preserve a 24-23 win in Manhattan.

“Our goal, as always, is to play well and win,” first-year KSU head coach Ron Prince said. “So we don’t make any apologies at all for winning. But we understand that we have some work to do, particularly offensively.”

As Baylor cornerback C.J. Wilson put it: “If we don’t (bounce back), then we’ll end up being like Colorado.”

Ouch! I remember when it was a good thing to compare yourself to the Buffs. Times change fast around here.

jhill@wacotrib.com

757-5715

—— JERRY HILL’S BIG 12 FOOTBALL RANKINGS ——

Team record last

1. Texas (1-0) 1

Bring on Buckeyes

2. Texas Tech (1-0) 3

Harrell throws for 5 TDs

3. Oklahoma (1-0) 2

When will they learn?

4. Nebraska (1-0) 4

Rolled up 588 yards

5. Missouri (1-0) 6

Big debut for Daniel

6. Iowa State (1-0) 5

Finally won OT game

7. Texas A&M (1-0) 7

Survived the Citadel

8. Baylor (0-1) 9

Blew too many chances

9. Kansas (1-0) 10

Gave BU a blueprint

10. Okla. St. (1-0) 11

Perrish to the rescue

11. Colorado (0-1) 8

Hawkins’ stock falling

12. Kansas St. (1-0) 12

Pushed by Redbirds