Receiver Johnson Stars as Colorado Wins, 45-21

Charles Johnson, a senior wide receiver, scored three times in No. 10 Colorado’s 45-21 romp over No. 24 Baylor on Saturday.

Johnson, who had six catches for 151 yards in the first half, put the Buffaloes (2-0) ahead, 14-0, with a 69-yard pass-play touchdown.

Just 19 seconds later, Johnson scored again. One play after Baylor (1-1) committed its second turnover of the game, Colorado tailback James Hill took a pitchout around left end and, as he approached the goal line, was hit and fumbled into the end zone, where Johnson recovered for a touchdown.

As time expired in the first half and with Colorado already leading 28-0, Johnson made a diving end-zone reception of a tipped pass. It came on an alley-oop play as Colorado sent three receivers down the right side of the field, with Johnson lining up on the left and eventually joining the group in the end zone.

Michael Westbrook leaped high over a pack of players to deflect Kordell Stewart’s 39-yard pass, and Johnson plucked it before it hit the carpet.

“We practice it once a week,” Westbrook said, “and that was just the way it’s drawn up. We definitely have the athletes to do it. I’m always the tip guy--unless I can catch it.

“This offense is a time bomb, waiting to explode.”

Baylor fell behind, 42-0, in the third quarter before scoring consolation touchdowns on three consecutive possessions.