Boulder, Colo. ? Dan Hawkins was hired to clean up a Colorado program soiled by scandal and embarrassing losses under former coach Gary Barnett.

Being blown out by Texas in the Big 12 title game last year was one thing.

But losing to Division I-AA Montana State 19-10 Saturday wasn’t what anybody anticipated when Hawkins brought his 92-23-1 record and positive vibes from Boise State to Boulder.

“We understand that most people here will jump on our loss, but we all find out about ourselves when we’re losing,” Hawkins said. “And in some respect, it might be a blessing. We’ve got to work a little bit harder and come together a little bit more.

“It’s only devastating if you let it be devastating.”

Instead of sweeping away the memories of last year’s four-game season-ending slide, including a 70-3 loss to Texas in the Big 12 title game, the Buffaloes left their fans fearful of a long, dreadful season after the Dan Hawkins Era began not with a bang but a bevy of goofs.

Montana State quarterback Cory Carpenter threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Michael Jefferson in the third quarter and Jeff Hastings kicked field goals of 35, 44, 19 and 41 yards as the Bobcats of the Big Sky Conference gave coach Mike Kramer his first win in seven tries against Division I-A opponents.

Montana State kicker Jeff Hastings (46) celebrates his field goal against Colorado with quarterback Cory Carpenter. The Bobcats upset the Buffs, 19-10, Saturday in Boulder, Colo.

No. 3 Texas 56, North Texas 7

Austin, Texas – Colt McCoy passed his first test as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback, finishing 12-of-19 for 178 yards and three touchdowns.

No. 10 Oklahoma 24, UAB 17

Norman, Okla. – Adrian Peterson ran for 139 yards and scored twice in the second half, saving the Sooners from the embarrassment of losing a second consecutive home opener.

No. 20 Nebraska 49, Louisiana Tech 10

Lincoln, Neb. – The Huskers won their 21st consecutive season opener, effectively mixing the run and pass against their overmatched opponent and amassing 584 total yards.

No. 25 Texas Tech 35, SMU 3

Lubbock, Texas – Graham Harrell threw for 342 yards and five touchdowns – two more than he had all last year – in his first start for the Red Raiders.

Kansas State 24, Illinois State 23

Manhattan – The Wildcats scored two special teams touchdowns and stopped a two-point conversion in the final minutes to preserve the win.

Missouri 47, Murray St. 7

Columbia, Mo. – Making his first career start, Chase Daniel set a Tigers record with five touchdown passes.

Texas A&M 35, The Citadel 3

College Station, Texas – Stephen McGee threw for 200 yards and a TD for the Aggies.

Oklahoma State 52, Missouri State 10

Stillwater, Okla. – Bobby Reid threw four touchdown passes for the Cowboys.