Stanford isn't underestimating Colorado STANFORD

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By his own estimation, Alex Debniak is an introvert, although you couldn't prove it by the way he handled questions from reporters this week.

The fifth-year outside linebacker hasn't started any of his 42 games at Stanford, but he's quite happy to be playing behind Chase Thomas and Trent Murphy. He has three sacks and is a standout on all the special teams; last year he was named Stanford's top special teams player.

Sizing up the outside linebackers, he said, "Not only are we a group of dynamic athletes but also a group of dynamic personalities. ... We like to play loud. We like to play with a lot of energy. It's an absolute riot."

He paused to say, "I'm more of an introverted person outside of football. Being out on the field is really an opportunity for me to unleash the inner beast, so to speak, and really be something else."

The No. 15 Cardinal (6-2, 4-1 Pac-12) travel to Colorado (1-7, 1-4) this week, and the Buffs are being outscored by an average of 28 points (46-18). Still, Debniak said there's no chance of a letdown by Stanford.

"Great teams play great all the time," he said. "We were a little disappointed as a team last week" in a 24-17 win over Washington State. "We felt that we could have played a little more of a complete game. ... This week we're motivated more than anything to live up to those expectations."

Playing at a high altitude will be something new for most of the Stanford players. "That's definitely something you've got to take into account," Debniak said. The players are doing extra conditioning to get ready, he said.

Although Colorado's ground game is ranked 10th in the Pac-12, Debniak said, "They can run the ball as well as any team in the conference right now." He called freshman Christian Powell "a dynamic running back."

PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 08: Sean Renfree #19 of the Duke Blue Devils gets sacked by Alex Debniak #42 and Ben Gardner #49 of the Stanford Cardinals during the first quarter of an NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on September 8, 2012 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) less PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 08: Sean Renfree #19 of the Duke Blue Devils gets sacked by Alex Debniak #42 and Ben Gardner #49 of the Stanford Cardinals during the first quarter of an NCAA football game at ... more Photo: Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images Photo: Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Stanford isn't underestimating Colorado 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

Debniak is part of a defense that leads the nation in tackles for loss and is third in sacks. He had a sack and shared in another during the Cardinal's school-record 10-sack performance against the Cougars' Jeff Tuel.

"I've got a profound amount of respect for that guy - his ability to rush, his ability to pass," Debniak said.

Tuel was effective at stepping up into the pocket and taking off when his blocking broke down. "You can't get beyond the quarterback on a pass rush," Debniak said. "You've got to spin back in. I was definitely the culprit on a few occasions. He took me by surprise."

According to Debniak, another outside linebacker to keep an eye on is redshirt freshman Kevin Anderson, the former Palo Alto High standout. "That kid has one of the best jumps off the line of scrimmage," he said. "That kid is quick and explosive. He's got all the athletic ability necessary to be a key contributor in our defense for years to come."