Colorado faced a tough challenge against No. 16 Oregon State, but despite a new play caller in Pat Shurmur, they fell short, losing 26-19 at Folsom Field. This marked the Buffaloes’ third consecutive loss, leaving them at 4-5 overall and 1-5 in Pac-12 play. On the other hand, Oregon State improved to 7-2, with a 4-2 record.
Colorado made a change earlier in the week, assigning play calling duties to Pat Shurmur, who had been promoted from an offensive analyst. Unfortunately, the Colorado offense struggled for most of the game, managing only one field goal in the first three quarters before a late fourth-quarter rally brought two long scoring drives.
The Buffs’ defense did its best to keep the game close, with two first-half fumble recoveries that led to a Colorado field goal. However, Oregon State managed to score two touchdowns in the first half and added another touchdown and two field goals in the second half, keeping the Buffs at bay.
Despite the challenges, Colorado didn’t give up. In the fourth quarter, they put together two 75-yard scoring drives, with CU quarterback Shedeur Sanders connecting for touchdown passes in both. The second touchdown brought the score to 26-19 with 1:42 left to play. However, Oregon State managed to run out the clock and secure the win.
Colorado had a total of 238 yards of offense, with only 160 of those yards coming in the fourth quarter. The Buffs struggled with rushing, finishing with a total of minus-7 yards, partly due to four sacks from Oregon State.
Shedeur Sanders completed 24 of 39 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns but was under constant pressure throughout the game, bringing his season sack total to 45.
Coach Prime expressed his frustration, stating that the team struggled to find consistency throughout the game, and the loss was disheartening.
In the first half, Colorado’s defense collected two fumble recoveries and three quarterback sacks, keeping Oregon State at bay. The Beavers managed only one touchdown drive in the first half, taking a 7-0 lead.
After another fumble recovery, Colorado scored a field goal, cutting Oregon State’s lead to 7-3. However, a late touchdown in the first half put the Buffs behind 14-3.
Oregon State took control in the second half, extending their lead to 20-5 after a risky two-point conversion attempt by the Beavers backfired. Oregon State then added a field goal to make it 23-5.
In the fourth quarter, Colorado’s offense finally found its rhythm, scoring a touchdown to make it 23-12. Oregon State responded with a field goal, making it 26-12. Colorado scored another touchdown to cut the lead to 26-19, but they couldn’t stop Oregon State from running out the clock.
Colorado is now in danger of missing a bowl bid after starting the season 3-0. They need to win two of their last three games to become bowl-eligible.
Next, the Buffs will play their home finale against Arizona next Saturday at noon (MT), with the game televised by the Pac-12 Network.
