For the first time in weeks, Colorado entered Saturday with a feeling of momentum.
Fresh off an overtime victory against Kansas State that snapped a five-game losing streak, the Buffaloes traveled to Tempe with renewed confidence and a potential bowl appearance still within reach. A win over Arizona State would have moved Colorado one step closer to postseason eligibility and provided some much needed optimism surrounding a program that has faced increasing scrutiny.
Instead, Colorado left Tempe with a 20-10 loss and more questions about its ability to build on the progress shown just one week earlier.
The Buffaloes struggled to establish any offensive rhythm throughout the first half, falling behind 17-0 while Arizona State took advantage of its opportunities. Colorado’s defense initially limited the Sun Devils to a field goal on their opening possession, but ASU eventually found the end zone twice before halftime.
For Colorado, the frustration wasn’t necessarily a complete lack of offensive opportunities. It was the inability to make the most of them.
An explosive touchdown pass was wiped away by an ineligible receiver downfield penalty in the first quarter, erasing what could have been an early momentum shift. Quarterback Isaac Wilson later forced a third-quarter interception while targeting a well-covered Ernest Campbell, ending a promising possession coming out of halftime.
Those moments proved costly for an offense that struggled to find consistency for much of the evening.
Arizona State felt like they knew what was coming from Colorado on both sides of the ball and showed more creativity and efficiency offensively, including a trick-play touchdown pass from running back Cardae Mack to quarterback Jake Fette. Former Colorado receiver Omarion Miller also contributed against his former team, adding another interesting element to an already difficult evening for the Buffaloes.
Colorado showed signs of improvement in the second half, but even its more productive possessions were often paired with missed opportunities.
Wilson missed a wide open Charlie Williams for a potential touchdown in the third quarter, although a roughing-the-passer penalty allowed Colorado to extend the drive. The Buffaloes eventually settled for a field goal after a 15-play, 61-yard possession, finally getting on the scoreboard but still trailing 17-3.
To Colorado’s credit, its defense responded after halftime and kept the game within reach. Linebacker Gideon Lampron delivered an impressive performance, finishing with 18 tackles and two sacks. The Buffaloes limited Arizona State to just three second-half points, giving their offense opportunities to work its way back into the contest.
And eventually, Colorado did find some offensive success.
Joseph Williams provided a spark in the fourth quarter, hauling in a 48-yard reception that helped set up Colorado’s lone touchdown. After an Arizona State roughing-the-kicker penalty extended the possession, Wilson connected with Williams for a seven-yard score, cutting the deficit to 20-10 with just over eight minutes remaining.
Williams finished with seven receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown, emerging as one of Colorado’s offensive bright spots.
Still, the late production left plenty to be desired from an offense that has struggled to capitalize on opportunities all season.
One of the more questionable sequences came late in the fourth quarter, when Colorado trailed by two possessions and was racing against the clock. The Buffaloes called consecutive running plays before Wilson took a sack on third down, eventually turning the ball over on downs with 2:43 remaining.
A sequence that raised questions about Colorado’s situational play-calling and whether the offensive approach reflected the urgency of the moment.
It’s an important distinction when evaluating Saturday’s performance. Colorado’s players were responsible for costly mistakes on the field, but the coaching staff also has a role in ensuring the team is prepared to execute when opportunities arise.
The Buffaloes didn’t appear to lack effort, particularly in the second half. The defense tightened up, and Colorado continued competing despite the deficit. But the overall performance lacked the consistency needed to overcome an Arizona State team that made better use of its opportunities.
Following the game, head coach Deion Sanders acknowledged that Colorado’s response came too late.
“Didn’t see quit, didn’t see anybody being lethargic, didn’t see them giving up by any means, but it was way too late,” Sanders said. “I wish we had started off like that instead of end up like that.”
That assessment reflected much of what unfolded Saturday. Colorado showed enough in the second half to make the game competitive, but the Buffaloes spent too much time trying to recover from an opening half in which very little went their way. A familiar feeling.
With Colorado now sitting at 3-6, the road to bowl eligibility has become more difficult. The Buffs must win their remaining three games, leaving little room for the inconsistencies that have followed them throughout the season.
The victory over Kansas State offered a glimpse of what Colorado might still accomplish down the stretch. Saturday’s loss didn’t erase that performance, but it did serve as a reminder that questions still linger about the future of the program.
For Coach Prime and his team, the focus now turns inward. How this team responds to another setback will ultimately define the season, and time is running out to turn things around.
Players Mentioned
