Even a quarterback change wasn’t enough for Colorado as Brennan Marion’s Go-Go offense failed to score more than one touchdown in the third consecutive game.
The Buffaloes (2-3, 0-2 Big 12) opened their homecoming matchup with their only scoring drive when Isaac Wilson found receiver Joseph Williams for an 8-yard touchdown pass. From there, the Buffs couldn't find a rhythm, falling 29-7 to No. 12 Texas Tech.
The Red Raiders (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) struggled offensively but capitalized on Colorado’s mistakes. They turned four interceptions into 19 total points.
Wilson finished 26-of-44 for 290 yards and a touchdown but threw three bad interceptions. Williams also threw a pick on a failed trick play, showing the Buffs' inability to get anything going consistently.
On the ground, they couldn’t establish the run, but didn’t even give a single back more than four carries. The Buffs' game plan was completely shut down. Finishing with just 78 rushing yards, Wilson led the team with 48.
Heading into the bye week, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders acknowledged that the quarterback position has limited the offense, yet hasn’t made a decision on who will start.
"There's competition every day,” Sanders said. “That's the position that is somewhat disabling us and disarming us.”
While the Buffs defense played with their hair on fire, the other two units for Sanders’ team left much to be desired.
Special teams mistakes and penalties cost Colorado again. The Buffs had 8 penalties for 84 total yards and did not field a single punt. Kicker Elliot Arnold went 0-of-2 on field goal attempts. Postgame, Sanders didn’t feel like the special teams unit was the main issue.
“You want to return it 10 yards to get first down, that's what you think,” Sanders said. “Everything else is a bonus, but you just want the possession. I just want a guy back there that won't drop the ball. Won't let it go down to the one darn yard line.”
The defense kept Colorado in the game until the fourth quarter. With the Buffs trailing 15-7 late in the game, Wilson threw a pick-six that would seal their fate. The loss overshadowed defensive tackle Santana Hopper, who finished with 10 total tackles (five tackles for loss) in a dominant outing.
The defense limited Red Raiders’ quarterback Will Hammond to 17-of-26 passing for just 134 yards and one touchdown. On the ground, they ran for about their average per game, totaling 181 yards. Ultimately, the lack of points caught up to them.
Colorado will enter the bye week before facing the Utah Utes on Oct. 17.
Coaches Mentioned
