In an emotional road defeat, the Colorado Buffaloes also lost the heartbeat of their defense in linebacker Tyler Martinez to a lower-leg injury.
In the second half, Martinez was on crutches and in a walking boot, a nightmare sign for the defense. The fifth-year player had recorded 17 tackles, two pass breakups and a sack through his first four games for the Buffs (2-2, 0-1 Big 12).
But more importantly than the numbers, he was their vocal leader.
Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders had even joked in last Tuesday’s press conference that he wants “20 of him.” In the postgame presser following the 23-13 finish against Baylor (3-1, 1-0 Big 12), Sanders wasn’t optimistic about the injury.
“He’s down, I don’t know about for the season, but he’s down,” Sanders said. “First thing I think about when I see a guy like that is, can he get a medical (redshirt). That’s the first thing I think because he is so valuable to this team.”
Inside, the Buffs still have two strong players, in Gideon Lampron (27 total tackles) and Liona Lefau (25 total tackles), who can anchor the defense. The seniors have performed, but an obvious question remains.
Who will fill the third linebacker spot?
“I feel like you could put anyone in there and we’d be ready to go to war,” Lefau said postgame. “Whoever is next in line to get some reps, we just got to bring them with us.”
As tough as Martinez's injury was, it becomes an opportunity for third-year linebacker Gage Goldberg. The special teams ace has been quietly working on the team since 2024.
While he’s served his time, the 6-foot, 210-pound backer took advantage of his reps against Baylor. He recorded two tackles and a tackle for loss, while continuing to contribute to special teams.
Goldberg could become Colorado's clear third option because of his experience over freshmen Rodney Colton and Carson Crawford. Goldberg has been listed as the backup for all three linebackers on the depth chart the whole season.
While everything has aligned for Goldberg to get the opportunity, the Buffs also have four-year player Bo LaPenna who could get playing time. Ultimately, whoever gets the nod will have a big chance to make a name for themselves.
Colorado’s defense will need to be at full strength for its conference matchup against the Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) on Saturday.
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