Colorado Buffaloes Upset Oregon Ducks on the Road
The Colorado Buffaloes are proving to everyone that they are a better team this year. In four games this season, they have made a statement every game and beating Oregon on the road was a big statement.
The Colorado Buffaloes are 3-1 on the season. They opened the season with two big wins scoring 100 points while allowing 14 points between the two games. Then they played a tough game against the Michigan Wolverines and the Buffaloes nearly won that one, but losing their starting quarterback killed their momentum.
Senior quarterback Sefo Liufau getting hurt caused him to miss the game against the Ducks. Instead redshirt freshman Steven Montez started in Liufau’s place. With the draft hopes for Liufau, not playing hurt his stock, especially with them winning without him.
As for Montez, he played as well as can be expected from a redshirt freshman. He went 23 for 32 for 333 yards three touchdowns with two interceptions as well. There was another 135 yards rushing for Montez and another touchdown.
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Bryce Bobo, Devin Ross and Shay Fields were at the receiving end of Montez’s three touchdowns. Ross’ was a 48 yard play to open up the second half. As for Bobo, his touchdown led to some controversy. Bobo also added the two point conversion after his touchdown score.
Montez made some beautiful throws during the game, but showed his inexperience. He led the offense and was able to move the ball well. There was leadership and poise in Montez that was surprising to see.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Buffaloes had their fair share of struggles. Senior corner Chidoe Awuzie didn’t have the best game and it will be picked apart by NFL scouts. Awuzie had flaws in his game from technique all the way to what he did, or didn’t do, on the field.
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As a unit, the Buffaloes defense struggles to stop the Ducks rushing attack. They allowed three touchdowns on the ground and 215 yards. 120 of their yards came from running back Tony Brooks-James, including a long of 50 yards.
As for their passing defense, they allowed 293 yards through the air, along with two touchdowns. Late in the game, the Buffaloes did intercept a pass, which ended up putting an end to the game.
The Buffaloes got off to a hot start, but stuttered. That allowed the Ducks to come back into the game, so the interception was much-needed. Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon was in the perfect spot at the perfect time to intercept a pass in the end zone. Witherspoon walks away as the hero of the game.
Very few people gave the Buffaloes a chance to come away with a win, because they’re the Buffaloes, right? Wrong.
The Buffaloes of old would have left this game defeated by a wide margin. They are a more talented team, with improved coaching and are only getting better. It isn’t unreasonable to think the Buffaloes could have beat the Wolverines, if their special teams play wasn’t poor.
Next: Broncos Offensive Line Struggles in Win
Next up for the Buffaloes, after a two game road series, comes the Oregon State Beavers at the Buffaloes home. The Beavers are 1-2 overall on the season, so the Buffaloes should be able to come away with the win in their return home.