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Saturday's game against Washington State got off to a less than stellar start, as Phillip Lindsay lost a fumble and Davis Price missed a field goal sending the Buffaloes into the locker room trailing by 3 at the half. UCLA was similar too as Colorado turned the ball over 4 times in the first half and were trailing at the break then as well. This team does not panic though. The experienced players keep their cool, and Mike MacIntyre and Jim Leavitt make the necessary adjustments. The 2nd half of Wazzu, especially, was phenomenal on both sides of the ball (and Chris Graham even made a field goal). I would honestly say it was the best half of football the Buffs put together all season. Sefo Liufau was nails and might have played his best game as a Buff, and Phil Lindsay finally was able to surpass the 1,000 yard mark (first Buff since Rodney Stewart). The 2 combined to rush for all 5 of the team's touchdowns, and Sefo's greatness was recognized by the Pac-12 as he got the Offensive Player of the Week. Jay MacIntyre filled in wonderfully for Bryce Bobo as well posting 7 catches for 90 yards and some key 3rd down catches. There were so many great performances on the defensive side of the ball that it's hard to identify any one key performance, but how could I not mention Nick Fisher? What a game the true sophomore had filling in for 2 guys ahead of him on the depth chart, and he also was awarded with Player of the Week honors. The Buffs now have 8 of those awards on the season (most in the conference).
Now Colorado is on the verge of accomplishing something really special: a chance for a Pac-12 championship. A win over Utah will clinch the South Division; that's pretty good for a team picked in the preseason to finish 11th in the conference. This season has been awesome for the players, coaches, and fans alike, and I don't think I've ever been more excited for a football game in my entire life than this upcoming battle with the Utes. Colorado needs to contain Joe Williams and make Troy Williams try to beat them with his arm. If they can do that and execute like they did last weekend offensively, then they will have a great opportunity to come out of the weekend as Pac-12 South champs.
From boos to chants of 'Sefo!,' Liufau has seen it all at Colorado - ESPN Pac-12 Blog
ESPN chronicles Sefo's journey as a Buff that has been a wild ride. It was not long ago when many fans were calling for his head, and on Saturday they were chanting hios name in support after he reaggravated a hip pointer injury.
Smart move: Colorado clamping down with red-zone defense - Pac-12 Blog- ESPN
Yet when opponents get inside Colorado’s red zone, things start to stagnate offensively. The Buffs have the nation’s No. 2 red-zone defense, allowing teams to convert points just 66.7 percent of the time (18 of 27). Three times they have forced a red-zone turnover. Five times opponents have failed to convert field goals. And the Buffs' 14 red-zone touchdowns allowed are the fewest in the conference.
Scout's Take: OT Jake Moretti to Colorado - Pac-12 Blog- ESPN
What he brings: Moretti is a prospect with nice size and frame to continue to develop with time in the Buffaloes strength program, demonstrates excellent playing strength and is a tough customer from snap-to-whistle. In the run game is where he is strongest at this stage as he can be a physical drive blocker. The top-20 OT can quickly get into defenders with pad level, deliver a strong initial pop and roll hips and when he does can generate a powerful surge off the ball.
Pac-12 power ratings and the fall of the Arizona schools
1. Colorado (9-2/7-1) Last week: 1 Result: Beat Washington State 38-24 Next up: vs. Utah Comment: Last year, Buffs were 83rd nationally in yards-per-play allowed. This year: 13th.
Utah, Colorado become Pac-12 contenders recruiting Texas - Pac-12 Blog- ESPN
Darrin Chiaverini returned to Colorado as co-offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator this past January after two years at Texas Tech and immediately made the Buffs relevant in the Lone Star State. Chiaverini said he sat down with Colorado head coach Mike MacIntyre and reassessed where the Buffs were focusing their efforts, eventually loading five coaches into focusing on the Dallas area alone.
Pac-12 Week 12 Power Rankings: Colorado takes top spot - ESPN Pac-12 Blog
1. Colorado (9-2, 7-1, No. 2 last week): Business is taken care of. It has been a while since the Folsom faithful have enjoyed a good field-storming, but they did after beating Washington State 38-24. Next week's game might be epic, as the Buffaloes could lock up the South against Utah. With a win, they are in the Pac-12 title game (against Washington? Washington State?). If they lose, that head-to-head against USC will come back to bite them.
Lytle should keep Colorado set at QB for years to come - 247sports.com
Fans this year already have excitement for the future of the quarterback seeing Steven Montez operate, but 247 gives a little insight on an incoming quarterback to be excited about as well, Tyler Lytle.
Women Place Third, Men Six, At NCAA Championships - cubuffs.com
Only a year removed from their national championships, the women's and men's cross country teams placed third and sixth nationally for the Buffaloes.
Here's a good piece on the Buffaloes national prowess from SI.com. The Buffs keep winning, and it is really awesome as a fan for it to be recognized consistently by the major news outlets.
Colorado Buffaloes relish chance to achieve Pac-12 title dreams on their own terms - Denver Post
The Buffs will have a great chance to make it a storybook ending to an amazing year. I couldn't think of a better way to win the South than a "win and you're in" game. Folsom will be an incredible environment this weekend, and the players and fans will be as excited as ever.