Colorado fans have gone through a lot over the last 15+ years. From getting crushed by Fresno State in 2012, to the entire 2022 season. Unfortunately for them, CU’s performance against the Utes in Salt Lake City on Saturday night is another result to add to that list of nightmarish games.
The Buffs got absolutely demolished in all three phases of the game. They went down early against the Utes, never found their footing, and let the Utes completely embarrass them. Utah’s offense got essentially whatever
they wanted. Colorado’s offense couldn’t get started, and their defense couldn’t leave the field. It was a textbook example of an absolute butt-whooping, as CU’s hopes of a bowl birth now look bleak.
1st Half
The first half started about as poorly as you could draw it up. Colorado received the opening kick, and two snaps later Utah ripped a run right through the middle. True freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin, who was making the first start of his collegiate career, kept it and went 63 yards to the house completely untouched. The Buffs found themselves in an early hole, beaten the same way they have been all season: by a mobile quarterback.
Colorado’s offense started out slow and never found their footing. The first drive was a three-and-out. The defense got the ball back quickly by forcing a Utes three-and-out, but the next two Colorado possessions also ended in punts. The Utes would use their running game to punish the Buffs once again, as Wayshawn Parker ripped off a 58 yard rushing TD midway through the quarter. By the end of the first quarter, the Buffs had only eight total yards, while the Utes had gashed Colorado for 17 points and 203 total yards.
After three straight punts, Kaidon Salter threw an ugly interception on a ball intended for an open Micah Welch near the sideline, and the bottom really started to fall out. With Sanders benching Omarion Miller and Joseph Williams for the first half for undisclosed reasons, it was clear the timing and trust were not there between Salter and Colorado;s young receivers. Salter was flagged for multiple intentional grounding calls, and Utah’s defensive coordinator kept him off balance with simulated pressures mixed with real heat for the entire first half. Colorado had no answer in protection or in the quick game for the Utes’ persistent pass rush.
Utah’s offense had no such trouble. In fact, their offense was moving so effortlessly that they made the Buffs look like an FCS team. The Utes used the same formula that has hurt Colorado all year: designed quarterback runs and a relentless rushing attack. By halftime Ficklin had 16 carries for 151 rushing yards, most of which came from zone read and quarterback keepers. CU’s insistence of giving the ball to Utah in short field situations only made things worse. Repeated three-and-outs by the Buffs handed the Utes plus territory, and Utah cashed in over and over.
The stat line at the break tells the story. Utah piled up nearly 400 yards and 43 points. Colorado’s offense never settled, with Salter clearly frustrated, receivers covered, and the run game stuck in neutral. The Buffs finished the half with -18 total yards, only three first downs, five sacks allowed, and zero points.
Score at Half
Colorado 0
Utah 43
2nd Half
Absolutely nothing would change in the second half, at least offensively. The Buffs continued to struggle immensely and would not make a change at quarterback until a few minutes into the fourth quarter, where they would eventually get Ryan Staub some reps. Sanders eventually allowed Omarion Miller to finally get some reps, but down 43 points, it was far too late. On the day, the Buffs were held to just 140 total yards, would go two for 15 on third down, and would be held to just seven total points. Simply a disastrous day for the Buffs offense.
Defensively, the Buffs would show improvement in the second half, and Robert Livingston would have his defense playing more aggressively despite the insurmountable deficit. When it was all said and done, the Buffs allowed 10 second half points, but would allow a staggering and unacceptable 422 rushing yards, 587 total yards, and 53 total points on the day. Every week, the Buffs seem to be searching for an answer in the run game to no avail. Sanders couldn’t hold his frustration towards defensive coordinator Robert Livingston back on the sideline, and it’s somewhat understandable given how long this has now been an issue for the Buffs.
Final Score
Colorado 7
Utah 53
Outlook
This loss was nothing short of devastating and could shake things up in Boulder. Could this be the final straw that could cause significant change? Only time will tell how Deion will handle the biggest loss in his coaching tenure at Colorado.
Going forward, the Buffs will need to win three of their last four games to be bowl eligible. While their schedule isn’t particularly tough, CU’s performance tonight doesn’t inspire any confidence that they can pull it off. The Buffs will be back in action next Saturday at home against an Arizona team that looks improved from last year, but sits at just 1-3 in the conference. This should be a close game and Colorado will need a win desperately.
