The final score doesn't show how lopsided Colorado's game against Arizona State was. ASU dominated the Buffaloes, taking the lead on their first possession and never relinquishing it.
But the Sun Devils' second-half mistakes, particularly their poor tackling and untimely penalties, gave Colorado the chance to get back into this game. They capitalized with a touchdown to make it a 10-point game in the fourth quarter, but failed to convert on a fourth-and-15 on their final drive.
Here is everything we learned from Colorado's loss to Arizona State.
Colorado's run game cannot be consistent in Big 12 play
The Buffaloes finally got a win in the Big 12 last week against Kansas State. However, everything that worked last week didn't work this week. Colorado won by running the ball, primarily with Richard Young.
Young had most of the carries, but managed only 47 yards and 3.1 yards per carry. They also never had a run of 10 yards or more. Their 52 rushing yards were also a season low. The Go-Go offense relies on the run, and like others in the Big 12, Colorado couldn't run the ball in this game.
Deion Sanders' job is no longer safe
After last week's win, head coach Deion Sanders' job was temporarily safe. However, this loss was an embarrassing blunder of poor playcalling and other coaching mistakes. Perhaps the worst decision, and one that reflects squarely on Sanders, was the final drive before the end of the half. The drive started with 52 seconds, and Colorado had two timeouts. Sanders elected not to use either timeout despite running the ball twice. They are not playing winning football, and he is not coaching winning football, so it may be time for the Buffaloes to find a new coach.
Gideon Lampron is officially an NFL prospect
Coming into this game against Arizona State, Lampron was leading the Big 12 in tackles (43) and tackles for loss (12.5). He added a team-leading 18 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss to his season totals. Lampron also had two sacks for the second game in a row. As a senior who has performed so well, Lampron will likely enter the NFL draft after this season. He has one year of eligibility left if he decides to return. But it would not be surprising to see him go to the NFL.
The Buffaloes should enjoy Joseph Williams while they have him
This is probably going to be Joseph Williams' last season with Colorado. He started his career with Tulsa before transferring to Colorado for the 2025 season. But he continues to put up elite numbers every week with seven receptions for 121 yards and Colorado's only touchdown of the game. It would be a shock if Williams did not enter the transfer portal and go to a competitive team next season. It is a shame for Colorado, but that is the reality of where this program is right now.
A bowl game feels out of reach
After this loss, Colorado has three games left. Statistically, they can still make a bowl game if they win out. However, their remaining games are against Houston, Cincinnati, and UCF, all of which have winning records. Realistically, the Buffaloes have no chance of winning all three. Colorado will miss out on a bowl game for the second straight season.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Takeaways from Colorado's uninspired loss to Arizona State
