The quarterback change did not change how the offense performed. After scoring a touchdown on the opening drive, the Colorado Buffaloes never scored again, missed two field-goal attempts, and lost the game to Texas Tech.
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of this game is that Colorado was actually within striking distance after three quarters. They were down by only five points despite the dismal offensive performance. However, the train went off the tracks in the fourth quarter, and Texas Tech won the game 29-7.
Here is the report card from the Buffaloes' second Big 12 loss of the season:
Quarterback
Grade: F
This was Isaac Wilson's first start for Colorado, and it went terribly. The offense managed only seven points, and that came on the opening drive.
He threw three interceptions, and his decision-making was awful, particularly in the second half. The quarterback position is the greatest liability on this offense right now, and that is highly problematic given it is the one position a football team needs to get right to succeed. It looks like it might be time for another quarterback change after this game, perhaps going back to Julian Lewis or giving true freshman Kaneal Sweetwyne a try.
Running Backs
Grade: F
Texas Tech has a stellar run defense, but the Buffaloes should have done more on the ground. Wilson actually finished as the leading rusher with 42 yards. Among the running backs, Damian Henderson II had the most rushing yards with 19, most of which came on one play. No offense can survive when their top back has less than 20 yards, but an offense that relies so much on the running backs with their Go-Go offense really does not stand a chance.
Receivers and Tight Ends
Grade: B-
This is similar to last week. The pass catchers were not the problem in this game, and Joseph Williams had another good day with 10 receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown. However, Williams should probably stick to receiver rather than quarterback, since he also threw an interception.
Colorado's biggest problem at wide receiver and tight end is that Williams is carrying the room. He is the only receiver who had at least five receptions. No one else had over 45 receiving yards. The Buffs would do well to try and get more weapons involved.
Offensive Line
Grade: C
When the team has 78 rushing yards and more than half comes from a quarterback scrambling out of pressure, that's an offensive line problem. The run game has declined significantly over the last two weeks, and that correlates with a worsening line performance. However, they deserve some credit for only allowing one sack in this game after the Red Raiders defense had 10 sacks in the first four games.
Defense
Grade: A
I cannot give them an A+ because they missed some tackles and broke in late in the fourth quarter. But the defense played like a winning unit. They held Texas Tech to just three points in the first half and 12 points in the first three quarters. The only reason the Red Raiders ended up with 29 points was that the defense was constantly asked to stop Texas Tech's offense on short fields because the Colorado offense did nothing. The Buffaloes' defense also made two fourth down stops that were crucial in keeping Colorado in the game longer than they should have, given how the offense played.
Special Teams
Damon Greaves: A
Everyone else: F
Colorado never had a kick or punt return, but that is part of the problem after Boo Carter called for a catch around the 15-yard line but failed to haul it in, allowing it to be downed at the two-yard line. On the ensuing play, Wilson threw a pick-six. If that does not encapsulate a special teams problem, I don't know what does.
Elliott Arnold made his only extra point attempt but missed both field goals, including a 29-yarder. At least the Buffaloes have a good punter in Damon Greaves, who averaged 45.7 yards, and his longest punt was 54 yards. His shortest punt of the night, 32 yards, pinned Texas Tech at their own 12-yard line.
The biggest issue on special teams was the coaching, including the unquestionable bad fake punt call on fourth and seven and the inability to get the correct number of players on the field multiple times. Not to mention
Coaching
Grade: C-
My biggest complaint about the coaching is the offensive coordinator, Brennan Marion. The Go-Go offense was supposed to be such a good thing. But it is simply not translating to Power Four football right now. It worked in pieces during their first two games against Georgia Tech and Weber State. However, as evidenced by Colorado's losses to Northwestern, Baylor and Texas Tech, it is not sustainable.
Beyond the offense, the special teams concerns and the repetitive way the losses unfolded ultimately fall on the head coach. Chris Marve and his defensive game plan dramatically boost the overall grade.
Overall
Grade: C-
This was a tale of two sides of the ball. The defense played well enough to win, but the offense couldn't do much. Colorado's quarterback situation is partly to blame. However, the offensive playcalling is not helping much. They need to figure things out on offense if they want to compete in the future.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football report card after 22-point loss to Texas Tech
