Week 12 CU vs. OSU

Saturday night two Big XII teams going in opposite directions met on the grid iron for what some (including me) thought would be a close battle. I was wrong. This was an impressive showing by the Cowboys of Oklahoma State. OSU came into the contest ranked 11th in the nation and ready for the prime time ABC game.

It was a cold November night in Boulder Colorado and the Buffs offense and special teams started the game much like the weather, COLD. The CU offense could only muster an measly 3 points in the first half coming off of the first successful field goal attempt for the Aric Goodman since week 3 with 3:12 left in the half after missing a 50 yard attempt that hit the left upright. Aric has missed 8 in a row since he booted the winning score in overtime vs. West Virgina in which he "earned" a scholarship. In an attempt to find an answer in the kicking game the CU coaches held unsuccessful field goal tryouts for students on Monday and Tuesday with no success. A similar approach was successful for Mike Leach and the #2 Texas Tech Red Raiders who were also having field goal problems.

The defense was the lone bright spot in the first half of the contest managing to hold the potent, pass happy offense led by former Colorado prep star Zac Robinson. OSU had drives of 43 yards (following a fumble by Cody Crawford) and 72 yards both only resulting in field goals thanks to the stout Buff defense. But the defense was not perfect all game. Like most games this season the Buff D managed to forget how to be competitive for at least one quarter of the game. OSU drove 80 yards on each possession of the 3rd quarter each resulting in a touchdown.

CU continues to have issues with injury on both sides of the ball. On the first defense series senior defensive captain Ryan Walters had to be helped off the field after spraining his ankle and knee on the same play. Senior DJ Dikes did not dress for his last performance in Folsom due to health issues/illness.

Darrell Scott was held out of the contest after re-aggravating his ankle injury last week against Iowa State. Scott seems to be having many issues with injuries this year and has been unable to compete and push through the minor nicks of the college football game. Some think that he is having problems adjusting to the college game from the high school level where he dominated. Only time will tell if the highly touted tailback is able to live up to Buff expectations.

CU's Shawn Molar had the lone interception in the game at the start of the fourth quarter that set up a short field and allowed running back Sumler to score on a 3 yard scamper.

The Buffs lose again and fall to 5-6 on the season and are in danger of missing a bowl game in Dan Hawkins third year as Colorado head coach.

Attendance was a lackluster 46,092

Next up Nebraska.

This week look forward to an indepth look at the Buffs this season and where they are headed in the future.