Colorado Buffaloes Football: Run Defense Own Worst Enemy In Loss To Colorado State

The Colorado Buffaloes defense went completely flat in the second half of their home opening game against the Colorado State Rams, losing by a scored of 31-17. The Buffs struggled by giving up 24 unanswered points in the second half including rushing touchdowns by Colorado State running backs Dee Hart and Treyous Jarrells. The Rams take back the Centennial Cup trophy from Colorado, after winning it from the in-state rivalry last season.

The Buffs were picked apart by the Rams to the tune of 266 yards on the ground. If this game is any determination of how the season might go for Colorado, then it could be long and grueling for the Buffs. Colorado’s defense showed signs of the continuous struggle they have endured for ongoing years during the loss to the Rams and will be thrust among their Pac-12 schedule in just two short weeks. The Buffs chances toward a bowl game could mathematically be over if their defense continues to struggles throughout this season.

The Buffs offense and quarterback Sefo Liufau showed signs of progress from last season, the sophomore captain finished 24-39 in passing attempts for 241 yards, 2 touchdowns, no interceptions and was never sacked. Liufau shows more maturity this season under center and is quickly developing into a leader for the Buffs offense. Even though, there is still a significant amount of work yet to be done for Colorado.

Defensive captain linebacker Addison Gillam led the Buffs with 10 tackles, but it still wasn’t enough as the Rams hung a total of 400 yards in offense against Colorado. The Buffs hope get their defense on track next week, when Colorado will make the trip to Boston, Mass to take on the Massachusetts Minuteman at Gillette Stadium.

 

Jeff Hauser is a Pac-12 football contributing writer for www.RantSports.com and a member of the Football Writers Association of America. Follow him on Twitter @radiohauser.