Game headlines
CU Buffs have long way to go to match Oregon, USC up front. And Deion Sanders knows it.
Kiszla: After 42-6 beatdown by Oregon, Deion Sanders declares: “You better get me now.”
Keeler: Deion Sanders, CU Buffs are “fighting for clicks?” Dan Lanning, Oregon weren’t just the better team Saturday. They were the bigger hypocrites.
CU Buffs vs. Oregon quick hits: Coach Prime gets humbling many thought — and some hoped — they’d see three weeks ago at TCU
PHOTOS: CU Buffs handed 42-6 defeat by Oregon Ducks
FINAL: Ducks 42, Buffs 6
Say goodbye to the Heisman hype. Time to shutter those Rose Bowl dreams.
Reality hit the CU Buffs on Saturday afternoon in a 42-6 loss to the Oregon Ducks. And it hit HARD.
The Buffs still have a ways to go before they enter the same stratosphere as college football’s elite. That Coach Prime couldn’t get them there by Week 4 of his first season in Boulder is hardly an indictment. It’s simply the reality of the sport. It takes more than one offseason to build the sort of quality depth needed to win in a place like Autzen Stadium. Maybe even more than two.
CU has work to do up front. If that wasn’t apparent after last Saturday night’s Rocky Mountain Showdown, it’s painfully obvious now — especially for quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
USC and Big Noon Kickoff await next Saturday in Boulder. We’ll learn a lot about this program and this coach by how they respond over the next seven days.
FOURTH QUARTER
(4:42 p.m.): Credit the Buffs: They will not go home without some points. A solid drive from Shedeur Sanders ends with him finding tight end Michael Harrison in the end zone. It’s now 42-6 Oregon with 2:51 to go. — Matt Schubert
So much for winning the second half. — Sean Keeler
(4:28 p.m.): Is there any way we can speed up this clock? The Buffs desperately need to avoid injuries ahead of next weekend’s game against USC. — Matt Schubert
THIRD QUARTER THOUGHTS
Matt Schubert, sports editor: Is there a way Fox can rescind next week’s Big Noon Kickoff return to Boulder? After what’s transpired over the past three quarters, there’s a TV executive somewhere combing through contracts.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: What sound does a hype train make when it hits a wall at about 150 mph? The Oregon students are living Mardi Gras several months early. Their latest chant, during CU’s last offensive possession: “Daddy’s boy! Daddy’s boy.”
(4:04 p.m.): Oregon going for it on fourth-and-goal up 42 points?!?!? Karma delivers the outcome the Ducks deserved, Incomplete and it’s the Buffs’ ball. — Matt Schubert
Aren’t we getting close to the “Let’s rest Shedeur for next week” phase? At least Prime is going back on the ground. Tick, tick, tick. — Sean Keeler
(3:51 p.m.): Hang on. McCaskill IV suited up, didn’t he? I can’t recall a snap for the highly-touted Houston transfer. And it doesn’t matter at all, now. “Hollywood” Lanning 42, Coach Prime 0. Yikes. — Sean Keeler
ANOTHER sack for the Oregon defense. That’s now six for the Ducks. At this point, they can name their score. — Matt Schubert
(3:51 p.m.): Dan Lanning said the Ducks weren’t satisfied up 35-0 going into halftime. Clearly, he wasn’t lying. It’s now 42-0 with nine minutes left in the third quarter. The Buffs’ balloon has burst. — Matt Schubert
Hang on. McCaskill IV suited up, didn’t he? I can’t recall a snap for the highly-touted Houston transfer. And it doesn’t matter at all, now. “Hollywood” Lanning 42, Coach Prime 0. Yikes. — Sean Keeler
(3:45 p.m.): Would Travis Hunter have helped make this one less unsightly? Yeah. But unless he gained 180 pounds and could play in the trenches, he was never gonna change the outcome. No way. — Sean Keeler
(3:40 p.m.): Another poorly timed penalty stops the Buffs in their tracks. This is about to get ugly. Like, really ugly. — Matt Schubert
(3:36 p.m.): At this point, the Buffs are playing for pride. And trying to avoid total embarrassment. Avoiding a shutout sure would help. Shedeur Sanders has CU driving. — Matt Schubert
SECOND QUARTER THOUGHTS
Matt Schubert, sports editor: It’s 35-0 Oregon at the half, and even the most pessimistic of CU fans probably didn’t see this coming. Oregon is the real deal, folks. This is what a national title contender looks like. Deep, talented and physical up front. Obviously, the Buffs still have a ways to go to get there.”I hope all those people that have been watching every week are still watching this week,” Dan Lanning says before heading into the locker room.Yikes.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: First time the Buffs have trailed by 35 or more at the break since … the Utah finale last season, right before Coach Prime showed up. Remember when we said 5-7 or 6-6 is still “Coach of the Year” territory? Yeah, this was why. The top of the Pac-12 is for real this year, and just before they break up the band. CU logged 195 yards at the half in Autzen last year. They have 21 today. Mercy.
Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: The Buffs are a 3-9 team with Shedeur Sanders attached.
(3:09 p.m.): The Box Nix Heisman Trophy campaign is alive and well. But barring an unprecedented comeback, this is probably the end of Shedeur Sanders’ hopes of being in Manhattan in December. You just cannot have a dud like this, even if it isn’t his fault (at all). — Matt Schubert
(3:06 p.m.): No Travis Hunter is really showing up with the way Troy Franklin is tearing apart this CU secondary. They have nobody to hold him down. — Matt Schubert
(3:04 p.m.): Shedeur Sanders sacked for the fourth time this game. This is why high school recruiting matters, folks. The Ducks have just too much talent, and depth, for the Buffs right now. Especially up front. If the Ducks score here, might I suggest a lot of run plays in the second half for CU? You cannot risk Shedeur getting hurt. — Matt Schubert
Four sacks by Oregon so far, and that feels low. Actually, it feels more like eight. — Sean Keeler
(3:00 p.m.): Oregon student section, right now, pointing at CU bench: “Over-rated! Over-rated!” (They won’t be if this thing stays ugly. Rated, I mean.) — Sean Keeler
Miscommunication in the secondary and Troy Franklin waltzes in for a long touchdown. He’s got six receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Not sure how you don’t lock in on that guy. Oregon 28, CU 0 with 2:52 left in the second quarter. — Matt Schubert
(2:57 p.m.): Sobering note for Buffs fans: The USC offense is even better than this.The Buffs have some serious things to figure out between now and next weekend in Boulder. — Matt Schubert
(2:49 p.m.): Make that ANOTHER sack for the Ducks. The offensive line that looked leaky last week against CSU is now taking on serious water in Oregon. A third-and-33 provides CU’s third designed run play of the game. Yes, the third run of the game with 5:30 left in the second quarter. — Matt Schubert
The Buffs look like they’ve got Pac-12 speed with a MAC offensive line and defensive line right now. The Ducks are Pac-12 EVERYWHERE. That’s the difference. Mostly. — Sean Keeler
(2:47 p.m.): Michael Harrison shows up on third down. Shedeur Sanders is sacked on the very next play. One step forward, two steps back. — Matt Schubert
For the Ducks, that first pick of the season felt …personal. — Sean Keeler
(2:46 p.m.): Robinson with the pick, and fire up the Turnover Throne! First Nix interception of the season. Buffs need about … three more. — Sean Keeler
Finally, a spark for the Buffs. The defense’s 11th takeaway of the season. Time for CU to capitalize and put some pressure on Oregon. — Matt Schubert
(2:43 p.m.): More Lanning: “This game ain’t gonna be played in Hollywood, it’s gonna be played on the grass.” Right at Michael Strahan and the SMAC folks who are running CU football right now. Ouch. — Sean Keeler
(2:39 p.m.): More locals: Creek’s Blake Purchase with the pressure, and the Buffs will … punt. We think. — Sean Keeler
Oh boy, the pregame video of Oregon coach Dan Lanning was something. These guys were MOTIVATED for this game. And it’s showing up on the field.”Rooted in substance.” “They’re fighting for clicks, we’re fighting for wins.”Lanning said the things aloud pregame that he refused to say Monday-Friday. — Matt Schubert
(2:34): The Ducks are getting clinical now. That’s 13 plays for 89 yards, with a play-action Bo Nix to Troy Franklin touchdown pass to cap it off. If you had the Ducks to cover, you’re feeling really, really good right now. — Matt Schubert
The hosts march 89 yards on 11 plays, there’s a fake punt that fools everybody, a third-and-long converted … and it’s Duckies 21, Buffs 0 with 9:39 ’til halftime. Drive home safe, everybody. — Sean Keeler
(2:32 p.m.): The Buffs pass rush shows up, with Jordan Domineck getting home. And it’s immediately negated by another chunk run from the Ducks. The holes are getting bigger and bigger. — Matt Schubert
Jordan Domineck with great pursuit for an 11-yard sack on first down … followed by an Irving run of 25, right up the gut. Mercy. — Sean Keeler
(2:30 p.m.): Casey Rogers, at 305 pounds, has almost as many yards from scrimmage in this game (18) as Shedeur Sanders (20). And he’s a Nebraska transfer, too. Because OF COURSE he is. — Sean Keeler
(2:29 p.m.): The pursuit is there for the Buffs. They just need to wrap up. Tackling has been bad, bad, bad. — Matt Schubert
(2:27 p.m.): And they don’t even use him. Nobody saw that fake coming. — Matt Schubert
FAAAAAAKE! Sean Payton is taking furious notes right now. Accent on the furious. — Sean Keeler
(2:26 p.m.): Oregon has a punter? And he got work before the Buffs SCORED in this game? — Sean Keeler
FIRST QUARTER THOUGHTS
Matt Schubert, sports editor: The Ducks are absolutely dominating the line of scrimmage — as many expected. If the Buffs are going to make this interesting, Shedeur Sanders is going to have to play the game of his life — again.
Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: Down 13-0, Buffs not out of this one yet. But they’re not in Boulder playing the CSU Rammies anymore, Toto.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist: Oregon rush yards after 15 minutes: 57. CU rush yards: 1. Oregon first downs: 9. CU first downs: 2. The Turnover Throne on the Buffs sideline looks very, very, very lonely right now.
(2:19 p.m.): Don’t know what the Buffs are punting here. You have to capitalize on these incursions into Oregon territory. Fourth-and-8 on the Ducks’ side of the field? You have to be aggressive there. — Matt Schubert
(2:18 p.m.): Shedeur may own third down, but he had TWO dudes open on second down. And missed ’em both. — Sean Keeler
(2:16 p.m.): Shedeur Sanders is a magician on third downs. The Buffs are in business after converting on third-and-5, with a roughing flag tacked on. — Matt Schubert
(2:14 p.m.): Not to state the obvious, but the Buffs need points here. — Matt Schubert
(2:11 p.m.): The “Spite Two” fails by the Quack Attack, so the Buffs got dat goin’ for ’em. Alas, it’s also Oregon 13, CU 0, some 13 minutes in. — Sean Keeler
Bo Nix with the kind of play that only Bo Nix can pull off: A long shovel pass to the tight end for a 1-yard touchdown. The one consolation: the Buffs at least make the stop on them two-point conversion. Small victory, but this is all Oregon right now. 13-0 with 2:13 left in the first quarter. — Matt Schubert
(2:09 p.m.): You KINDA get a stop on third down to set up a FG, and the zebras call unnecessary roughness. Oregon doesn’t need the help, guys. — Sean Keeler
Make that two penalties on the Buffs inside their own 10-yard line. These are the mistakes that cannot happen. — Matt Schubert
(2:07 p.m.): Oh man, that run from Irving is … problematic. That was stopped for a loss. Instead, it’s second and 3 inside the CU 10. — MS
BIG stop for the CU defense inside its own 10-yard line … negated by a personal foul. Disaster thus far at Autzen.
(2:06 p.m.): The CU defense was there to make a stop, but can’t on fourth-and-2 on a quick screen. Gotta make those plays today. — Matt Schubert
Run for 7, screen for 3. Run for 7, screen for 3. Rinse. Repeat. USC’s gonna love this film. Love it. — Sean Keeler
(2:03 p.m.): Oregon’s averaging 7.8 yards per rush. If you’re Prime, that’s bad, right? Not ideal. — Sean Keeler
Nothing but chunk yardage for the Ducks right now. This is an offensive line stacked with four- and five-star talent, and it’s showing right now. — Matt Schubert
(1:59 p.m.): 28-yard punt. At Oregon. Who’s mincing your D like a Ginsu knife. Ducks take over at the CU 47 and oh, doctor. — Sean Keeler
(1:58 p.m.) Much, much, much, MUCCCCCCH faster than CSU. Much. — Sean Keeler
Three plays, minus one yard gained. The Buffs do not hold serve on their first possession of the game. Not an ideal start at Autzen. — Matt Schubert
(1:53 p.m.): Ten plays, 72 yards, 7-0 Quack Attack. Buckle up, kids. We did mention to take the over, right? — Sean Keeler
Way too easy for the Ducks on their opening drive of the game. They got that No. 11 next to their name for a reason. It’s Oregon 7, CU 0 after on possession. Shedeur Sanders and the Buffs offense better’ve brought their track shoes. — Matt Schubert
(1:51 p.m.): The Ducks snap it quick, but the Buff pressure’s been non-existent this drive. Not. Good. — Sean Keeler
(1:50 p.m.): After chasing Nix out of the pocket, the Buffs give up chunks of 14, 18, 12, boom, boom, boom. America’s Team just ran into an offense that’s much, much faster than CSU’s, kids. — Sean Keeler
Yes, that’s Heritage High grad Terrance Ferguson who had a big gain taken away. One of many in-state studs who’ve left Colorado in recent years. Maybe Coach Prime can hold on to those guys? — Matt Schubert
(1:48 p.m.): Can the Buffs deal with Oregon’s ground game? The early returns do not look promising. This Ducks offense is unlike anything this group has encountered so far this season. Bo Nix is in rhythm and the Ducks are on the move. — Matt Schubert
Game predictions
Matt Schubert, sports editor: This will be the most intimidating road atmosphere the Buffs play in all season. Come out with a W today, and the possibilities really begin to open up for CU. Lose, and there’s still plenty to play for. Not a lot of folks have this in the win column for Colorado.
Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: First team to 50 wins.
Pre-game updates
Both teams looking sharp for this one, I might add. The all-whites for the Buffs are keepers. Fantastic look. — Matt Schubert
Buffs need this game to be all about Alton McCaskill — Mark Kiszla
The Oregon Duck is leading the hosts out in shades and a white hat. Oh, it’s ON. — Sean Keeler
Noles win, Noles win! With the school Coach Prime USED to claim as his own finishing things off vs. Clemson, CU-Oregon is up … next. — Sean Keeler
No Hunter (obv.), Stoutmire, Slusher today. But center Van Wells has suited up. And for a CU offense that’s struggled to run the ball, it’s likely that big Houston transfer back Alton McCaskill makes his Buffs/Pac-12 debut today. — Sean Keeler
Buffs have star power that glows brighter than neon unis worn by Oregon. But is CU tough enough in trenches to give the Ducks a fight? — Mark Kiszla
Howdy from Autzen, where we’re delayed because of FSU-Clemson … 17 minutes ’til kick. 1:45 Denver time, approx. — Sean Keeler
For the third time in four weeks, the Buffs are playing in a game with a point spread that exceeds 20 points either way.In Week 1, it was the Buffs who were 20.5-point underdogs at TCU. Last week, the Buffs were 23.5-point favorites against CSU. What do those two games have in common? Neither favorite covered. Not even close.So what can we expect this afternoon in Euguene, with the Buffs now 21-point dogs? Given how far the spread moved after opening up at 17, it’s safe to say the betting public expects a blowout. But as the Buffs rarely deliver the expected under Coach Prime. With two-way star Travis Hunter unavailable, the Buffs are lacking star power. They also have nothing to lose.Translation: Get ready for another fascinating three hours of college football from CU. One thing we know for certain: The rest of the nation will be watching. — Matt Schubert
CU Buffs vs. Nebraska: Must reads
EUGENE, Ore. — If a cat’s got nine lives, Shedeur Sanders, charming and charmed, has at least 18 to spare. Good thing, given that the Pac-12’s collecting with interest this fall.
“If he’s going to continue to play at a high level, one of the things he needs to do, and he started to do it against CSU, is taking off and running,” Jesse Palmer, the former Florida QB and current ESPN analyst, told me over the phone a few days back.
“He’s not the most dynamic runner at the quarterback position in the country. But if you can get four or five yards, limit the distance on third down, protect yourself and get out of bounds, I think that’ll be a key thing for (the Oregon) game Saturday and that’s a big key for him this season.” Read more…
No. 19 CU Buffs strive to be better as Pac-12 play begins
On one hand, Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders was impressed with the resiliency displayed by his team in last Saturday’s 43-35 double-overtime victory against Colorado State.
On the other hand, he doesn’t want them needing to use that resilience very often.
“Wonderful win,” Sanders said this week. “We didn’t attain it the way we desired, but a win is a win. You’re going to have those type of games, those type of contests throughout the season. The best thing to do is to be resilient when you’re not playing your best; to be resilient when your opponents are playing their butts off; and you’re able to come back and win the football game in the manner that we did. So we’re thankful, we’re appreciative. But now it’s on to the next chapter.” Read more…
CU Buffs to return to Big Noon for showdown with USC Trojans
Colorado will appear in Fox’s “Big Noon Saturday” slot Sept. 30 against USC, the school announced Monday.
The contest will be the fifth straight Buffs game to air on national television and the third on “Big Noon Saturday” this season. That means another 10 a.m. kick when No. 19 CU (3-0) hosts No. 5 USC (3-0). Read more…
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