If first impressions are everything, needless to say, the Buffs got off at best to a very shaky start. Jon Embree made his head-coaching debut for the Colorado Buffaloes (0-1) as they faced Hawaii (1-0) in front of a primetime national audience. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the debut everyone had hoped for.
As the game began, both teams showed signs of rust, each playing sloppy on both sides of the ball. Hawaii was the first to strike with a field goal 10 minutes into the game, giving them a small lead.
In the days leading up, many people wondered whether or not the Buffs young secondary would be able to handle Hawaii’s superstar quarterback Bryant Moniz, who led the nation in passing yards last year. Not only would he hurt Colorado via the air, but also would burn the Buffaloes for two rushing touchdowns in the second quarter.
CU was unable to put up any points entering halftime. It appeared as if the Buffaloes had been unable to shake the ghost of seasons past.
Colorado began to show signs of life in the third quarter as senior quarterback and team captain Tyler Hansen completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to sophomore Paul Richardson 12 minutes into the half. However, Hawaii halted any momentum the Buffs may have gained, scoring another again with a third rushing touchdown from Bryant Moniz, a career high.
Down 24-7 towards the end of the third quater, Hansen completed another touchdown pass to Richardson, this one going for 21-yards. A field goal at the start of the fourth quarter pulled Colorado within seven of Hawaii, making the score 24-17.
With 6 minutes left in the game, Hawaii put the final nail in the coffin of the Buff’s comeback hopes. Moniz threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Joey Iosefa. Kicker Tyler Hadden drilled a 22-yard kick in to seal the victory and give Hawaii a 34-17 win over the Buffaloes.
Colorado finished with 240 total yards. Hawaii was able to limit CU’s rushing game, allowing 28 rushing attempts for 17 yards. The loss continues a streak of 18 straight road games without a victory.
The Buffaloes will face the California Golden Bears Saturday, September, 10 at 1:30 p.m. at Folsom Field.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Shay Knolle at shay.knolle@colorado.edu.