Tyler Hansen gets sacked during the first half the Oct. 22 drubbing by Oregon. The Buffs fell to the UCLA Bruins 45-6 Saturday. (CU Independent File/James Bradbury)

CU falls to 2-10 overall on the season and 1-7 in the Pac-12.

Even with the return of some defensive starters, Colorado’s secondary was unable stop the Bruin’s attack. UCLA scored three touchdowns in the first and fourth quarters as they rolled over CU’s defense.

Bruins quarterback Kevin Prince threw for 225 yards and four touchdowns. Tailback Johnathan Franklin added to the mix as he rushed for 162 yards and a touchdown.

The offensive strength the Buffs had against Arizona was absent against UCLA. Colorado was held to only one touchdown on the day, which came off a pass to Toney Clemons in the second quarter.

Colorado quarterback Tyler Hansen struggled, throwing 16 of 31 for 127 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions.

Rodney Stewart didn’t fare well either as the Bruins kept him contained all night. Speedy was unable to get anything done on the ground as he rushed for 77 yards on 21 carries.

The Buffs will face Utah in their final game of the season at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 25.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Shay Knolle at shay.knolle@colorado.edu.          

Tyler Hansen runs up the field in Saturday's win over Arizona. The Buffs are looking to win again against UCLA. (CU Independent/Nate Bruzdzinski)

Starting quarterback Tyler Hansen recognizes the importance of a win, especially since the team has fallen upon hard times in recent years.

“We haven’t had a lot of wins,” Hansen said. “After a win, you stay confident and play with that confidence. Use that confidence. It’s a lot of the same mentality. We played real well and we need to use that to our advantage and build off that.”

This Saturday, the Buffs (2-9, 1-6) hope to come away with another win against the UCLA Bruins (5-5, 4-3), who will be looking for redemption after a 31-6 loss against Utah. For the CU players–seniors especially–securing another win will help lessen the hardship they’ve faced this season.

Head coach Jon Embree, whose son is Bruins wide receiver Taylor Embree, has no second thoughts predicting a win against UCLA this weekend.

“Our guys expect to win and they expect to win every week,” said Embree about his team’s expectations. “I don’t get caught up in that…We think we are going to win this week, we thought we are going to win last week and think we are going to win in the future. It has to be a mindset that you think you are going to win every time you are out there.”

It’s not hard for the team to imagine that they can snag a win from the Bruins. With Rodney Stewart’s improvements and several players returning to the defense, the Buffs are well-equipped to achieve another victory.

That is, if they can get their communication issues resolved.

“We struggle on defense a lot of times because of people not communicating, not knowing what the play is, or not knowing where to fit at because they don’t know the play,” defensive back Travis Sandersfeld said. “Just being able to communicate out there, just hearing all guys talk, knowing what’s going on…just anticipating what the next play will be.”

Embree agreed, and said that the team is improving in this area.

“Those pieces are coming together,” Embree said. “[Communication] is significantly better now that those guys [on defense] are back.”

For the defense, better communications means they’ll be better off against a strong run game and consistent play from UCLA’s quarterback and receiving corps.

This week’s game is more than just about winning. For many of the players, this will be their first and last chance to play at the historic Rose Bowl stadium. Embree hopes that someday, the Buffs will be able to play in the actual Rose Bowl game.

“The history of it, there is just not a better bowl out there and I haven’t had the chance to be a part of it, but I’m telling you, when we get that opportunity… I can’t wait,” said Embree.

The Buffs will face the UCLA Bruins Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Shay Knolle at shay.knolle@colorado.edu

Quotes courtesy CUBuffs.com.

Rodney Stewart gains a few yards late in the 4th quarter Friday night at Folsom Field when Colorado lost to USC 42-17. The Arizona Wildcats will visit Boulder this Saturday in the Buff's last home game of the season. (CU Independent/Andrew Kaczmarek)

After a losing streak against some of the best the FBS has to offer, Colorado will be getting a breather against Arizona (2-7, 1-6) who, like CU, has also been struggling in the win department.

Despite Arizona’s record, CU defensive back Travis Sandersfeld isn’t taking the Buffs’ opposition lightly.

“They got two premier receivers out there,” Sandersfeld said. “Great guys, probably going to the NFL I’m guessing, great quarterback. He’s an athlete out there. It’s going to be another week in the Pac-12. It’s going to be hard and it comes down to who’s the best team on that day and who makes the least mistakes.”

The Buffaloes will be taking on Arizona quarterback Nick Foles. Foles has 3260 yards this season with 22 touchdowns. Colorado head coach Jon Embree said he feels that he’s one of the best they’ve faced this year.

“Nick, one thing that jumps out to me is how accurate he is throwing the deep ball,” Embree said. “He throws the deep ball really well. He is a big kid. I’ve heard stuff about him. Brownie (defensive coordinator Greg Brown) and Tui (defensive line coach Mike Tuiasosopo) have validated a lot of stuff.”

Luckily for CU, a few previously injured players may be returning to a defense that’s been weakened this season as a result.

“It’s good to have them back,” Sandersfeld said of his previously injured teammates. “They fought hard when they were not out there with us. They’re on their way back to help us out.”

The Colorado offense may have a chance to return to form.

With both Paul Richardson and Rodney Stewart back, the Buffs offense hopes that the two can get everything going against Arizona.

Even with two strong players back in the lineup, wide receiver Toney Clemons knows going up against Arizona’s defense will be no easy feat.

“Pac-12 defense: fast, athletic, physical, sound,” Clemons said. “They’re going to come to play. They’re on scholarships too. They earn their scholarships every week. We’ve got to come prepared. I haven’t seen them make too many mistakes, especially in the back half. They’re real energetic—they play with a lot of passion, energy and confidence. They’re the prototypical Pac-12 defense.”

The Buffs hope to be prepared in order to secure their first win in the Pac-12. CU faces the Arizona Wildcats at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Shay Knolle at shay.knolle@colorado.edu.

Reflecting on his first season at Colorado, Boyle discussed what it will take to continue to build on the success of last year, and how to fill in the scoring voids left behind by Cory Higgins and Alec Burks.

In his first year at CU, Boyle led the Buffs to one of their best seasons in the past 10 years, with a 24-14 record.

Boyle and the Buffs’ postseason aspirations were cut short when the NCAA decision committee did not offer Colorado a chance to play in the 2011 NCAA tournament. Boyle’s team did get invited to play in the National Invitational Tournament, where they fell short in the semifinals, 61-62 against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

(CU Independent illustration/Josh Shettler)

With the success of last year behind him, Boyle said he feels he’s more prepared to take on the upcoming season.

“I feel a lot more comfortable today than I did last year sitting in this chair, having one year under our belt as a coaching staff, having some veterans coming back into our program who know what to expect,” Boyle said. “It makes you feel a lot more comfortable as a coach.”

“You cannot put a price on that feeling, I remember sitting here a year ago and not knowing so many things, I didn’t know the team, the personalities,” he said. “You never know what is ahead but at least with this year’s team I know the guys coming back this year experienced what we experienced together and can move forward. It makes a world of a difference.”

One player who will be returning for his second year is sophomore guard André Roberson. Roberson made a name for himself with his defensive play and aggressiveness on the boards. He led the team in rebounds last year averaging 7.8 rebounds per game.

Losing Higgins and Burks means a large chunk of the Buff’s offense left with them. One of Boyle’s key points was to have Roberson step up his scoring production to fill in the gaps. Boyle believes that Roberson’s year on the court with Higgins and Burks gave him a chance to study their game and improve his own.

“Playing a year with (Alec) Burks and (Cory) Higgins, he has watched them and learned from them,” Boyle said. “André is a smart guy, he should evolve well in practice and he is a special player.”

Roberson also expects big things for himself in this coming season.

“I expect myself to step up in everything … Rebounds, everything,” Roberson said. “We will see how it goes … Scoring, definitely. That’s what Coach Boyle and other coaches wanted to talk to me about. They want me to step up a lot this year.”

Roberson won’t be alone. Senior forward Austin Dufault and senior point guard Nate Tomlinson provide veteran leadership for the younger players.

Together, they’ve watched as the team progressed from mediocrity into a legitimate contender in under a year. Even with a crop of new players coming in, they still see an upward trend.

“Just having a core group of guys like me, Carlon (Brown), Nate (Tomlinson) and Trey (Eckloff) that have been around Coach Boyle for a year now that helps even more because last year we had no idea what to expect, so we can help the younger guys out,” Dufault said.

Tomlinson had his own observations.

“I think we have a lot of new guys who are going to help us out which will be good,” Tomlinson said. “I don’t think it’s going to be just one or two guys picking up the slack — I think it’s going to be a lot of us. Me and Austin (Dufault) and Carlon (Brown) coming in, I mean, obviously we’re going to help out with the scoring, and I think it’s going to be everyone helping, not just one or two guys.”

With Boyle at the helm and a solid core of returning players and talented new recruits, the Buffaloes hope to continue to build on what they have, and see success on the court.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity and I’m excited,” senior guard Carlon Brown said. “I know our fans are excited to see us, and there’s a big buzz around here about Colorado basketball.”

Quotes and statistics courtesy of CUBuffs.com.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Shay Knolle at shay.knolle@colorado.edu

While enduring one of the hardest schedules in college football, the Buffs have not won a game since September when they beat CSU, and things may only get tougher from here.

Next up for CU (1-8, 0-5) is former powerhouse USC (6-2, 3-2). Though the Trojans may be a far cry from the beasts they were from 2003-2006, they will still prove to be a juggernaut against the Buffaloes. After a gut-wrenching triple overtime loss against Stanford, USC might be looking to CU as an outlet for their anger.

Trojan quarterback Matt Barkley, arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the country, has nearly matched Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck in almost every category this season, and has proved to be a legitimate passing threat. A weakened Colorado secondary

Tyler Hansen gets sacked during the first half of CU's 45-2 past drubbing by Oregon. Hansen later exited the game with a concussion. (CU Independent file/James Bradbury)

may have as many issues against him as they did against Luck, who got the best of the Buffs in a 48-7 blowout.

“[Barkley] is to me – following the kid a little bit, and I say kid from when he was in high school and being aware of him – he reminds me a lot of Mark Sanchez, just with a bigger arm,” CU head coach Jon Embree said at his Tuesday press conference.

“I remember watching Mark when he was coming up and he had all of the intangibles,” Embree said at the press conference. “He had the ‘it’ factor from the leadership standpoint, from how he prepared, all of those things, and you can see that this kid has that. His passion for the game and all of the little things that go into being a great quarterback, he has it.”

So far, Barkley has passed for 2,290 yards this season. With his favorite target wide receiver Robert Woods, he has thrown for 22 touchdowns.

“They have great chemistry, great connection with each other,” Embree said at the press conference. “They are the best combination in the conference, those two guys.”

Colorado’s defense has been pounded these past few weeks due to a slew of injuries that have had the Buffs fighting an uphill battle against the trigger-happy teams of the Pac-12.

Because of the injuries, many freshmen have been seeing more field time than they’ve expected. In a conference boasting the likes of Stanford, Oregon and USC, a young and inexperienced defense is a huge burden.

It’s one the Buffs have been forced to deal with all season.

Veteran players like linebacker Derrick Webb have helped to hold the defense together while guiding the younger players.

“Those guys have to get experience,” Webb said via CU Buffs. “A lot of the freshmen played some of their first games these past few weeks. We got a lot of inexperience back there, but we have to bring those guys along. Even though they’re young, nobody cares. Nobody is going to feel sorry for us since we’re playing with a lot of freshmen. We’re just going to bring them along and prepare them.”

If anything, this season has served as a reality check for the younger players who may have never gone through a season as hard as this one. Offensive lineman Ethan Adkins said the will to fight and get better each week is something they are constantly reminded of.

“We’re just telling them to don’t [sic] take things for granted,” veteran Adkins said via CU Buffs. “It’s not your right to be here, you’re allowed to be here. Embree says it’s a one year contract and you have to make the most of that one year. You have to play like it’s your last play every down and keep doing things the right way.”

With that in mind, the youngsters may be able to slow down Barkley and the Trojans.

On a brighter note, Colorado’s offense may see a boost in production as its top tailback and receiver may make their returns to the field this Friday.

Rodney ‘Speedy’ Stewart, who was said to be out for a month with a knee injury he suffered against Washington, practiced a bit for the first time on Monday. Stewart is the team’s leading rusher and plays a large part in its leadership.

Paul Richardson has been out the past four games also with a knee injury. Even missing four games, he still leads the team in receiving yards.

Having playmakers like these two return is something the Colorado offense needs.

“Both those guys are great impact players,” Adkins said. “They could definitely help us when they get healthy. Without having them there, it has been a hindrance on offense. I think that when they’re ready to come back and play for us they’ll be great assets.”

It’s uncertain whether or not they’ll be able to play but if they do, the team expects them to make a splash.

The Buffs will face the USC Trojans on Friday at 7 p.m. at Folsom Field and will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN 3D.

Quotes and statistics courtesy of CUBuffs.com and ESPN.com

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Shay Knolle at shay.knolle@colorado.edu.

Tyler Hansen, 9, drops back for a pass against Arizona State in Tempe. The Buffs fell to Sun Devils 48-14 this past Saturday, despite Hansen's return after a concussion. (The State Press/Aaron Lavinsky)

Colorado (1-8, 0-5) only scored two touchdowns as the Sun Devils (6-2, 4-1) demolished CU’s diminished defense in a 48-14 victory. The loss extends Colorado’s road-game losing streak to 22 consecutive road game.

It was apparent from the opening minutes that Colorado was no match for Arizona State on either side of the ball. Arizona outscored Colorado in the first quarter with 21 points.

Tyler Hansen, who suffered a concussion last week against Oregon, threw for 285 yards and one score to give the offense its only touchdown.

Tailbacks Tony Jones and Josh Ford split time in the backfield, replacing an injured Rodney Stewart who is still recovering from a sprained knee. Jones rushed for 73 yards on 10 carries while Ford managed to gain on 25 yards on 11 carries.

Brock Osweiler had no issues picking on an already beaten and bruised Buffs defense, throwing for two touchdowns and 307 yards. Sun Devils running back Cameron Marshall picked up 114 on the ground while pulling off a hat trick in the end zone scoring three touchdowns.

Colorado faces off against the USC Trojans next Friday at 7 p.m. at Folsom Field.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Shay Knolle at Shay.Knolle@Colorado.EDU.

Correction: This story has been changed from its original version. In the original version, published Oct. 30, the author stated that Hansen threw in two scores, when one of the two scores was a forced fumble that the defense ran in.

“I’m smiling because you have to smile to keep from crying,” said head coach Jon Embree summarizing the feelings of Buff Nation after a 45-2 blowout.

The Ducks came out soaring by taking an 8-0 lead with a 6 play, 80 yard drive which lasted only a minute and 36 seconds. The Ducks had no trouble picking apart an ailing Buffs defense that has seen a fair share of significant injuries over these past weeks.

Colorado didn’t play well on their opening drive. Without star tailback Rodney Stewart in the backfield, the offense failed to produce any results on three tries.

On its second drive, Oregon showed again why its offense is one of the most explosive in the country. Oregon scored another quick touchdown, extending their early lead to 15.

Kenjon Barner, who replaced an injured LaMichael James, broke to the outside on a run and sprinted up the sideline for an 84-yard touchdown to make it 22-0. Barner’s run was the third longest rushing touchdown against CU in the school’s history.

Even with James on the sideline, Oregon still ran through the Buffaloes defense. Barner finished with 115 yards as he eclipsed the century mark for the second straight week. As a team, the Ducks had five players rush for 50 or more yards to bring their total to 371.

For a brief moment, it looked as if things finally began to mesh offensively at the start of the second quarter as CU finally moved the ball down field for the first time. But once it seemed like the offense had finally shown up, the spark disappeared as soon as it came.

The offensive woes went on for Colorado as quarterback Tyler Hansen threw an interception to Oregon’s Michael Clay, who returned it for a Ducks touchdown.

Tyler Hansen gets sacked during the first half of Saturday's 45-2 drubbing by Oregon. Hansen later exited the game with a concussion. (CU Independent/James Bradbury)

Towards the end of the half, Hansen was taken out of the game due to an apparent concussion. Freshman Nick Hirschman stepped in to take his place behind center. This game served as Hirschman first time on the field getting live reps at quarterback.

“It’s a great experience every time you get to go out and play,” Hirschman said. “Obviously, it didn’t end the way we wanted it to. We’re going to keep working. I know my play needs to elevate. In football it all starts and ends with this position. So I know I need to play better. I think that will help the team a lot.”

As for Hansen, Embree said his starter should be well enough in time to face ASU.

“I think he will be ready next week,” Embree said. “We’ll see what the protocol is on everything, but we hope he will be ready next week.”

Colorado had an abysmal first half on both sides of the ball, and could never overcome the slow start. CU netted 144 yards total offense without scoring. The defense allowed 35 points, 29 of which came in the first quarter alone.

A safety at the end of the third quarter gave Colorado their only points on the day.

Oregon’s victory came without starting tailback LaMichael James and quarterback Darron Thomas. The Buffs mustered 231 yards of total offense, a total Oregon eclipsed in the first quarter alone.

Hansen went seven of 15 for 62 yards and no touchdowns. His replacement, Hirschman, went 8 of 18 and finished the day with 71 yards.

Backup Tony Jones rushed for 71 yards on 19 carries. Jones spent the majority of his day getting ransacked by Oregon’s large defensive line.

Colorado suffered more injuries on what is already a long list and exhaustive list. Along with Hansen, senior safety Anthony Perkins left with an ankle injury.

However, there is a bright side for future contributors. Given the slew of injuries the team has faced, freshmen have been asked to step up and take on larger roles. For a new coach trying to build a successful team, having a group of young players with hands on experienced definitely helps in the long run.

Coach Embree had a message for his young players. “Don’t worry about mistakes, just go out there and play hard and understand that we may be playing these guys three or four years from now and it is your senior year and you have to understand that every time you go through this, it is a learning experience and focusing on what we want to be, not about where we are.”

Despite the crushing loss, the team, along with Embree, remains as strong-willed as ever.

“I don’t think there has been a separation factor at all,” said junior linebacker Jon Major. “We’re all staying together pretty well. It’s difficult on guys. Seeing guys get hurt. That’s the cards we’ve been dealt. You’ve got to move on, and you go to roll.”

The Buffs will face off against the Arizona State Sun Devils October 29, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. in Tempe, Arizona, hoping to end their 21 game road-losing streak.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Shay Knolle at shay.knolle@colorado.edu

Las Vegas betting odds hold Oregon as 32 point favorites against CU for the two schools first meeting since the 2002 Fiesta Bowl.

The high-flying Ducks’ offense is ranked third in the nation, scoring a staggering 48.7 points per game. They have a running game that yields over 315 rushing yards per game — good enough for fifth in the nation.

Oregon’s LaMichael James leads the FBS in rushing average with over 170 yards a game. Luckily for Colorado, James status is currently listed as questionable after he suffered a dislocated elbow against Cal.

However, with the loss of leading tackler Doug Rippy for the season, the already banged up defense may have trouble containing Oregon backups Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas, who have proven more than capable of shredding defenses.

With James out last week, Oregon was still able to do a lot of damage on the ground  as Barner racked up 171 yards alone last week against ASU and Thomas had two rushing touchdowns. Coach Jon Embree took notice.

“No, and no disrespect to LaMichael, he’s a great back, but Oregon is at the point where they put in some guys like that and they keep the production up,” Embree said. “I believe they had almost the same amount of yardage [last week] as their average was.”

The Ducks’ Darron Thomas, who is also listed as questionable for this game, can throw as well as any quarterback, but what makes him special is his ability to run the ball as well. He’s thrown for 17 touchdowns and rushed for two more.

Unlike James, Darron Thomas expects to play against the Buffs.

Embree, who’s had his hands full trying to put together an adequate defense with key players missing, knows how large of a task it will be to stop whoever steps onto the field for Oregon.

“Oregon, it is not just their offense, it is their whole team,” Embree said. “The thing that jumps out about them is their speed. They run, essentially, option football, so you have to be assignment conscience and we have to be very disciplined on defense to limit big plays and try to force them into situations where we can have the upper hand on the defensive side.”

Given how loaded Oregon is offensively and the way that Colorado’s defense has limped through games these past few weeks, the Buffaloes’ injury problems may outweigh their opponents. Not only are several key starters missing on defense, but the offense is reeling too.

The Buffs offense is missing several key players, like receiver Paul Richardson, who would add some much needed ammo for CU.

Rodney Stewart, 5, dives for extra yards in the Oct. 1 game against Washington State University. Stewart was injured last week in a game against the University of Washington and will be out this week against the University of Oregon. (CU Independent/Jake Fojtik)

Last week, tailback Rodney Stewart went down with a dislocated knee in the opening quarter against Washington. Without him on the field, a large part of the offense is missing. Quarterback Tyler Hansen knows this and will have to adjust to playing without his favorite target.

“I’ll miss him a lot,” Hansen said at a press conference. “You can do a lot of different thing with ‘Speedy.’ He’s going to hurt your offense. I don’t know the percentages, but he’s a big part of our offense. We use him in a lot of ways. When he’s out it’s going to limit you, it’s going to change the ways you use certain people. It changes your mentality on offense.”

To replace Stewart is freshman running back Tony Jones. So far this season, Jones has rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns in five games. While he may not be Stewart, Jones should prove to be an effective weapon against Oregon.

“He’s a good back, a real good back,” complimented Hansen. “He’s a different player than Rodney is. He’s more of a downhill guy. He’ll get north and south real quick, which is a nice change-up from what we’ve had. Also, he’s a good receiver, a lot like Rodney.”

Jones said he has been preparing all week for his role by getting to know the system better and working on the little things in his game.

“There’s always stuff you need to improve on, especially the game of football in college,” Jones said at a press conference. “I need to focus on my blocks, and just really focus on my key points that I really need to get me through this game.”

According to the freshman, the team has to come together to have any chance at the upset.

“You always have to have pride,” Jones said. “You need to have pride in your team. I pretty much have pride in all my players and we all pretty much stick together. We’re all a family.”

Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, October 22 at 1:30 p.m. on Folsom Field.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Shay Knolle at shay.knolle@colorado.edu. 

Colorado was bullied by the Huskies all game, thanks in large part to sophomore quarterback Keith Price who threw for 257 yards and four touchdowns. Price averaged 9.2 yards per pass as he picked apart a defense, which was still limping from numerous injuries and suspensions.

Coach Embree expressed concern how the Buffaloes defense would be able to contain Washington’s massive running back, Chris Polk, who is averaging over a 100 yards per game this season. Polk ran for 117 yards on 18 carries and averaged 6.5 yards per carry. Along with sophomore running back Jesse Callier, the Huskies rushed for 295 yards.

The defense had no chance from the start as Washington compiled nearly 400 yards in the first half alone. Colorado was outscored 38-10 in the first half. The Huskies scored 14 points in the second half.

Tyler Hansen carries out a fake as Colorado State tackles the ball carrier. Against Washington Hansen threw for 155 yards. (CU Independent/James Bradbury)

Tyler Hansen and the Colorado offense had no chance in keeping pace with Washington after falling so far behind.

Hansen, who threw for 155 yards and a touchdown, was left to carry the offense by himself. Running back Rodney Stewart went down late in the first quarter with a sprained knee that kept him out for the reminder of the game. He finished the day with only 42 yards on 4 carries.

With Stewart out the game, Colorado’s offense had to turn freshman running back Tony Jones. Jones rushed for 49 yards and two touchdowns, the first of scores of his young career.

The Buffs have not won a true road game since 2007.

The conference schedule only gets tougher as the Buffs host the No. 9 Oregon Ducks next weekend.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Shay Knolle at shay.knolle@colorado.edu. 

Two streaks continued after the Buffs 48-7 loss at Stanford including the nation’s longest winning streak of 13 games by the Cardinals and CU’s road losing streak, which began in 2007.

As expected, Heisman candidate and probable first overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft Andrew Luck shredded an ailing Buffs defense yesterday.

Luck ran a clinic against the Buffs, throwing for over 370 yards resulting in three touchdowns. He completed 78 percent of his passes, averaging over 11 yards per completion.

On the ground, the Cardinals rushed for 161 yards, exploiting the Buffaloes defense on every opportunity possible.

Facing one of the top defenses in the Pac-12, Colorado managed to compile a lowly 265 total yards offense. Tyler Hansen passed for 202 yards, one interception, and one touchdown, which came on a 5-yard pass at the beginning of the

(CU Independent illustration/Josh Shettler)

second quarter. The Buffaloes run game didn’t fare well either. On 11 carries, Rodney Stewart rushed for 21 yards. As a team, they gained an abysmal 60 yards on the ground.

At this point, the outlook for the season is grim as they fall to 1-5 on the season. Thus far, Colorado has struggled in their transition into the Pac-12.

Colorado hopes to salvage what remains of their season starting against Washington next week.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Shay Knolle at shay.knolle@colorado.edu.