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November 1st – Boulder Colorado 17, Iowa State 9
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In its history, Colorado has had as much success against the Cyclones from Ames as it had against any team in the Big Eight.
Coming into the 1980 season, the Buffs had played Iowa State 35 times, losing only eight of those contests. Still, this was not unique. Notwithstanding some moderate success in the 1970’s (all four of the school’s bowl appearances up to 1980 had taken place between 1971 and 1978 – all losses), Iowa State consistently battled Kansas State for the title of Big Eight doormat, with neither school ever claiming a Big Eight football title. It was not surprising, then, that Iowa State was consistently Colorado’s choice for a homecoming opponent.
Still, Iowa State came into the 1980 game with reason for confidence. The Cyclones were on a two game winning streak against the Buffs, and were 5-2 overall on their 1980 campaign. In a conference known for its running prowess, Iowa State was more than holding its own, boasting the 5th best rushing attack in the nation at over 295 yards per game.
For Colorado, junior Scott Kingdom was given his first start at quarterback. Kingdom’s stat line for the day: 2-for-6 passing, 16 yards, one interception. From these numbers, a safe conclusion would be that Colorado had been dominated. The reverse was true, however, thanks to the Buff defense and a previously dormant Colorado running game. Colorado ran for 307 yards on the afternoon, with four Buffs gaining over 60 yards apiece. Linebacker Steve Doolittle had ten tackles, three for sacks, to lead the defense.
The Buffs held an opponent to less than 40 points for only the second time in eight games. Iowa State succumbed as Colorado’s only victim of 1980 before a Folsom Field crowd of 41,567.
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Game Notes –
– Iowa State was to repeat the dubious distinction of being the only team to lose to Colorado four years later, being the only team the Buffs could beat in 1984’s 1-10 campaign.
– The Cyclones would falter down the stretch in 1980, winning only one game out of their last six after a 5-0 start, finishing 6-5, 2-5 in Big Eight play.
– Iowa State, after reaching the post-season four times in the 1970’s, would not receive another bowl invitation until 2000. In that season, the Cyclones earned their first-ever bowl victory, a 37-29 triumph over Pittsburgh in the Insight.com bowl.
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