No. 16 Nebraska – A November to Remember

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Nebraska 45, Colorado 17

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Colorado was riding the high of a two-game winning streak, needing one more win to qualify for a bowl game. Instead, the Buffs reverted to old bad habits, falling on the road to No. 16 Nebraska, 45-17. Three Colorado turnovers were all converted into touchdowns by the Cornhuskers, who held the ball for almost 40 minutes of game time. With the loss, Colorado ended its final season as a member of the Big 12 conference with a 5-7 record. Cody Hawkins, who had only two interceptions (and 12 touchdowns) in four games after taking over for an injured Tyler Hansen, threw two interceptions early in the third quarter, allowing Nebraska to turn a close game into a rout.

While it was impossible to know it at the time, the game may have turned on the fifth play from scrimmage. Nebraska took the opening kickoff, and, on second-and-eight at the Cornhusker 47 yard line, Nebraska quarterback Cody Green hit running back Rex Burkhead for a short gain. Burkhead fumbled the ball, with the fumble picked up Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith and returned to the Nebraska 23 yard line. The 3,800 Buff fans in attendance were in full voice – Colorado had the ball and the momentum!

After a booth review, however, the play was ruled an incomplete pass, and Nebraska maintained possession.

It was as close as the underdog Buffs would come to a turnover all day, and as close as Colorado would come to dictating play.

A November to Remember

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November, 2010, will be remembered by Colorado fans as the month in which the Dan Hawkins’ era finally came to an end. It was also the month of an epic collapse and a month of redemption. Colorado’s final month as a member of the Big 12 Conference was anything but boring.

And, even though the Buffs suffered two disheartening losses, it says here that each game played a significant role – and hopefully a positive role – in how the Buffs’ future as a member of the Pac-12 will take shape.