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September 27th – at California California 59, Colorado 56, 2OT
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Sefo Liufau crushed his previous career bests with 455 yards passing and seven touchdowns, but it was not enough, as Colorado fell in two overtimes to California, 59-56. Liufau hit Nelson Spruce 19 times – a week after Spruce set the all-time record for catches in a game with 13 – for 176 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for a team-best 79 yards.
The offensive fireworks, which led to leads of 14-0, 21-7, and 28-14, though, were not enough to stop the offensive onslaught from the Bears. The Colorado secondary surrendered touchdown passes of 92, 26, 10, five, 40, and 25 yards as Jared Goff duplicated Liufau’s seven touchdowns while passing for 458 yards. Three missed field goals by Will Oliver figured into a game in which Colorado ran a school-record 110 offensive plays.
The loss left the 2-3 Buffs (0-2 in Pac-12 play) wondering what might have been … and what was still to come in the 2014 season.
Note … Sefo Liufau went 46-for-67 for 449 yards and seven touchdowns. Liufau set single game records for passing attempts, completions, touchdown passes, and total offense. Nelson Spruce also set several new records. Details can be found below under Game Notes.
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Colorado opened the game with a drive that went 22 yards – 15 by penalty. The pass interference penalty against Cal did not hurt the Bears, though, as the Buffs were forced to punt soon thereafter. On Cal’s first play from scrimmage, though, the Buffs got the ball right back. Tedric Thompson picked up his third interception of the season, returning the Jared Goff offering back deep into Cal territory – only to have the return nullified by a block in the back penalty.
Taking over at their own 44-yard line after the turnover, the Buffs pieced together the first sustained drive of the game. An 11-yard pass from Sefo Liufau to Tyler McCulloch got the ball into Cal territory, but the next three plays netted only seven yards. Facing a fourth-and-three at the Cal 38-yard line, Sefo Liufau hit Nelson Spruce for three yards and a first down. A 13-yard completion was immediately followed by a 22-yard touchdown pass from Liufau to tight end Sean Irwin. The celebration was muted as the officials huddled to decide if the Buffs’ odd-formation was legal, but the play was ruled good, and Colorado had a 7-0 lead less than five minutes into the game.
The Buff defense then forced a three-and-out from the Bear offense, and the CU offense was back in business at their 44-yard line. Again, the drive opened with a Liufau-to-McCulloch connection, this time for 16 yards. After a loss of a yard on the next play, a designed run up the middle by Sefo Liufau went for 39 yards and a first-and-goal at the Cal two yard line. A Phillip Lindsay run went for no gain before Liufau hit fullback George Frazier for a two-yard touchdown. Colorado 14, California 0, midway through the first quarter.
The Bear offense, held without a first down on its first two drives, responded with a six-play, 63-yard drive of their own. Three plays – of ten, 11, and 28 yards – got Cal into the red zone. There, on third-and-one at the CU five yard line, Jared Goff hit Lucus Gingold for a five yard score and renewed hope for the Bear Nation. Colorado 14, California 7.
The Buffs, though, had an answer, coming up with a 13-play, 75-yard drive of their own. Sefo Liufau was in on all of the gains, including two seven-yard runs, getting the ball into the Cal red zone with an 11-yard shovel pass to Christian Powell on a third-and-ten at the Cal 30 yard line. After ten yards were tacked on for a late hit, the Buffs were at the Bear ten yard line. An eight yard run by Christian Powell was followed by a two-yard scoring pass from Liufau to D.D. Goodson. Colorado 21, California 7, late in the first quarter.
Cal made it as far as the CU 43-yard line before punting the ball back to the Buffs. With the ball and a two-score lead, the Buffs had the chance to take real control of the game. The CU offense did turn the field, getting out near midfield before a 51-yard punt by Darragh O’Neill pinned the Bears down at their own one yard line.
The Buffs were not able to handle prosperity, however, giving up a 99-yard touchdown drive. It took only four plays for the Bears to score, with the touchdown coming on a short pass out into the flat from Goff to Daniel Lasco. What should have gone for a ten yard gain turned into a 92-yard touchdown when the Buffs were able to make a tackle. Colorado 21, California 14, with ten minutes still left to play in the first half.
The Colorado offense fought back with a drive of its own, highlighted by a 34-yard pass from Liufau to Nelson Spruce. Stopped at the Cal 21-yard line, however, the Buffs had to settle for a 38-yard field goal attempt from Will Oliver, which was missed.
Down a touchdown and armed with momentum, the Bear offense could muster only one first down before punting. A ten-play, 70-yard drive from the Buffs ensued … aided by the Bear defense. The Buffs did convert a third-and-ten with a 13-yard completion from Liufau to Tony Jones – with 15 yards tacked on for roughing the passer. Later, on third-and-three at the Cal 35-yard line, the Bears were hit with another personal foul. Then, on third-and-three at the Cal five yard line, the Bears were hit with a pass interference call. Fullback George Frazier scored two plays later with a one yard run, giving the Buffs a 28-14 lead with 35 seconds to play before halftime.
The Buffs had one more chance to score before the break, however. Cal quarterback Jared Goff was sacked by Jimmie Gilbert at the Cal 23-yard line, with Juda Parker recovering the fumble. The Buffs had time for three plays, but got nowhere, with the half ending on Will Oliver’s second missed 39-yard field goal of the second quarter.
Halftime score: Colorado 28, California 14
Had Colorado converted the Goff fumble in the final minute of the second quarter, momentum in the third quarter may have started differently. Instead, the Bears came out ready to cut into the two-touchdown deficit. A 34-yard return of the second half kickoff set the Bears up in good field position, and it took Cal only five plays to score. A 21-yard run on the first play from scrimmage put the ball at the Buff 40. Three plays later, Goff hit Kenny Lawler for a 26-yard touchdown. Just like that, it was Colorado 28, California 21.
The Buffs, who had only a few penalties in the first half, then started playing like the team which had entered the game 118th in the nation in penalty yardage. Three penalties, including an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, left the Buffs with a five-play drive for minus-two yards. A short punt by Darragh O’Neill of only 24 yards added to the misery, with the Bears setting up shop at the CU 49-yard line.
Seven plays later, the game was tied. Cal converted a third-and-12 at the CU 30-yard line with a 12-yard completion, then finished off the drive with a ten yard touchdown run by Khalfani Muhammed on a third-and-two. What had been a two-touchdown lead for the Buffs was now a tie game. Colorado 28, California 28, midway through the third quarter.
The Buffs’ offense, which had generated 310 yards in the first half, continued to sputter in the second. A three-and-out gave the ball right back to the Cal offense, this time at the Cal 49-yard line.
Now the Buffs were in full retreat, as it took the Bears only five plays to take the lead for the first time in the game. On a third-and-six at the CU 47-yard line, Jared Goff hit Khalfani Muhammed for 41 yards to the CU six yard line. Two plays later, Goff hit Kenny Lawler for a five yard score.
California 35, Colorado 28. In less than ten minutes of playing time, the Buffs had gone from a two score lead to a deficit.
But the Buffs were not ready to concede just yet. After a 30-yard kickoff return by Phillip Lindsay, the Colorado offense put together its first drive of the second half. A 15-yard completion from Liufau to Tyler McCulloch got the ball out to midfield. Later, on third-and-ten at the Cal 40, Liufau and Michael Adkins connected on a 22-yard gain and a first down. After Adkins ran for six yards, Liufau hit Nelson Spruce for his fourth touchdown of the game (and Spruce’s 8th of the season), with the scoring play going for 12 yards late in the third quarter. Colorado 35, California 35.
The fourth quarter opened with the CU defense forcing a punt from the Cal offense – the first of the second half. The Buff offense opened at the their own 46-yard line, with an 11-yard completion from Liufau to Spruce putting the ball in Cal territory. A nine-yard completion from Liufau to D.D. Goodson on third-and-seven at the Cal 40 kept the drive alive, but then the Buffs’ drive stalled. Facing a fourth-and-seven at the Cal 28-yard line. For the third time in the game, senior kicker Will Oliver was called upon to put points on the board for Colorado. For the third time in the game, however, Oliver missed, and the score remained tied at 35-all, with 12:10 left in the game.
Given a reprieve by the Buffs, the Bear offense once again took the initiative. Marching smartly down the field, the Bears faced only one third down in an 11-play drive before facing a third-and-five at the Colorado 19-yard line. There Jared Goff was sacked by defensive lineman Josh Tupou, forcing a 42-yard field goal attempt. James Langford, though, missed the kick, giving the Colorado defense its first red zone stop of the season, and the ball back with 7:12 left to play in a still tied ball game.
The Colorado offense then put together one of the best drives of the 17-game old Mike MacIntyre era. Starting at their own 24-yard line, the Buffs put together a ten-play, 76-yard drive to take the lead. Never facing a third down in the drive, Sefo Liufau calmly directed the Buffs down the field. A seven yard completion to Tyler McCulloch was followed by a nine yard first down run by Tony Jones. A pair of completions from Liufau to Donovan Lee of seven and six yards got the ball to midfield. A 14-yard completion to Nelson Spruce and a 15-yard run by Tony Jones set the ball up at the Cal ten-yard line. After a Christian Powell four yard run, Liufau hit Spruce for a six yard touchdown.
Colorado 42, California 35, with 3:16 to play.
Could the Buff defense hold the lead?
In a word, no.
It took only two plays for the Bears to tie the game, with Jared Goff hitting Stephen Anderson for a 75-yard score. Once again, the teams were tied. Colorado 42, California 42, with 2:56 left in the game.
Then … disaster.
On the Buffs’ first play from scrimmage after the Bear touchdown, Sefo Liufau threw an interception, with Jake Kearney collecting the turnover at the CU 37-yard line.
On third-and-13 at the Buff 40, the Colorado defense had a chance to make one last stand. Instead, the Buffs surrendered a touchdown. Goff hit Chris Harper for a 40-yard touchdown and a 49-42 Cal lead. In less than one minute of playing time, Colorado had gone from a 42-35 lead to a 49-42 deficit.
But, in their best Monty Python imitation, the Buffs told the Bears, “We’re not dead yet!”. The Colorado offense, on the heels of a ten-play, 76-yard drive, put together a ten-play, 75-yard drive just as impressive as the one before. A Nelson Spruce 12-yard catch and a 12-yard run by Tony Jones sandwiched a nine-yard run by Sefo Liufau, getting the ball into Cal territory. Facing a fourth-and-three at the Cal 35-yard line, everyone knew that the Buffs would go to Nelson Spruce … but the Bears couldn’t stop him. Liufau hit Spruce for a five yard gain and a first down. On the next play, Liufau hit Bryce Bobo for a 30-yard touchdown and a tie game with 21 seconds to play. Colorado 49, California 49.
The Bears made it interesting in the final few seconds, making it to the CU 46-yard line before time expired.
End of Regulation: Colorado 49, California 49.
Cal had possession to open the overtime, and the Colorado defense forced a third-and-ten … before giving up a 25-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Bryce Treggs. California 56, Colorado 49.
Colorado, though, once again had an answer. On the Buffs’ first play of overtime, Sefo Liufau hit Nelson Spruce for a touchdown and a 56-56 tie.
End of First Overtime: Colorado 56, California 56.
Given the ball to start the second overtime, the Buffs faced a pair of fourth downs. One they converted … the other they didn’t. On a fourth-and-one at the Cal 16 yard line, the Buffs, with three misses from Will Oliver fresh in their minds, went for it. George Frazier got the ball, going for two yards and a first down. A 12-yard completion from Liufau to Kyle Slavin put the ball at the two yard line, but the Buffs could not close the deal. Four rushes, including a stop of Frazier on third-and-goal from the one, doomed the Buffs to a scoreless second extra period.
Needing only a field goal to win, the Bears made quick work of it. Three plays netted nine yards, with James Langford kicking the game winner from 34 yards out.
Final Score: California 59, Colorado 56
“If you’re a fan, that was a fun one to watch,” CU head coach Mike MacIntyre said. “If you’re the losing team it’s absolutely gut-wrenching. Our players played their hearts out. We could have done a couple of things better as a coaching staff, our young men could have made a few more plays in regulation and we should have won the game in regulation … But we didn’t and I tip my hat to Cal. They got it done. It was a gorgeous day for football and they found a way to win it.”
Completing 46-of-67 passes for 449 yards and seven touchdowns, Sefo Liufau set single-game school records for completions and scoring passes. He also set a single-game mark for total offense – 521 yards.
Cal’s Jared Goff matched Liufau’s passing yardage – 449 – and also threw for seven TDs, completing 23 of 41. It was the first game in FBS history where both teams threw for seven touchdown passes, with the total of 14 tying the FBS record set in 1990.
The Buffs outgained the Bears in total yardage 629-576 and had 110 plays to the Bears’ 71. But CU allowed 35 second-half points and the game went into OT tied at 49-49 and heartbreak awaiting the Buffs.
Spruce, the Pac-12’s leading receiver, caught 19 passes – breaking his own single-game school record set a week earlier – and scored three touchdowns, giving him 10 in five games.
Spruce said his record-setting numbers “are not something I’m really concerned with . . . we’ve had our fair share of losses but since I’ve been here this is probably the toughest one I’ve been a part of. Just to fight to the end, especially being up big at halftime (28-14) and with a chance to put them away. They fought back, give them credit, but it was a tough one.”
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Game Notes –
– The game took 4:01 to play, the longest game in Colorado history (previous: 4:00 vs. Missouri in 1999, also an overtime game);
– The 56 points were the most ever scored by Colorado in a loss (previous: the infamous 52-45 loss to Kansas in 2010, the last game coached by Dan Hawkins at CU);
– The 115 combined points were the third-most in Colorado history (trailing the 82-42 Oklahoma game in 1980 and the 65-51 Nebraska game in 2007);
– Colorado posted 39 first downs on offense, tying the school record (previous: vs. Northwestern in 1978);
– The 110 plays of total offense were the most in Colorado history (previous: 105 vs. Kansas State in 1992);
– The 629 yards of total offense marked the first time the Buffs topped 600 yards since 2007 (634 vs. Miami(Ohio) on 9/24/2007);
– Colorado has posted 400 yards or more in total offense in four consecutive games for the first time since 2001;
– The 21 first quarter points were the most since scoring 21 against Texas A&M in 2005;
– Colorado fell to 5-6 all-time in overtime games, and 0-2 against Cal in overtime;
– Tedric Thompson’s interception gave him three for the season, the most for a safety since Michael Lewis had five in 2001;
– Nelson Spruce’s touchdown in the fourth quarter, giving CU a 42-35 lead, pushed Colorado over the 25,000-point mark in school history. The Buffs were at 24,999 prior to the score;
– Tony Jones had 13 carries for 69 yards, giving him 1,041 for his career, becoming the 51st Buff in school history to surpass 1,000 yards rushing in a career;
... Sefo Liufau …
– Most passing attempts in a game – 67 (old record: 64 by Cody Hawkins vs. Toledo in 2009);
– Most passing completions in a game – 46 (old record: 38 by Joel Klatt vs. Kansas in 2003);
– Most touchdown passes in a game – 7 (old record: 5, on three occasions – twice by John Hessler; once by Koy Detmer);
– Most total offensive yards in a game – 521 (old record: 500, on two occasions – by Mike Moschetti and Tyler Hansen);
– Most games with two or more touchdown passes – 8 (adding to his own record);
– His 39-yard run in the first quarter was the longest by a quarterback since Tyler Hansen had a 39-yard run against Georgia in 2010;
… Nelson Spruce …
– Most receptions in a game – 19 (old record: 13, set against Hawai’i the week before. His 32 catches in two games is, of course, also a record);
– Most touchdown receptions in a game – 3 (tying record held by Richard Johnson (v. Kansas, 1982) and Rae Carruth (v. Missouri, 1996));
– Most consecutive games with at least seven receptions – 5 (extending his own record);
– Most consecutive games with at least six receptions – 6 (extending his own record);
… Liufau to Spruce …
– Most touchdown passes in a season – 10 (old record: 8, on two occasions);
– Most touchdown passes in a career – the pair has 13, within two of the 15 connections between Cody Hawkins and Scotty McKnight
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16 Replies to “California 59, CU 56 – 2OT”
I don’t know about the rest of you but I can’t wait for the next game each week. I will tell you that has not been true in quite a few years as I usually dreaded playing the next game as it was likely to be another blowout loss. Before the season began, many of us reported that we would be happy to see the team competitive and not losing by 3-4 TDs or more every game. What happened? This team has more than exceeded those expectations to date. As a matter of fact, statistically speaking, this team has improved in almost every category except wins.
Up til this game, I would have probably agreed about the play calling and scheming but when a team puts up over 600 yds of offense and scores 7 TDs I am not sure how you can claim that. Beat up the staff and team for the one drive in OT but they had been effective throughout the game in getting those yards and moving at will.
Let’s not forget that this is still a team with 71 FROSH/SOPH of 105 players. They are going to make mistakes and that is what we saw. I give no excuse for Oliver’s missed FGs. He doesn’t get a bye in my book since he is a senior and is more than capable of making at least two of those.
I love the feeling that every week we have a chance. Another feeling I haven’t felt in a long time.
GO BUFFS!!! BEAT THE BEAVERS!!!
NavyBuff
Damn right NavyBuff! I can’t complain about going for 2 in OT…because I would have done it too. Cal just sniffed that play out. It was a PA bootleg, and Cal called the perfect defensive scheme.
Either way, that was a SUPER exciting game. I also have not felt excited about them like this for years.
I went to the CSU vs BC game that same day, and the CU game was my favorite of the two. I think it’s time to start buying into MiniMac (McIntyre). At least a bit.
For the first time in several years it appeared that the right plays were called against the defense that Cal. was playing. The screens and shuttle pass had a great deal of success and two other plays would have gone for big yardage if the backs held on to the ball. While no one is looking for moral victories, there certainly was a great deal of positives to be taken from the game. How the team bounces back next week will be a strong indicator of what we can expect the rest of the season.
For any objective fan who has followed the Buffs, it is obvious they are improving. There is more talent on offense at this point then defense and it shows. They continue to fight hard and are improving each week, which cannot be said about previous years. Still looking for offense, defense, and special teams to come together in the same game – it will happen. Can’t blame this loss solely on coaching and kicking, although missing 3 field goals is a killer. The coaches SHOULD be able to call running plays on any down and convert a 1 yard gain, let alone giving the team 3 shots at doing it. This is nothing more than growing pains of a young team and it will get better. It’s hard to recruit talent other states but we are starting to do it. I would rather take baby steps like we are now than be standing still or getting worse like with previous coaches. Go Buffs!
Lots of encouraging things in this game, but I’m tired of setting all sorts of records (even if they are good ones) in losses. In my mind this loss is ultimately on the coaching staff, mostly for the play calling. 4 runs at the goal line? Really? This hasn’t been the team’s forte for years, why not play action one of them? You’ve got a record setting QB and WR! And why do we ALWAYS run up the middle? Where are the counters and sweeps? I don’t remember seeing a single toss or sweep to the outside all season. I’m confident about the future of the program, they actually look like a competitive football team out there, but a loss is a loss. The coaches seem to be quite good at developing players, but the gameday strategy leaves a lot to be desired.
CU left 9 points on the field. the blame should be on the kicker. we could’ve won the game, and should not have gone into OT. the lost is on will oliver, nuff said.
I hate to say this because I love Mac but it was his childish and very unprofessional outburst that gave Cal the momentum that let them back in the game. For all of his preaching about the mountain, it was Mac who lost his composure.
That was a devastating loss to a team that is much improved. I was actually very impressed with Colorado. The better team lost today. When will the media realize that Colorado has a top 20 QB and hands down the finest receiver in the country. If by some miracle of God my boy Spruce does not follow PRich into the NFL as an underrated 2nd round pick then that kid can set some NCAA receiving records next year. Colorado is one of the best 2 and 3 teams in the Country. Better times are coming. Mac is turning it around, finally!
For all the times that those Pac 12 striped shirt losers who pretend to be officiating, have called P.I. on the Buff defenders, for them to pick up a flag on a clear case of PI with Goodson, was an outrage deserving being called out by Mac!!!
It was that picked-up flag that caused the change in momentum at that point, not Mac’s well-justified “critique” of those striped-shirt idiots; especially after watching that same guy call back Thompson’s fumble return for a TD.
Lots of execution errors, like two dropped passes on 3rd downs before two of the aborted FGs. Both would have led to 1st downs, if not TDs. and Sefo’s interception, there was no need to pass into coverage on that play. Likewise, senior kicker and punter both had bad off-days.
Overall, some great heart shown, now its time to stop the small mistakes and finish!
Stuart,
Lots of folks will be griping about this game, but in reality the Buffs are really THISCLOSE to becoming a good football team in the best conference in the country.
Nelson Spruce will obliterate every receiving record that CU has, and Sefo Liufau has really become a man before our very eyes. Yes, it was an untimely interception, but the guy led the team to 629 yards of offense and threw for seven touchdowns!
In this game, half a dozen plays gave the California the victory. Turn those around and the Buffs win by 20 or more. On the road. In Pac-12 play. The Buffs are so young that it is almost amazing that they are playing as well as they are. Mac and staff are doing a great job getting these guys to grow up in a hurry.
Fans shouldn’t forget that last time the Buffs played at Cal, CU lost by a score of 52-7. The guys on the team are hurting right now, which is to be expected. It will be a long flight home. But they know they can compete in the Pac-12.
Part of the growing pains will be losing games that Colorado should have won. But it’s a far cry better than losing by 30 or more and playing against the 3rd and 4th stringers by games end.
I’m proud of how this team fights and moves the ball. Our OC has our offense moving, but he still needs to fine tune the work inside the five. But hey, at least we are getting all the way down the field. And putting points on the board. Anyone who wants to complain should go back and look at the 2012 season.
These young men put up a fight. They should and will hold their heads high and keep working to become a better team. Go Buffs!
Mark
Boulderdevil
Agree 100% Boulderdevil, you are spot-on as usual. I don’t agree with the comments about play calling from Bob and NEBuff below. I thought the offensive game plan was as creative and effective as I have seen from a Buffs team since… well, I can’t remember. I only recall seeing the Shay Fields screen once, and it worked for a first down. I may have missed one other that didn’t work, but I certainly did not feel like play calling cost us the game. Even on the goal line at the end, after the runs up the middle didn’t work, the last play was obviously supposed to be some sort of roll-out, but the players (blockers) just simply didn’t execute or got beat. And I’m 100% on board with going for it on 4th down in that situation. As the old saying goes, if you can’t get into the end zone on 4 plays from the 2 yard line, you probably don’t deserve to win.
I also disagree with Rob’s comment above about the penalty on coach Mac. I was actually excited to see him getting fired up to protect his team — it seems to me that emotion and fire is one of the key ingredients that has been sorely missing from this team over the last several years, and the coach fighting through the game with his players is, to me, a welcome sight.
Our biggest problem right now, in my opinion, is the kicking game. I don’t want to pile onto Will Oliver, but any legitimate D-1 kicker has to make at least 2 of those kicks. Period. The short kickoffs to the 5-10 yard line seem to occur at the most inopportune times. And the kickoff coverage teams allow way too many big returns. O’Neill has been good this season, but again the timing of the shanked punt was terrible. Poor tackling on defense continues to be an issue as well, and why do our DB’s never turn around for the football? Addison Gillam is having quite a sophomore slump, I’m sure he’s not 100% but this is starting to look like a lost season for him. Just hope he comes back healthy and loaded for bear next year.
The fumble return by Thompson that was called back as an “incomplete pass”… are you kidding me? Can’t believe that was not overturned. Between that and missed FGs, the score should have been at least 41-14 at halftime.
Overall, losing stinks, but I am encouraged by the fight and competitiveness this team has shown. I believe it is a tribute to the hard work the coaches have been putting in for the past 2 years, and also I believe a tip of the hat is due to the leader on the field, Sefo Liufau. His toughness and “moxy” are clearly starting to rub off on the rest of the team. And now he is really starting to develop as a quarterback. Looks like a bowl is pretty much out of the question at this point, but I like our chances at an upset or 2 down the stretch!
I agree with you Ben. I thought the play calling was much better, and as you said: “creative”. I hope they keep using Sefo’s talents as a passer, and runner.
This Colorado team is reasonably talented (and getting better.) I don’t know if the same can be said for the coaching staff. They have repeatedly failed to make defensive adjustments and the offensive play calling is often one-note and repetitive (the Shay Fields screen).
Coach Mac, et al approached OT tonight the same way that I do when I play Xbox. “It’s going to be cool if we get this.” Unfortunately in life there is no turning off the game and starting again. Four quarters of effort were flushed down the drain on one poor decision and one less than optimal play call. Not to mention the Buffs may not have been in that situation if they would have given ONE of the THREE missed attempts to Diego.
Overall I am optimistic about this team. They are young and improving week to week. The staff appears to be doing very well developing the players and bringing more talent into the program.
Unfortunately, all the talent in the world doesn’t mean anything without good (at this point I’d take decent or even replacement level) game day coaching.
600+ yds.and 49 point (Plus three missed FGs) from “one note” play-calling? I don’t think so! Sheesh! On just what planet is that true? certainly not here on Earth.
“D” played short-handed in the 2nd half, with two starters and a fist back-up, out or affected by injury and was forced to use some freshmen in key coverages.
For all the calls against Cal, funny you didn’t see any holding calls in that 4th qtr. when the Buffs were rushing 5-6 guys and they were obviously being tackled by the Cal OL, to prevent sacks of Goff!
Typical play calling on the final drive Run Run Run Run game over.
Broken record here same ole same ole.
Funny, one of those plays was called pass, that SEFO PULLED DOWN AND RAN. And the last play was a bootleg, with blown execution, thus no blocking by a RB. As Mac noted, with proper execution, Sefo walks in. But , hey what a
Also funny how the Buffs “ran, ran, ran” (when Cal was expecting passes) to put themselves in position on the 2 yd. line; you only have tunnel vision in critiquing the staff!
Right on EarlT. The only thing more tiresome than repetitive play calling, is repetitive complaints.