—
December 5th – at Arizona Colorado 24, Arizona 13
—
Sophomore running back Jarek Broussard had 301 yards rushing, the fourth-highest single game effort in CU history, leading the Buffs to a 24-13 come-from-behind win over Arizona. Broussard had carries going for 75, 72, and 59 yards … but didn’t score. Broussard did, however, become the first Colorado player to open up his career in Boulder with four consecutive 100-yard games (see multiple records set by Broussard in the Game Notes).
Arizona, which jumped out to a 13-0 lead early in the second quarter, had two second half drives covering in excess of 80 yards in the second half … but didn’t score on either of them. The Wildcats, who lost for a school-record 11th-straight game, had two 100-yard rushers of their own (Michael Wiley – nine carries for 126 yards; Gary Brightwell: 20 carries for 113 yards and a touchdown). The Buffs went for 499 total yards (dipping below 500 on the game’s final kneel downs), but gave up 422.
The Buffs ran their season record to 4-0, making first-year head coach Karl Dorrell only the second Buff coach since 1905 to open his career at Colorado with four wins (Rick Neuheisel opened with a 5-0 record in 2005 … but he was taking over a team which had gone 11-1 the year before). Dorrell became the sixth CU head coach to open with a 3-0 record in conference play, but the first since Jim Yeager in 1941.
“It just tells me a lot about this team”, Dorrell said about his team rebounding from a two-score deficit. “There wasn’t any panic, there wasn’t any concern that we were in trouble or that look that you get on players faces when they seem to lose confidence or something like that. I didn’t sense that at all. There was more problem solving. Trying to find answers and solutions as we’re on the sidelines making adjustments.”
The players echoed the sentiment of their head coach. “Our coach (Karl) Dorrell said at the end that he kept it quiet and let us handle it”, said Nate Landman, who had 16 tackles (12 solo, with four tackles for loss. “We try to be a player run team and we came out in the second half and dominated and dominated the second half. That’s just a credit to the want and the heart of this team.”
The victory left Colorado with a 4-0 record, 3-0 in conference play. As one of only five undefeated Power Five conference teams in the nation (Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio State, USC), was it time for the Buffs to get some national recognition? “I was a part of being 5-0 and we just need to keep playing”, said linebacker Carson Wells, who had 11 tackles, four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. “We can’t get complacent; we just need to come out and do the work every day during the week and come out and show the work on Saturdays.”
—
Game Story … Arizona won the toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff, but quickly went three-and-out. After Buff quarterback Sam Noyer hit La’Vontae Shenault for a ten yard gain on CU’s first play from scrimmage, the Buffs lost ground, quickly punting the ball back to the Wildcats. The Josh Watts, punt, however, was returned by Jamarye Joiner 33 yards to the Buff 40-yard line, setting up the Arizona offense in CU territory.
Five plays later, the Wildcats had the lead. A 14-yard completion from quarterback Will Plummer to Brian Casteel on third-and-ten kept the Arizona offense from a second straight three-and-out, with Gary Brightwell covering the other 26 yards a play later. Less than four minutes into the game, the Buffs faced their first touchdown deficit of the season (having only trailed Stanford 3-0 in the first quarter of the second game of the season).
The Buff offense seemingly got its act together for its second drive, with a pair of Jarek Broussard carries netting 17 yards before a Noyer-to-Shenault gain of eight yards put the ball at midfield. A few plays later, on third-and-13, Sam Noyer took off of a 23-yard run for a first down, but the gain was called back by a holding penalty, forcing another CU punt.
Taking over at its five yard line, the Arizona offense didn’t blink. A 29-yard run by Michael Wiley was quickly followed by a 45-yard run by Wiley. The drive stalled thereafter, however, with the Wildcats settling for a 38-yard field goal by Lucas Havrisik. Just like that, it was 10-0, Arizona, late in the first quarter.
Again the CU offense was productive, but again, was its own worst enemy. After the Wildcat defense posted just its second sack of the season, a seven yard completion from Noyer to Daniel Arias on third-and-five kept the drive alive. A roughing the passer call against Arizona gave the Buffs a first-and-ten at the Arizona 35-yard line, but, two plays later, the Arizona defense, which hadn’t generated a turnover all season, forced a fumble from La’Vontae Shenault, taking over at the UA 47-yard line.
A 13- yard completion from Plummer to Joiner put the ball on the CU side of the field, with the first quarter ending with the Wildcats facing a second-and-eight at the Buff 27-yard line.
The flipping of the field, though, seemed to bring about a flipping of fortunes. The Buff defense held, forcing another field goal from Havrisik, this time from 42 yards out. Arizona 13, Colorado 0, less than two minutes into the second quarter.
The Buffs didn’t immediately make a move, going three-and-out on their next possession. The defense, though, stiffened. Initially, it looked as if the Buffs would force a three-and-out, but a miracle 42-yard completion from Plummer to Brian Casteel put the ball on the CU side of the field. The Wildcats, though, couldn’t take advantage, with a sack by Isaiah Lewis and Carson Wells ending the threat.
The CU offense took over at its five-yard line, already down 13-0 and having generated less than 100 yards of total offense against the Arizona defense.
That changed very quickly, with Jarek Broussard taking off on a 75-yard run on the first play of the drive. From there, freshman running back Ashaad Clayton took over, with runs of 17 and two yards putting the ball at the one, with Clayton taking it in untouched on the next play. Arizona 13, Colorado 7, midway through the second quarter.
Broussard took over again after the CU defense forced a three-and-out. Runs of 13 and two yards were just the appetizers, with Broussard taking off on a 59-yard run. Caught from behind – again – this time at the four yard line, Broussard was replace – again – by Ashaad Clayton. On the next play, Clayton – again – finished off the drive, scoring on a four yard run, giving the Buffs their first lead of the game, at 14-13, at the 3:00 minute mark of the second quarter.
The Wildcats pieced together a drive which made it as far as midfield but no further. The Buffs took over after the punt at their own nine yard line, with less than a minute to go before halftime. Not wanting to risk a disaster, the Buffs ran out the clock.
Halftime score: Colorado 14, Arizona 13
Receiving the second half kickoff, the Buffs looked to take control of the game. Instead, on the second play of the drive, Sam Noyer was intercepted by linebacker Anthony Pandy.
Taking over after Arizona’s second turnover of the game – and second of the season – the Wildcats looked to shift the momentum back to the home side of the field. Instead, it was a three-and-out, with Will Plummer being sacked by Mustafa Johnson to end the threat.
After a touchback on the punt, the Buff offense drove 80 yards on eight plays to post the first points of the second half. Converting a third-and-six with a 12-yard pass from Noyer to Dimitri Stanley to keep the drive alive, the Buffs next faced a third-and-two at the their own 44 yard line. There quarterback Sam Noyer, on a planned quarterback run, took off on a 54-yard run, finally being dragged down at the Arizona two-yard line. After a Jaren Mangham run went for no gain, Noyer did the honors himself, with the two-yard touchdown run giving the Buffs a 21-13 lead with 9:22 to play in the the third quarter.
The Buff celebration, though, was muted, as junior guard Chance Lytle suffered a severe injury on the play, necessitating a cart to take him from the field.
The Arizona offense, stymied since the first quarter, started clicking on its next drive, needing only five plays to get to the CU 37-yard line. The Wildcats, though, got no further, with the drive ending by a sack of Will Plummer by Buff linebacker Carson Wells.
With a chance to take control of the game, the Buffs opened the drive with a 13-yard completion from Noyer to K.D. Nixon. Thereafter, though, drops by Nixon and La’Vontae Shenault resulted in a four-and-out for the CU offense.
Given another opportunity to get back into the game, the Arizona offense appeared ready to take advantage. Chunk plays of 12 yards, 19 yards, 16 yards and 33 yards gave Arizona a first-and-goal at the CU five yard line. Poised to post a touchdown to perhaps tie the game, the Buff defense rose to the occasion. On a tipped ball, Buff defensive back Nigel Bethel Jr. intercepted a Will Plummer pass, ending the threat.
The Buffs did get the ball out from underneath the shadow of their own goalposts, with a 28-yard run by Broussard putting him over 200 yards for the game. The drive went no further, however, as the Buffs were forced to punt in the first minute of the fourth quarter.
The Arizona offense gained 12 yards on first down of the ensuing drive, but went no further. Then the CU punt team, which had lost ground all night, made a play. On a 43-yard punt, Dimitri Stanley posted a 26-yard return, giving the Buffs the ball at its 48-yard line.
Instead of a three-and-out, the Buffs made a smart play. On third-and-eight at midfield, the Buffs called a wide receiver screen, with Dimitri Stanley going for 32 yards to the Arizona 18-yard line. Poised to put the game away, the CU offense, which had scored on every red zone opportunity season, failed to produce points. Quarterback Sam Noyer threw the ball directly into the arms of linebacker Anthony Pandy, ending the drive.
Could the Colorado defense make yet another stand? It didn’t appear so, as the Wildcats, with the aid of a 27-yard run by Gary Brightwell and two interference penalties, put together a 10-play, 88-yard drive. It was the second drive of over 80 in the second half for the Wildcats … and the second drive of over 80 yards to result in no points. Arizona had a first-and-goal at the CU seven yard line, but the Buff defense again rose to the occasion. On fourth-and-goal at CU five yard line, a Will Plummer offering was batted down in the end zone by Mehki Blackmon.
Taking over at its own five yard line with 6:07 to play, and it still a one score game, the Buff offense needed some first downs. On third-and-four at the 11, it appeared that quarterback Sam Noyer would be stopped short of the line to gain. Instead, Noyer picked up five yards, giving the Buffs a first down. On second-and-six at the 20, Jarek Broussard went up the middle for 72 yards, down to the Arizona eight yard line. The run put Broussard over 300 yards for the game, and gave the CU offense a chance to – finally – put the game away.
Three runs later, kicker Evan Price kicked a 19-yard field goal, giving the Buffs their first two-score lead of the game, at 24-13, with 2:26 to play.
Arizona was able to complete a few passes on its final drive, but a holding penalty and a sack by Nate Landman sealed the deal.
Final score: Colorado 24, Arizona 13
“It didn’t start out quite the way that I hoped”, understated Karl Dorrell on the Buffs having to rally from a 13-0 deficit. “We had a little bit of a slow start where I think they were very challenging right from the start. They had a couple big runs and got up on some scores. Before we knew it, it was 13-nothing. We made some mistakes offensively where we were just out of rhythm. We threw a couple interceptions, which is uncharacteristic of us. But we ran the ball pretty well and I think by the time halftime rolled around we did find a way to get ourselves back in the game and we were actually leading at halftime 14-13”.
The Buffs rolled to 499 yards of total offense, but only 92 yards came through the air. Quarterback Sam Noyer finished the game going 12-for-19 for 92 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Noyer, though, helped the team with his feet, with a 54-yard run to help set up the Buffs’ third touchdown, and a tough five-yard run on third-and-four at the CU 11-yard line, keeping Arizona from posting a three-and-out and getting yet another opportunity to tie the score.
“There was some shakiness on both sides of the ball, but it seemed like either side kind of picked up the slack when one of the sides was struggling a bit”, Dorrell said. “That was something that was really encouraging that this team has found a way to pull out wins. It wasn’t easy being 13 down, but I’m really encouraged by what they’ve done.”
—
Game Notes …
— The victory gave Colorado a 15-8 advantage in the all-time series, including a 9-3 advantage in games played in Tucson;
— The Buffs opened 4-0 for just the second time since 1998 (CU opened with a 5-0 record in 2018 … before losing the final seven games and firing head coach Mike MacIntyre). The victory left Colorado as one of only nine undefeated teams nationally, and one of only five in Power Five conferences (Alabama; Notre Dame; Ohio State; USC; and Colorado);
— The 3-0 start in Pac-12 play was the first for Colorado since joining the conference (the last: 4-0 in Big 12 play in 2002);
— CU’s 407 rushing yards were the most since 427 yards at Kansas on Oct. 12, 2002; it was the second-most in 23 games against Arizona, bested only by CU’s all-time rushing high of 551 yards in the 1958 game.
— The Buff defense had five sacks against the Wildcats, including four on third downs. After giving up 51 second half points to UCLA and Stanford to open the season, the Buffs gave up 0 second half points to San Diego State and Arizona;
— CU went a school-record 193 minutes and 31 seconds into the season before losing its first fumble of the season;
— Jarek Broussard, with 25 carries for 301 yards, posted the fourth 300-yard rushing game in Colorado history (last: Chris Brown at Kansas, Oct. 12, 2002 (25-309) … Broussard’s 155 yards in the second quarter (on eight carries) is a CU record for rushing yards in a quarter, breaking the old mark of 131 (on nine carries) by HB Eric Bieniemy in the fourth quarter against Oregon State in Boulder on Sept. 24, 1988. It is also a school record for all‐purpose yards in a quarter, topping WR Laviska Shenault’s 139 on three receptions against Colorado State in Denver on August 31, 2018;
— Broussard also set the school record for most 50+ yard rushes in a game with three (75, 72, 59); several had two … He is the first player to rush for 100-plus yards in his first four CU career games (TB Charlie Davis was the only other one to do it in the first three in 1971) … Broussard is just the second player to rush for 700 yards in his first four games, the third for 600 or more and the sixth for 500-plus);
— Sam Noyer has now scored a touchdown in four straight games, the first quarterback to do since John Hessler scored in five in a row 1997. His 54-yard run in the third quarter was the longest by a CU quarterback since Bernard Jackson scored on a 62-yard TD run
against Kansas State in Boulder on Nov. 4, 2006. Noyer is now the seventh quarterback to win his first four games as the starter (most recent: Mike Moschetti in 1998);
— Nate Landman (16 tackles; 12 unassisted; four tackles for loss; sack) had the 18th double-digit career tackle game … he had his
10th career quarterback sack (sixth among inside linebackers at Colorado).
–
—–
24 Replies to “Colorado 24, Arizona 13”
Iriebuff I was wondering the same thing about Clayton as I’ve been anxious to see him perform….BUT…. after thinking about it, after Clayton scored on one of his TD’s, he did the “Look how great I am” wiping his chest like soooooo many RB’s and WR’s do after a great catch or a TD. I don’t know if that was the reason he didn’t get any more touches…. BUT, just sayin’
I do know one thing that is apparent (to me at least), HCKD doesn’t tolerate grandstanding, and I love it. After any spectacular play (especially a TD) our Buffs just toss the ball to the referee and don’t “Show Boat.” They just act like that’s just what they do and they’ve done it before and they’ll do it again. Their typical celebrations usually include running around and chest-bumping which is
simply elation in my book.
JUST FIRST CLASS…………NUTHIN’ ELSE.
GO BUFFS.
Kind of what I was thinking too…esp. considering the whole Whizzer White jersey number thing w/Clayton.
To which, was my first real ‘props’ for HCKD when he got Clayton to get off of that…and in my mind’s version he just educated Clayton on Mr. White and his incredible life and pointed out that he’d be unnecessarily putting a huge amount of pressure on himself…ultimately allowing Clayton to make the decision himself.
Why did Clayton not get a carry after his 2nd TD?? He must have pissed of HCKD with something, b/c he looked like he was seeing the holes and running hard/well. Didn’t understand that at all.
Agree 100%, they went to each RB on the roster after and never gave him another chance, he looked great and needs more touches!
Let’s take care of Utah first…. then we can worry about the conference, etc. Very concerned as our offense is getting out of balance and it’s clear that you can stop us (and maybe get the ball) if you play zone in the backend. We played one team with a decent defense and struggled…Utah has had good defenses in the past and will get better with each passing game as their new players get more, more experience.
I know I am biased, but Karl Dorrell should be Pac12 coach of the year, GO BUFFS!!!!!
I think he won it last night!!!!
If the buffs and usc both go unbeaten the pac 12 needs to do the right thing and pair Cu and usc for the championship. The north sucks and if you have 2 unbeaten teams in the south I don’t know how you could call any other game the pac 12 championship.
“… the pac 12 needs to do the right thing and pair Cu and usc for the championship.”
Was going to write the same thing! It should be the best two teams in the conference, especially in such a strange season.
USC is being rewarded for the perception that they are better, but they played AZ in Tucson earlier in the season and didn’t score the winning points until 25 seconds were left on the clock. It makes the SC game cancel due to COVID even more frustrating!
Good win last night for the Buffs, especially in a game where Chiaverini’s worst tendencies emerged so heavily in the 1st Q. Go Buffs!
PAC12 does have a rule this season that if they didn’t get at least four games (I think) that the two teams from the south (in this case) with an 4-0 would play for the championship. But they got more than 4 games in & conference will stick with the north v. south.
It sucks if both go undefeated & CU gets second, but let’s get to five wins first (or it won’t matter) & see what happens in usc’s last 2 games; they could lose one.
And, the Buffs & KD have proven so many wrong… 104th at the beginning and still no real articles on their win(s) on the major sports boards, I’m talking to you cbssports.
Don’t worry USC will lose versus UCLA next week……
That was kind of what I was thinking too…
Great D. Landman worth watching all by himself. What a player. Does anyone know if his amazing skills will transfer to the NFL? 2nd round pick? Great running game. Hate to nit pik but where are our receivers? Or is it Noyer? Maybe just keep running Sam and throw rarely. Seems to work.
I think Landman’s NFL draft slot may be tied to his 40/short shuttle, etc. times. 2 down traditional ILBs are becoming a rarity in the NFL…need to be able to run with the backs/TEs in coverage. I don’t think we ask him to cover much esp. in man/man. Doesn’t sound great, but in the NFL it’s a worthwhile attribute, Landman will be a Day one core special teamer, which at least gives him a solid floor.
Stanford beats Washington. Right now UCLA is up 17 to zip on ASU. Those first 2 Buff wins are looking better. I credit that to KD having his team ready to play in such short notice…better than Shaw and Kelly.
Oregon goes down too to lowly Cal. Will the south rise again?
While watching a little OSU/Utah I saw “Beavs” in the OSU jerseys. I wonder if Jerry Mather signed off on a waiver for that.
I have no idea how good any team in this conference is or isn’t… Except to say that it’s a joke they usc will win the division via ducking cu with covid and be rewarded for it.
Amen
Go Buffs!
Landman for the Butkus award? pffft….how bout the Heisman? Oh wait…that is Broussard’s.
I will back off from my wish to open things up a little more. 400 yards rushing 300 from Jarek. Dios mio. That should have been good for a few more touchdowns. Not only that, Noyer who was solid in the first 2 games seems to be regressing some what as a passer. That second pick was thrown straight at a stationary defender. I guess y’all saw HCKD lose a little cool after that one, maybe because Noyer was giving a lot of back talk.
This was the D’s game though but a few less situations where you need a goal line stand please.
Opening Note: HCKD said early on, He wanted the Buffs to be known as a hard nose defensive team with an in your face rushing attack, So?????? how is it going??
Yo ep,
You still dancing to Backoff Boogaloo?? 4 corner top ten tune??
4 an o an looking for mo.
How good is that Oline? Sheesh kinda mix and match. Why do those holes look so huge.
is 5 and o in the cards?
Buffs
Note: In the Pac 12, Even with all the big plays the Buff D has given up they are 3rd in total defense. Utah is 2nd.
Note 2: In the Pac 12, Even with all the big plays the Buff D has given up they are 1st in scoring defense. Utah is 7th.
Note 3: The Mighty Buffs high flying air-raid offense is 11th Utah is 12th.
Can keep winning with a one man rushing attack. Chev wanted to extend it a bit ( a goal line interception? heheheheheh sheesh
Buffs are 4 and 0 with two road game Pac 12 wins.
Just saying.
So now Chev almost cost the game? At least 15 missed tackles and at least 5 dropped passes.
Nah let em play.
Buffs
So Dorrell’s team faced its first real adversity. And came through it. Really impressed. I agree with Justin though, they were way too cute on offense. I also think you have to keep Landman in the middle. He is a tackling machine and makes sure that if the running back gets through the line he is stopped. Really impressed by Wells play.
The difference between this game and a comfortable 3 score victory? Chevy chiv blew the game plan early with the jet sweeps and trick plays…stupid and the cutesy game plan almost cost them. He abandoned what got them to 3-0. Run, play action, power football. Be who the team is and not who you want them to be. 4-0, survive and advance. Hope Lyle can recover, long journey for him.
Completely agree. Before the game started, I told my wife that as long as Buffs play within themselves, they would be fine. Instead, things got a unnecessarily cute against a bad team and a hole was created. It seems that Chev just can’t help himself sometimes. The great news is the resiliency of this squad. Go Buffs!