Oct. 19th – at Arizona – Talking About “False Summits”

Colorado dominated on both sides of the ball in picking up a second consecutive Big 12 road romp, defeating Arizona, 34-7. The Buffs went for 398 yards of total offense, while holding the Wildcats to 245 total yards. CU quarterback Shedeur Sanders completed 23-of-33 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns, while also running for a score. LaJohntay Wester collected eight catches for 127 yards, while Will Sheppard and Drelon Miller had receiving touchdowns.

On defense, the Buffs not only held the Wildcats out of the end zone for the final three quarters, but did so in convincing fashion. CU collected seven sacks, with two each from by Samuel Okunlola and Keaten Wade, while forcing three turnovers.

“Wonderful game, wonderful victory,” Coach Prime said. “Offense, defense, collectively, both units played great.

“We played a balanced game. We really did. And I’m proud of the young men. I’m proud of the coaches. They called a phenomenal game. Special teams as well.”

My father was an avid hiker and camper, so I spent many a summer weekend during my youth exploring the mountains just north of Yellowstone National Park, and, later, after my father moved to the Denver area, in the Colorado Rockies.

Some fantastic trips, to be sure, but there are also memories which are less than pleasant.

When I was around middle school age, my brother, two years older and (at that time) taller, loved to make life on the trail a living Hell for his younger sibling.

My father and brother were much better hikers than I was, and it was often tough for me to keep up. Hikes became marches, and the “Are we they yet?” mantra was my constant cry.

I learned, though, that once we got past the seemingly endless trek through the woods, and we got above tree line, that there was reason for renewed hope.

When I could see the summit of the mountain we were climbing, and I could see the finish line, I could then will myself to the top. Fifty steps, rest. Fifty steps, rest.

One switchback at a time.

If I could see the final destination, I felt I could get there.

Gamey Day! … Daily Camera: Five Wildcats to Watch … Neill Woelk’s Keys to the Arizona game … BJ Green getting back to his standards: “I didn’t play like myself in the first five games” …

Game Day! … The Athletic: Big 12 Chaos Meter off the charts (CU an “upstart”) …CBS Top 100 players still has Travis Hunter at No. 1 (Shedeur at No. 10) …

CU is America’s Team (Top viewing game for every Buff opponent) … CU owns Arizona (historically) … Just how effective is CU’s defense? … ESPN Power Index actually likes the Buffs …

Bill McCartney goes for it on fourth-and-one from his own 38-yard line with 10 minutes remaining in a tie game to take down the Wildcats … McCartney: “We needed to make something happen” …

Which is the better QB/WR combo: Shedeur to Travis, or Fifita to T-Mac? … Arizona’s offense: 23 points or less in every game since the opener … Which team will be celebrating a return to the Big 12 race come Saturday night? … Let’s find out …

Arizona has been struggling to score – Is CU’s defense the cure for the common offense? … Will the Buffs be able to overcome injuries, and find their way back to a balanced offensive attack? … Which team will enter the second half of the season with optimism, and which will face more questions? … Let’s find out …