For the second consecutive week, the Buffs built a large lead, only to have to hold on for dear life in the final minutes, defeating Stanford in Palo Alto, 35-32. Three consecutive touchdown drives by the CU offense built a 35-16 lead in the first minute of the fourth quarter, but the Cardinal posted two touchdowns – and two two-point conversions – in the fourth quarter to make it close.

Quarterback Sam Noyer had another strong outing, passing for 255 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 36 yards and two more scores. Running back Jarek Broussard had his second consecutive 100-yard game, with 27 carries for 121 yards. The receivers were led by Dimitri Stanley, who had six catches for 126 yards and a touchdown.

The Colorado offense was dominant … until the fourth quarter. Finishing with 432 yards of total offense (to 397 for Stanford), the Buffs were out-gained in the fourth quarter, to 155 yards to 29.

“This team is learning how to play in difficult circumstances,” said CU head coach Karl Dorrell, who improved to 2-0 at Colorado. “That can be a great experience for them to continue to build on so that when we’re in a championship type of game, we can say we’ve been there, we know how to gut it out and find a way to win.”