October 22nd – Pullman            No. 15 Washington State 28, Colorado 0

In terrible conditions (41 degrees, 22-32 mph winds at kickoff), No. 15 Washington State handled Colorado, 28-0. Cougar quarterback Luke Falk threw for 197 yards and three touchdowns, while the Buffs used three quarterbacks but were shutout for the first time since 2012.

Phillip Lindsay became the first running back in Colorado history to rush for over 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons, with his 29 carries for 95 yards giving him 1,093 for the year. Lindsay, though, was the lone positive for the Buff offense, which was held to a season low 174 yards of total offense.

“That was the worst offensive performance we’ve had since I’ve been a coach here,” Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre said. The Buffs had just 13 first downs on the night, and converted just one of 17 third down opportunities.

“Mainly they just whipped us,” MacIntyre said. “Washington State played great tonight.”

The Colorado defense had posted a total of two sacks in four Pac-12 games (and none in the previous two), so Derek McCartney’s sack of Washington State quarterback Luke Falk on the opening series, forcing a punt, was a good sign.

The Buff offense, however, went nowhere on its first drive. A Phillip Lindsay run for no gain, combined with a false start and two incompletions, actually lost yardage on the possession. Alex Kinney was only able get off a 32-yard punt, setting up the Cougars at their 45-yard line.

On the next play from scrimmage, though, Cougar running back Jamal Morrow fumbled after gaining 12 yards. The fumble was recovered by Buff safety Evan Worthington at the CU 43-yard line.

The second big play from the CU defense, however, was quickly followed by a second three-and-out from the CU offense.

The teams exchanged punts before Washington State put together its first sustained drive of the first quarter. A holding penalty, however, stifled the drive near midfield. A short punt, coupled with a penalty on the Cougars for interfering with kick returner Isaiah Oliver, set the Buffs up at their own 41-yard line.

Four Phillip Lindsay runs, the final one going for two yards on fourth-and-one at the Washington State 43, netted the Buffs 11 yards and their first first down of the game with less than a minute to go in the first quarter. Four plays later, on fourth-and-one at the WSU 32, Lindsay again converted, going for four yards and a first down at the Washington State 28 yard line.

The Buffs again faced a fourth down three plays later, this time a fourth-and-ten at the 28. Rather than attempt a 45-yard field goal in adverse conditions, Mike MacIntyre opted to go for yet another fourth down conversion. This time, however, the CU offense was unsuccessful, with a Steven Montez pass to Devin Ross falling incomplete. Not only did the Buffs turn the ball over on downs, but starting left tackle Jeromy Irwin was lost for the remainder of the game on a targeting call.

The turnover on downs sparked the Washington State offense.

Two runs quickly pushed the ball to midfield, where Luke Falk hit Davontavean Martin for a 50-yard touchdown. Four minutes into the second quarter, there were points on the board: Washington State 7, Colorado 0.

A 24-yard run by Phillip Lindsay on CU’s second play from scrimmage got the Buffs to midfield on their next possession. Instead of hitting a 50-yard touchdown, though, the drive stalled, with Alex Kinney called upon for his fourth punt of the first half.

The Cougar offense then set off on its best drive of the first half. Covering 81 yards in ten plays, the scoring drive culminated in an 18-yard touchdown pass from Falk to Brandon Arconado. With five minutes remaining in the second quarter, Washington State was up by two scores, 14-0.

After yet another punt by the Buffs, the Cougars pushed the ball into CU territory once again. A fourth down pass from Falk to Jamire Calvin on fourth-and-two at the Buff 39 fell incomplete, however, ending the threat.

Halftime score: No. 15 Washington State 14, Colorado 0

The Colorado offense, ineffective at best in the first half, turned to red-shirt freshman quarterback Sam Noyer to open the third quarter. Handing off to Phillip Lindsay worked well to open the drive, with Lindsay going for 13 and 18 yards to quickly put the Buffs into Washington State territory. A roughing the passer penalty two plays later gave the Buffs a first-and-ten at the Cougar 28 yard line.

On the next play, though, a misplayed snap led to an 18-yard loss. Faced with a second-and-28, Noyer threw two incompletions, and the drive was over.

The Washington State offense, though, had no such issues on its first drive of the second half. Completions from Falk to Dezmon Patmon of 21 and 22 yards highlighted the nine-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a nine-yard touchdown run by Jamal Morrow. Washington State 21, Colorado 0, with nine minutes remaining in the third quarter.

The Buffs were forced to punt yet again on their next drive, but the Alex Kinney offering was fumbled by WSU returner Marcus Strong. Defensive lineman/tight end George Frazier recovered, giving the Buffs new life at the Cougar 25-yard line.

The momentum lasted all of four plays.

On fourth-and-two at the Washington State 17 yard line, Mike MacIntyre again eschewed a field goal attempt. Sam Noyer’s attempt to Devin Ross fell incomplete, and the Buffs turned the ball over on downs yet again.

After the Buff defense forced a three-and-out, the CU offense set up shop at the WSU 45-yard line. Completions from Noyer to Bryce Bobo for 12 yards and to Devin Ross for 16 more again gave the Buffs a scoring opportunity.

Faced with a second consecutive fourth down at the Washington State 17-yard line, Mike MacIntyre again decided to go for the first down. This time, Noyer tried to hit Shay Fields to keep the drive alive. This offering, too, fell incomplete, with the Buffs turning the ball over on downs for the third time on the night.

Two series later, the Buffs again turned the ball over on downs. Phillip Lindsay was stuffed on a fourth-and-one attempt near midfield, giving CU four straight failed fourth down conversions (the Buffs entered the game having converted seven consecutive fourth down opportunities, and had converted two more on the first drive of the game before coming up empty four straight times).

Given the ball at their own 48 yard line, the Washington State offense took advantage, covering the 52 yards in ten plays to end the scoring. A five yard touchdown pass from Falk to Renard Bell at the five minute mark gave the 31,461 who braved the elements permission to seek shelter knowing that the game was well in hand.

The final moments were noteworthy only for the record books. Red-shirt freshman quarterback Casey Marksberry saw his first action as a Buff, completing two-of-three passes for 20 yards. His first career completion went for 16 yards to Juwann Winfree, who fumbled the ball away. The turnover, coming with three minutes remaining in the game, was the first for the Buffs in 16 quarters … ending a school record string of consecutive quarters without losing the ball.

Final score: No. 15 Washington State 28, Colorado 0

As is often the case in a lopsided score, the stats sheet was lopsided in favor of the Cougars.

Washington State had 406 yards of total offense, to just 174 for Colorado. Cougar quarterback Luke Falk was held to 197 yards passing, but the Cougars pounded out 194 yards on the ground. The Buffs, meanwhile, netted only 80 yards rushing, with Phillip Lindsay’s 98-yard night being offset by two sacks.

Steven Montez only played the first half, going 4-of-13 for 21 yards. His replacement, Sam Noyer, didn’t fare much better, going 7-of-18 for 53 yards.

In all, the 174 total yards were the lowest for the Buffs since being held to 163 yards by Washington in the 2016 Pac-12 championship game.

“That was the worst offensive performance we’ve had since I’ve been a coach here,” understated Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre.

When asked if the poor weather was a factor, MacIntyre was blunt. ““No, not at all. Their defense whipped our offense.”

Here is the YouTube video of the game, courtesy of CU at the Gamer Paul:

 

Game Notes … 

— The Washington State victory left Colorado with a 6-5 advantage in the series (2-1 for the Cougars in Pullman). The shutout was the first in the series since the Buffs defeated the Cougars, 12-0, in Spokane in 1982 (Bill McCartney’s first victory as head coach at Colorado);

— The game was the first shutout loss for the Buffs since 2012 (Stanford), and the first shutout loss on the road since 2010 (Missouri);

— The fumble late in the game was the first turnover for the Buffs in 16 quarters, a school record (2:53:52 of game clock). The Buffs were looking to post a fourth consecutive game without a turnover (CU had never gone more than two straight games without one before the current streak);

— Despite his ineffective play, Steven Montez extended his consecutive pass streak without an interception to 108, the sixth-most consecutive passes without a pick in school history);

— Phillip Lindsay (29 carries, 98 yards), finished the game with 1,093 yards rushing for the season. Lindsay’s 1000-yard rushing campaign became the 14th in school history, with Lindsay becoming the first back to do so in back-to-back seasons (Eric Bieniemy went for over 1,000 yards in 1988 and 1990).

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38 Replies to “Washington St. 28, Colorado 0”

  1. Having just returned home from the debaucle in Pullman, I will begin by saying I will never spend the money to go and see that team again.
    Let us begin with 4th and ten and we go for it????? Good lord. Another ejection??? Phillip playing his butt off and getting nowhere??? A sideline in total dissarray. Mr Mac needs to go back south and coddle those southerners.
    I have it on a very good sayso, that there are attitude problems on the wide receivers’ part. Thus the reason for the horrible output by both Fields and Bobo. (Even though Bobo has put up some good numbers.
    SERIOUSLY MACINTYRE, FIRST CONTROL YOURSELF BEFORE LOOKING TO CONTROL A TEAM. YOU ARE NOT FRANK KUSH!!!
    If Lindgren is allowed to continue as OC, I am done.
    And….as many who have read me in the past in the bdc….I always wanted Mike Leach before Macintyre. An I right AZ?

    1. Yo buffalobilly,

      I hear ya. I just cancelled my trip to Tempe this morning. Unless Mac gets himself under control and rids himself (and us) of Lindgren, no more money to support this program. Except of course for my tax dollars going to pay Mac’s ridiculous contract.

      This team is a serious mess. I wouldn’t be surprised if Chiaverini left if Lindgren stays calling the plays. Then, it will be like folks jumping off a sinking ship.

      Rick George, SOS!

      Mark
      Boulderdevil

      1. Why is it this school falls in love with coaches that really succeed with programs in crap conferences, believing they can coach at a big 5 level?

  2. This feels worse than 2015. In 2015 I felt like I was getting teased, like they just couldn’t finish but fought until the end every game. This year the execution is not there. I’m not a student of football, it is entertainment and enjoyment to me, but I’m figuring out the buffs schemes and realize how it is that teams are beating us with ease. The defense needs to be re-tooled, we don’t stop anybody and allow huge holes in coverage. On offense I don’t get why the o-line can’t be schemed to give the QB more time. I sadly think that Montez is not the answer. It is getting almost too painful to watch. I’m seeing regression and after two years of an upward curve that isn’t good.

  3. I generally try to be a positive person. Sure has been difficult this year watching the Buffs. Other than Lindsey, Bobo, and “now you see him, now you don’t” tight end Bounds… maybe Oliver… it’s hard to point to anyone else having a good year. Thought association…

    Offensive line has regressed… where is OC line coach Adams, who saved the day last year? Musical chairs. And where’s the beef? Defensive linemen look like their feet are in cement… engage the O lineman and then just stand there. Probably tired. Big Play Shay can’t make a play even when the ball does get to him. Bad angles and crappy tackling all over the defense. I’m afraid the no name DC is just that. OC? That horse has been dead so long it’s decomposing… no need to beat it further. I still like Montez. Think they dropped him too soon last night. He came back like a banshee last week in the second half. Is he not “developing”, or is it on the sieve-like O line? Final thought… MM is psychotic. Still berating the back judge, red faced and spit flying… 10 minutes after the play happened? How about coaching… gathering the troops? Moving forward? He’s an embarrassment, and he’s embarrassed. And he should be. Coach of the year my a*s. He owes that trophy and the associated salary bump to last year’s players who somehow found their own motivation… along with some other coaches who are no longer here, perhaps.

    Lindsey’s gone next year. I shudder to consider where that leaves us. Not sure who will take up the “heart and soul” banner. As others have said, something’s not right with this team. I’ve watched CU football improve over the last several years… piece by piece. Not seeing it right now. It feels in my gut like something is amiss.

    Sorry for the rant. Go Buffs!

  4. Disgraceful!!! Where does on start or where does on finish? We knew this would most likely not be as successful as last year, but my gosh how can a program that continued to grow each year culminating in a dream season (2016) so completely turn in the other direction. Coaching, talent, execution, and on and on?

    I don’t think I’m misstating a fact but there has not been on game this year when our QB was not always pressured more in passing situations then the opposing QB. That even includes the non power conference schools we have played. It doesn’t matter who we have played, but when we have dropped back to pass it is an all out jail break against us. And then the routes that our receivers run must be so predictable that this vaunted group really shouldn’t even be on the field for all the effectiveness they display.

    There has been no, absolutely no consistent pressure by the Defense on the opposing QB all year. The surge on running plays usually has gone against our front seven. Except for a decent FG kicker our kicking game has not been all that stellar either.

    I guess we can all conclude that this has been an all around team and coaching effort toward sub-mediocrity.

    1. Pretty much agree. I had high hopes that Montez would be even better than Sefo. After that not really materializing, I am interested to see Noyer. He has a certain poise in the pocket. However, I agree that the OL simply sucks. Doesn’t matter who they put back there. Perhaps Montez has falllen apart because he’s in fear for his life on every pass.

      This great group of receivers can’t seem to get separation.

      The D seems unmotivated. The front line just gets outplayed. I’m seeing missed tackles, lack of basics. I don’t see guys flying to the ball or swarming as a group much.

      I’m really thinking there are systemic issues, and for now, I’m thinking it’s the D and O coordinators.

      But – I also think RG knows exactly what’s happening and I have faith he’ll get it fixed.

  5. I’m thinking we are finally seeing the real impact of loosing Jim Leavitt. Not only was a great D-mind but was able to lead young men emotionally- which is big in college football.

  6. Watching some talking heads talk about Scott Frost. They are saying he wont go back to Nebraska. Funny if thats true. Same ol problem at CU though. They cant afford him.

  7. It’s time for RG to sit down with Mac and insist on a change with co-oc situation. Chev brings not only passion but experience with aggressive schemes. That’s why good recruits like Shenault and Nixon came here. I go back to the AZ game where the team came out flat. Sometimes a change needs time be made to provide a spark. This time, I feel it needs to be made for the sake of the program and recruiting as well, both for future recruits as well as current players. Lindgren can be demoted to QB coach. The time to make the change is this week.

      1. All the way down the road is fine with me too. To me, he seems like a guy who is conservative, unimaginative, unable to adjust, and driven by fear. Poor qualities from the head of the offense. I once had a boss who appears to resemble Lindgren. He sat in his office, by himself, removed from the action, cerebral but limited ability to lead people. The end result: a discombobulated, disengaged, uninspired team. Lots of issues in this team but taking action in this space would be a start. Go Buffs!

  8. Our looks-like-a-2015-Buffs team just took a step back to a looks-like-a-2014 Buffs team. Crap.

    Everyone knows Lindgren has to go. Why not fire him this week and give Chev the reigns for the rest of the season? Let him prove himself as capable of running the show solo.

    I was encouraged to see Noyer play in the second half. Not sure what is going on with Montez. I think somehow the way they are coaching him and suppress some of his natural tendencies backfired. If you go to a game (I wasn’t at this one) it’s obvious he is not seeing the field. He plays afraid.

    I watched a lot of college football this weekend and it is clear the CU coaching staff is towards the bottom.
    Mac sideline demeanor is a disappointment. Although Rich-Rod is similar when his teams suck, and folks in Tucson just love him. He just happens to have a decent team this year.

    The Pac-12 officials are hands down the worst of any conference in the country. Not that this changed overall outcome of the game, but I honestly think it helped with the shutout.

    Players are not playing hard. Receivers need to catch passes. DBs and safeties need to catch interceptions that fall in their laps. D-linement not getting off blocks. Where are the linebackers?

    I’ll stop there. Fingers getting tired.

  9. Yo Stuart,

    Not unexpectedly, it was pretty pathetic.

    Nothing from Eric? Maybe he went to Washington in search of rainbows after the rain, eh? But, this cloud has no silver lining.

    Not sure if this coaching staff can produce another win this year. It sure seems like they’ve lost the faith of their players. Maybe Mac can learn to “work the refs” more effectively and quit ignoring his own team when they have the ball.

    Anybody else notice that Leach made his guys do pushups on the sideline during the game when they messed up? Maybe that would have worked for our guys to make their arms tired and quit hiking the ball over the QB’s head.

    “Teach ’em the basics!”

    Horrible coaching all around.

    Mark
    Boulderdevil

  10. Brutal. Even I can barely find any silver lining, and the brightest one is that at least I didn’t make the trek to watch that debacle, while getting soaked, in person.

    We will learn a lot more about this team, coaches too, by how they regroup and respond against Cal.

    Go Buffs.

    1. Ye Ol Banker Babble

      “…..We will learn a lot more about this team, coaches too, by how they regroup and respond against Cal….Er UCLA…..er AZ ….. er WSU.

      Not much more to learn or is there.

      Buffs .

  11. The rantings of MikeyMac fell on deaf ears. “The unanimous coach of the year is no more.”
    “Peter is in the house” “The ol kodger is crying” “The emperor has no clothes” “The banker is into his thesaurus begging for words” Mein Gott how time flies ……………………and forgets. Or does it.

    MikeyMac proclaimed……. We’ve got to have more consistency on offense if we’re going to win anymore Pac-12 games.” Whoa………….an epiphany right there on the Palouse

    Hmm. Sorry Mikey but you have had consistency. Consistently bad. Make that terrible.
    And looking through a magnifying glass just at this game…………You have the consistency you speak of.. Does not make a difference which QB you put in……….The offense is consistently bad. Has to be the players now don’t ya think…………. Well of course it is. Mickey Mac, just like the ol kodger who is clueless, always blames the players with that “Teflon Chant” (no sticky stink on me) .………..”Players make plays…..Players win games” What a crock eh?
    What is the consistent factor of poor to midland offenses of the last 5 years? Oh wait you know but some just can’t get the words out. Why……Loyalty? Optimist? Fan? Blind? Don’t now the game? Other?

    You been fooled………..Again…………..with HWSRN it took the lemmings about 2.5 years to see the light.
    Mac2 has had them “blinded by the light” for going on 5 years.
    But boy the Head Coach of the year and the now $4,000,000 man sure is quick to deflect the blame speaking of the quarterbacks…….

    “We’ll see what happens this week,” MacIntyre said. “Who plays best this week and who plays best in the game. If they’re not playing well, I’ll pull the guy and put the other guy in

    Oh boy the ol threat in the press. Now that is some real leadership right there. Nope, it is the act of a desperate loser who sees where it is going and now puts up all the defenses early to ensure it is not about him. (You won’t like this, but the Tumpkin incident gave big hints as to who MickeyMac really is.)
    Mike leach called he and his team “Front-runner losers” or something to that effect after last weeks loss. Mac says “Blame it on the Bosa Nova………..I mean the quarter backs.”

    He has all the clichés and all the excuses and has a personality that is lacking. There I said it. He ain’t Butch Jones, but he is Butch Jones.
    Well Mac your consistency lies in:

    Your misguided faith that your offensive coordinator and play caller has a clue. (He does not.)
    Your blinded view that any REAL assistant coaches will want to work for you. (They will not)
    Your broken mirror not telling you, that you are the problem. (It is not)
    Your turning into a whining baby on the side lines (You were tonight)

    Once again to a question about the team performance Mac answered “I don’t know” and you have to believe him because it appears he does not. Fact.

    This was a disappointing but predictable game for the Buffs. And it starts at the top

    He Doesn’t know. Fact.

    Buffs.

    Note: So now where are the two wins coming from? Don’t know

    Note 2: Stuart, I may be joining you down the rat hole.

    Note 3: MikeyMacs antics on the sidelines were an embarrassment to himself and CU and indicative of who he really is. Fact. Exposed eh?

    Dang nab it I hate the rat hole.

    The truth

    “We can beat everybody we have left to play, there’s no doubt about it,” MacIntyre said. “And we could lose to every one of them.
    We have to find a way to get it done.”

    The latter is more truthful than the beginning of the first statement. The second statement is probably not doable……………starting at the top.

  12. Phil got another record….and the Buffs got another loss. I hope Eric and Lingering are happy. Dont get me wrong. Phil deserves every record he earns but it boggles my mind that his spirit and work ethic doesnt appear to influence most of his other team members in spite of the coaching.

  13. This team, who is unlikely to win any of its remaining games, needs a major overhauling at the end of the season. The offensive coaches , except for Chiverini, should all be replaced. The quarterback situation needs to be reconsidered with Montez no longer being thought of as the QB of the future. After 8 games, it is evident to me ,at least, that he is over his head in the Pac 12 conference.
    With Lindsey, Irwin, Fields, Moeller all completing their CU football career at the end of the season, the outlook for 2018 does not appear very promising.

    1. Why is Chiaverini free from evaluation? He has been the Buffs co-OC and wide receivers coach for the past two seasons. Has our offense been that explosive since he has been here? Have our wide receivers played very well? Seems like maybe Buffs were better on both counts before he showed up. I know he is a Buff through and through, but seems like no one should be exempt from evaluation.

      1. I totally agree with P Looch. Chiv should be evaluated like all the coaches. Everyone seems so high on him but he is there coaching and the offense has been terrible. Everyone needs to be evaluated. DHH

        1. Agree. No one should be beyond “evaluation”. Frankly, I’m not sure exactly what Chiv’s responsibilities are, currently. How much IS he involved in game plans and play calling? Is he just a mouthpiece on the sidelines? And, there is palpable frustration between receivers and Montez (and Noyer last night), certainly if you look at body language and reactions to missed plays. Not just the QBs fault, IMO. Look at O line, and the receivers themselves perhaps. Bobo makes plays. Hopefully there is evaluation going on. And the “self” kind wouldn’t hurt.

    1. ep, The football team is leaking so much oil right now I don’t think if there was any info from RG there is anything left to leak. Somebody needs to report the leak (more like a massive Breach) and issue an Environmental Disaster Warning!!!!

  14. Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching, Coaching.

    Co-OC, DC, Co-OC, DC, Co-OC, DC, Co-OC, DC, Co-OC, DC, Co-OC, DC, Co-OC, DC. Offense stinks…especially the OL and the Co-OC. Defense stinks… especially the 3-4 porous, defensive scheme….and the DC. Other teams just push them around. Same with the OL….

    MM had better get some Coordinators, both OC and DC or he might be packing his suitcase. (I hope not, BUT…..).

    There now, I feel better….well, not really.

  15. No question, the execution was not good. Very disappointed. Something is very wrong with this team. Is it the talent? The preseason hype continuously said the talent was there and to expect big things. Is it the leaders on the team? Preseason hype state the seniors were going to build on what the seniors did last year? Is it the coaching leadership? The preseason hype stated the old coaches would not be missed and that the new additions were as good as or better and the HC predicted minimal fall off from last year.

    All in all it is a mess. And the buck stops at the top.

    It appears to me MikeyMac has lost this team on all levels.

    Just how I see it.

    Buffs

  16. It aint over ’til the fat lady sings,I heard Mama Cass singing this morning. Or maybe it was Dandy Don “Turn out the lights the party’s over”. We’ll get ’em next year.

    Go Buffs

      1. I am expecting Mac will finally pull the trigger on that one. We should have a new OC in place by the end of November.

        1. Now would be better. Some signs of energy and imagination with the offense in the remaining games would at least help with recruiting.

          1. You are right. Now would be better. It would give Chiv a chance to prove himself. But as we have all seen Mac doesn’t make too many speedy decisions.

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