October 27th – Boulder           Oregon State 41, Colorado 34 OT

Colorado squandered a 31-3 third quarter lead, falling to Oregon State, 41-34, in overtime. A Travon McMillian 75-yard touchdown run on the first play of the third quarter raised a 24-3 halftime advantage to a four-touchdown lead. From there, however, the Beavers out-scored the Buffs 31-3, forcing overtime. Oregon State scored on its overtime possession, with the Buffs failing to answer as a Steven Montez pass fell incomplete on fourth-and-goal at the OSU seven yard line.

“I guess you’d call this a gut-wrencher,” Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre said after his Buffaloes matched their biggest blown lead in program history. “We were rolling,” MacIntyre said, “and the wheels just rolled right off.”

The loss spoiled a career-day for Buff wide receiver K.D. Nixon, who set a single-game career-high in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, finishing with 13 catches for 198 yards and two touchdowns. He also established a career-high in first downs with eight.

“My best game turned into my worst game,” Nixon said.

The Buffs out-gained the Beavers, 536 yards to 459, but Buff quarterback Steven Montez was out-dueled by Beaver quarterback Jake Luton. Montez went 24-for-39 for 319 yards and two touchdowns, while Luton went 28-for-39 for 310 yards and three touchdowns … all in the second half, as Luton replaced an ineffective Jack Colletto after the break.

Game story … The game opened with both teams looking disinterested in making a statement, with the two offenses punting the ball a combined seven times in the first quarter.

Oregon State took the opening kickoff and generated one first down before punting. Not to be outdone, the Colorado offense generated one first down on its first possession … and then punted the ball back to the Beavers.

The Buff defense dominated most of the first stanza, with OSU third-string quarterback Jack Colletto being sacked by Carson Wells, Terrance Lang, and Mustafa Johnson … but the Buff offense could not capitalize, going three-and-out over its next two possessions.

Finally, taking over at the Oregon State 42-yard line after a short punt, the Buffs found the endzone. A 13-yard run by Travon McMillian opened the drive, giving the Buffs just their second first down of the quarter. Two plays later, quarterback Steven Montez threw the ball deep to the end zone, where wide receiver K.D. Nixon collected the pass for a 32-yard touchdown. Colorado 7, Oregon State 0, with two minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Instead of taking control of the game, the Buff defense let the Beavers back into the contest. A 36-yard run by running back Jermar Jefferson took the ball down to the CU 20-yard line on the last play of the first quarter. The Buffs then stiffened, however, forcing a 30-yard field goal by OSU kicker Jordan Choukair. Two minutes into the second quarter, it was a 7-3 game.

The Buffs had a chance to make it a two-score game on their next possession, but came up short. A 21-yard run by Steven Montez, followed by a 14-yard completion to Juwann Winfree set up the Buffs in Oregon State territory. A pair of completions to K.D. Nixon, one for ten yards and one for eight, followed by a pass interference penalty against the Beavers, set up the Buffs with a first-and-goal at the OSU four yard line.

Instead of pushing the ball in, the Buff offense stalled, with Steven Montez fumbling the snap on third down. Freshman kicker Evan Price was good from 21 yards out, making it a 10-7 game, but an opportunity for the Buffs had been squandered.

It didn’t seem like it would make much difference less than a minute of game clock later. On second down on OSU’s ensuing drive, a pass from quarterback Jack Colletto bounced off of the intended receiver, with Buff cornerback Dante Wigley intercepting the pass. With a convoy of Buff defenders leading the way, Wigley went 20 yards with the pick-six. Just like that, with 8:48 to play in the firs half, it was 17-3, Colorado.

After forcing a three-and-out from the Beaver offense, which included a sack by Alex Tchangam, the Buffs moved in for the kill. A 47-yard bomb from Montez to K.D. Nixon gave the Buffs a red zone opportunity at the Oregon State 13-yard line. After two runs by Kyle Evans netted six yards, Montez connected with Nixon for their second scoring combination of the first half. Colorado 24, Oregon State 3, with five minutes remaining in the half.

Oregon State’s next possession was thwarted by a sack by Nate Landman, but the Buffs couldn’t push the ball past the Oregon State 42-yard line before punting, leaving the Buffs to settle for a 17-point lead at the break.

Halftime score: Colorado 24, Oregon State 3

Any chance at an Oregon State comeback was seemingly put to bed 12 seconds into the third quarter. On CU’s first play from scrimmage, running back Travon McMillian went up the middle for 75 yards and a score, making it a 31-3 game with 14:48 to play in the third.

If only it had ended there …

Instead, the Beavers began playing better. After the McMillian score, the Oregon State took its first possession of the second half and set off on an epic 17-play drive for its first touchdown. Led by Jake Luton, who came into the game as a replacement for the ineffective Colletto, the Beavers converted a third-and-five, a third-and-nine, and a third-and-six to get the ball into CU territory.

When the Buffs finally stopped the Beavers on third down, the Beavers went for it on fourth down. On fourth-and-four at the CU 31, Luton connected with Jermar Jefferson for a 15-yard gain and a first down. The Buffs then held again, forcing a four-and-two at the Colorado eight yard line. Again, however, the Beavers converted, with Luton finding Isaiah Hodgins for an eight yard touchdown.

It took 17 plays, three third down conversions and two fourth down conversions, but the Beavers had made it interesting again, at 31-10, with eight minutes still remaining in the third quarter.

The teams traded punts before the Buffs looked to score to put the game out of reach. A 49-yard run by quarterback Steven Montez set the Buffs up at the Oregon State 32-yard line. Three more plays netted only four yards, however, with freshman kicker Evan Price called upon for an insurance field goal. The 46-yard attempt was blocked, however, leaving it a 31-10 game late in the third quarter.

On the Beavers’ next possession, they marched smartly down the field in short order to make the Folsom Field crowd of 48,050 nervous. Completions of 33 and 16 yards on the first two plays gave OSU a first down on the CU 24-yard line. The Buff defense seemingly put an end to the threat when a Nate Landman sack of Luton left the Beavers with a third-and-19. Instead of ending the drive, a 12-yard screen pass to Jermar Jefferson – with a targeting call against Kyle Trego – gave the Beavers a first down at the CU 11 yard line. Three plays later, Luton ran the ball in from the two yard line.

Colorado 31, Oregon State 17 … with 14:30 still remaining.

The Buffs moved to midfield on their next possession, but were unable to sustain the drive. On fourth-and-one at the Oregon State 45-yard line, the Buff offense failed to convert. A Travon McMillan effort was stuffed for no gain, giving the ball back to the Beavers.

A 28-yard completion from Luton to Hodgins set up the Beavers deep in CU territory, but the drive stalled at the CU 18 yard line. A 35-yard field goal made at 31-20 game. The Buffs still had a two score lead, but there was still 9:29 left to be played.

After a three-and-out by the Buffs, the Oregon State offense stormed down the field once again. A ten-yard completion from Luton to Timmy Hernandez was quickly followed by a 32-yard connection by the same pair, setting the Beavers up with a first-and-goal at the CU seven yard line. There, Luton hooked up with Isaiah Hodgins, this time for a seven yard score. The two-point conversion made it a 31-28 game … with 7:13 remaining.

The Buff offense tried to get its act together for one game-clinching score. Runs by McMillian and Kyle Evans got the ball out to mid-field, with Steven Montez finding K.D. Nixon for a 39-yard gain to the OSU 15-yard line. Instead of a touchdown to put the game out of reach, the Buffs had to settle for a field goal after a holding call denied the Buffs first-and-goal at the OSU four-yard line. Evan Price was good from 34 yards out, but it was a precarious six-point lead, 34-28, with 2:08 remaining.

Instead of playing like a team which hadn’t defeated an FBS opponent in two years, the Beavers played with poise … while the Buffs fell apart. A personal foul call, followed by a pass interference penalty, gave OSU 30 yards in two plays. The Buffs had their chance to end the game with one stop, but Luton, on fourth-and-eight at the CU ten yard line, hit Trevon Bradford for a touchdown.

The touchdown made it a 34-34 game with 29 seconds to play, with the formality of an extra point to put the Buffs out of their misery. Instead, the extra point was blocked, leaving it a tie game.

The Buffs did have a chance to end the game in regulation, but a 53-yard field goal attempt by Davis Price never even made it to the end zone.

End of regulation: Oregon State 34, Colorado 34

The missed extra point by the Beavers should have given the Buffs new life. Instead, it just prolonged the agony. On the Beavers’ overtime possession, the Oregon State offense faced third down three times – third-and-ten at the 25; third-and-four at the eight; and third-and-goal at the one, with Jake Colletto scoring to give Oregon State its first lead of the game.

The Colorado offensive possession included a 21-yard completion from Montez to Jay MacIntyre, giving the Buffs a first-and-goal at the OSU seven yard line, followed by a fun for no gain and three incompletions.

Final score: Oregon State 41, Colorado 34

“I would say it was an extremely bad loss, no doubt about it”, said Mike MacIntyre, when asked about being a part of one of the worst meltdowns in CU history. “It was one we should have won because we were up. We should’ve put it away and didn’t. It is extremely tough, no doubt.”

Oregon State’s comeback from 28 points down matched the largest ever by a CU opponent. In 2010, Kansas rallied from 45-17 down to beat the Buffs, 52-45, in Lawrence … which led to the dismissal of head coach Dan Hawkins.

“In a perfect world I’d like to say that we have the same goals as when the season started,” said linebacker Drew Lewis, on CU falling to 53 after a 5-0 start. “That is to focus on the week ahead, and obviously when you lose three games like that, our goals might change a little bit.  We just need to find out what went wrong, and fix those errors.  Our goal is to just fix what we did wrong, and focus on Arizona.”

Game Notes … 

—  Oregon State took a 6-5 lead in the all-time series, snapping a CU three-game run. Barring a meeting in the Pac-12 championship game, the teams won’t meet again until the 2021 season;

— Oregon State’s 24 fourth quarter points and three touchdowns were more than CU had allowed in the first seven games (16 and one);

— Colorado started three freshmen on the offensive line for the first time in its history (LT Will Sherman, C Colby Pursell, RT Frank Fillip); Fillip being a true freshman;

—  Wide receiver K.D. Nixon had career highs in receptions (13), yards (198) and touchdowns (2). Previous highs were six, 112 and 1.  He also earned a career-high eight first downs;

— Running back Travon McMillian had 20 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown. This was his fifth 100-yard game at CU (matching the total he had at Virginia Tech).  He now has 778 yards on 147 carries this season (5.3 per carry);

— Wide receiver Jay MacIntyre (four receptions for 39 yards) became the 29th player in CU history to have 1,000 career receiving yards, ending the game with 1,027;

— Cornerback Dante Wigley returned his first career interception 27 yards for a touchdown; in the process, he became the 18th Colorado player since 1992 to score a touchdown off his first career pick;

— Quarterback Steven Montez, with his 319 yards passing, became the fifth player in in CU history to throw for 6,000 yards (6,045); that is fifth on the all-time list, as Kordell Stewart is fourth with 6,481.

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60 Replies to “Oregon State 41, Colorado 34 – OT”

  1. Let this be a lesson to Mac about coaching in the big time. I wondered multiple times the last couple of years what was going on in Mac’s head when he takes his foot off the gas. Look at Saban, look at the points he puts up on the board when he can. Why? because it matters when you start playing for championships and the “committee” looks at how “dominate” teams are. This isn’t intramurals brother, there’s no room for letting up off the gas. Its one thing when your up 56 points on South West Iowa Community College, and another against power 5 teams, especially a PAC12 team. This isn’t San Jose St. Thats what is so frustraiting to me about this loss. The way it happened. The Buffs should always always continue with the foot on the gas. Not say “oh hey we are up 28 points lets play prevent D and run the ball up the middle for the next two quarters.

    Take Some Responsibility Mac. Apologize to fans and donors. that was an unacceptable loss caused by YOUR lack of focus and your lack of competitive instinct.

    BTW – WTF with the clear bias towards the Buffs on Targeting. Someone should make a video of the last 4 targeting calls made on the field up against the SC friendly Refs non call on our best player. i dont care if he lowered is head, compare apples to apples. Absolutely atrocious and clearly a bias unfavorable to the Buffs.

    Hey Shenault – Get off your freakin’ phone. Coaches all about teaching young men and all these BS “values” about how to be men. Tell ya what, if I whipped out a phone in a business meeting while my associate is in the 4th quarter of closing a deal, I would wake up without a job tomorrow.

    1. VK couldn’t have said it better….. perhaps as well (he’s a linguistic brawler after all)… but, not better.

      And…..Shenault, ya better listen to Glen. That was really NARCISSISTIC, disappointing and not reflective of a true Buff.

  2. Also has anyone noticed that every time an opposing team changes QBs in a non garbage time situation we lose? That’s just bad preparation by the coaches. (Thinking of when Tate went in against us last year)

  3. Remember how after the USC game, I said “We suck” and then everyone did these little “it’s getting better” comments, did you all think I was joking?

    I know a turd when I see it and this program is a turd. Did this loss cause anyone to have flashbacks to the 4Q meltdown under Hawkins? Same turd different HC.

    On vacation in Prague, check the score, 31-3, smile as a drift off to much needed jet lagged sleep. Wake up to this crap. Let be real the team is so ightly better than it was with embree but still about as good as Hawkins. This is no longer a “lost decade” it is a lost program, perhaps beyond redemption, like SMU but with its own self inflicted death penalty of bad coach after bad coach. The DC should be run out of town on a rail after this.

    1. Sorry Peter, but Embree or Hawkins never won a division, not even close. Firing means another 2-3 years of bottom feeding for CU. Lets see how he finished out before throwing him under the bus.

  4. Yo Stuart,
    The other two “easy” games for the Buffs to get to bowl worthy now look a whole lot tougher. Cal beat Washington and Arizona is knocking the snot out of Oregon. Both those “easy” games are on the road. The home games are against Washington State and Utah. The Buffs will not be favored in ANY of those games.
    Last year the Buffs stumbled to 5-7 after a 3-0 start. Now it looks likely that they will be 5-7 again … even though they started 5-0. Biggest choke jobs ever from the coach who needs more time after six years.

    The guy must have sold his soul to get that 10 win season. Should have been smart enough to ask for more than one winning season, I guess. But the guy is a record setting coach for sure. First national Coach of the Year to have a losing season the next year. I guess they’ll call the phenomenon “The MacIntyre Effect” from now on.

    What a sad day for Buffs everywhere.

    Mark
    BD/GB89

  5. About as disappointing loss by the Buffs in recent memory, and there have been some doozy’s in the past. The Ghost of Dan Hawkins is still haunting this program. Should have hired Peterson but instead got the Hawk. Peterson has a successful career, goes to Udub and takes his QB coach with him to be OC. The Udub OC becomes head coach at OSU this year and he hires Lindgren as his OC. Everybody in Buff land is happy happy. Lindgren with the help of his new HC finally comes into his own and shows some imagination and courage with play selection (could it be that all he needed was to get out from under you know who?)

    It is apparent that the Buffs have big problems in the D Secondary, and the Oline. We hardly ever won a third down on either Offense or D in the 2nd half. Also the offensive scheme now is pathetic. Repetition rears its ugly head.

    Somebody could make a lot of money on the Real Estate between the dink and dunk short passes and long passes that CU employs. No slants over the middle with all that Real Estate (maybe a couple to J. Mac) that is a lot of territory that we seem to like to avoid. Maybe the CU Athletic Dept. will sell it as it sure goes unused. Also isn’t it strange that we tried to run and pass wide on USC and then have decided to run only between the Tackles after that game. We must feel that the Oline is capable of knocking the opponents off the ball with our superior line play.

    Are the rest of our receivers not making any separation during a game and we just throw to one guy until we get him hurt? I don’t know but I’m sure depressed, and watching Arizona now start playing football like they mean it. If we don’t beat them this coming week we ain’t going bowling anywhere except the University Memorial Center. (by the way I did get an A in PE there as a freshman)

  6. Uh oh. Looks like crystobal should get fired too. Certainly leavitt.

    Oh, and hey, maybe Urb and osu will part ways? He’d be a great hire.

    Go Buffs

    1. Yeah right McEric.
      Cristobal and Leavitt have put together a top three recruiting class. They have 14 four star guys committed already and it’s Cristobal’s FIRST season as a head coach. Mac doesn’t have 14 four star guys in six years.

      Mickey has had six seasons to recruit. What were those results? 52, 35, 69, 69, 74 and 68. This year’s is rated as #33. Not sure how many of the commits are gonna stick if Lord Mickey loses seven straight to end the season.

      Like ep says, “weak”. Oregon had a bad game. Mac has had a bad half decade. Only Leavitt saved him that one year.

      Oh well, it’s just a game. I just wish MM would take his ball and go home. It’s a bad general who blames his troops when they lose the battle.

      Mark

      1. Mark, my point is that Ducks fans are saying all the same things bout their coaches as some of the people here.

        And, in the case of posters here, you guys who claimed Leavitt was the reason for 2016, not Mac, nor half the defensive roster going into the NFL, are the same guys who now say he’s too controlling of his coordinators, which is why Chev’s offense is a bit underwhelming. So, which is it? He dominates his OC’s when their side does poorly and not when it does well?

        As for his perspective about “players make plays, players win games” it’s cliché, but it’s true. It is more about the jimmy’s and joes, than the x’s and o’s, particularly in college where the team that makes the fewest mistakes generally wins.

        A lot of people love Mike Leach – and I really like the guy too, although I don’t think he’d be a fit at all in Boulder, ever – but, that guy 100% of the time talks about player effort and execution, whether they win or lose. 100%. So, what’s the difference in his take on that and Mac’s? Nothing. He’s just winning right now. Hopefully he won’t when the Cougs come into Boulder.

        It’s why they play the games.

        Go Buffs

  7. This is the first time I’ve commented all season. Ugly game, I didn’t get to the Sports Book in Vegas til the start of the second half and seeing #34 take it 75 yds to the house I thought we’d be seeing Sam Noyer by the late 3rd quarter. But I was amazed at how well OSU were able to move the ball and how inept our secondary looked. After two more scores by OSU I was worried and then it all melted down.
    I don’t disagree with MM’s detractors that he lacks the killer instinct. I think he’s a nice guy, nice family, can spot talent and recruits well. Also teaches football well it appears. But on game day he and his staff are just too damn conservative and play not to lose. I do think they’ll win at least one more game, maybe even 2 but that’s it. What’s interesting is how much parity there is in the Pac-12 right now, just look at how today’s games went: ASU beats USC at home, CAL beats WU, Stanford almost beat WSU, U of A is about to beat Oregon, it’s crazy. I do remember that we struggled to beat OSU not too long ago and barely beat them at home to snap our road winless streak so I guess it’s poetic justice that they do it to us. I just hope folks realize that when you fire a coach you lose his assistants, continuity with players and recruits and then we start all over again. I’d say the best solution is to keep our D coordinator and get a really experienced former head coach to be O coordinator with full autonomy to run the show on Saturdays. Not sure Mac’s ego would allow it but it might let him keep his job. Les Miles to CU is not as far-fetched as it sounds since he loved his time here but honestly we need a young coach who has the killer instinct. Look at what Tom Herman’s done in two years at UT. Go Buffs!

  8. Montez needs to start drawing up plays in the huddle….at least until Mac gets a job at the Citadel or Arkansas Little Rock

  9. The real sad part is the tremendous effort KD Nixon put out is going unmentioned. Shenault wouldn’t have made a difference. Yes, the “we just have to clean a few things up” b.s., has to go. We need a hardass coach and always have. Years ago I mentioned a Frank kush type and other readers laughed. How does his type look now?

  10. Yo Stuart,
    All bets are off now. Will the Buffs even win another game this year? This was the one gimmie on the schedule, and Mickey Mac choked on it. Utah and Washington State are gonna eat these guys up. Arizona and Cal now know they can beat Colorado. Where’s Eric? I wonder if he still thinks Lord MacIntyre will lead the Buff to nine wins? Right now, it looks like six wins is a stretch.

    This game was an embarrassment.

    I hope Rick George has Les Miles on the phone tonight.

    Boulderdevil/Goldenbuffs89

    1. Hey Mark,

      Lord MacIntyre? Is that a play on his personal beliefs? Either way, my perspective hasn’t changed. That was a brutal loss. But, they can still get to nine wins. That was my stretch belief all along, w/eight wins being more where I thought they’d be. And, in fact, if anything, this game shows what we already know – particularly in the Pac 12 – anyone can beat anyone on any given day.

      CU coaches know that. And, the entire program just got a nice reminder. I believe UW’s did, and it’s looking like UO’s did tonight, too. Hey, maybe they should fire Leavitt so he can come take over at CU? After all, his vaunted D appears to be caving to AZ. But I digress.

      That’s why they play the games, and one of the things that makes college football so fun. Well, except when we’re on the losing end of it. But, at least we’re not on the loosing end and actually inside that program. That hurts more.

      So, what do they do from here? We’ll see. Four games.

      I said at the beginning of the season, our Buffs will probably lose one or two they shouldn’t, and win one or two they shouldn’t. Did I think they’d drop this one? Nope. But, I did caution not to overlook them. And, clearly, they did once they were up 31-3. We’ll see how they respond.

      Life is full of tough lessons, and this team just got one.

      Go Buffs.

      PS- not sure Les is the answer, either. Not sure he’s not, but… if you wanted offense, that was really the only knock against him.

      1. Yo Eric,
        The Lord MacIntyre comment was because you always seem to kissing his ring or bowing to his imagined greatness. MacIntyre is 0-17 against teams ranked higher than Colorado. Washington State and Utah will both be ranked when they get here. Arizona needs two more wins to be bowl eligible. Cal needs one more win to go bowling. They are licking their lips waiting for Colorado.

        Colorado is also 0-6 in their attempts to become bowl eligible the last two years. Not holding out much hope that the streak doesn’t become 0-10 by the end of the year.

        Coaches are supposed to inspire their players. They are NOT supposed to throw them under the bus. The players deserve better. Head coach is a multifaceted job. You gotta recruit. You gotta hire good fellow coaches. You have to develop the young men into better players. MacIntyre has done that fairly well. But you also gotta be able to win the chess match on game day… and Mac2 gets smoked their over and over. But he never takes the blame for anything. Ever.

        MM always seems to think that if it worked in his head on Thursday it will automatically carry over to Saturday. When it doesn’t work the way he thought it would he stares out dumbfounded wondering why it didn’t work.

        Unfortunately, MM’s game tendencies are pretty well understood by the rest of the Pac-12. They know if you stop his original plan, he can’t recover. Almost six years in now. How much time does the guy need at $2 million a year?

        Mark

        1. Mark, my man, although I disagree with your perspective, at least you back up your opinions with a rationale that you believe whole-heartedly. VK rarely gets specific, and rants mostly because he just doesn’t like MacIntyre (as he finally admitted to the other day; not that that surprised anyone). Which is fine, but has nothing to do whether he’s a good coach, or not. And, of course any favorite of his (Lynott, Callahan, etc.) who get benched it’s because Mac is playing favorites, not better players. But, I digress…

          You bring up valid points about recent history w/ Mac’s record. But, just because someone hasn’t does something, doesn’t mean they cannot nor won’t. Well, unless you believe in the Peter Principle, which I don’t. Otherwise, VK would’ve petered out when he medically retired at 50, and clearly, he’s still going strong.

          As I mentioned above, I don’t see Mac saying “gotta execute better” as throwing anyone under the bus. It’s life as he sees it. He believes “players make plays, and players win games” wholeheartedly. He also believes he and his staff have to help get them in positions to do so. And, I think if you ask the team, by and large, he does inspire them. And, they know he’s got their back, regardless of how he may come across in a post-game presser to the public. That’s why Lindsay’s still in touch w/ the dude practically weekly. That’s why Chido loves the guy. I could go on.

          Are there some who don’t? Probably. But by and large? Those dudes would run through a wall for Mac. You want to talk about throwing his players under a bus? Look at Leach. He’s friggin’ hilarious, and calls it like he sees it. For my part, Mac is less about coach speak than most, and although it may be harsh sometimes, it’s how he sees it. Go check out UWDawgpound and you’ll see lots of people growing weary of Petersen’s style. As well as questioning his coaching chops. Funny how that is.

          Beyond that, it’s good that you give the dude a little credit for finding talent (players and coaches) and developing them. It’s a fair criticism that he “cannot win the big game” but again, just because he has not, does not mean he cannot. Against UW and OSU in 2016, I believe they were way over matched. Don’t you? And, in the case of UW, they actually hung tough for the first half. OSU was a different story. That was a salty, and seasoned OSU team.

          And, there are a lot of “never done before” that Mac has actually overcome. Stu pointed some of them out quite well not too long ago.

          As to their game planning, and “thinking if it works on Thursday it will automatically work on Saturday”. Come on. You can’t really believe that.

          Coaches make a game plan based on the countless hours of film they watch of their opponent, knowing their team’s strengths, weaknesses, and how to use and balance those to give their team the best chance to win.

          The thing I know you know about game planning is you cannot plan for every eventuality. You go with the plan you think gives you the best chance to win, and make necessary adjustments as needed in the game (or try to). Against UW, they opted to run the ball vs. trying to pass against the top secondary in the conference – and one of the best in the nation – with their second string receivers. It actually almost worked.

          Yesterday? Their game plan was solid. They were completely dominating.

          What happened? They got complacent, and had no answer for Hodgins (nevertheless without that ridiculous td catch, the Beavs don’t win). Still, the Buffs had countless opportunities to win. They didn’t. And, here we are.

          So again, you may think they have no chance at Arizona Friday. Or any of their other games. I disagree.

          I’d say the spread Vegas has out is about right, given how both teams are playing now, and that it’s in Tucson. It’s essentially a toss up. That’s Pac 12 football, man. At least given where CU is now.

          It’s a far cry from when CU was a door mat in the conference, that’s for sure. And, they’ve still got a puncher’s chance at a pretty damn good year.

          So, what if they go 8-4? Is Mac suddenly a genius, or is that because of some other reason, like 2016 was on Leavitt?

          Neither. It’s not that black and white, man. Well, unless they get blown out in the next four games. Then? It could very well be time to wonder if Mac’s right guy to take the team to the next level.

          So what’s 7-5 say?

          9-3?

          I guess we’ll find out.

          Go Buffs

    2. Lord Macintrye.. How appropriate. Wandering on the sidelines overseeing his kingdom. Looking lost.
      In this case “The lord has not clothes!”

      Into the valley rode the 600. Unaware. Led by Flimflam 2.

      Please get the 6th win somehow.

  11. Well. I was always a defender of Lindgren against the horde of people laying all the blame at his feet. Now I guess I get to say “I told you so”, except that I didn’t realize that Mac / Chev / Adams were such stubborn cowards that they would just run the ball up the middle for two yards twenty times a game, and make OBVIOUS each and every time!

    There were like two outside runs the entire game. There were zero end arounds or jet sweeps. The entirety of the offense was Nixon.

    That play to start the third quarter was the most damaging TD I’ve ever seen. And the fact that it was a run on first in ten up the middle just made it worse, because it convinced the coaches that not only can they coast to a blow out the rest of the game, but they can do it while being blindingly obvious, lazy and stupid about it.

    1. Stubborn cowards……………excellent
      And I know you know this, if Lindgren would have been the OC for the Buffs, the results would have been the same.

      Buffs

  12. They still have a chance to beat Arizona next week and then loose in the Cheez-It-Bowl. That will keep MM here at least one more year to have another losing record. Maybe then Rick George will pull the plug. Long way to go till that happens. This isn’t the worst coaching staff ever but this is the best they can do. I mean seriously this is as good as it gets with MM. When LS comes back that will give them a shot in the arm but that kid can’t needs help he can’t do it all. I don’t care how many games they end up with it’s all the kids. I Believe in the kids not the coaching staff.

    GO BUFFS

  13. Firing Mac is not the answer, the line coach has been playing Russian roulette with the offensive line and starting 3 freshman on the line is not the answer. The Beavers made plays, and the QB made great throws in the 2nd half. Chev is calling the plays not Mac, so the vanilla offense you see is on him. Mac knew this was a trap game but his offensive coordinator and line coach let him down. Game would have been over if the freshman hadn’t been caught holding on the Montez scramble now you get a field goal instead of a touchdown

      1. Yeah EC….. we also ran too many plays up the gut in the second half trying to massage the clock…. 3 straight right up the middle after a 1st down (Just what Lingren and OS knew we would —yes, predictable–), then on 4th and 1 yd., we didn’t have enough balls to go for it and smash the ball down the Beavs throat (Perhaps with Beau)…. (This is where I shoulda changed my unlucky shirt…. it’s all my fault and I’ll admit it).

        —Yeah, so Coach Weanie da-Wanderer, play it safe and punt, then watch the Beavs QB complete one pass after the other and march down the field for a TD. No GUTS….No GLORY.

        Predictable play calling…. and a soft D backfield. Holy Sh – – Batman. I coulda thrown a kernel of popcorn right thru the TV without a second try…..

        Should let Montez call plays in a real honest-to-goodness huddle with a Sharpie and a piece of paper.

    1. It wasn’t that one play. Think how they got in that position. Mac………….I ain’t gonna pour it on, especially to an ol friend.

      Buffs

  14. Difficult to see us winning another game. The home games are WSU and Utah, both playing much better ball than CU. We face Arizona and Cal on the road and, historically, have not done well away from Folsom. One bright note: Shenault returns on Friday and , perhaps he can be the spark to get us an upset win before the end of the season.

  15. Oregegon State has the worst run defense in nearly all of college football. We run multiple wides all game except 1 series. This is why they coach football. Not smart enough to comprehend that you load up with a tight end and a fullback and jam it down their throats in the second half. Incredible choke job.

    1. Yeah EC….. we also ran too many plays up the gut in the second half trying to massage the clock…. 3 straight right up the middle after a 1st down (Just what Lingren and OS knew we would —yes, predictable–), then on 4th and 1 yd., we didn’t have enough balls to go for it and smash the ball down the Beavs throat (Perhaps with Bisharet)…. (This is where I shoulda changed my unlucky shirt…. it’s all my fault and I’ll admit it). —Yeah, so play it safe and punt, then watch the Beavs QB complete one pass after the other and march down the field for a TD. No GUTS….No GLORY.

      Predictable play calling…. and a soft D backfield. Holy Sh – – Batman. I coulda thrown a kernel of popcorn right thru the TV without a second try….. Crapadola.

  16. Wow. 12 years of hell. Don’t see anyway around 5-7 this year. Another year in the cellar. Wasn’t Mac coach of the year recently? What happened. The problem is I don’t see changing coaches as a guarantee of future success. Someone give me hope. It is going to be so hard to go back to Folsom after today and good teams coming in. It feels like it will get ugly now.

  17. Over the last two games, I understood that there were quality opponents. On the road. But the losses didn’t bother me as much as HOW the Buffs lost. Conservative play calling which was a manifestation of lack of courage and a philosophy of playing not to lose. After being up 31-3 today, what did we see? Playing not to lose. How did that work out? One of the worst come from ahead losses in school history. If people don’t see that Mac is a coward under pressure now, I don’t know when they will. He cannot handle the stress of expectations. The list of subpar performances used to include the 2016 PAC 12 championship, the 2016 Alamo Bowl. Then last year’s choke job to be the only COY to not have a winning record the following year exemplified by the egg laying at Utah with bowl eligibility on the line. Ahh, this year, fresh start! Then cramp up at USC and Washington. Similar behavior and situations. And now, with bowl eligibility on the line and favored to win by 23 points, the Buffs lose to one of the worst teams in college football. Mac’s cowardice under pressure is repugnant. I’m not a knee jerk person but this loss truly shines a light on his deficiencies. And they are significant. When the leader lacks courage in any group, the rest of the team members become disengaged and lose respect and faith in the process. I’ve never said we should fire Macintyre. I do now.

  18. Embarrassing.. Sick of the talk.. 31-3.. Look in the mirror and play football not patty cake hurt feelings by scoring to many point.. Step up and smash faces.. Durango Buff.. No more money coming your way.. Bye Mac

  19. So sick of this shit have you totally choked roast some you know what school and throw the ball down the field Tony Brown catch the ball Mac step in and be a man quit letting your offense of coordinators run the wrong place you got to be kidding me your players are bunch of you know what sick of this crap. How in the world do you live is 831 to 3 lead at halftime you Gotta be kidding me worst coaching ever and player performance you guys should all be ashamed of yourselves go back to where you came from only Dan Hawkins not sad to do that crap . I’m pulling the CU sticker off the back of my window freaking embarrassed by you clowns!!!!!!

  20. Revenge of Lingering. I guess he knew our secondary can’t cover and can’t tackle. Hard to be optimistic for the rest of the season after this pathetic collapse.

    1. There’s no reason to be optimistic for this year-or beyond. Like others, I felt the team was making progress until today, even with losses to usc and WU. This however, is worse than the last time CU blew a 28 point lead; Kansas. At that time, KU at least was a better than average team with a dynamic quarterback. I also think that game was in Lawrence. This collapse was at home to a universally considered inferior team that averaged giving their opponents 47 points a game. I don’t know what the problem is for this team to develop some heart, guts and skill, but it has none. The fish is dead and it’s rotting at the head. To avoid the complete program from growing rancid, the head needs to be cut off. Make no mistake, this was not an ordinary loss. This is perhaps the worst loss and the greatest collapse of heart, coaching, and skills for this program for at least 30 years and perhaps forever. Not now, but without a counterbalancing run of 4 wins in the next four weeks, these coaches – all of them – need to go.

  21. 1992 grad, never post, read comments everyday.. Enough is enough.. Mac and his conservative stance on not running the score up is BS..Never miss a Buff game : Watch , listen or go to games for 30 plus years .. As a Durango Buff, I am with Mac, fire him now and start over. Recruits hang tuff.. Worst meltdown since Hawk vs Kansa.. Be gone.. Go Buffs

  22. 1992 grad, never post, read comments everyday.. Enough is enough.. Mac and his conservative stance on not running the score up is BS..Never miss a Buff game : Watch , listen or go to games for 30 plus years .. As a Durango Buff, I am with Mac, fire him now and start over. Recruits hang tuff.. Worst meltdown since Hawk vs Kansa.. Be gone.. Go Buffs

  23. In a shocking turn of events Mac 1/2 blamed the players for not making 1 or 2 more plays.
    The team was listless after being up 30-3. Mac 1/2 was in his listless sideline walk the whole game.
    Lindt knew how to beat Mac 1/2 . He knew since Mac 1/2 is such a nice guy that he would never pour on the gasoline and run up the score. Bit by Bit they caught up. The coaching staff didn’t see em catching up. But I guarantee you the whole stadium saw it coming. You could feel it. But the happy sideline wanderer just kept wandering back and forth back and forth. Just like his team…Listless

    Mac knew the game plan. He owns the game plan. Don’t be fooled that he lets his coordinators run free.

    For lindgren getting away from Mac was a total blessing. He ran free today without that passive SOB wandering on his sidelines. Lucky him.

    Sad Buff
    Note: SC loses. Right there for the taking.
    Note 2: 4 left. Maybe no bowl.

    1. You’re so full of shit VK. For years we’ve all had to listen to you tell us how the Buffs problem was Lindgren. Well, how’d he do today? Why don’t you you own up to it….. maybe it wasn’t Lindgren after all….maybe an apology is in order? I doubt it…. you’re not man enough for that.

      1. Whoa, such language.

        Since you appear dumb let me help you.

        1. Lindgren didn’t win that game
        2 Mac lost it
        3. Lindgren would have lost the game had he been on the Mac Sideline.

        If you cannot understand that then:
        1. You weren’t at the game.
        2. You didn’t see the game
        3. Your genes are bad.

        Now don’t be kissing your dog with that mouth.

        Buffs.

        The only apology should be from you to me for your foul language.

        1. I stand by my statement. Look in the mirror, pal, as you start calling others “dumb.” Like I said, there’s no way you will admit a mistake. Maybe Lindgren isn’t a half bad coach. What do you think? Can you admit it? Nope……. didn’t think so.

          1. Nope Lindgren is a mediocre coach. You just fail to understand. He was a mediocre coach here and still is where he is and always will be. Your request for an apology is unfounded. Beget by your lack of understanding of what happened yesterday.

            I stick with the work dumb as the perfect fitter for your understanding. It’s okay, there are plenty of you out there.

            rode the 600…………one of which is you.

            Go Buffs get a win please

            And I ain’t yur pal.

        2. HB Buff is right. You’ve been running your mouth for years in dribble only your hand-full of golf buddies would understand. But they’re over chipping whilst you take up the putting green with a driver in one hand and cell phone in the other. If you have all the answers, run your ass over to CU and see if you can get the head coaching job. And don’t be TOO smart with your reply. You weren’t around when Sonny Grandelius was coaching.

          1. Jakes,

            Nice to meet ya.

            Na Sonny coached old school football. Like you. Clearly you don’t understand the game and what happened on Saturday. Clearly you didn’t watch it.
            “whilst”???
            Really. Okay I understand. Cricket or darts or lawn tennis is your game. Clearly it ain’t golf. Driver on the putting green? Sheesh.

            Dribble only? Now that’s a good one.

            And I don’t have to run over there. When I see em I tell em. Sometimes they don’t like it, but I ain’t kissing their asses.

            Mac’s like you, a deek, don’t even play golf………..and his look alike Hawker didn’t play either. Although mac did get a hole in one on a par 3 course. Lucky bounces. It never rolls that way.

            Anyway have a nice day whilst yur buds are whipping you at darts.

            I gotta admit it you are a funny little guy.

            Win one for Ralphie………………..not for mac

  24. Where to start. Can’t block, can’t run,
    Play calling is pathetic and that’s just the offense. What happened to all the playmakers in the defensive backfield?
    Coaches really need to look in the mirror.
    Big problems on both sides

    1. Nope they were on point. Lindgren is the same a middle of the road OC. He would have lost had he been on the Buff sideline. Happened too many times before. HC is not a winner no matter what his staff looks like.

      FACT

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