For the second week in a row, Colorado faced a fourth quarter deficit.

For the second week in a row, Colorado rose to the challenge.

Aided by two defensive touchdowns and yet another 200-yard receiving night from Paul Richardson, the Buffs were able to withstand a strong challenge from Central Arkansas, scoring 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to win its home opener, 38-24.

Connor Wood went 23-for-36 for 341 yards and three touchdowns, but also committed four turnovers (two interceptions and two fumbles) which led to 21 of the Bears’ 21 points. Paul Richardson had 11 catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 21 catches for 417 yards and four touchdowns in the first two games (Nelson Spruce led the Buffs’ receivers in 2012, with 446 yards receiving in 12 games).

The Colorado defense, which had not posted an interception in over nine games, and only three in all of 2012, had three on the night against the Bears. Greg Henderson had a 46-yard pick six early in the second quarter, and Kenneth Crawley had a game-clinching interception in the end zone with two minutes to play … but it was Jered Bell’s interception and 79-yard return for a touchdown to tie the score in the fourth quarter which was the play of the game.