Wildcats Stomped by Buffaloes During Homecoming Rout

By:Ryan Donziger

You know you can see some surprises in any homecoming week,

but to start the game with an onside kick was quite bold–and it didn’t pay off. Two plays later LaJohntay Wester burnt Arizona’s depleted secondary for 46 yards, setting up a touchdown on CU’s opening drive. When asked postgame about the onside kick, Coach Deion Sanders of the Buffaloes said it was “disrespectful.”

On the first few defensive drives Arizona forced a lot of third downs, but could not get off the field. The Wildcats defense was plagued by penalties and explosive plays. Arizona had a chance on a third & goal to force a field goal, but Shedeur Sanders connected with Drelon Miller on a shovel pass from the 1 and CU took a 14-0 lead.

Arizona had some success on their second offensive drive. The Wildcats drove 75 yards in just under 5 minutes and cut Colorado’s lead in half on a jet sweep touchdown for Chris Hunter. The drive was aided by a roughing the passer penalty on Samuel Okunlola, for arguably the only time in the game, Arizona was able to capitalize on a Colorado mistake. 

The rest of the first half featured putrid ball control from both teams with several turnovers. It started with a Colorado red-zone fumble and only got uglier from there. Two plays later Noah Fifita was pressured and fumbled. Three plays after that, Sanders threw an interception to Arizona safety Jack Lutrell, who had a tumultuous debut. Arizona was unable to capitalize on either Colorado turnover and punted on 3 plays. Jimmy Horn flipped the field possession, and Colorado’s ensuing drive started deep in Arizona territory on the 31.Colorado would get 7 more and take a 28-7 lead into the half. 

At the half it seemed like the Cats needed to make some changes, but they were hard to identify. Arizona began the half with a 22 yard drive that was again slowed by penalties.  The next drives were dealt a similar fate, two terrible penalties handicapped the Wildcats and all 3 third quarter possessions ended in punts for Arizona.

After that it did not improve for Arizona. The Wildcats continued to compound mistakes  while adding in a few punts for Arizona the rest of the game. One questionable decision was an Arizona punt that occurred while trailing by 3 scores with under 10 minutes left. This seemed to prove that confidence and morale was low.

The entire 4th quarter went more or less the same as there were a lot of punts and a Colorado field goal to put the Buffaloes in front, 34-7, which ended up being the final. 

Shadeur Sanders threw for 250 yards through the air and 2 passing tds & 2 ints, he also rushed for a touchdown. It wasn’t pretty for CU, but Arizona made it appear prettier.

Conversely, Fifita was sacked 7 times and the Cats turned the ball over 3 times for a second straight week. The most frustrating was perhaps after Colorado’s first turnover. Following a miscommunication at the line with Zilinskas and Sanders’, a mishandled snap gave Arizona the ball. Arizona gave it right back up with a fumble two plays later and only 35 seconds later.

Colorado surprisingly didn't make the top 25 voting, but likely is right outside. Colorado did not look perfect, but still traveled home with a 34-7 win.  Arizona has to be better with penalties, as Arizona is one of the most penalized teams in the country, which was incredibly evident Saturday. 

Next week, Arizona has a family weekend matchup against the West Virginia Mountaineers. Apparently it's their first time ever playing each other in football, so it should be interesting, especially because both teams are currently 3-4. I wonder what will happen next and I know both these teams are struggling–especially Arizona, perhaps one team has a higher confidence level. West Virginia and Arizona will face off at 4:00 MST on FS1 at Arizona Stadium. Arizona is 0-2 at home in October, this will be their final home game of the month.