Sadly, it could be reasonably stated the University of Colorado Buffaloes survived their game against Northern Colorado, the little teacher's college up in Greeley. The final score was 41-21.
The Buffs stretch of 8 straight quarters without giving up a touchdown ended quickly. The Buffs went "three and out" to start the game and punted. UNC got the ball and marched down the field for a touchdown to go up 7-0. The Bears averaged more than 10 yards a play on the drive and their offensive line seemed to push around the Buffaloes. That can't be good with defending Pac-12 Champion Washington coming to Boulder next week.
Just a reminder, the Buffs were whipped by UW 41-10 in the conference title game last December. That game demonstrated that the rejuvenated Buffs were not really top 10 material even though they had just risen to #9 in the polls. The #4 Huskies dominated the game (as did Oklahoma State in the bowl game later in December).
In 2017, the Buffaloes have yet to be ranked. Washington, however is firmly entrenched near the top of the college football world at #6. If the Buffaloes play next week like they have played so far this season, that 41-10 beat-down will seem like a fond memory.
Numerous and dumb penalties, bad blocking and sketchy tackling (in addition to typically puzzling play calling by Brian Lindgren) make Colorado's chances against Washington appear pretty slim. The line hasn't been set yet, but expect it to be in the 17 point range. And if the Buffs don't improve A LOT this week, it won't be that close.
The Buffaloes need three more wins to be bowl eligible. Fortunately, some of the teams on the schedule seem to be really down this year, so that should be do-able. Right now, though, return trip to the Pac-12 Championship game looks like a pipe dream.
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