Colorado closed its home schedule with a 47–17 loss to Arizona State on Saturday at Folsom Field, a game marked by defensive breakdowns, missed opportunities and a tough Folsom start for freshman quarterback Julian Lewis. The Buffaloes fell to 3–8 overall and 1–7 in their first season in the Big 12.
Both teams struggled early, combining for six three-and-outs in the opening quarter. Colorado’s defense set the tone with pressure and physical play, including a forced fumble by safety Tawfiq Byard that Keaten Wade recovered at the ASU 23-yard line. But the Buffs turned the ball over on downs, continuing a theme of stalled drives.
Colorado finally broke through late in the first quarter when Micah Welch burst free for 39 yards, setting up Dallan Hayden’s seven-yard touchdown run that put the Buffs ahead 7-3 with three seconds left in the period.
Arizona State responded in the second quarter, leaning on trick plays and chunk gains. A fake punt helped extend a drive that reached the Colorado 17, though the Buffs held on fourth down. But the Sun Devils later grabbed the lead when quarterback Jeff Sims found Raleek Brown on a wheel route for a 33-yard touchdown.
Brown set up a late field goal before halftime with a 59-yard run, giving ASU a 13-7 lead at the break. He finished with 255 yards, the third-most in Arizona State history. It was also 11 fewer yard than CU's entire offensive outputs.
Colorado opened the second half with its most efficient drive of the night. Hayden ripped off a 42-yard run, and Lewis hit Omarion Miller for a 22-yard touchdown to reclaim the lead at 14–13. But ASU needed only two plays to answer, as wideout Derek Eusebio broke free on a slant for a 68-yard score. The Sun Devils added a two-point conversion to go up 21-14.
Despite forcing four turnovers, Colorado’s offense couldn’t fully capitalize. The Buffs settled for a field goal after starting inside the 10 on one takeaway, cutting the deficit to 21-17 late in the third quarter.
The game unraveled in the fourth. After Colorado converted a third-and-23 to stay alive, a fumble from walk-on Ronald Coleman gave ASU the ball back. On the next snap, Brown sprinted 88 yards untouched for his second long touchdown of the night.
Lewis completed 19 of 38 passes and struggled to develop rhythm as Colorado went three-and-out five times. Arizona State added two more rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter. While discussing the loss Colorado coach Deion Sanders summed up the night bluntly: “We gotta make plays, that’s how you win. We gotta be better.”
Colorado closes its regular season next week on the road vs Kansas State, searching for momentum to carry into the offseason after dropping its final home game in lopsided fashion.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Ole Miss reportedly gives Lane Kiffin an ultimatum as family visits Florida and LSU
- Virginia Tech reportedly funding roster near top of ACC for James Franklin
- Bill Belichick goes viral for awkward handshake after Wake Forest loss
- Texas state trooper reportedly relieved of duties after player exchange at Texas A&M