November 5, 2023
At Folsom Field on Saturday night, the Colorado Buffaloes were defeated 26-19 by the No. 16 Oregon State Beavers, despite a late comeback attempt. After trailing by 17 points in the fourth quarter, the Buffaloes scored two touchdowns in under two minutes, but they were unable to stop Oregon State on their last possession.
For the most of the game, the Buffaloes’ offense was ineffective, accumulating only 309 total yards. Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback, passed for 235 yards and two touchdowns, although he was intercepted once as well. With 54 yards, running back Deion Smith led the Buffaloes in rushing.
The offense for the Beavers was far more effective, totaling 456 yards. Running back Damien Martinez gained 112 yards and a score on the ground, while quarterback Chance Nolan completed passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns.
With two goals in the opening two possessions of the game, the Beavers led 14-0 at the half. After a 35-yard field goal by Cole Becker late in the second quarter, the Buffaloes eventually took the lead, 21–3, but Oregon State responded with another touchdown just before halftime.
Benỗit Lecomte’s field goal in the third quarter gave the Beavers a 26-3 advantage. Early in the fourth quarter, Sanders found wide receiver Jordyn Tyson for a 10-yard touchdown throw that ultimately put the Buffaloes in the end zone.
After forcing a three-and-out, the Buffaloes regained possession and had an opportunity to reduce the advantage even further. The Buffaloes’ 75-yard scoring drive was orchestrated by Sanders, who finished it off with a 12-yard touchdown throw to wide receiver Montana Lemonious IV. Then the Buffaloes recovered an onside kick, but they gave the ball back to the Beavers after failing to convert on fourth down.
In order to seal the win, Oregon State used the remaining time.
Buffs Rally Is Not Enough
Despite a remarkable late recovery, the Buffaloes were eventually unsuccessful. With fewer than four minutes remaining, they were down 17 points, but they managed to cut the deficit to just under two minutes by scoring two touchdowns to give themselves a chance.
On Oregon State’s last play, though, the Buffaloes defense was unable to provide the necessary stop. In order to seal the win, the Beavers used the entire clock.
Beavers Profit from Buffs’ Errors
Throughout the whole game, the Beavers capitalized on errors made by the Buffaloes. The Beavers capitalized on two turnovers by the Buffaloes, turning them into points.
On offense, the Beavers also produced a lot of huge plays. Martinez ran for 112 yards and a score while Nolan completed 310 yards of passing with two touchdowns.
Buffs Expect to Get Better Next Week
In their home finale against Arizona the following week, the Buffaloes will try to get back on track. Despite their current 3–6 record, the Wildcats have won two of their past three games.
If the Buffaloes want to overcome the Wildcats, they will have to play a much better game. They’ll have to increase their attacking effectiveness and guard the ball better. They will also require improved play from their defense.
In summary
At Folsom Field on Saturday night, the Buffaloes’ late comeback attempt was unsuccessful as they fell short of the No. 16 Oregon State Beavers, 26-19. In their home finale against Arizona the following week, the Buffaloes will try to get back on track.
