Ten plays that cost Colorado the game against Arizona

Coach Prime knows this team is close and he’s right

Even in a rough losing streak, it’s clear this squad is improving. The Buffs have now lost four games in a row but, if a few plays went the other way, they could likely be anywhere from 6-4 to 8-2 right now. Here are the plays that prevented them from beating the Wildcats.

I am not including the missed field goal near the end of the game. In my opinion, they needed a touchdown on that drive. Considering Arizona chose not to score at the end, I don’t see that as much of a debate.

Play #1 11:14 1st quarter CU 7 Arizona 0

It was a first and ten call where Noah Fifita found Montana Lemonious-Craig for 31 yards. This ultimately setup the Wildcats to cap off the drive with a DJ Williams touchdown run. More importantly, this was a boost of confidence for Montana gong against his former team.

Play #2 12:50 2nd quarter CU 14 Arizona 7

After a first down completion lost five yards, Shedeur Sanders found Travis Hunter over the middle just a yard short of the sticks. Unfortunately, it was a slow developing play and an offensive lineman drifted too far down the field nullifying the gain. That led to 2nd and 20 at the Buffs own nine yard line and a quick three and out. 

Play #3 10:56 2nd quarter CU 14 Arizona 7

On the ensuing possession from the previous play above, Jonah Coleman rushes for 49 yards on first down. Four plays later, Noah throws a touchdown pass to Jacob Cowing. 

Play #4 2:30 2nd quarter CU 21 Arizona 14

Arizona had a second and ten on their own 40. The Buffs were getting good pressure on the quarterback, a little too good. After a short pass to Jacob Cowing, 15 additional yards were tacked on after a borderline roughing the passer call was enforced. This positioned Arizona for a long field goal and cut the lead to 21-17.

Play #5 1:00 2nd quarter CU 21 Arizona 17

After a 47 yard completion to Travis Hunter sets the Buffs at the Arizona 14 yard line, a Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan holding penalty backed them up immediately. This was his second tough penalty of the half after the illegal man downfield call earlier in the quarter. 

At that point, with the clock running down, the drive was suddenly playing for a field goal as opposed to going up by two possessions. Mata knocked the through kick to take a touchdown lead into the locker room. 

Play #6 14:00 3rd quarter CU 24 Arizona 17

Jonah Coleman rips off his second long run, this time it’s for 54 yards. Two plays later, Fifita finds Tetairoa McMillan for his second touchdown pass of the day.

Play #7 9:16 3rd quarter CU 24 Arizona 24

Colorado elects to punt on 4th and 1 from midfield. Yes, I’m aware Mark Vassett punted Arizona down to their two yard line. And yes, I realize the Buffs stopped the Wildcats on their drive but, this set a tone for future decisions.

Colorado later punted on 4th and one from their own 44 yard with the score tied 31-31.

Play #8 14:00 4th quarter CU 31 Arizona 31

Shedeur Sanders is sacked on first and ten by DJ Warnell Jr. for a loss of 10 yards. The Buffs followed this play with a false start and officially derailed the drive.

Play #9 4:30 4th quarter CU 31 Arizona 31

This is actually two plays. Back to back big runs of 21 and 24 yards. Coleman finished the game with a ridiculous 11 carries for 179 yards. This drive followed the Alejandro Mata missed field goal and ultimately setup the Wildcats for the game winner.

Play #10 1:04 4th quarter CU 31 Arizona 31

On a 3rd and three from the six yard line, Fifita finds Lemonious-Craig for the first down. There appeared to be confusion as some players were trying to push him into the endzone while others were pulling him back. The refs marked forward progress to the one yard line and Arizona was able to bleed the clock down to a last second field attempt, which was successful.