Colorado Report Card: Grading Every Position Group Against Arizona State

The Colorado Buffaloes’ loss to the Arizona State Sun Devils saw a few diamonds in the rough, but a large number of causes for their shortcomings.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders talks to his team during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, on Nov. 7, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Colorado Buffaloes’ loss to the Arizona State Sun Devils in Week 10 put them in a position where they must win out in order to secure bowl eligibility. The Buffaloes were flat on offense despite solid performances from a few individuals.

As for the defense, it was strong for the most part, but there were struggles in the secondary, as per usual. Here’s a report card for each of Colorado’s positions against ASU, highlighting what worked well and what went wrong in the Buffs’ 20-10 loss.

Quarterback: C

Nov 7, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Isaac Wilson (16) throws as he is chased by Arizona State Sun Devils defensive lineman Blazen Lono-Wong (97) during the first half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Isaac Wilson playing turnover-free football was a crucial point of emphasis coming into this game. Unfortunately for Colorado, he not only turned the ball over, but he did so at a crucial point in the second half as the Buffaloes were trying to mount a comeback.

Running back: D-

A week removed from the best rushing performance of the Coach Prime Era, Colorado’s running backs were spinning their tires in Week 10. Richard Young averaged just 3.1 yards per carry, posting an unimpressive total of 47 yards. 

Wide receiver: A

Sep 19, 2026; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Joseph Williams (8) runs for a touchdown against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

But for as much of a nonfactor as the running backs were, Colorado’s receivers were firing on all cylinders. Particularly, Joseph Williams had another masterful performance, leading the way with 121 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions as the one true standout for CU offensively.

Tight end: C-

Colorado’s tight ends had a pedestrian game blocking-wise against the Sun Devils. They were also largely absent from the receiving game, with Charlie Williams’ 17-yard reception being the only one by a tight end.

Offensive line: C-

Nov 7, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Isaac Wilson (16) drops back to pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Colorado’s offensive line wasn’t much better, though. It didn’t help Young out much in the running game and allowed Wilson to take four sacks, a far cry from its Week 9 performance.

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Defensive tackle: A-

The interior defensive line had very little room for improvement, though. Santana Hopper was a game-wrecker as always, racking up six total tackles, five solo tackles and three tackles for loss. In addition, Dylan Manuel created pressure while fighting through an injury that had him questionable up until kickoff.

Edge rusher: C

Arizona State running back Cardae Mack (25) throws a touchdown pass as he is being dragged down by Colorado defensive lineman Yamil Talib (95) during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, on Nov. 7, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Colorado’s edge rushers couldn’t do much off the back of that pressure. None of Colorado’s edge rushers recorded a sack in this game, and they only combined for half a tackle for loss. Not what the Buffs were hoping for against a freshman quarterback.

Linebacker: A+

The Buffaloes’ linebacking core was spotless once again, though. Gideon ESPN Lampron continued his emergence as one of the best linebackers in the country, tallying 18 total tackles, 10 solo tackles, two sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. Liona Lefau was also a force to be reckoned with in his own right.

Cornerback: C-

Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) breaks a tackle from Colorado defensive back Boo Carter (6) during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, on Nov. 7, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Colorado’s secondary struggled as a whole against the Sun Devils’ talented receivers, but it was primarily clear that its cornerbacks weren’t up to the task against their crafty offensive scheme. The Sun Devils knew how to attack the Buffs’ corners, and they picked them apart whenever necessary.

Safety: C-

The Buffs’ safeties weren’t much help, though. Arizona State didn’t resort to the deep ball much, simply because it didn’t need to, but whenever the Sun Devils decided to take a shot, they could at will. Take this with a grain of salt, though, as the Buffs were without star safety Naeten Mitchell in this game.

Special teams: C+

Sep 3, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Colorado Buffaloes kicker Daniel Gerlach (38) kicks a field goal against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Colorado didn’t get many opportunities to utilize its special teams, but the lack of production in the return game and Damon Greaves’ zero punts inside the opposing 20-yard line didn’t help its case in the field position battle. 

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