Colorado’s offense runs out of gas in Texas, returns home against Iowa State

BY LEOPOLDO RIVERA IV | 365 Sports

In their second trip to Texas this season, head coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes suffered yet another disappointing defeat.

After another 14-0 lead was swept away, the Buffs (2-4, 0-3 Big 12) lost 35-21 to the Texas Christian Horned Frogs (4-1, 1-1) last Saturday. Colorado had four total turnovers, with quarterback Kaidon Salter being responsible for three interceptions. 

Colorado’s offense went scoreless in two quarters for the second week in a row, highlighting the inconsistency of the unit. Salter and company were able to move the ball for 343 yards, and they rushed for over 100 yards. The clutch factor has been something Salter has lacked this season. 

Omarion Miller led the team with 89 receiving yards and two scores. 

Defensively, the Buffs were improved from their performance a week before. Eventually, even their success would crumble in the fourth quarter with the offense’s inability to hold onto the ball. Colorado held the Horned Frogs under 100 yards, but was hurt tremendously through the air. 

TCU quarterback Josh Hoover completed 23/33 of his passes for 275 yards and a crushing four touchdowns. The Colorado secondary was targeted often, struggling to cover the plethora of weapons. 

“There’s hope in that; we see where we’re messing up. We see where the faults are. We gotta fix that,” Sanders said. “I’m not saying we’re a great football team, but we’re not a bad football team.”

Notably, Sanders had to undergo another procedure to remove blood clots in his leg on Tuesday. The concern arose during the game when Sanders described a loss of feeling in his lower extremity. Sanders said the procedure would not cause him to miss any practice and kept a positive outlook on his condition. 

Colorado returns to Boulder to host a Saturday afternoon showdown with No. 22 Iowa State (5-1, 2-1) coming to town. 

Led by quarterback Rocco Becht, who has 1,417 passing yards and nine touchdowns. The Cyclones’ physical play style could present problems for the Buffs. On the ground, the offensive unit has rushed for 911 yards with Carsen Hansen leading the backfield. 

Colorado’s offensive inconsistency and defensive holes leave plenty of opportunity for the Cyclones to take advantage of. Salter will remain the starting quarterback for Colorado as they look to get back in the win column. 

Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CST on ESPN