The Colorado Buffaloes faced a challenging setback against the No. 25 Brigham Young University Cougars on September 16, 2023, at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. After jumping to an early 14-0 lead, the Buffs struggled to maintain momentum, ultimately falling to BYU with a final score of 24-21.
BYU, which held a narrow three-point advantage late in the game, missed a critical 55-yard field goal with 8 minutes and 7 seconds remaining. This opened the door for Colorado, who gained possession at their own 37-yard line, but they were unable to capitalize and went three-and-out, leading to a punt. Although BYU did not score again, they consumed nearly five minutes off the clock with a seven-play possession that concluded with a punt pinning the Buffs deep in their own territory at the 4-yard line. A game-sealing interception by BYU sealed the disappointing outcome for the Buffs.
The contest began favorably for Colorado, which stormed to a 14-0 lead within the first ten minutes, accumulating 132 yards in offense. However, BYU’s defense made essential adjustments in the second quarter, limiting Colorado’s effectiveness. The Buffs were outscored 24-7 over the remaining 50 minutes and managed just 159 yards during that span.
Coach Deion Sanders expressed frustration following the match, stating, “We had opportunities, a tremendous amount of opportunities. Nevertheless we didn’t cash in.” His comments highlight the struggles the team faced to convert chances into points.
Despite the loss, several players stood out during the game. On offense, Dre’lon Miller excelled in a dual role as a receiver and running back. He carried the ball eight times for 52 yards and a touchdown while also catching two passes for 27 yards and a touchdown.
On the defensive side, Tawfiq Byard delivered a strong performance, leading the team with 10 tackles and contributing one tackle for loss. His efforts were crucial in keeping the game competitive despite the Buffs’ offensive struggles.
In the special teams unit, Damon Greaves had a mixed outing. While he did experience his first shanked punt of the season, which traveled only 29 yards, he also executed two out of five punts that landed inside the opponent’s 10-yard line, showcasing his ability to place the ball effectively under pressure.
As the season progresses, the CU Buffs will need to address their offensive inconsistencies and learn from this loss to improve in upcoming games. The team remains focused on building on their early success and learning from the challenges faced against a ranked opponent like BYU.