Colorado's hopes of bowl eligibility spoiled by Washington State 56-14

Friday night featured a Colorado Buffalo team that mentally has struggled the past 4 weeks.  Not only was Colorado coming into the game on a four-game losing streak, but the past three games have resulted in losses to ranked Pac-12 teams.  Head Coach Deion Sanders has remained firm and to the point during every press conference following the losses.  Coach Prime referred to several key factors to the previous losses, and Friday night saw a pattern continue with Colorado turning the ball over 3 times again (2 fumbles lost, 1 interception). 

The Colorado defense did a better job against the run by only allowing 105 yards to Washington State, but the secondary proved to be a liability for the Buffalo.  Colorado allowed 342 passing yards and the Cougars were 6 of 11 on 3rd down efficiency.  Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward completed 18 of 30 passes and threw for 2 touchdowns while rushing for 2 touchdowns as well. The Buffalo did see an injury occur to starting quarterback Shedeur Sanders during the game. 

Colorado scored their first touchdown with 0:56 seconds left in the 1st quarter, and did not score again until the 11:48 mark of the 4th quarter on a 1-yard touchdown run by Sy’veon Wilkerson.  Washington State (record 5-6) now remains hopeful to be bowl eligible with next week’s showdown for the Apple Cup against their rival Washington Huskies that are on the doorstep of the College Football Playoffs.  Colorado will end their season with a trip to Salt Lake City to play another ranked opponent in the University of Utah.