One last early morning stream of consciousness reaction

Well, I was right about a crazy, tight drunken pac12 game, and even close on the final score, but I was woefully incorrect in my hopeful prediction that the Buffs would finally make the play when they needed it. They just could not.  The players made crucial mistakes at crucial spots, the pac12 refs stole another game-changing interception, and then the coaches yanked away their best opportunity to take the game in the 4th quarter. 

   The Buffs actually started quite well, taking the lead on the first drive and shutting down the Utah offense early.  Even as the D gave up their usual allotment of gimme plays for the opponent, they kept the lead through halftime and into the 4th quarter again.

   Then it happened, that sequence that dooms this team.  First, Terrell Smith made what looked to be a great pick that would shift the momentum heavily in Colorado's favor.  Instead, the pac22 refs reviewed and then very questionably reversed the call. On the next 4th down play the Utes faked the punt on the clueless buffs and their punter ran for an easy first down.  The stunned defense then immediately gave up a long pass inside the five and Utah soon punched it in. Although the team was still ahead at this point, and continued to fight, most everyone in black and gold felt a sick twisting knot in their stomach.

  Shortly thereafter sefo made what has become known as his daily head scratcher, lobbing a screen right to the ute db who jogged in for the go ahead TD.  The buffs were not out of it yet, and after a Donovan lee kickoff return to midfield the buffs looked poised to finally "win this sucker" as coach MacIntyre predicted at halftime. However, the offense could only muster 8 yards and on 4th and 2, about 8 minutes remaining, the coaches made the scared, conservative call, no faith in themselves or the players, and punted the ball back to Utah. While some said it was the correct play at the time, many of us vehemently disagreed with the call, more playing not to lose than going for the win, and the Utes showed why the latter group was right. Although darragh once again pinned them deep, the Utes were able to eat a few minutes before punting back; their defense stuffed CU, forcing them to punt the game away and Utah closed out the clock. A collective sigh was heard across buff nation.

  There were some positives to take from the game- gillam looking back to his old self until a concussion took him out again, spruce and fields getting open for big gains and Ty mcculloch getting his first ever 100 yard game, Christian Powell returning to form with 3 tds-but suffering yet another heartbreaking loss is what will stick with and eat at all of us in the offseason. 

 There were even many positives to take from the season.  I think it is safe to say this is probably the best 2-10 team in the country and there are many pieces in place to look forward to next year.  Of course there are also a long list of questions remaining, and we will delve into all of that in the coming weeks, as well as take a look at recruiting.

  Lastly, I want to give one last shout out to this group of gritty seniors for all they gave to the program during these last few tumultuous years.  Good luck to them all in their next step!

Go Buffs!