Iowa State-Colorado: Buffaloes Squander Opportunities in 17-10 Loss to Cyclones

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November 14th - @ Iowa State           Iowa State 17, Colorado 10

Colorado had it's opportunities, but four trips inside the Iowa State red zone netted three points, as the Buffs fell in Ames, 17-10. Falling to 3-7 on the season, the Buffs guaranteed themselves a fourth straight losing season for only the second time in school history. Colorado out-gained Iowa State, 390 yards to 310, but three turnovers, 110 yards in penalties, and missed opportunities doomed the Buffs to a third straight loss in Ames for - you guessed it - only the second time in school history (1979, 1981, 1983).

A low scoring game was certainly in the offing early, as both teams generated negative yardage in their opening drives. On Iowa State's second drive, the Buffs had the Cyclones backed up, facing a third-and-15 at the ISU 12-yard line. A face mask penalty on the Buffs, though, kept the drive alive - and set the tone for the day. Iowa State took advantage, piecing together a nine-play, 83-yard drive to take a lead the Cyclones would not surrender. Quarterback Austen Arnaud hit Marquis Hamilton from seven yards out as Iowa State scored in the first quarter for the first time in five games (take a second to re-read that - the Buffs allowed Iowa State to gain momentum by allowing the Cyclones to score a first quarter touchdown for the first time in five games!).

A 55-yard punt by Matt DiLallo on the Buffs' next drive pinned the Cyclones back inside their five yard line, and the Colorado defense gave the Buffs' offense a golden opportunity. Jimmy Smith intercepted an Arnaud pass at the Iowa State 15-yard line, returning the pick to the Cyclone five. The Buffs, though, could not take advantage, as, on fourth-and-goal at the one yard line, Demetrius Sumler was stopped for no gain.

Buffs' first trip inside the Iows State red zone - turnover on downs.

Things looked bleak for Colorado and their fans as Iowa State took off on what had the makings of a 99-yard drive. Assisted by the Colorado defense, which was guilty of defensive holding on third-and-five at the ISU six and a pass interference penalty on third-and-eight at the ISU 41 (not to mention giving up an 18-yard completion on third-and17), Iowa State looked to take control of the game. The Buffs' defense, though, made one more stand, as Anthony Perkins forced a fumble by Cyclone receiver Darius Darks, with the ball recovered by freshman defensive lineman Nate Bonsu at the Colorado 30-yard line. The Colorado offense responded with its only productive drive of the first half, covering 65 yards in 12 plays. A 12-yard completion from Tyler Hansen to Markques Simas on third-and-seven at the ISU 21-yard line set up the Buffs with a first-and-goal at the ISU nine. Three plays, though, netted four yards, and the Buffs settled for a 22-yard field goal by Aric Goodman with 5:34 left to play in the first half. Iowa State 7, Colorado 3.

Buffs' second trip inside the Iowa State red zone - field goal.

Defenses took over the rest of the second quarter, as four combined drives between the teams netted 19 yards. Two punts by Colorado's Matt DiLallo (34 and 32 yards), though, gave Iowa State field position, and the Cyclones took advantage. Taking over at the Colorado 48-yard line with 1:17 to play, Austen Arnaud maneuvered the Cyclones into field goal range, with Grant Mahoney connecting from 25 yards out on the last play of the quarter.

Halftime score: Iowa State 10, Colorado 3.

With the chances of a winning season, a bowl game, and the Big 12 North title on the line, the Buffs came out fired up, and, with the first drive of the second half - turned the ball over. On the second play of the third quarter, Tyler Hansen was intercepted by Cyclone Nate Frere, who gave the ball to the Iowa State offense at the CU 43. The Colorado defense, though, held, forcing a three-and-out. The Buffs' offense, given new life, responded by - turning the ball over. This time it was Rodney Stewart, who fumbled, with Iowa State recovering at the CU 33 yard line.

This time, the Cyclones took advantage of the Buffs' largess, taking only six plays to score. On third-and-nine at the Colorado 20 yard line, Austen Arnaud hit Alexander Robinson for a touchdown to give Iowa State a 17-3 advantage. As there was still 9:09 left to be played in the third quarter, the 43,208 on hand had no way of knowing that they had just witnessed the winning points being scored.

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