In what was Colorado football's worst on-field display so far this season, the Buffs made untimely errors in multiple phases in a 28-10 loss to Nebraska on September 7; in a game they never had a chance in.
For most of the first thirty minutes, the Nebraska defense swarmed through the Buffs' offensive line and neutralized quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Shedeur spent the majority of the snaps on the run from an unrelenting Huskers pass-rush.
Colorado's defense didn't leave the mark on the Week 2 matchup that Nebraska's did, but they made their mark in a short field with a balanced offensive assault with 87 yards and a pair of majors. Huskers QB Dylan Raiola threw for nearly 200 modest passing yards, including a late second-quarter touchdown pass.
Adding to the putrid performance, the Buffs suffered two significant setbacks before halftime. Linebacker Trevor Woods was ejected from the game on a targeting penalty, and safety Shilo Sanders sustained a forearm injury.
By halftime, the Buffs were trailing 28-0 and produced only 112 yards of offense, including a woeful minus-12 yards rushing and two missed field goals.
The only positive for CU was Jimmy Horn Jr.'s performance as a returner, highlighted by a great kick return to start the game.
It's never a good sign when special teams is your team's highlight. This isn't Iowa.
Colorado football was less embarrassing in the second half against Nebraska
The Buffs reversed their fortunes for the second straight game with a much better second-half performance.
Shedeur led the Buffs' drive inside the five-yard line in the opening drive before settling for a chip-shot field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Buffs produced their only touchdown of the game with 8:40 left. Sanders finished a six-play, 58-yard drive with a touchdown pass to LaJohntay Wester.
The Buffs' defense settled down and contained Raiola and the Nebraska offense to zero points and 123 total yards in the final thirty.
Despite the encouraging performance in the second half, the Buffs only capitalized on a few of their chances in this game.
Shedeur threw for 238 yards, one touchdown, and a costly interception -- which resulted in a defensive touchdown in the first quarter by Nebraska's Tommi Hill. Travis Hunter was the big playmaker on the offense with 110 receiving yards on 10 catches.
The Buffaloes head to Fort Collins to face Colorado State on Saturday, September 14 with a chance to put this embarrassment behind them.