Colorado’s offensive line keeps Isaac Wilson clean in Utah loss
Zero sacks allowed and nearly six yards per carry defined Colorado's narrow defeat at Folsom Field.
Isaac Wilson did not take a single sack against Utah. For a Colorado Buffaloes team searching for its first Big 12 win, that statistic matters more than the final score. The offensive line delivered a flawless performance Saturday at Folsom Field, even as the Buffaloes fell short in a three-point loss to the Utes.
The result marked Colorado’s third conference defeat of the season. But unlike previous blowouts against ranked opponents, this game came down to a final Hail Mary attempt. According to USA Today’s Buffaloes Wire, the protection upfront gave Wilson time to operate on that last drive, scrambling for a first down rather than risking a turnover and connecting with Joseph Williams to push into range.
Wilson finished with a 37.9 quarterback rating. He threw interceptions. Yet his decision-making late showed development during the bye week, per Buffaloes Wire. In Deion Sanders’ second year running the program, keeping a young quarterback upright has been a persistent challenge. Against Texas Tech earlier this month, the pocket collapsed regularly. Utah brought pressure. The line absorbed it.
Jayven Richardson needed help getting off the field in the first quarter, according to Imagn Images photographs. The unit held together anyway. They opened holes for 138 rushing yards, averaging nearly six yards per carry. Senior running back DeKalon Taylor punched in an 18-yard touchdown late in the third quarter during a 17-point run.
JaQuail Smith turned a short pass into a 68-yard touchdown. That play ignited the second-half surge. Smith lined up in the backfield frequently, functioning as a safety valve when Utah’s front pushed.
DeAndre Moore Jr. led Colorado in receiving yards. Quentin Gibson drew coverage from Utah safety Nate Ritchie early, per Imagn Images.
Defensively, Colorado forced two turnovers. Both were interceptions off Devon Dampier. Linebacker Gideon Lampron dragged the Utah quarterback down repeatedly, limiting Wayshawn Parker to fewer than 100 rushing yards, according to Buffaloes Wire.
The red zone defense kept Utah to 13 points before halftime despite four trips inside the 20. The secondary cracked in the fourth quarter. A touchdown drive through the air decided the game.
Elliott Arnold hit his only field goal attempt and all three extra points. Punter Damon Greaves averaged 44.6 yards, dropping three kicks inside the 20 with a long of 55, per Buffaloes Wire.
Deion Sanders’ staff adjusted at halftime. The offense looked entirely different after the break. They avoided unnecessary fourth-down gambles, attempting once to draw Utah offsides on fourth-and-long, according to Buffaloes Wire.
Colorado needs four more wins to reach bowl eligibility. The schedule does not get easier. But the trenches finally held up.
