LUBBOCK – After a sluggish first quarter, the Colorado front seven came alive, leading the Buffaloes (7-2, 5-1 Big 12) to a 41-27 win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-4, 4-2 Big 12). A relentless effort to the football kept the unit in prime position all Saturday afternoon.
On their opening drive, the Red Raiders came out firing, scoring a touchdown in just four plays. The momentum swung in favor of the offense early, as a hailstorm of tortillas berated the Colorado sidelines. With no favors given on field position, crossing routes hurt the CU secondary.
The Colorado offense remained scoreless after the first quarter. Without two defensive stops, the Buffs easily could have been down 21-0 after 15 minutes. Two long field goals gave Texas Tech the advantage of 13-0. Colorado looked dead in the water but did not lose concentration.
When the teams flipped sides, Colorado’s defense woke up. After the slow start, CU would out-score the Red Raiders 41-14 in the remaining three quarters. The defensive barrage was led by defensive end Arden Walker, defensive tackle Amari McNeill and linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green. The Buffs finished with seven sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception.
Walker’s domination occurred heavily on third down. As the secondary fixed their coverage mistakes, the front seven had the necessary time to pressure Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton. Once CU gained a lead, the defense was able to play more freely. It started inside with Chidozie Nwankwo and McNeill plugging the interior gaps, unselfishly creating opportunities for their teammates.
Hill-Green benefited the most, flying around the field in his usual fashion. He registered nine total tackles and a fourth-quarter interception. Throughout the year, the senior has jumped out on tape and been a leader for the team.
McNeill turned heads with every hit he made. The physical enforcer disregarded blockers as he fought his way to the football. Racking up one and a half sacks and three tackles for loss, he was arguably the best defensive player for the Buffs on Saturday. One of his hits was so violent it caused an official to throw a flag for targeting which was overruled upon review.
Head coach Deion Sanders was pleased with McNeill and the unit’s performance.
“Amari understood his opportunity, he understood his time. He took advantage… And he made good on it,” Sanders said. “I think the front was responsible for what transpired tonight (by) setting the stage for stopping the run consistently.”
Towards the end of the game, Texas Tech came within a score and held possession with a chance to tie or take the lead. Walker did not allow any late-game heroics for the Red Raiders. He sealed CU’s win with a strip sack that allowed safety Shilo Sanders to trot into the end zone for six.
It was clear the tortilla throwing and extracurriculars frustrated Colorado players during the game. The more tortillas fell, the harder the defense brought it, turning their emotions into motivation. The pushing and trash talk between players carried to the end of regulation. Brushing off the adversity, Colorado had the last laugh.
Tortillas were still being cleaned up even hours after the conclusion of the game. The Buffaloes left Lubbock with a win, but more importantly, sole possession of second place in the Big 12. Although it can be easy to overlook, the trenches won the game for Colorado.
Cover photo by Cristian Blanco/Sko Buffs Sports
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