Instant Recap: Buffs air it out against Wyoming

Tonight was a reassuring performance for Colorado fans, as the Buffs seemingly answered the questions surrounding the quarterback position and played solid on the defensive side of the ball. The Buffs had firm control of this one as they never trailed, and maintained a two or three score lead for much of the game. We’re going to take you through all the action, and recap what we saw tonight.

First Half

The first half was a refreshing watch, after the Buffaloes struggled to move the ball last week. It took a couple drives to get things going but once points started coming they didn’t stop.

The Buffs first points of the game would come on their second drive, and it would come on one of Colorado’s best drives of the season. A thirteen play, 85 yard drive that was capped off with a deep touchdown ball to Omarion Miller. This was Miller’s first touchdown of the year and just his third touchdown as a Buff.

Here’s a look at Salter’s 29 yard dot in the back of the endzone to Omarion Miller:

Wyoming would be able to find some success that would come off of a ten play 65 yard drive. They would ultimately leave the field with just three points, but these kind of sustained drives are the ones that have plagued the Buffs so far this season. The Buffs will need to find a way to get off the field or these long drives could start turning into touchdowns.

Once the Buffs got on the board, they were able to keep their momentum and continue to mount scoring drives. On the third drive of the game the Buffs got it done through the air, and it would come from Sincere Brown, once again, burning his man over the top. Salter was able to roll right, remain patient, and deliver a perfect ball over the top for the score.

Here’s a look at Sincere Brown’s 68 yard touchdown reception:

The Buffs defense would continue to hold up and they would avoid allowing any additional points for the remainder of the half. The offense would stay hot, putting more points on the board before the end of it. This time the touchdown would be on the end of on a eight play 67 yard drive that was capped off by a Simeon Price touchdown.

The first half should’ve left Buffs fans feeling optimistic about what’s ahead and may serve as some form of reassurance that some of the issues that arose over the last two weeks were fixed. Salter is dealing, the defense is getting off the field, and the Buffs lead by three scores.

Score at the Half

Colorado 21

Wyoming 3

Second Half

The Buffs would pick-up right where they left off to start the second half, scoring on their first drive. This was a quick three play 75 yard drive, but the key play came on a 47 yard touchdown pass to Joseph Williams that was put in a bucket by Kaidon Salter. Salter remained calm in the pocket and delivered a perfect ball despite the tight coverage from two Cowboy defenders.

Here’s a look at Salter’s touchdown pass to Williams:

The Buffs defense would finally show some weaknesses in the second half with Wyoming putting together multiple sustained drives. The Buffs typical bend but don’t break mentality would save them from giving up touchdowns as they mostly held Wyoming to field goals. The Cowboys would score on three of their last four drives, but the Buffs would only allow one touchdown and they would remain in full control for the remainder of the game.

Offensively, the Buffs would struggle for much of the of the second half, but with just a couple minutes left, Kaidon Salter would break open a 35 yard rushing touchdown that would move the Buffs out to a 17 point lead and put the metaphorical dagger in Wyoming.

Final Score

Colorado 37

Wyoming 20

Key Players

• Kaidon Salter: This was the performance that the Buffs have been looking for from Salter. He looked comfortable and in control of the offense. Salter didn’t just look good, he also put up good numbers, finishing the day 18/28 with 304 yards and three touchdowns through the air. On the ground Salter accounted for another 86 yards and an additional touchdown, assumingly securing his spot as the number one quarterback for the remainder of the season.

• Omarion Miller: Coming into the year, many had high expectations for Omarion Miller and after working through some injuries we finally got to see him shine. Miller ended his day with 88 yards and a touchdown and was a vital element of the Buffs passing attack.

• Arden Walker: We saw great performances from Walker last year, and he has put himself in the spotlight once again. Walker finished his day with a sack and a half, a safety, a pass breakup, six tackles, and a handful of meaningful quarterback pressures. This was a complete game from the Buffs most feared pass rusher.

Outlook

With a meaningful home win behind them, the Buffs will now look forward to their matchup against BYU next weekend, once again an 8 o’clock kickoff at Folsom Field. There seems to be little doubt that Kaidon Salter will lead the Buffs into this matchup and the Buffs will need to secure a big win to avoid starting their conference schedule 0-2. BYU has started the year strong, so there is not doubt that Folsom will be alive as this will be a must watch game. Be sure to tune in to catch all the action, and Sko Buffs!