CSU Has Second Half Explosion, Defeats CU 31-17

Late in the first quarter CSU fans much like myself started having flashbacks of last year. CU's defensive line was getting the push, The offense was being too conservative, and the secondary gave up a long touchdown pass. Then an awakening occurred when the Buffs had the ball first and goal from the 5 yard line. The rams stuffed them on three consecutive plays and prevented them from getting into the end zone. The Buffs had to settle for a field goal and extended the lead to 10-0. The Rams finally got the ball moving when Dee Hart started playing bruiser and found his way into the end zone to cut the lead to 10-7.

The second half began with the Rams having all the momentum and were driving the ball into Buffs territory. Garrett Grayson was stripped of the ball while trying to escape a sack.  The Buffs recovered and Sefo Liufau threw a spectacular touchdown pass to Nelson Spruce who made an exceptional catch to give them a 17-7 lead and all the momentum. The Rams went back to what was giving them success running the football. Hart and Treyous Jerrells went off during the third quarter with Jerrells having 70 yards including a three yard touchdown in which he pulled off a pretty sweet spin move to free himself up. That touchdown cut the deficit to 17-14 with about 6:00 left in the third.

The Rams never looked back as Grayson hit Rashad Higgins on 16 yard touchdown pass early in the fourth giving the Rams the lead for good. The defense tightened up and the Buffs were getting frustrated. Dee Hart added another touchdown extending the lead to 28-17 about midway through the fourth. Jared Roberts connected on a long 52 yard field goal to seal the game for the Rams 31-17. The celebration was on in the student section where they were cheering "NaNaNa hey hey hey goodbye" and "CUlater" as the Buffs fans headed for the exits. The players went to celebrate with the team after receiving the Centennial Cup Trophy after the game.

Next up the Rams travel to Boise to take on the Broncos which will be a huge mountain division match up with championship implications. The Buffs will travel to Foxborough, Mass to take on a very good UMass football team.