Midseason review: Buffs' glaring issues continue against TCU

The Colorado Buffaloes have had a season plagued with uncertainties, still without a win through three Big 12 games. (Photo by Zacahary Giesenschlag/Sko Buffs Sports)

After the Colorado Buffaloes’ missed opportunity to upset the TCU Horned Frogs in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, things are looking uncertain at the midway point of their season. 

Against TCU, quarterback Kaidon Salter threw three interceptions in the first half, squandering a 14-point lead for the second game in a row. But not everything is Salter’s fault. The same issues all season have led the Buffaloes to their fourth overall loss and a 0-3 start in conference play. 

Heading into the dog days of their Big 12 schedule, the Buffaloes still haven’t been able to play a complete four quarters. When the defense gets stops, the offense can’t capitalize. When Salter and company sustain drives, the Buffaloes’ defense isn’t gap-sound. 

It was the same ol’ story against TCU. While the Buffaloes didn’t lose their 14-point lead against BYU until the second half, in enemy territory, Colorado gave up the lead in a total of four minutes and 10 seconds of Horned Frog possession.

Through six games, Colorado has shown familiar patterns on both sides of the ball. The offense has moved the ball effectively at times, but has struggled to maintain consistency. 

“It’s the same stuff every week,” safety Tawfiq Byard said after the loss. “It’s the same old stuff, you just got to lock in on the little stuff… you got to finish. We are in the same position every week. It’s coming down to two to three plays that we got to make.” 

One of the biggest issues is playcalling. In a knotted-up 14-14 game with TCU, when the Buffaloes were rolling, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur went back to the well.

Salter and running back Dallan Hayden combined for 59 total yards, and a pass interference put the Buffaloes on the TCU two-yard line with seven seconds left in the half. With the hot-handed Hayden, the Buffaloes elected to pass on the final play of the first half.

In the same route concept that scored them their first touchdown, Horned Frogs safety recognized wide receiver Omarion Miller’s sit route and jumped, resulting in Salter’s third interception after a tip-drill. Stalled drives and missed opportunities in key moments have aided losses. 

Defensively, the Buffaloes have shown steady improvement, but haven’t met preseason expectations. Against the second-best passing offense in the Big 12, the defense did its part but couldn’t keep up in key moments. 

After forcing a turnover on downs on TCU’s opening series, Salter threw his first interception of the game. The next two drives resulted in a missed field goal and a punt. But after the Buffaloes’ offense sustained a near six-minute drive for the 14-point lead, the Colorado defense reverted to its old ways. 

With 15 and 14-yard completions by quarterback Josh Hoover to start the drive, the Colorado defense was already on its heels. After another 13-yard completion for another first down, the Buffaloes stuffed a run and forced an incomplete pass, resulting in third-and-8.

TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover imposed his will when he needed to last Saturday against the Colorado Buffaloes. (Zachary Giesenschlag/Sko Buffs Sports)

But when Colorado had an opportunity to get off the field, they couldn’t because of a pass interference by cornerback Preston Hodge. 

Perhaps the biggest defensive lapse of the game came when the defense went back on the field after a muffed punt at a crucial point in the fourth quarter. In a 21-21 game, the Buffaloes’ defense had to defend a short field, which resulted in blown coverage and the go-ahead touchdown.

Nothing else matters besides the biggest moment, and in the biggest moment, the Buffaloes' defense fell short. 

“The mentality and the attitude. But if I’m tolerating it, that means I’m part of it,” said head coach Deion Sanders of what he wants to improve. “We want to show up, show out and step up in that moment when it’s one-on-one, it's me and it’s you. We got to win in those moments…I tell them every week, you're going to have a moment to change the outcome of this game, and you've got to maximize your moments.” 

At the season’s midpoint, the Buffaloes are still searching for solutions. Fire Shurmur? Time for Julian Lewis? Regardless, in-game adjustments, or the lack thereof, have translated to the team’s execution in critical moments. 

On offense, some fast-paced nuances have produced big plays and touchdowns, but the lack of creativity, along with the inconsistent play of Salter, has resulted in quick three-and-outs and turnovers. 

Defensively, stopping the run remains an issue, especially against dual-threat quarterbacks. The defensive backs, expected to be the strongest position group coming into this season, have more question marks than ever. 

With a 2-4 overall record, the Buffaloes face an uphill battle. Their remaining schedule features Top-25 opponents in Iowa State and Arizona State, while Utah is also receiving votes in the AP poll. Colorado will have to make some noise and upset some opponents, leaving little room for error for bowl eligibility. 

Still, there are opportunities to do so. The Buffaloes have shown they can move the ball and stop opposing offenses. But closing games with stronger execution on both sides will be key to turning their season around.