Buffaloes 1 Win Away From Worst-To-First Season

BOULDER, Colo. (The Sports Xchange) - Colorado is one win away from finishing a worst-to-first season.

The ninth-ranked Buffaloes defeated No. 20 Washington State 38-24 Saturday to improve to 7-1 in the Pac-12 South Division as they prepare to host No. 21 Utah in the final game of the regular season. If Colorado defeats the Utes, it wins the South at 8-1 just one year after finishing last at 1-8.

If Utah beats the Buffaloes, Colorado would finish tied for first at 7-2, but USC would advance to the conference title game based on its head-to-head victory over the Buffs.

"We are very happy to be in the position that we are in," CU quarterback Sefo Liufau said. "We're very happy to be able to go out there and grind one out and get a good win."

Colorado had lost 23 straight games to ranked foes since 2009 before defeating the Cougars.

"We have something called the gold games and we have gold bricks," running back Phillip Lindsay said. "So any time we beat a ranked team, we get a gold brick. This is our first time since we've been ranked that we get a gold brick so it's a pretty big deal for us. We're excited and we're happy and we have to continue to ride this wave and get ready for the next game."

Utah was also in contention for the South title until it dropped to 5-3 after Oregon upset the Utes on Saturday.

"The intensity has to go up a lot," Lindsay said. "We have to stay focused and we're going to have to compete."

Colorado won only two Pac-12 games in the first three seasons under MacIntyre, but are now 7-1 in conference play for the first time since 2002. The Buffs are 9-2 overall for the first time since 2001.

"I'm excited," defensive end Jordan Carrell said. "This is what we dreamed about since we were kids, to be in these situations. Coach talks about these being the gold games so we just have to go win another gold game next week. Utah is a great team and I know they have a good front, so we just have to dial into the playbook this week and watch them on film."

The Buffaloes are 5-0 at home this season as they prepare to welcome the Utes.

"At home it's definitely the 12th man, our fans," wide receiver Devin Ross said. "They give us so much energy and keep us in the last quarters and keep our motivation up. We keep the energy going with each other. We pump each other up and we know that we've got this and we are going to just keep playing. We're not going to stop. That's the mindset we have and I'm proud of everyone. We're definitely having fun and I can't wait for next week."

NOTES, QUOTES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

--RB Phillip Lindsay had his fourth 100-yard game of the season and sixth of his career as he ran for 144 yards and two touchdowns against Washington State. He also had 50 receiving yards to boost his career total yards to 2,125, which is 15th in school history. With 1,081 yards, he is the first 1,000-yard rusher for the Buffs since 2010. His 15 rushing touchdowns are the most for a CU back since 2002.

--QB Sefo Liufau became the second player in school history to throw for 300 yards and run for 100 when he had 345 passing yards and 108 rushing yards with three scores in the win over Washington State. His 453 yards of total offense is sixth in single-game school history. He exceeded 10,000 yards in total offense and 9,000 passing yards in his career.

--LB Jimmie Gilbert forced his sixth fumble of the season and is tied for the NCAA lead in that category while moving within one of the school single-season record. He also recorded a sack against Washington State, giving him 9 1/2 on the season. That is the most for a CU defender since 2006.

--CB Ahkello Witherspoon broke up a career-high three passes against Washington State as he continues to lead the Pac-12 with 17 pass break-ups on the season. He has broken up at least one pass in 10 games this season and has multiple break-ups in six games. He ranks seventh in single-season history in passes broken up.

--WR Jay MacIntyre had career highs with seven catches for 90 yards. Five of his catches resulted in a first down. His previous best game had been six catches for 76 yards against Idaho State this season."