Boulder – Colorado’s defensive effort was a surprise to those who had grown accustomed to seeing steady, solid performances throughout the season. But it was particularly shocking to the defenders who lived through it.
“We’ve never done that, all season,” cornerback Terrence Wheatley said. “I don’t have an explanation for it, but I can promise it won’t happen again. I know that.”
Kansas State’s 439 yards was the first time it gained more than 400 yards of offense this season. Wide receiver Jordy Nelson had a career-high 117 yards on five catches. Quarterback Josh Freeman finished the game with a quarterback rating of 191.1.
According to CU defensive coordinator Ron Collins, “everything they ran today we practiced.”
He had no explanation as to why K-State was so successful.
Kansas State players did.
“We did not do anything different today than we had in the past games,” Freeman said. “The coaches were calling the same plays, and we were just able to execute. I think we are just getting on the same page. Everybody is just starting to get a good understanding of the offense.”
Toothless Thad
CU linebacker Thaddaeus Washington had his two front teeth knocked out in the first quarter, but returned to play.
“It took our docs a little while to work on him and get him going,” Hawkins said. “Then he could go back out.”
Washington went straight to the dentist after the game and is expected to play Saturday against Iowa State. His teammates talked about the toughness it took to come back and play.
“That guy has a lot of heart,” defensive end Abraham Wright said. “He’s amazing.”
Wrong stuff for Wright
Hawkins sat Wright on the bench for the first series against Kansas State as a punishment for breaking team rules, Wright said.
Wright missed a special- teams meeting early in the season, then missed curfew last Friday.
“I’m glad it was just a series,” Wright said. “Earlier in the week I was thinking I was going to miss most of the game.”
Injuries
Safety Ryan Walters left the game with back spasms and did not return. Defensive tackle Jason Brace suffered a concussion.
Center Mark Fenton (broken fibula) dressed but did not play. He might be ready to play against Iowa State. Also, safety J.J. Billingsley (knee) will try to be ready to play against ISU.
Footnotes
Senior defensive tackle Alex Ligon played for the first time this season….Colorado wore all-black jerseys and now is 16-13-1 in them…. The Buffs went 1-of-2 on fourth downs against Kansas State and are 2-for-12 this season….Wide receiver Alvin Barnett’s 32-yard reception in the first quarter is longest of his career. … Attendance was 42,696.
