BOULDER — How’s this for Senior Day fun? In addition to throwing for two scores, Colorado senior quarterback Tyler Hansen caught a 14-yard touchdown pass Saturday in the second half of the Buffaloes’ 48-29 victory over Arizona.
For those scoring at home, that was A) Hansen taking the snap, B) Hansen getting the ball to senior tailback Rodney Stewart, and C) Stewart then throwing a tight spiral and leading Hansen perfectly down the left sideline.
Yes, a tight spiral.
“It’s funny, because we ran that play every day in practice, and every day (Stewart’s pass) was a duck,” Hansen said. “So when I saw it I thought, ‘Whoa, that’s a spiral.’ I had to get it (in full stride), so it was pretty good. He can throw it.”
Colorado snapped a seven-game losing streak and took “Senior Day” literally. After an emotional, pregame ceremony, it was to also be their day on the field.
Everywhere you looked there was a CU senior making a big play. Hansen threw for 213 yards; Stewart ran for 181 and three touchdowns; Toney Clemons caught five passes for 115 yards and a TD.
And on defense: Travis Sandersfeld recorded a game-best 11 tackles and had an interception; Patrick Mahnke forced two fumbles; Jason Espinoza had an interception; Josh Hartigan registered a sack.
And on and on.
“This week was real special for all of us, all 28 of us,” Hansen said. “We were not going to be denied, I guarantee you. The seniors were all making plays. Rodney was making plays. Clem (Toney Clemons) was making plays.
“It’s interesting. Me, Speedy and Clem all scored. That’s saying something.”
Winning on Senior Day is always fun. But for a Colorado team that hadn’t won since mid-September, this meant a little more. Perhaps a lot more.
Sandersfeld recalled a history lesson given to the team by coach Jon Embree earlier in the week. It served as motivation.
“Coach Embree was telling us that since 1920, no Colorado team has ever not won at home (during a season),” Sandersfeld said.
Embree was correct. That 1920 squad went 0-1-2. Folsom Field opened in 1924, meaning that no CU team had ever gone winless for a season in this stadium. Thanks to Saturday’s inspired performance, that still holds true.
Every Colorado player savored the moment, but especially the seniors, who hugged everyone in sight and gathered around friends and families for pictures after the game, some with the scoreboard in the background.
Hansen said this moment ranks “right up there” with a 2009 home victory over then-No. 17 Kansas.
And who knows? Hansen’s touchdown reception might have been the pivotal play. That gave Colorado a 34-10 cushion with 3:50 remaining in the third quarter.
“I told Tyler: ‘Come on, man. Make a play. Make a catch,’ ” Stewart said after the game.
A wide grin never left his face.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
