BOULDER — Nelson Spruce, Colorado’s standout junior receiver, entered the weekend as the nation’s top pass catcher by receptions per game (11.2) and receiving touchdowns (10).
But against Oregon State, the third-ranked pass defense in the Pac-12 Conference, Spruce was muffled. His streak of seven consecutive games with a touchdown catch was snapped. But he moved past Michael Westbrook (156) on CU’s career catches list with 161.
“They didn’t show us any looks that we weren’t expecting,” Spruce said. “They’re just a good secondary. That’s what’s going to happen in the Pac-12.”
Spruce was plenty active against the Beavers, finishing with six catches — but for only 35 yards. He was hounded most of the game by Beavers cornerback Steven Nelson.
“He’s such a good player,” Oregon State coach Mike Riley said of Spruce. “I think our guys really competed hard.”
Adkins comes through. CU sophomore tailback Michael Adkins finally had a game his coaches had expected entering August camp. Running hard all afternoon and breaking tackles, Adkins netted 79 yards on 13 carries, an average of 6.1 yards per attempt.
Entering the game, Adkins had rushed for a total of only 9 yards in the past four games after a 68-yard effort in the season-opening loss to Colorado State.
Adkins said he talked with his mother and pastor during the week leading up to Saturday.
“They helped me get ready for this game,” Adkins said.
Ejection. Oregon State reserve safety Brandon Arnold was ejected after being flagged for targeting in the third quarter.
Arnold hit Colorado linebacker Addison Gillam with a helmet-to-helmet blow during a punt return by the Beavers.
It was later announced by CU that Gillam had suffered a concussion. That’s the sophomore’s second of the season.
