BOULDER — Colorado sophomore quarterback Sefo Liufau was asked during the week if the Buffaloes have come up with a “rallying cry” in seeking their first Pac-12 victory of the season.
“There shouldn’t be a rally cry,” Liufau said. “Being 2-5 (overall), you should be motivated to not lose anymore.”
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Colorado (2-5, 0-4 Pac-12) is a 14-point underdog in today’s noon matchup against No. 25 UCLA (5-2, 2-2) at Folsom Field — Colorado’s 100th homecoming game. The Buffs come off their first blowout loss of the season, 56-28 at Southern California.
“I think our guys responded really well in practice,” Liufau said. “We’re just going to have to be really consistent because UCLA has a really good defense.”
Perhaps Colorado will be inspired by the appearance of the school’s lone Heisman Trophy winner, 1994 honoree Rashaan Salaam. Salaam was grand marshal for Friday’s homecoming parade and will be recognized during the game with this season being the 20th anniversary of his accomplishment.
Colorado will be without starting offensive guard Kaiwi Crabb, a senior and two-year starter who suffered a concussion in the second half against USC. Starting in his place will be redshirt freshman Gerrad Kough.
The weather couldn’t be better — mid-70s under clear skies at kickoff.
Here are some CU milestones to watch:
• Wide receiver Shay Fields has 36 receptions and needs four to break the freshman single-season record of 39 set by Chris McLemore in 1982.
• Senior running back Tony Jones needs 22 receiving yards to become the ninth CU player to reach both 1,000 yards in career rushing and 500 receiving yards.
• Junior wide receiver Nelson Spruce is 103 receiving yards to become the ninth Buff to reach 2,000 for his career.
• Liufau needs 36 yards running or passing yards to reach 4,000 for career offense.
Tom Kensler: tkensler@denverpost.com or
