BOULDER — University of Colorado football seniors stood in the northeast tunnel before the opening kickoff on Saturday with flower bouquets in hand to celebrate one last game at Folsom Field, and written on the biceps of many Buffaloes was a number in black ink: 25.
The digits represent the uniform number of senior safety Ryan Moeller, a Rifle native who stood among his teammates with the help of a single crutch in the crease of his left armpit. Moeller suffered an unspecified injury in CU’s 41-30 defeat at Arizona State last week and was held out on Senior Day. CU defensive backs coach ShaDon Brown tweeted at Moeller pregame (@Backendcoach12): “You have given a lot to #MoneyGang and CU today we will ride for you and the brand.”
Moeller — a former walk-on awarded a scholarship as a sophomore in 2015 — had totaled 44 tackles, a fumble recovery and five pass breakups this fall.
“We definitely missed him today,” senior Buffaloes’ safety Afolabi Laguda said. “I definitely felt it in my heart to try and at least get him a win. … Regardless, Ryan Moeller has been a stud here for years.”
Oliver returns. CU junior cornerback Isaiah Oliver, projected by many as a first-round NFL draft pick next April, had missed the previous two games with a leg injury suffered in the first half at Washington State (Oct. 21). Oliver returned to action against USC with three tackles and one pass breakup, but was held out of the second half.
“He said he was 100 percent and doctors said he was 100 percent, but he didn’t play quite like Isaiah, and he can tell you the same thing,” CU coach Mike MacIntyre said. “Thatap always tough when they come back and you’re playing really talented receivers and a really talented quarterback.”
Pregame proposal. When CU linebacker Trent Headley, a Littleton native, ran out to greet friends and family at midfield for Senior Day, he had a surprise item to deliver: An engagement ring. His proposal to CU cheerleader Elizabeth Trujillo was captured on the video board, and based on her reaction, Trujillo said yes.
“(Headley) came to me to talk about it this summer. I said, ‘You better make sure she’s gonna say yes in front of all those people,’” MacIntyre said. “That was a great moment for Trent.”
Game balls. The top three individual performances from USC’s victory as chosen by Denver Post college sports writer Kyle Fredrickson.
Ronald Jones, USC: The Trojans’ star tailback dominated the Buffaloes with 25 carries for 142 yards. His most important contribution arrived late in the fourth quarter on a 22-yard touchdown run.
Juwann Winfree, CU: Shay Fields’ injury opened the door for a career performance from Winfree. He finished the day with five catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns.
Sam Darnold, USC: The Trojans’ quarterback looked every bit the part of a first-round draft pick. He completed 21-of-34 passes for 329 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.