Colorado (3-1) came into its PAC-12 opener against Oregon riding a huge wave of momentum after its 3-0 start. But Oregon (4-0) established its dominance from the opening drive and nearly pitched a shutout in the 42-6 win.
Bo Nix threw for three touchdowns and rushed for another in a game that Oregon found a reason to take personal. Despite no back and forth in the media during the week, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning had some sharp criticism for Colorado in his pregame speech.
“The Cinderella story is 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧. “They’re fighting for clicks, we’re fighting for wins,” he said in front of the ABC cameras.
The validity of Colorado’s intentions can certainly be debated but the performance of Oregon can’t be.
Nix was 28-33 passing for 276 yards while being picked off for the first time this season. Jahquez Robinson intercepted Nix in the second quarter.
Oregon led the game 35-0 at halftime during which Lanning took another shot at the popularity of Colorado. Talking to an ABC sideline reporter he mentioned the fans.
“I hope those people that have been watching every week, are watching this week,” Lanning said.
Colorado set viewership records in several categories on ESPN last week with its win over Colorado State.
Shedeur Sanders struggled with protection all afternoon long being sacked seven times. The team committed 12 penalties for 105 yards, and at one point in the game the penalty yards nearly matched the offensive yards. Colorado did manage to finish with 199 total yards of offense compared to 522 for Oregon.
Sanders finished 23-33 passing for 159 yards and one touchdown that came in the fourth quarter. The extra point was blocked.
The competition doesn’t get any easier for Colorado. Next week CU hosts NO. 5 USC in Boulder. Coverage begins at 12 noon ET on Fox.
