Mistakes Cost Rams in Front of Record Crowd

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The stage was set for a big night with all the trimmings. A record crowd at Canvas Stadium, led by a student section which rushed the gates as soon as they swung open. Legends of the past lined the home sideline, rival Colorado the other.

An early lead provided a positive vibe, a 25-yard field goal by Jordon Noyes on the second drive of the game. But when the second quarter hit, momentum changed as the Buffs put together back-to-back long scoring drives – both touchdowns – and a trio of third quarter turnovers didn't help, two in heart-wrenching fashion.

The outcome – a 28-9 loss to Colorado -- was not the Hollywood ending the hosts had scripted.

The first turnover, a Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi interception with the offense backed up to the goal line, set up a Colorado score on the third Shedeur Sander's scoring pass of the game. The second came at the CU 4, when a long drive extended by three fourth-down conversions had the team on the doorstep. But on first-and-goal, a Keegan Holles fumble felt devastating with a 21-3 deficit on the board.

No turnover is considered good. Some just carry more weight.

"Absolutely. At the end of the day, the goal is no turnovers," Fowler-Nicolosi said. "Whenever I set our defense behind the chains and kind of put us behind schedule, it's unfortunate and it takes a toll," he said. "It's something I can learn from and capitalize on next week. There's the one turnover where it's just a mental error; no need for it. The other fourth-and-long, tough situation, I have to get the ball out. But it doesn't make a difference. I need to limit them. Can't have them."

Even when the Rams' defense produced a turnover in the third on a Chase Wilson fumble recovery caused by Buom Jock, the offense gave it back with Fowler-Nicolosi's second pick on a fourth-and-12 play.

The Buffs cashed that in too, essentially icing the game with a 28-3 lead.

"There are important possessions, and that's one of the things we have really been harping on that we had to really play a turnover-free game," Norvell said. "They're an explosive team. We knew that going in. They have explosive players, and if you give them enough opportunities, it's going to hurt you after a while."

The Rams would score again, a 62-yard run out of the wildcat by Avery Morrow setting up first-and-goal at the 5, an effort cashed in when Justin Marshall scored untouched from 5 yards out. But the Rams' two-point try wasn't converted.

And with time running down any hope with every tick, another promising drive ended when an early snap led to a fourth turnover of the night. Throw in 10 penalties, and the Rams made all the mistakes they hoped to avoid.

Sanders finished 36-of-49 for 310 yards and the four scores, two to Travis Hunter following a pair to LaJohntay Wester.

Sanders was sacked just once in the game, but the CSU defense made him throw a lot on the move. The plan to attack him worked to a point, just not to a finish very often as Colorado finished with 419 yards of total offense.

"I think our pass-rush plan was to do what we did. I feel like we got him off the spot and make some uncomfortable throws," Gabe Kirschke said. "I feel as a D-line we got some good pressure, but there's lots to grow from."

After throwing just 10 times in the first half, Fowler-Nicolosi would finish 22-of-39 in the game for 209 yards. Tory Horton, hurt the week prior, tried to give it a go in the game, appearing most of the first half. With him missing the second half, Jamori Person produced career-best numbers with seven catches for 51 yards.

The Rams rushed for 131 yards, but the majority of the total came on two runs – a 27-yarder early from Justin Marshall and Morrow's burst late contributing 89 of the total.

Norvell summed up the moment missed in succinct fashion.

"We have to be better," he said. "It's really that simple. The margin for error is not very big on either side, so for us to win a game like this, we can't turn it over."

Colorado State finishes a three-game homestand next week when it host UTEP.

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