BOULDER, Colo. — Colorado has dominated in the turnover department all year en route to its spot atop the Pac-12 South, ranking fourth in the nation in turnover margin entering Thursday night’s home matchup with UCLA.
The Buffaloes’ strength deserted them in the first half, however, as they coughed up the ball four times, but the Bruins were only able to build a 10-7 lead heading into halftime.
Colorado starting quarterback Sefo Liufau turned the ball over three times before exiting with an injury, and backup Steven Montez tossed an interception as well, but the UCLA offense failed to take much advantage, posting just a touchdown and a field goal.
The Bruins, after calling just 10 designed run plays in their previous game against the Utes, tried with little success to recommit to the ground game in the opening half against Colorado, handing the ball off to sophomore running back Soso Jamabo 18 times for a total of 52 yards.
Increasing the use of the run took some pressure off redshirt senior quarterback Mike Fafaul, who completed seven of his 13 passes for 71 yards, including a touchdown and an interception, in the wake of coach Jim Mora’s pregame confirmation that sophomore quarterback Josh Rosen is out for the remainder of the season.
Colorado scored first, producing an eight-play, 38-yard touchdown drive after Fafaul’s lone interception set the Buffaloes up in Bruin territory.
UCLA quickly responded, with Fafaul throwing a 39-yard touchdown to senior wide receiver Darren Andrews shortly after redshirt senior Ishmael Adams’ 47-yard kickoff return and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Colorado granted UCLA solid starting field position.
The Bruins’ other score, a 48-yard field goal from freshman kicker JJ Molson, came after Liufau’s second interception was snared by UCLA senior linebacker Cameron Judge.
Molson later had another field goal, this one from 26 yards out, blocked to keep the Bruin lead at just three points.
Senior defensive end Takkarist McKinley continued his dominant play of late, recording four tackles, a sack and a forced fumble that was recovered by senior linebacker Jayon Brown. Brown led the Bruin defense with six tackles.