Football 2017 In Review

BOULDER - More than any other player, the 2017 Colorado football season belonged to record-setting running back Phillip Lindsay.

While the Buffs didn't quite live up to expectations overall, Lindsay's record-setting season and infectious personality captivated the fan base from beginning to end. He became the face, the voice and the heart and soul of Colorado football.

Strictly in terms of numbers, Lindsay's final season for Mike MacIntyre's Buffs proved to be memorable. He finished the year with 1,474 yards and 14 touchdowns rushing to become the first back in CU history to produce back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. By year's end, he had also broken the school's career all-purpose yardage mark, finishing with 5,675 (3,635 rushing, 963 receiving, 1,077 kickoff returns), as well as becoming CU's leader in all-time yards from scrimmage (4,598) and moving into second place in all-time rushing yards (3,635).

Lindsay's year included some of the best single-game performances in CU history. He carried 41 times — a school record — for 281 yards (fourth-best in CU history) and three touchdowns against Arizona, and also had a 28-carry, 185-yard effort against Oregon State and a 33-carry, 161-yard game against Cal.

But equally importantly, Lindsay earned a reputation as a true Buff in every regard. A Colorado prep product (Denver South), he earned a special place in fans' hearts by always putting team first. Lindsay repeatedly stressed that he played for his family, his teammates, his community and the school, and individual accolades and numbers were always secondary. It was a genuine, heartfelt sentiment that earned him a special place in the hearts of Buff Nation.

At year's end, Lindsay was awarded the Buffalo Heart Award, an honor bestowed by fans, and he was also named the team's Most Valuable Player at the year-end banquet, cementing his place in the pantheon of all-time Buffs greats.

Football Notes

Isaiah Oliver garnering second-team All-American accolades from SB Nation and College Sports Madness.
Phillip Lindsay finished his career as CU's all-time leader in all-purpose yards (5,760) and yards from scrimmage (4,683). He was second in rushing (3,707), first in receptions (11) and receiving yards (976) by a running back, fourth in scoring (234 points, second-most by a non-kicker), second in rushing TDs (36), and first in the most career first downs earned by a non-quarterback (234).
Phillip Lindsay was one of 11 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award.
Phillip Lindsay set a new CU record for the most rushing attempts in a season with 301. He led the nation in rushing attempts and was ninth in total rushing yards with 1,474.
Phillip Lindsay setting a new school record with his 41 rushing attempts against Arizona that went for a career-high 281 yards and three touchdowns.
Steven Montez finished the year with 3,313 yards of total offense (2,975 passing and 338 rushing), just the third 3,000-yard season in CU history).
Steven Montez set new school for consecutive pass attempts without being intercepted (172 from Sept. 23-Nov. 4) and his three-straight 300-yard passing games against California, Arizona State and USC, which marked the first time in CU history a QB threw for 300+ in three-straight games.
PK James Stefanou was one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award.
PK James Stefanou started the year out by making 10-of-11 field goal tries, which was the third best start to a career ever at Colorado with one miss (.909 percentage). His nine consecutive field goals made from Sept. 9-23 tied for the second longest streak of consecutive makes in school history.
WR Juwann Winfree's breakout performance against USC, catching five passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns. His 32.6 yards per reception in the contest was the fourth highest for a single game in the FBS this season (minimum of five receptions).
ILB Drew Lewis became the first known Buff since Greg Biekert in 1990 to record 10 or more tackles in the first three starts of a career; he had 12 tackles against Colorado state, 13 versus Texas State and 10 against Northern Colorado.
For the first time in school history, CU had four active players all with over 100 receptions.
Setting a school record with 16-straight quarters (nearly four games) without turning the ball over.
D.J. Eliot's debut – only allowed six points in the first two games combined which was the fourth fewest to start a season since the end of WWII.
Derek McCartney saving another man's life with his peripheral stem cell donation and then getting to meet that man.
Ralphie's 50th anniversary.
Evan Worthington's return to the team and his impact on defense. Led the team with three interceptions.
Laviska Shenault scoring a TD on his first career touch (fumble return against Texas State).

Colorado University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Drew Lewis

Phillip Lindsay

Derek McCartney

Steven Montez

Isaiah Oliver

James Stefanou

Juwann Winfree

Evan Worthington

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