Colorado University Athletics
CU Running Game Breaks Loose Vs. Minutemen
September 12, 2015 | Football
BOULDER — Colorado's running backs proved Saturday afternoon that they are stronger this season than last, rushing for 390 yards in a 48-14 win over Massachusetts.
The last time CU rushed for more than 300 yards in a single game was in 2007 against Miami-Ohio, when the Buffs totaled 359 yards.
"I'm excited about our rushing attack," head coach Mike MacIntyre said. "They all ran well and it was really exciting what they did."
Both Michael Adkins II and Christian Powell had over 100 rushing yards each, with Adkins hitting 119 and Powell at 105, marking the 45th time CU has had two players run for 100-plus yards in a game. Powell had two touchdowns against UMass, making it his fifth multi-touchdown game.
MacIntyre said, "I was really proud of Christian and he brings a different dynamic in our running game, but I think we have four guys that are great runners."
After the win, junior quarterback Sefo Liufau said he was proud of how the team played as a whole.
"The offensive line and our running backs did a really good job today," Sefo said. "We played how we're supposed to play."
Sophomore Phillip Lindsay, who finished with 73 yards rushing, also had his first career touchdown at the end of the second quarter to keep the Buffs' momentum going against the Minutemen.
"Our running backs, if you notice, they're not hesitating," said MacIntyre. "They're hitting and cutting and going."
Adkins hit his fourth career 100-yard game Saturday, pushing his career total to 1,148 yards. He has called himself a rhythm runner, and certainly set a strong rhythm for the 2015 season, as he now has 209 yards in two games. The junior running back said he can maintain the pace he set for himself against the Minutemen.
"Running physical excites the whole team," Adkins said. "When you have a running back running physical, like all of us did, Christian Powell and Phillip Lindsay, it just excites the whole team. If we can bring that every week it will just give us a different mentality as a team."
Liufau also talked about the idea of getting the whole team into a rhythm.
"For the most part we were in a rhythm; we knew what they were doing, bumping out, trying to set underneath everything," Liufau said. "So for the most part I think we were in rhythm and just have to continue to be."
The overall mentality of the team is positive after the victory over Massachusetts and the running backs are ready to continue to play physically.
"It was a good win," Adkins said. "We played well and didn't make too many mistakes, so that's good, and is an improvement from last week."
With the Rocky Mountain Showdown against in-state rival Colorado State coming up next weekend, the Buffs are taking this victory in stride and already gearing up for the next competition.
"It feels great to go out there and get a win and get ourselves back on track for the season," Liufau said. "I think our consistent manner, especially of offense, was good to see and boost our confidence when we prepare for our next opponent, Colorado State."
.@cpizzythoo shows power and speed on this 35 yard TD. #GoBuffs https://t.co/iIg1rbwzDn
— Colorado Buffaloes (@cubuffs) September 13, 2015
Here's @I_CU_boy's first career touchdown. Huge hole over the left side of the offensive line. #GoBuffs https://t.co/Yy8VGLntao
— Colorado Buffaloes (@cubuffs) September 13, 2015
CU's @mathaados had a huge game, including this 21 yard TD scamper. #GoBuffs https://t.co/9OeNJZ504J
— Colorado Buffaloes (@cubuffs) September 13, 2015
