Colorado University Athletics
CU Defense Tosses Shutout; RB Lee Has Big Day
September 26, 2015 | Football, Neill Woelk
BOULDER — Heading into Saturday's game against the Nicholls Colonels, it had been six years and 74 games since the Colorado Buffaloes had shut out an opponent (24-0 vs. Wyoming on Sept. 19, 2009).
Time for a new streak. Colorado's defense threw up a brick wall at Nicholls at Folsom Field, not only holding the Colonels scoreless in a 48-0 win, but limiting Nicholls' offense to a grand total of 166 total yards — a measly 3.0 yards per offensive snap.
"I think it's really big that we did that," CU coach Mike MacIntyre said. "Anytime you shut anybody out, that's a good deal. It's hard to shut anybody out, it really is — I don't care who it is. Our effort and our tenacity was excellent."
The Colonels never even really threatened to score. Nicholls ran a grand total of three plays in plus territory and crossed midfield just once the entire game — a drive that ended at Colorado's 42-yard line late in the first quarter.
"It felt really good," linebacker Kenneth Olugbode said. "That's the first shutout since I've been here and it's nice to have that to lead into Pac-12 play."
The Buffs also accomplished the feat without two defensive starters, as defensive lineman Leo Jackson III and defensive end/outside linebacker Derek McCartney both sat out with minor injuries.
But the players who stepped into their positions acquitted themselves well. Defensive lineman Michael Mathewes, a redshirt freshman, was credited with five tackles (four unassisted) and a quarterback sack, second-best on the team. Fellow redshirt freshman Rick Gamboa was the team leader in tackles, with six solo stops and one assist.
"It felt great to finally be on the field and get some actual playing time," Mathewes said. "I felt like that's what should be expected of us. We should shut them out every time. It doesn't matter what team it is or what the decal on their helmet is, we should shut them out every time."
Along with solid play from some youngsters, a number of Buff vets also stepped up. Sixth-year senior Jered Bell picked off a pair of passes and junior defensive end Jimmie Gilbert added a quarterback sack.
The Colonels finished with just 126 yards rushing and 40 yards passing. Nicholls' longest run of the day was a 28 yarder from Henry Michael and its longest pass completion was a 15-yard attempt. Only one receiver — C.J. Bates with two receptions — caught more than one pass.
"It's a great feeling," Bell said. "It's the first time we've done that since I've been here. But even though they didn't score, we still have a lot to improve on. Coach (Jim) Leavitt is going to make sure we get that done starting tomorrow."
BIG DAY FOR LEE: Thrust into a role at running back because of injuries to other players, CU wide receiver Donovan Lee put up some nice numbers. Lee carried 10 times for 103 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown scamper. It was the longest play of his career, topping a 45-yard touchdown on a reverse last year against Arizona.
LIUFAU MOVES UP: Quarterback Sefo Liufau moved into fourth place on CU's all-time passing yards chart with 5,750, moving past Tyler Hansen (5,705). Liufau finished with 13 completions in 21 attempts for 227 yards and a touchdown. He's now gone three consecutive games without an interception. He's also tied with Joel Klatt for second on the career touchdowns chart (44), trailing only Cody Hawkins (66) in that category. And, he's the fifth Buff in history to eclipse 6,000 yards in total offense (6,072).
NOTES: Scoring their first touchdowns as Buffs were running back Kyle Evans and wide receiver Jay MacIntyre. … Evans and MacIntyre also recorded their first career receptions, as did tight end Chris Hill. … It was the first career start for Mathewes. … Five Buffs hit the field for the first time: QB Cade Apsay, tight end Brian Boatman, fullback John Finch, defensive end Garrett Gregory and defensive lineman Blake Robbins. … The 636 total yards offense are the most in the Mike MacIntyre era, surpassing the 630 in last year's double-overtime loss to Cal.
