Colorado University Athletics
Buffs' Bobo Throws For TD, Catches TD Pass Vs. Trojans
October 08, 2016 | Football, Neill Woelk
LOS ANGELES — Saturday was a career day in a number of ways for Colorado wide receiver Bryce Bobo.
The only thing missing was a win — but nobody can say the CU junior didn't do his part in a narrow 21-17 CU loss to USC at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
Bobo made his first career pass attempt one to remember, completing it for a 67-yard touchdown to running back Phillip Lindsay. Bobo took a lateral from quarterback Steven Montez to the left side of the field, then heaved a perfect strike back to the right side to a wide-open Lindsay, who made a nifty move to get to the end zone.
The third-quarter touchdown throw cut USC's 14-0 halftime lead in half, bringing the Buffs back to within a touchdown, 14-7.
"We've been working on that for a while," head coach Mike MacIntyre said. "Bryce said he was ready to throw it and he made a great throw."
Bobo then added a touchdown catch, hauling in a 10-yard scoring pass from Steven Montez in the fourth quarter, a play that helped tie the game at 14-14 with 10:20 remaining in the final period.
Bobo finished the day with a career-high 10 catches for 83 yards and a touchdown to go with his 67 yards passing and a touchdown.
LIUFAU PLAYS: When CU starting quarterback Steve Montez went down after having the air knocked out of him in the second quarter, senior Sefo Liufau entered the game.
It was Liufau's first appearance since an ankle injury forced him from the game in the third quarter of CU's Sept. 17 game in Michigan.
Liufau completed two of three pass attempts for 11 yards in finishing the drive, which ended after the Buffs couldn't convert a fourth down.
USC then ran out the clock for the half and when the Buffs took possession the first time in the second half, Montez returned to the game.
Head coach Mike MacIntyre said after the game that Liufau was not yet 100 percent in terms of running, but the Buffs knew he would be available if absolutely necessary.
MacIntyre said they'll continue to evaluate Liufau next week and he could be the starter for next Saturday's home game against Arizona State if he's deemed to be 100 percent healthy.
Montez, who suffered his first loss as a starter, was 25-for-40 for 197 yards, one touchdown and one interception
GOOD GAME FOR GILLAM: Junior linebacker Addison Gillam had perhaps his best game of the season, finishing with five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Gillam has been battling a variety of injuries, but looked like his old self against the Trojans, making plays all over the field in his longest stint on the field this season.
Gillam, though, wasn't as concerned with his play as he was with the Buffs getting back on the right track in a hurry.
"There's still a lot at stake this year," he said. "We've got six games left and we have to focus on what's ahead."
Press box statistics credited safety Afolabi Laguda, linebacker Kenneth Olugbode and safety Tedric Thompson with 10 tackles each. Laguda, Jordan Carrell and Ahkello Witherspoon also had fumble recoveries, and Olugbode had an interception as the Buffs stretched their nation-leading streak of games with at least one turnover to 19.
PRODUCTIVE DAY FOR LINDSAY: Lindsay's 67-yard touchdown catch helped him to a six-catch, 105-yard day receiving. It was the first 100-yard receiving game by a CU running back since Cortlen Johnson had a six-catch, 105-yard day against Iowa State in 2001.
The touchdown catch from Bobo was also the longest play of Lindsay's career, surpassing a 51-yard kick return against Hawaii in 2014.
Lindsay also had 57 yards rushing on 11 carries, including a 37-yard burst that helped set up Colorado's second touchdown of the day.
DROUGHT CONTINUES: The loss dropped CU's record all-time against the Trojans to 0-11. The last two losses have been by a combined seven points (27-24 last season).
"Sooner or later, we're going to get that off our back," MacIntyre said.
BUFFS BITS: CU sophomore outside linebacker N.J. Falo saw some extensive playing time Saturday. "It felt good," Falo said. "The game is starting to slow down a little for me and I'm feeling more comfortable out there." … Freshman kicker Davis Price was perfect on two PAT attempts and added a 42-yard field goal on his only try. … Lindsay was CU's leading receiver in yards. … Freshman wide receiver/defensive back Anthony Julmisse registered his first offensive touch this year, carrying once on a reverse for 10 yards. Julmisse already had a fumble recovery and interception to his credit on defense. … Defensive lineman Leo Jackson III got his first start of the season, starting in place of Samson Kafovalu. Jackson was credited with two tackles while Kafovalu had four.
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
