Folsom500 - A Look Back - September 26, 1970 - University of Colorado Athletics

BOULDER - As Colorado readied to face Penn State early in the 1970 season, the Buffaloes were 1-0 and ranked 18th in the Associated Press poll, but knew they had a major battle on their hands with the No. 4 ranked Nittany Lions.

On that evening of Sept. 26, Folsom Field was rocking with anticipation. The 42,850 in attendance made for a party like atmosphere and everyone in Boulder could feel something special was on the horizon.

The Buffs did not disappoint, providing fans with one of the biggest moments of that season. Colorado rolled to a stunning 41-13 win over the Nittany Lions, delivering a memorable night of thrills and electricity from the opening kick to the final whistle.

Led by eighth-year head coach Eddie Crowder, the Buffs drew first blood on a 1-yard touchdown run by running back John Tarver. Not long after, Buffaloes' place kicker Dave Haney split the uprights on a 35-yard field goal to extend the Buff's lead to 10-0.

Jumping to the double-digit advantage, just three and a half minutes in, was the perfect early confidence booster CU needed; and at the same time created doubt on the Nittany Lions' sideline.

Heading into the game, Penn State was riding a 31-game unbeaten streak, and while the Buffs not only put up 41 points - the highest total Penn State had allowed in a game in four seasons - it was the defense that did the most damage. CU's held Penn State's highly talented offense to just 13 points.

One look at the stat sheet told the story, as the Buffaloes limited Penn State to just 290 yards in total offense and forced five turnovers.

As the game progressed, the Buffs continued to dazzle. It was running back Jon Keyworth who split the load with Tarver along the way, as the backfield tandem sparked the Buffs offense to a then-season-high point total and at no time during the game did the nation's fourth ranked team have an answer for Colorado's attack.

The Buffaloes were fierce and focused. The lopsided win over a Top 5 team shocked the college football world. The Buffaloes were trending, before Twitter was even a thought; and the accolades began pouring in.

Colorado linebacker Phil Irwin landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated after he led the Buffs defensive effort in the decisive 28-point win. This was the first time any sport in the Colorado's athletic program had been featured on the magazine's iconic cover.

Colorado University Athletics

Folsom500 - A Look Back - September 26, 1970

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