Buffs Players Say Bowl Game Still Their Motivation

BOULDER — Colorado wide receiver Juwann Winfree put it in the simplest of terms late Saturday afternoon.

"We have to attack this week," Winfree said after Colorado's 30-7 loss to Utah, the Buffs' sixth straight loss. "It's either go bowling or go home. You can either start your vacation early or continue with football and continue to spend time with your brothers."

It is by no means an unfamiliar situation for CU's players. After a 5-0 start, the Buffs have spent the last six weeks looking for their sixth win, one that would make them eligible for postseason play.

Now, they have just one more chance.

"Coach Mac (Mike MacIntyre) has been positive," wide receiver Kabion Ento said. "He let us know that we shouldn't focus on that outside noise. … We're trying to get to a bowl. To be honest, that's the only thing we're worried about."

But Saturday afternoon, it was hard for CU's players to block out that "noise." In their postgame press conferences, they were asked again about reports that MacIntyre and his staff would not be retained.

"His message was that we need to keep pushing forward," defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson said. "We have to keep pushing forward and work for a bowl game."

MacIntyre faced similar questions.

"I don't feel like it's my last game," MacIntyre said. "We've got one more. Hopefully we can win that and go to a bowl game. Going to a bowl game will be big for this program, two out of the last three years when they haven't done that around here in a long, long time. Hopefully, I'll get to coach another one."

Certainly, CU's players didn't seem to be resigned to giving up on their finale — even if nobody is sure where it will be played. The Buffs are scheduled to play a 5 p.m. game at Cal next Saturday, but given that fires in the region postponed Saturday's Cal-Stanford game because of poor air quality, it is possible next week's game could be played at another location. CU Athletic Director Rick George has been in contact with Pac-12 officials concerning a possible alternate site. If the game is moved, the decision would likely come early in the week.

But for CU's players, the location isn't important. They would just like one more opportunity to earn a bowl bid and extend their season.

"We have one more game and one more opportunity," running back Travon McMillian said. "Everyone wants to go bowling. We are going to do everything we can this week."

GAMBOA HONORED: CU senior linebacker Rick Gamboa, who made his final Folsom appearance Saturday, was awarded the 20th Buffalo Heart Award, selected and presented by fans who sit behind the CU bench.

The award began in 1998, with then-wide receiver and current wide receivers coach/co-offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini winning the inaugural award.

"It's a great honor," an emotional Gamboa said after Saturday's game. "I've spent the past four and half years putting my heart and soul out for this team and for all my brothers. Being recognized for this award is something I'll always be proud of."

Gamboa was credited with eight tackles Saturday, giving him 379 for his career. That moved him into sixth on CU's all-time list, ahead of former defensive lineman Laval Short.

BUFFS BITS: Punter Alex Kinney, who was injured in the second week of the season against Nebraska, returned to action and kicked seven times for a 41.3-yard average with three downed inside the 20-yard line. Kinney, a senior, would be eligible for a redshirt season, and said he would like to return, but said that would be up to the CU coaching staff. … Linebacker Carson Wells made his debut on offense, lining up in the backfield as a lead blocker for McMillian on McMillian's 13-yard touchdown run. … CU mascot Ralphie V did not run Saturday because of wet field conditions, just the third time in her 11-year career that she has not run. … CU safety Kyle Trego made his first career start. … The Buffs have outscored opponents 94-31 in the first quarter. … In the first six games of the season, the Buffs allowed just two field goals in the fourth quarter. Since then, they have been outscored 61-3 in the final period.

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu