UCLA
3-6-0 , 1-5
Colorado
7-2-0 , 5-1
No. 15 Buffaloes Outlast Bruins in Boulder
November 03, 2016 | Football
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) -- Isaiah Oliver returned a punt 68 yards for a score with 5:27 remaining and No. 21 Colorado overcame eight personal-foul penalties to beat UCLA 20-10 on Thursday night.
Oliver caught the punt on the right side of the field, cut back to the left and went untouched for the decisive score. It was the first punt return for a TD in 11 years for Colorado (7-2, 5-1 Pac-12, No. 15 CFP) and came on a night when the Buffaloes struggled to get much going.
The game featured a combined 25 penalties for 224 yards, two blocked kicks and five turnovers. UCLA (3-6, 1-5) has dropped four straight.
Third-string Colorado kicker Chris Graham connected on a 37-yarder with 13:40 left to give the Buffaloes a 13-10 lead. He also hit a 21-yard field goal that was tipped at the line but still got through. He had another blocked.
Colorado has kicker issues with Davis Price out because of mono and Diego Gonzalez done for the season after tearing his Achilles tendon.
The Bruins fared no better on field goals, missing two kicks and having another blocked .
The Buffaloes struggled to control their temper and was called for eight personal foul penalties, including a targeting call that led to the ejection of outside linebacker Jimmie Gilbert early in the first quarter.
Quarterback Mike Fafaul stepped in with Josh Rosen hampered by a shoulder injury. He finished 15 of 29 for 185 yards and one TD. He also threw an interception.
Colorado QB Sefo Liufau went a school-record 152 attempts without throwing an interception before throwing two in a span of six passes. Later, the senior fumbled on a big hit by Takkarist McKinley and freshman Steven Montez briefly took over.
THE TAKEAWAY
UCLA: The Bruins were held to 25 yards rushing, well below their season average (85.5). They need to win out to become bowl eligible.
Colorado: They have a game lead in the Pac-12 South race over USC and Utah.
Team Stats
UCLA 0, COLO 7
COLO - Lindsay, Philli 1 yd run (Graham, Chris kick), 8 plays, 38 yards, TOP 2:31
UCLA 7, COLO 7
UCLA - Andrews 39 yd pass from Fafaul (Strauch kick) 3 plays, 38 yards, TOP 1:33
UCLA 10, COLO 7
UCLA - Molson 48 yd field goal 4 plays, -3 yards, TOP 1:38
UCLA 10, COLO 10
COLO - Graham, Chris 21 yd field goal 7 plays, 15 yards, TOP 3:54
UCLA 10, COLO 13
COLO - Graham, Chris 37 yd field goal 14 plays, 54 yards, TOP 6:02
UCLA 10, COLO 20
COLO - Oliver, Isaiah 68 yd punt return (Graham, Chris kick)
