Big defensive plays charging CU Buffs

The Colorado Buffaloes’ defense has shined through three quarters against Arizona.

We knew that Arizona, like Colorado, hasn’t exactly put up gaudy offensive numbers in 2021. But pitching a shutout through three quarters against any opponent deserves some praise.

In the first half, the Buffaloes’ defense allowed just 99 total offensive yards and just barely held Arizona off the scoreboard. I say just barely because of a gritty goal line stand that CU put together late in the second half. Earlier in that Arizona drive, however, Colorado wasn’t nearly as disciplined. Aided by Mekhi Blackmon grabbing a facemask and then committing a pass interference penalty on consecutive plays, Arizona marched down to the 1-yard line.

The Wildcats would not gain another yard.

Terrance Lang, Jalen Sami, Christian Gonzalez and Joshka Gustava all had tackles before Nate Landman hurried Gunner Cruz and forced an incompletion on fourth down.

The fourth down stop helped Colorado carry a 6-0 lead into the locker room.

Defensive end Carson Wells had perhaps his best half of the season with three tackles for a loss. Landman, who came into the game nine tackles away from 400 in his career, had four tackles in the first half.

The special teams unit made the first big play of the second half when Trevor Woods blocked a punt and returned it to the end zone. Because of Woods’ heroics, the Buffs’ defense came back to the field a little earlier than expected. On the fifth play of Arizona’s ensuing drive, Wells picked off Cruz and returned it 50 yards for another touchdown. Colorado’s first pick-six since 2018 put the Buffs up 20-0 in the third quarter.

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