First half highlights: Colorado’s offense starts hot, Isaiah Lewis snags another interception

Colorado built a 13-10 lead over Oregon State entering halftime.

Statistically, that was the most productive offensive first quarter Colorado has put together all season.

Brendon Lewis threw for 117 yards and the Buffs had a season-high 144 total yards. For just the second time all season, CU scored points on its opening possession — albeit on a drive that should’ve ended in a touchdown rather than a field goal.

But things really got fun during the Buffs’ second offensive drive. La’Vontae Shenault, who is now back from serving his suspension, caught a 23-yard pass on third-and-9 to jolt the drive in its early stages. The Buffs got stuck with another third down on their next series but used a nifty Matt Lynch direct snap to keep the drive going. On the very next play, Lewis found Daniel Arias wide open for a 43-yard TD.

Colorado’s defense followed suit and pitched a first quarter shutout to build a 10-0 lead.

The second quarter began poorly for the Buffs, however, with OSU’s Jack Colletto taking a direct snap and breaking off several tackles for a 14-yard TD.

Now up just 10-7, Colorado opened up the playbook, even more, to set up a 35-yard field goal, which Becker missed. But the drive to get there was impressive. Deion Smith and Chase Penry were utilized frequently and Colorado picked up a good chunk on a double flea-flicker incomplete pass to Brady Russell that OSU committed pass interference on.

Isaiah Lewis had the big defensive play of the first half when he picked off Chance Nolan in Colorado territory. It was Lewis’ second interception in as many games. Carson Wells also had a big sack on an Oregon State third-and-10 play late in the half.

OSU made a field goal with time expiring in the half to cut the Buffs’ lead to 13-10.