Colorado football: 3 takeaways from blowout loss at No. 10 Oregon

3. Offensive takeaways for Colorado football

When a reporter asked legendary college and NFL coach Jim McKay about his offense, he said, “I’m in favor of it.” Deion Sanders and offensive coordinator Sean Lewis would have favored any semblance of offense. The Buffaloes had fewer than 100 real-time offensive yards. That said, it was going to take a super-human effort by quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and he didn’t have it today.

The offensive line could not block Oregon, and Sanders had no time to throw. Without a running game to take the pressure off Sanders, Oregon’s athletic defensive line could pin its ears back and come after Sanders. The Ducks sacked Sanders seven times on the day. As a result, Sanders had his worst day, completing 23 passes for 159 yards and one late touchdown.

The running game was again non-existent, with a paltry 35 yards rushing.

Offensive takeaways for Oregon

The Ducks offense was the opposite of its counterparts. Bo Nix showed everyone watching why he is a Heisman Trophy candidate. The Auburn transfer threw three touchdown passes with only five incomplete passes. He also had 276 passing yards. The offensive line was outstanding in both pass protection and run blocking.

Oregon running backs combined for 240 rushing yards and three touchdowns, averaging 6.3 yards per rush attempt. Bucky Irving led the Ducks’ running backs with 89 yards, including a 25-yard run. Troy Franklin led Oregon receivers with eight receptions, 126 yards, and two touchdowns.