From 20-7 Down to 42-32: Colorado Buffaloes Overcome Penalties in Upset of Houston

Penalty troubles persisted

Before the Houston matchup, Colorado had 79 penalties for 677 yards, an average of 75.2 penalty yards per game. Its 32 defensive penalties tied for the third-most in the FBS.

A personal foul involving a facemask was called on defensive lineman Lamont Lester Jr. in the second quarter. The article says Colorado already had 32 defensive penalties at that point, though it also gives that total as the team’s pregame figure.

Special teams created a setback

Officials assessed Colorado a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on a kickoff. The Buffaloes then struggled to handle Houston’s squib kick, leaving the offense to start at its own 6-yard line.

Defense holds after clock changes

Just before halftime, officials added time back to the clock, keeping Colorado’s defense on the field longer. The Buffaloes forced Houston to punt rather than let the Cougars use the extra opportunity. Colorado’s offense scored before the break, turning a 20-7 deficit into a 21-20 halftime lead.

A win with work remaining

Colorado went on to beat No. 14 Houston 42-32, overcoming mistakes and an early deficit. The result offered a sign of resilience, while the team’s penalty record remained an issue.

The article says Colorado limited calls against it compared with other matchups, but provides no penalty total for the Houston game. It also notes that two games remained in the season.