In a disappointing performance on Saturday evening, the CU Buffs suffered a 26-19 loss against the No. 16 ranked Oregon State Beavers at Folsom Field. Despite a change in offensive play-calling duties, the Buffs' ongoing struggles were evident throughout the game.

From the start, Oregon State showcased their dominance in the ground game. During a nine-play, 71-yard scoring drive, the Beavers utilized their rushing attack effectively, gaining 56 yards on the ground. Backup quarterback Aidan Chiles capped off the drive with a 23-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Beavers an early 7-0 lead. The first quarter proved to be challenging for the Buffs' defense, as Oregon State accumulated a total of 84 rushing yards on 13 attempts.

However, the Buffs managed to contain Oregon State's rushing attack in the second quarter, allowing a mere six yards on the ground. Unfortunately, the Beavers regained momentum in the third quarter, with running back Damien Martinez and quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei leading the charge. Their drives included impressive gains, with Martinez rushing for 12 and 11 yards, and Uiagalelei scrambling for 15 yards before diving into the end zone for a 1-yard score. Overall, the Beavers ended the game with a formidable 195 rushing yards on 46 carries.

Missed opportunities plagued the Buffs throughout the game. In the first quarter, Colorado cornerback Omarion Cooper forced a fumble, which was recovered by safety Trevor Woods at Oregon State's 38-yard line, sparking excitement among the crowd. However, the Buffs' quarterback Shedeur Sanders fumbled on a scramble shortly after, allowing the Beavers to recover and regain possession. Continuing their misfortune, a defensive pass interference penalty against Oregon State went in the Buffs' favor but led to a lackluster offensive response. Sanders' subsequent passes resulted in a loss of 8 yards, followed by an incomplete pass, forcing the Buffs to punt. Later in the second quarter, the Buffs' defense forced another fumble, placing them in a prime field position at Oregon State's 19-yard line. Despite the opportunity, they settled for a field goal after failing to convert it into a touchdown.

The Buffs' offensive struggles were glaring throughout the first half, recording a mere 52 total yards. Shedeur Sanders faced constant pressure, resulting in a paltry performance with negative passing yards (-8) in the second quarter alone. The team's clock management at the end of the first half epitomized their struggles, as they failed to advance beyond their own 4-yard line with just 49 seconds remaining. Two consecutive incompletions followed by a stopped run play by Dylan Edwards allowed Oregon State to regain possession quickly. The Beavers capitalized on this opportunity, scoring a Uiagalelei touchdown pass, extending their lead to 14-3 at halftime.

The CU Buffs' lackluster offensive display and missed opportunities ultimately led to their downfall against a formidable Oregon State team. Despite the recent change in offensive play-calling duties, the Buffs must regroup and address their ongoing problems before their next game.