The last time the Colorado Buffaloes faced the Oregon Ducks was two coaching eras ago in 2002 when Gary Barnett was still the head coach. That game, of course, was the 2002 Fiesta Bowl that the Joey Harrington-led Ducks won, 38-17. The Fiesta Bowl marked the third straight bowl game the Buffs had played the Ducks in, and it was the only one they lost. The Buffs won the 1996 Cotton Bowl and the 1998 Aloha Classic.
Historically, this has been an almost even contest with Colorado holding a slight edge in 15 games, 8-7. But the Ducks appear ready to even this series at 8-8 with the Buffs continuing a free fall this season. The Buffs already have a weak defense that was hurt by injuries and suspensions and the offense has been inconsistent. Running back Rodney Stewart and wide receiver Paul Richardson are out, making the offense rely that much more on Tyler Hansen to look better than he has so far.
Game date, time: 1:30 p.m. MT, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011
Location: Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
TV channel: Root Sports Rocky Mountain/Root Sports Northwest
Spread: Oregon is favored by 31-1/2 points
Series history: Buffaloes lead the all-time series, 8-7
For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit Oregon blog Addicted To Quack and Colorado blog The Ralphie Report. Here’s this week’s college football TV schedule, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s college football news hub for more.