The immensity of the moment was not lost on head coach Mike MacIntyre, redshirt freshman Steven Montez or junior defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon. Colorado’s 41-38 victory over the Oregon Ducks was a huge step for the Buffaloes.
Colorado, which had not defeated Oregon since joining the Pac-12 in 2011 and was winless in Eugene since 1967, turned to Montez after senior captain Sefo Liufau was sidelined with an injury in a Week 3 loss at Michigan. In his first NCAA start, Montez threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns, overcoming two second-half interceptions to throw a spectacular game-winning touchdown pass to Bryce Bobo.
Witherspoon made what Coach MacIntyre called “the play of the century” – a game-sealing interception in the end zone with the Ducks knocking on the door for a victory. For Buffs fans, it’s certainly one of the biggest plays in recent history.
MacIntyre was literally brought to tears with the win, saying “These young men have been through so much and our coaches, too. I feel like this is a signature victory for us. Four years ago [against Oregon] it’s like 50 to nothing at halftime … I don’t want to say God put us here. When we were losing, God had us here. And when we won, God had us here. So God’s there all the time, and I just want everybody to understand: Keep believing, keep taking a step forward, keep pushing.”
MacIntyre was just as moved and just as emotional in his postgame address to his team.
The win is just the third Pac-12 win in MacIntyre’s tenure. At 3-1, the Buffs are just one win away from matching their high of four under MacIntyre. Colorado has a great chance to earn that fourth victory next week when they host Oregon State.
