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In their first home game of the season, the Colorado Buffaloes exploded offensively, but committed turnovers cost them the game.
The Buffaloes (1-2, 0-1 Pac-12) fell to ASU 38-24 at Folsom Field Saturday night. Sophomore quarterback Sefo Liufau completed 31 of 46 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions.
The Sun Devils (3-0, 1-0 Pac-12) came out strong against the Buffaloes, scoring the first 17 points of the game on a rushing touchdown by junior running back DJ Foster and a receiving touchdown from redshirt senior quarterback Taylor Kelly to freshman running back, and Colorado native, Kalen Ballage, followed by a 31-yard field goal by sophomore kicker Zane Gonzalez.
The Buffaloes fought back, however, scoring two straight touchdowns on passes from Liufau to freshman wide receiver Shay Fields and junior wide receiver Nelson Spruce to cut the score to 17-14.
The Sun Devils responded before halftime, as Kelly found Foster from five yards away to put ASU up 24-14.
To start the second half, ASU put another touchdown on the board as redshirt junior wide receiver Jaelen Strong caught his first touchdown pass of the season to push ASU's lead to three possessions.
The final score of the day came from Liufau to Spruce once again, capping off a seven play, 99-yard drive.
Liufao played well in the loss, but made two mistakes with interceptions, one of which resulted in a Sun Devil touchdown. Colorado turned the ball over three times in the game which were turned into 14 ASU points, which would end up being the difference in the game.
After Kelly went down with a foot injury at the end of the third quarter, ASU recorded just 25 yards with redshirt junior quarterback Mike Bercovici in the game. Colorado could not come back however, scoring on just one of three drives and turning the ball over twice.
The Buffaloes outgained ASU 545-426 in the game, including an edge of over 100 yards through the air. On the ground, junior running back Christian Powell ran for 118 yards, including a 55-yard rush.
Sophomore defensive back Chidobe Awuzie led the way defensively for the Buffaloes, making nine tackles and breaking up a pass. Sophomore linebacker Addison Gillam and freshman defensive lineman Derek McCartney each recorded a sack.
Reach the reporter at mtonis@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @Tonis_The_Tiger
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