SALT LAKE CITY — Colorado's bid for a third straight win and a bowl bid came up short Saturday night, as Mel Tucker's Buffaloes dropped a 45-15 decision to sixth-ranked Utah in their season finale at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Colorado fell to 5-7 with the loss and 3-6 in Pac-12 play, CU's third straight 5-7 finish. Utah improved to 11-1 and 8-1 and clinched its second straight Pac-12 South title. The Utes will play Oregon in next week's Pac-12 championship game.
Colorado's defense had an outstanding start, forcing three straight three-and-outs, and the Buffs' offense then delivered a long touchdown drive at the end of the first quarter to give CU a 7-0 lead.