SALT LAKE CITY — Colorado came up with big plays on defense and special teams, but Utah wore CU down with a punishing run game Friday as the Buffaloes dropped a 28-13 decision in their season finale at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Colorado finished the season 4-8 overall and 3-6 in the Pac-12. Utah wrapped up its regular season at 9-3, 8-1, and will play in next Friday's conference championship game against the North Division winner.
The Buffs jumped out to a 3-0 lead after getting an interception from safety Mark Perry on the Utes' opening drive, and trailed by just one early in the third quarter when Nikko Reed's 100-yard kick return for a touchdown pulled Colorado to within 14-13.