Colorado hands Northwestern first loss behind Purdon's three touchdowns
BOULDER, CO — Folsom Field — Northwestern's unbeaten start came to an end Saturday as Colorado defeated the Wildcats 21-13 behind a strong performance from quarterback Grayson Purdon and three interceptions by the Buffaloes' defense.
Purdon accounted for all three Colorado touchdowns, throwing for 200 yards and a score while adding two rushing touchdowns. He finished with 51 net rushing yards, highlighted by a 63-yard run that provided one of the game's biggest offensive plays.
Colorado's defense proved equally important, intercepting Northwestern quarterback Luke Kromenhoek three times to disrupt the Wildcats' offense.
Tevita Dukes, JD McKinley and Jessiah McGrew each recorded an interception as the Buffaloes repeatedly turned away Northwestern's attempts to build offensive momentum.
The victory improved Colorado to 3-0, extending its unbeaten start following consecutive victories over Florida and Northwestern.
For the Wildcats, the defeat marked their first setback after opening the season with narrow seven-point victories over Old Dominion and UCF. Northwestern dropped to 2-1 after struggling to protect the football against the Buffaloes.
Colorado now has additional preparation time before hosting Oklahoma State on Sept. 30 at 9:15 p.m., looking to extend its winning streak to four games.
Northwestern returns home to face Indiana on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in its Big Ten opener, hoping to rebound from its first defeat and begin conference play with a victory.
Back to top ↑