Boulder, Colo. — The Colorado Buffaloes defeated Arizona football by a score of 34-0.

This is the first time Arizona has been shutout since Sept. 22, 2012 against Oregon.

Arizona’s defense played well in today’s game, giving up only 20 points. The offense just couldn’t get out of their own way, totaling three turnovers and two of them were touchdowns.

Quarterback Gunner Cruz started the game for the Wildcats but injured his thumb in the third quarter, having Will Plummer take over the offense. He finished the day with 82 yards while completing 13 of 22 passes. Cruz also threw an interception returned for a touchdown during the play where he hurt his thumb. Plummer completed 7-of-17 passes for 71 yards and one touchdown on the day.

Head coach Jedd Fisch stated after the game that this injury will most likely keep Cruz off the field for the remainder of the 2021 season.

“Not a good situation, it doesn’t sound like, so I would not expect much,” Fisch said. “I don’t think we can get Gunner back this year, so it seems like that will be an injury that will require some some more work.”

Fisch talked about the quarterback situation as a whole and that it takes time to develop inexperienced players.

‘I think that we’re in the middle of growing pains, playing with young quarterbacks that have not had a lot of playing experience and I think that’s unfortunately where we are at, but I also believe it’s fortunate for where we can go,” Fisch said. “So you give guys opportunities to grow and develop and you see how they can get there.”

The second turnover from Arizona resulted in a blocked punt returned for a touchdown for the Buffaloes.

Running Back Jalen John saw an increased workload in today’s game against Colorado, finishing with 71 yards on 11 attempts to lead the team.

Stanley Berryhill III led Arizona in catches and receiving yards, finishing the game with eight receptions for a total of 48 yards. BJ Casteel caught two passes for 25 yards on four targets.

“Everybody wants to win, and I challenged the team to go out there and find a way to get better,” Fisch said. “It’s hard right now, but you know it is what it is in terms of what’s gone on in the past and all we can control is what goes on on Friday night.”

This loss extends the Wildcats’ losing streak to 18 games dating back to Oct. 5, 2019. Arizona has a short week until their next game, facing off against the Washington Huskies in Tucson on Friday, Oct. 22, at 8:30 p.m.

*Editor’s Note: This story was updated with quotes and more information from Arizona’s post-game press conference. 

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