Boulder, CU- When Colorado needed a big play Montana “Mr. Inglewood” Lemonious-Craig (1) was there to snag winning touchdown in overtime for the 20-13 victory of Cal for the team first of the year.
Lemonious-Craig was a favorite target for both quarterbacks Owen McCown (#7) who completed 13/21 for 104 yards with an interception and J.T. Shrout was 8/12 for 69 yards and winning touchdown. Lemonious-Craig caught 8 passes for 119 yards on the Bears defense.
“I knew I was in on the touchdown,” said Lemonious-Craig, “I got up and told the ref, ‘Come on, give it to me, please.’ He didn’t, but we reviewed and they gave me the touchdown.”
Colorado new coach Mike Sanford Jr. who just took over the team is not 1-0 to break in his coaching debut. This game was the team first win of the season and a conference PAC-12 win too. Now the Buffalos are 1-5 on the season looking for more wins this season.
“This is all for the players, this is all about the players,” Sanford said. “This is all about their response, their resolve. The stuff that I said here 10 days ago, everyone thought I was crazy when I talked about what an unbelievable group of resilient fighters that we have in our locker room. I think everybody had a chance to see that on full display today.”
The defense started the game off in the right direction with an interception of Cal’s Jake Plummer on the first series on 3rd and 10 by converted wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (#4) at Safety. This first turnover of the game would set up good mojo for the Buffaloes early.
Plummer did pass for 262 yards on 29/52 passes with a touchdown and that interception. He hit 10 different targets in this game. Marvin Anderson (#11) Cal caught 6 passes for 61 yards to lead in yards receiving. While the lone touchdown pass went to J.Michael Sturdivant (#7) who also caught 6 passes for 45 yards.
The fourth quarter was highest scoring with a Buffaloes touchdown and field goal, with the Bears coming up big with it’s second field goal of the quarter to send this game into overtime tied at 13 – 13.
The Buffaloes running game did do a little damage on the Bears with 118 tough yards. Running back Anthony Hankerson (#22) who carried the ball 16 times for 47 yards and that solo rushing touchdown for the game.
Sanford Jr. being a former quarterback when he played at Boise St had his backs nice a calm and prepared for what Cal would pressure.
“Shoot, the monkey was off the back, man,” said Sanford, “I ain’t win a game since Nov. 27 last year. It’s been a little minute.”
Now Colorado will travel to Oregon State on Oct 22 for a 6pm kickoff. Then Cal will host Washington that night at 7:30pm for Hall of Fame Game.
