Buffs go for bowl eligibility again as No. 10 Cougars

Opportunity has come knocking on Colorado’s door quite a bit over the past couple of years.

Each time, the Buffaloes have failed to take advantage. On Saturday, they get another chance.

While a once-promising season seems to be slipping away from the CU football team, the Buffaloes (5-4, 2-4 Pac-12) welcome No. 10 Washington State (8-1, 5-1) to Folsom Field with the opportunity to get a season-changing victory.

Win this one, and the Buffs not only achieve bowl eligibility, but take momentum into their final two games.

“I think it’s always a good opportunity,” senior linebacker Rick Gamboa said of playing a top-10 team. “I think everybody is excited. It’s one of those brick games you always have on the wall. Everybody is excited about Washington State coming in and having that crowd; playing at Folsom definitely does help.”

No doubt, being at home helps, but the Buffs enter this one as wounded team — physically and, perhaps, emotionally.

The Buffs have lost the swagger they gained from a 5-0 start to the season. They’ve lost four in a row and will try to avoid becoming the first team in school history to post a five-game winning streak and a five-game losing streak in the same season.

Star receiver Laviska Shenault injured his toe Oct. 13 at USC and has missed the last three games. His status for Saturday is unknown.

Receivers KD Nixon (hip) and Jay MacIntyre (concussion) left last week’s 42-34 loss at Arizona with injuries. Strong safety Evan Worthington (concussion) has missed the last game and a half. Those three may or may not suit up Saturday.

Cornerback Chris Miller (thumb), linebacker Jacob Callier (shoulder) and defensive lineman Jase Franke (knee) are all out for the year. The Buffs are also down two kickers and a punter.

Two weeks ago, after a loss to Washington, coach Mike MacIntyre said: “We’re not going to make excuses about who is there or not there.”

This week, he changed his tune. When asked if this is the most difficult stretch of his career, he said, it’s been tough, but quickly pointed to the injuries.

“That makes it tough when you’re playing really good football teams and you have key, key, key players going down,” he said.