What happened: Colorado and Colorado State both found themselves trailing 38-7 on Saturday. Colorado's deficit came at Northwestern, while Colorado State faced the same margin against BYU.
Why it matters: Colorado's start lands harder because the trip to Northwestern looked like a more manageable chance for a road win. Colorado State was already facing a steeper ask at BYU, so matching 31-point deficits turned the local slate into two early routs.
By the numbers: Both teams sat in 31-point holes at 38-7. Colorado entered a more reachable matchup at Northwestern, while Colorado State opened from a much tougher pregame position against BYU.
What to watch: Watch whether Colorado can find enough offense to make the second half competitive. Colorado State's next marker is simpler: stop the game from turning into a full runaway.