Texas Tech fans say they found Colorado’s offensive game plan at the Buffaloes’ team hotel before the game. The document appears authentic, but there is no evidence Texas Tech coaches received or used it.
Colorado’s football team faced a major setback after a 29-7 defeat to No. 12 Texas Tech on Saturday October 3. Quarterback Isaac Wilson threw three interceptions during the game which contributed to Colorado’s poor performance. Receiver Joseph Williams threw another interception on a trick play to give Colorado four interceptions overall.
A Texas Tech fan claimed he found a roughly 25-page copy of Colorado’s offensive game plan at the team hotel bar before the game. The fan said the document included opening plays plus red zone information and team tendencies. Some fans posted video clips showing how Colorado’s early offensive moves matched what was allegedly in the document.
The first play of the game followed a pattern described in the leaked playbook; this raised suspicion among observers. There is no evidence that Texas Tech coaches received the document. Coach Joey McGuire told The Athletic that he never saw it.
Colorado scored early with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Joseph Williams. However, the team failed to score again after that opening drive. Texas Tech’s defense held Colorado scoreless after the opening drive and intercepted four passes.
Colorado outgained Texas Tech 375-315 in total yardage but gained only 78 rushing yards on 32 carries.
The loss dropped Colorado’s season record to 2-3 and extended their losing streak to three games. Coach Deion Sanders identified quarterback play as the team’s main issue after the game. Sanders said Colorado would hold an open quarterback competition during its upcoming bye week.
Whether the playbook leak played a role in the loss remains uncertain.
The team’s performance in recent games has been concerning with a total of 93 points scored against them and only 27 scored by the Buffaloes across those games. The team’s issues were evident even before the alleged playbook leak was reported. Colorado now faces a difficult period ahead as it tries to fix its problems and prepare for Utah.
The Buffaloes will host No. 12 Utah on October 17 after their bye week. Still, the situation has raised serious questions about how Colorado protected its game plan.
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