I don't buy the defense getting gassed argument because it would have had to happen at halftime. Momentum is another thing and hard to get it with an ineffective QB.
CU's biggest loss last year was in the coaching staff. Those guys violated every practice rule last summer and got them prepared for the early games and their lack of depth didn't hurt them as much.
Gassed is probably the wrong word. They had to feel like they had to play a perfect second half after they stopped Colorado on their first 4 drives. 24 plays 50 yards.
Nebraska fumbled on the first drive at the Colorado 31,
then went 3 and out after a defensive stop,
then punted again after a 3 and out.
then missed a FG after a 6 play 14 yard drive
then fumbled deep in their territory after a 3 and out
Colorado went 4 plays and 6 yards for a FG
Nebraska threw a pick deep in their territory
Colorado scored a TD
Nebraska punted after 5 plays.
Colorado drove 50 years for a FG
Defense was outstanding in the first half. Colorado had 136 yards of total offense and a 13-0 lead after what should have been and zero points. Agree momentum was difficult to obtain because the offense continued to give the ball away. If Nebraska gets 3 points on the drive where they fumbled, 3 points on the missed FG, and dont throw a pick inside the 30 yard line with 1:37 to go in the half, The second half is completely different.