Play No. 114 on a sweltering afternoon late in October was supposed to keep hope alive.
There Colorado was inside the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., last season, trailing No. 24 UCLA 35-31 and staring at a chance to steal a landmark victory the program so desperately craved.
With about a minute left in the game, Sefo Liufau looked to his right and spotted his favorite receiver, cutting his seam route toward the sideline. But by the time the Buffs quarterback let the last lace spin off his finger, it was too late. UCLA freshman cornerback Nate Meadors jumped in front of Nelson Spruce and intercepted the tardy pass.