Kaidon Salter and the Colorado football team fell apart on Saturday night.

Despite having extra time to prepare for Utah after the bye week, the Buffs got embarrassed on the road for the second time this season. It was a complete and utter failure at every level.

Here are three takeaways from Colorado’s 53-7 loss to the Utes:

Colorado’s defense couldn’t stop a nose bleed

After arguably its best performance of the season during an upset win over Iowa State, the Buffs’ defense followed that up with its worst showing.

It took Utah just two plays to go 75 yards and score a touchdown on the opening drive. The Utes scored on seven of their 10 first-half possessions and did it with relative ease.

Utah had 398 total yards of offense in the first half while Colorado had minus-18 as the Utes led 43-0 at halftime. That type of dominance is rare and everyone on the Buffs’ defense is responsible, including defensive coordinator Robert Livingston.

It’s clear that Colorado was unprepared for Utah’s rushing attack which is a damn shame considering this coaching staff had two weeks to scout and gameplan. What makes matters worse is that the Utes never even had to throw the ball. They likely could’ve handed the ball off (or ran their QB) on every single play.

There’s no denying that the Buffs have one of the worst run defenses in college football.

Kaidon Salter got outplayed by freshman Byrd Ficklin

Kaidon Salter was outplayed by a true freshman QB. For the second time this season.

It’s truly unacceptable for a fifth-year senior. Part of the reason Kaidon Salter was brought to Colorado was because of his experience and that has simply not been evident, especially on Saturday night.

A veteran QB is supposed to steady the ship when the waters get rocky. Kaidon Salter has done the opposite in two road games this year.

With his top two receivers (Omarion Miller, Joseph Williams) sidelined for the first half due to disciplinary reasons, Kaidon Salter completed just 41% of his passes (9-of-22) for 37 yards and zero TDs. He also threw an INT (his fifth in the last four games) and had an intentional grounding called against him that led to a safety (Colorado’s first since 2016 vs. Stanford).

The offensive inconsistencies have a lot to do with Kaidon Salter’s erratic play this season. It’s time to admit that Colorado swung and miss on QB in the transfer portal.

Meanwhile, Utah true freshman Byrd Ficklin made his first career start and was the best QB on the field. He rushed for 151 yards and scored three total TDs in the dominant win.

Deion Sanders must make drastic changes immediately

It’s the type of loss that has to be followed up by significant changes.

Colorado offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has seemingly been on the hot seat all season and Saturday night only heightened the noise around his job security. Shurmur and Salter have yet to consistently get on the same page for two straight games this season. At what point does Deion Sanders move on from his offensive coordinator like he did in 2023?

At what point does Coach Prime turn to true freshman QB Julian Lewis?

The Buffs (3-5) have just four games left and it’s time to hand the keys over to the freshman phenom. Although bowl eligibility is still on the table, it would be smart to turn the page to next year and give young guys like Lewis more opportunities.

Next up for Colorado is a homecoming date with Arizona (4-3).

Follow Colorado Buffaloes beat reporter Scott Procter on X.