Folsom's Greatest Games #13 - Colorado vs. Washington 1990

September 29, 1990 #20 Colorado 20, #12 Washington 14

As CU entered the final game of a grueling non-conference schedule that featured four ranked opponents, they had already suffered a tie and a defeat. With a disappointing 2-1-1 record, a national title was not at the forefront of anyone’s mind that day, but this thrilling last-second win over a great Washington squad would turn out to be a key notch in their championship belt. 

The Buffs fell behind early, as they had in every game so far in 1990, and trailed 7-3 at halftime. The action picked up in the third quarter when quarterback Darian Hagan finally got the offense going – leading an 80-yard drive to put CU up 10-7. Future NFL QB Mark Brunell answered for the Huskies on their next drive, but Hagan and star receiver Mike Pritchard punched back to put the Buffs up 17-14 heading into the fourth.

In the game’s final minutes, Washington had a 1st-and-goal from CU’s 7 yard line. Trailing by six, they needed a touchdown. Brunell found an open receiver in the back of the end zone, but the pass was dropped. 52,868 hearts – temporarily paused while the ball hung in the air – started to beat again, and the same number of voices roared as the CU defense came up with stops on second and third down. The game came down to 4th-and-goal. Brunell threw a corner fade pattern, but CU defensive back Deon Figures stepped in front of the pass and came up with a dramatic interception to seal the victory. 

Because the season ended with a national championship, every CU victory from 1990 has acquired some extra significance. Just how meaningful this win would become was not yet clear on that overcast early autumn day.

What was clear was that the Buffs were officially back on track after a rough start, and that they had beaten a very good football team. UW would lose only once more in 1990 en route to Pac-10 and Rose Bowl championships, and one season later they would be the ones hoisting a national championship trophy. 

Ordinarily a game-saving interception in the final minute would be the defining moment of any defensive back’s season, but Deon Figures’ next INT would be even more iconic. It was the final play of CU’s victory over Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, with Dick Enberg memorably shouting “…and the figures may be number one for Colorado!”

Links:
YouTube video of the game
CU at the Game recap