Christian Powell stood outside the Colorado football locker room enjoying a rare Buffaloes’ victory when junior defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon jumped on his back.
“See,” Powell said, “everybody’s happy. That’s a joy of the day.”
Powell had arguably the most joyous day in CU’s 48-14 rout of UMass on Saturday. Powell ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns to help pace the Buffaloes’ dominant running attack.
It was also a joyous day because Powell and his teammates were able to wash away last week’s 28-20 loss to Hawaii.
“We need to get that taste out of our mouth and we were able to accomplish that,” Powell said. “I feel like I didn’t play to the best of my ability last week so I was telling myself all week I needed to come out and make things happen. I’m thankful for this opportunity.”
He made the most of his opportunities Saturday. He needed just eight carries to get the fifth 100-yard game in his career and first in 364 days. He last did it when he ran for 118 yards against Arizona State on Sept. 13, 2014.
“It always feels good to feel the century mark,” he said. “I’m thankful I was able to do that.”
When his CU career started it looked like he would have a lot of 100-yard outings. In his second game his freshman year Powell he ran for career-highs in yards (147) and touchdowns (three) but it was overshadowed by a stunning 30-28 loss to FCS Sacramento State.
He had two more 100-yard games that season but his numbers decreased every year thereafter.
He went a long way to change the script for this season. CU running backs, led by Michael Adkins’ 119 yards, amassed 390 on the ground.
Powell wasn’t worried about stats after last week’s loss. His fumble near midfield late in the second quarter stopped a CU drive that could have given it the halftime lead. Hawaii turned it into three points and an 18-14 lead at the break.
He atoned for the mistake early and late against UMass. He finished CU’s first drive of the game with a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Buffs a 7-0 lead.
Powell then capped a big offensive day for CU as he tiptoed down the left sidelines for a 35-yard touchdown and the Buffaloes’ final points.
“I was a couple of inches from the sidelines and I was doing everything I can to stay in,” he said.
Coach Mike MacIntyre was pleased with Powell’s performance.
“Chris is a great leader,” MacIntyre said. “I’m really proud of him. He brings a different dynamic to our running game.”
