Friday night in Boulder was supposed to be the kind of primetime energy that sets the tone for an entire season. The drizzle didn’t keep fans away from Folsom Field, where the stands filled with the anticipation that only a season opener can bring. Colorado entered the night believing this could be the start of something special. For a brief stretch, it looked like the Buffaloes might deliver. The defense set the tone early. Three first-quarter turnovers, two interceptions and a fumble recovery, had the home crowd roaring. In most games, that kind of start changes everything. Field position tilts, momentum snowballs, and the opponent is rattled. Instead, the Buffaloes failed to cash in. Red zone possessions stalled, play designs broke down, and the rhythm of the offense never matched the urgency of the defense’s takeaways. Georgia Tech responded with composure. By the midpoint of the second quarter, the Yellow Jackets began to tilt the game their way through time of possession. Their quarterback repeatedly extended drives, either by scrambling into space or hitting quick perimeter throws that kept the chains moving. The combination of wet turf and disciplined coverage meant Colorado’s receivers rarely found separation. The early edge Colorado built evaporated as halftime approached. At the break, the story was already shifting. Colorado trailed despite creating the kind of defensive spark that usually secures control. Georgia Tech had won the battle for tempo, holding the ball for nearly two-thirds of the half. On the scoreboard, the Buffaloes had little to show for their opportunistic start. The crowd energy remained, but the game had tilted. The second half confirmed the trend. Georgia Tech played clean, efficient football. First downs came steadily, field position stayed in their favor, and when they reached the red zone, they finished. The Buffaloes defense had its moments, including a pair of third-quarter stops, but the cumulative yardage told the story. Georgia Tech finished with more than 380 total yards, converting half of its third-down opportunities. Each Colorado possession felt rushed, desperate, and short-lived. By the fourth quarter, the Buffs were chasing the game rather than dictating it. The final drives reflected urgency but not execution. Missed assignments and stalled progress in the red zone kept points off the board. Georgia Tech, meanwhile, stayed steady, controlling the clock and wearing down a defense that had been on the field far too long. When the final whistle blew, conversation immediately turned to the play-calling. Many pointed to conservative choices early and predictable designs late. That critique had merit, but it masked a larger issue. Colorado’s defense forced turnovers but could not get off the field consistently. The offense managed fewer than 300 total yards and averaged under five yards per play. Against any capable opponent, those numbers are rarely enough. The frustration in Boulder was palpable. This was not about being outclassed by superior athletes. This was about execution. Three first-quarter takeaways should have produced a statement win, or at least a halftime lead. Instead, the missed chances became the difference. The result was not hopelessness, but the sour taste of opportunity wasted. There were glimpses of promise. The defensive line generated consistent push at times, collapsing the pocket and forcing hurried throws. Young receivers fought for contested catches, showing toughness that will matter later in the season. Inside the locker room, there was accountability rather than excuses. Players acknowledged the missed conversions, accepted the need for sharper focus, and kept the energy steady. That kind of response matters, especially in September. Attention now turns to Week 2 and a storyline that already has fans buzzing. Freshman quarterback Juju is expected to see significant snaps, perhaps even start. The possibility of new leadership at the most important position adds intrigue and optimism. For a program looking to move forward quickly, Juju’s debut could inject the spark that was missing in the opener. Colorado left Folsom Field disappointed but not broken. The Buffs were not dominated; they were out-executed. Georgia Tech did what strong teams do and they converted chances and maintained control. Colorado showed they could create opportunities but failed to finish them. That difference is fixable. If this team sharpens its execution, the sour taste of Week 1 could become the fuel for a sharper, tougher identity. For now, the Buffs have to sit with the lesson that primetime energy only takes you so far. Execution is what wins, and that is what Georgia Tech brought to Boulder on a rainy Friday night.