CU's Olugbode Returns Favor As Gamboa Collects Interception, TD
October 01, 2016 | Football
BOULDER — It took Colorado's Kenneth Olugbode a year to return the favor to teammate Rick Gamboa, but the CU linebacker finally paid his teammate back Saturday afternoon.
A year ago, Olugbode recorded the first interception and first touchdown of his Colorado career, thanks to a Gamboa hit on a Colorado State running back.
Saturday, it was Gamboa who reaped the benefit of such a play when Olugbode delivered a hit on Oregon State running back Artavis Pierce. This time, Gamboa was there to snare the loose ball, which he grabbed for his first career interception and touchdown. Gamboa's 20-yard return gave the Buffs a 37-6 lead late in the first half, and the Buffs coasted to a 47-6 win at Folsom Field.
"It's actually pretty funny," Gamboa said. "We talked about it on the sideline. Last year I helped Olugbode get his pick six and this year he helped me get mine so it's pretty cool how the roles reversed this year."
When asked about Gamboa's interception returned for a touchdown, Olugbode said, "We laughed about it and I told him now we're even. It's awesome to see anyone score on defense."
The interception also kept alive CU's nation-leading streak of forcing a turnover, pushing the number to 18 straight games.
Colorado Head Coach Mike MacIntyre praised the two linebackers for the play and even brought up the reference from last year.
"The turnover before half basically pretty much closed the door," MacIntyre said. "It was big. When we were playing Colorado State, they were hurting us on the screen and then the second time they ran that screen, Rick Gamboa hit the guy and the ball popped in the air and we scored. Rick Gamboa just sees things. He knew it was coming and made a great read on it."
This time around, it was Olugbode who knew it was coming and made a great read. Against Oregon State on Saturday, the favor was returned.
