(Sheri Batten photo)

Tennessee has wrapped up a two-game road trip to Colorado coming away with a 1-1 record, while the big guns in the Midwest powered home for wins.

Winners in the western half of the country included Colorado, Oregon State, Central Washington, Ohio State, Bowling Green, Notre Dame and Kansas State.

The Volunteers, who’ve been idle for most of the fall, put in a massive effort but came up just a little short losing 41-38 to #16 Colorado Saturday. This was after their 34-22 come from behind win against Colorado State on Friday night.

Tennessee led the Buffaloes 25-17 at halftime of a game that saw several lead changes.

The well-drilled Vols were physical and skilled and despite being unaccustomed to playing at altitude, put in a tremendous surge late in the piece that almost got them home, however, CU managed to outlast them.

Fullback Chris Martin and right wing Tim Curtis each torched the visitors for long-range scores, while left wing Luke Lehman set up #8 Tommy Pasque for the try of the match.

“I’m not able to say that CU is back yet after last year, but we’re a lot better than we were,” Colorado head coach Sean Edris told ARN.

In the Pacific Northwest, Oregon State had their hands full with a gritty Oregon before pulling away late for a 27-15 victory.

In the other league match on opening day, Central Washington blanked Washington State 20-0.

In the Central Division, Kansas State got the better of visiting Truman State to win 29-12.

“It’s disappointing but give credit to Kansas State, they played well,” said Truman State head coach Bill Sexton.

In Midwest league play, Ohio State put away Purdue 30-7. The Boilermakers scored from the opening kickoff but it was all downhill for them from that point onwards.

“We played flat and were out-rucked in the second half,” Ohio State head coach Tom Rooney told ARN.

Hooker Matt Altieri (2), center Spencer Dye and flankers Eric Sanchez and Kevin McNamara touched down for the Buckeyes. Alex Brust added the rest via his boot.

In a very tight game that saw six lead changes, Bowling Green got by Indiana 31-21.

With five minutes to go, Indiana led 21-17, but two converted tries by BGSU wings Rocco Mauer and Alex Hughes put the Falcons ahead for good.

Flyhalf Nick Viviani had 15 points on three penalty kicks , including one from the halfway line, and two conversions.

Meantime, Notre Dame notched a big 88-0 shutout of Michigan Friday night.