BOULDER, Colo. -- The unlikely battle for Pac-12 and national legitimacy between Colorado and Washington State eclipsed expectations, not unlike the participants this season. The back-and-forth affair featured big plays for both teams on both sides of the ball but ultimately came down to the poise and will of Buffaloes quarterback Sefo Liufau.

The senior, who has battled injuries, ineffectiveness and fan frustrations, rushed for three touchdowns and 108 yards and passed for 345 yards in the Buffaloes' 38-24 victory. A guy previously known for throwing interceptions at horribly inopportune times was nearly error-free while leading a fourth-quarter surge that was the difference in the game.

Colorado quarterback Sefo Liufau passed for 345 yards but was just as effective on the ground, rushing for 108 yards and three scores. David Zalubowski/AP Photo

Colorado's win keeps the No. 10 Buffaloes alive in the Pac-12 South Division race. The Buffaloes will win the South if they beat Utah at home next weekend, no matter what happens with USC-UCLA tonight. If USC beats UCLA and Colorado then loses to Utah, which was upset by Oregon on Saturday, the Trojans will win the South.

Washington State's defeat didn't change its position in the North Division. No matter what happened against the Buffaloes, the Cougars' Apple Cup battle with rival Washington next Friday was set to determine the North champion. So it's possible that we could see a rematch on Dec. 2 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The game featured five lead changes, but the Buffaloes owned the second half and the fourth quarter in particular. The Cougars led 17-14 at the break, but Colorado won the second half 24-7 and the fourth quarter 10-0.

Colorado is riding a five-game winning streak and could play its way into the College Football Playoff hunt, though its candidacy as a two-loss team may leave it a long shot after the Utah loss.

The Buffs haven't had a five-game winning streak since 2002. They have more wins in conference play this season (seven) than they had in their first five years as a member of the Pac-12 (five).

Washington State saw its eight-game winning streak after an 0-2 start end.

Colorado outgained the Cougars 603 yards to 462. It rushed for 258 yards, 155 of which came in the second half. Phillip Lindsay rushed for 144 yards on 31 carries.

For Washington State, QB Luke Falk passed for 325 yards and three touchdowns, but the Cougars gained only 148 yards in the second half.