BOULDER, Colo. – The Colorado Buffaloes displayed a significant turnaround on Thursday by showcasing their ability to finish games, a skill that was notably lacking during the latter half of Deion Sanders’ inaugural season as head coach.
In a closely contested season opener, the Buffaloes managed to edge out North Dakota State with a final score of 31-26.
Despite the victory, Colorado experienced some of the same issues that plagued them last year, particularly in the first half, with defensive vulnerabilities, inconsistent offensive line play, and a struggling running game. However, they managed to hold off defeat, having previously lost five games by a margin of seven points or less last season.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders was a standout performer, completing 26 of 34 passes for 445 yards and four touchdowns. Two-way player Travis Hunter also made a significant impact, catching three touchdown passes.
North Dakota State initially led the game 20-17 at halftime, capitalizing on their first four possessions. However, the Colorado defense improved in the second half, playing in front of an announced crowd of 49,438 at Folsom Field, which marked the first instance this season under Sanders that Colorado did not sell out a home game. The Buffaloes are set to play against Nebraska on September 7.
Travis Hunter’s performance was exceptional, with seven receptions for 132 yards and three touchdowns, making headlines despite not being the team’s leading receiver. Jimmy Horn Jr. surpassed him with seven catches for 198 yards and one touchdown.
Sanders showed exceptional playmaking ability, particularly during a crucial moment in the closing minutes of the game when he scrambled out of pressure to draw a pass interference penalty that provided a fresh set of downs.
Although North Dakota State managed to narrow the gap to 31-26 with a touchdown run by quarterback Cam Miller late in the game, they failed to convert the subsequent two-point attempt.
Hunter contributed significantly to the Buffaloes’ momentum with a crucial touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. Leading up to that moment, the Buffs had driven down the field for an impressive score, showcasing strong offensive coordination.
As the game unfolded, the Buffaloes were able to capitalize on strong offensive plays, including a notable 68-yard touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders to Jimmy Horn Jr. early on that helped put Colorado on the scoreboard following North Dakota State’s initial field goal.
Both teams demonstrated high offensive performance throughout the game, but ultimately, Colorado’s ability to adapt and secure crucial plays led to their hard-fought victory.