ORLANDO, Fla. — Deion Sanders and the Colorado football team took the field as significant underdogs against UCF, but they emerged victorious with a commanding performance.
In front of their home crowd at the Bounce House, Colorado defeated UCF with a final score of 48-21.
The key highlights from Colorado’s impressive win over UCF are as follows:
Final Score: Colorado 48, UCF 21
Colorado capitalizes on defensive play
In a remarkable play, Colorado safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig recovered a UCF fumble and raced 95 yards for a touchdown.
Current Score: Colorado 48, UCF 21. Time remaining: 5:05.
LaJohntay Wester scores again
Colorado receiver LaJohntay Wester continued his scoring streak, catching a 10-yard touchdown pass for his fourth consecutive week with a touchdown. This play extended the Buffs’ lead to 20 points.
Current Score: Colorado 41, UCF 21. Time remaining: 1:32 in the third quarter.
KJ Jefferson launches another touchdown
UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson connected with Xavier Townsend on a 15-yard touchdown pass, marking the most points allowed by Colorado in the second half this season.
Current Score: Colorado 34, UCF 21. Time remaining: 5:18 in the third quarter.
Travis Hunter’s interception
Travis Hunter intercepted UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson, adding a significant highlight to his impressive season as a Heisman hopeful.
Current Score: Colorado 34, UCF 14. Time remaining: 7:53 in the third quarter.
Buffs take control with a three-score lead
A 32-yard completion from Shedeur Sanders to Will Sheppard set the stage for a one-yard touchdown run by Micah Welch, further solidifying the Buffs’ dominance.
Current Score: Colorado 34, UCF 14. Time remaining: 9:11 in the third quarter.
UCF misses a crucial field goal
UCF’s attempt to capitalize on its first drive of the second half fell short when a 55-yard field goal went wide left, allowing Colorado to maintain its lead.
Current Score: Colorado 27, UCF 14. Time remaining: 10:03 in the third quarter.
Halftime: Colorado 27, UCF 14
UCF will kick off to start the second half.
Alejandro Mata boosts Colorado’s lead
Alejandro Mata successfully kicked a 36-yard field goal followed by a 46-yarder just before halftime, extending Colorado’s lead.
KJ Jefferson scores for UCF
UCF’s KJ Jefferson completed an eight-play, 68-yard drive with a seven-yard touchdown run, narrowing Colorado’s lead.
Current Score: Colorado 21, UCF 14. Time remaining: 8:41 in the first half.
Dallan Hayden adds points
Following Will Sheppard’s first touchdown of the season, Dallan Hayden scored from 14 yards out, giving Colorado a two-score advantage.
Current Score: Colorado 21, UCF 7. Time remaining: 12:21 in the first half.
Will Sheppard catches a touchdown
In a game-changing moment, Will Sheppard caught a 43-yard touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders, putting Colorado on the board first.
Current Score: Colorado 14, UCF 7. End of first quarter.
RJ Harvey responds for UCF
UCF wasted no time in responding, with RJ Harvey catching a 75-yard touchdown from KJ Jefferson to equalize the score.
Current Score: Colorado 7, UCF 7. Time remaining: 3:38 in the first quarter.
Shedeur Sanders connects with Travis Hunter
Colorado initiated the game with an 11-play, 80-yard drive, culminating in a 23-yard touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders to Travis Hunter.
Current Score: Colorado 7, UCF 0. Time remaining: 3:49 in the first quarter.
Preston Hodge intercepts KJ Jefferson
UCF was unable to capitalize on a turnover by Shedeur Sanders, as KJ Jefferson was intercepted in the end zone by Colorado’s Preston Hodge.
Shedeur Sanders struggles on first drive
The game got off to a rocky start for Colorado, with Shedeur Sanders being intercepted on third down after a series of setbacks on the first drive.
Colorado football game delayed
Kickoff for the matchup between Colorado and UCF was postponed by 35 minutes due to heavy rain and lightning, rescheduling to 2:20 p.m. MT/4:20 p.m. ET.
Game details
Date: Saturday, Sept. 28
Time: 1:30 p.m. MT/3:30 p.m. ET
Location: FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando
Television: FOX
Radio coverage can be accessed via the Colorado football radio network with Mark Johnson, Gary Barnett, and Andy Lindahl, also available on SiriusXM 387/App 977.
Predictions ahead of the game indicated that UCF, favored by two touchdowns, was leading the nation in rushing yards per game, while Colorado’s run defense showed marked improvement from the previous year.
Betting line for the game reflected UCF as a 14-point favorite.
Injury updates noted that running back Dallan Hayden and defensive lineman Chidozie Nwankwo returned after recent injuries. The status of starting safety Shilo Sanders remained uncertain.
Weather forecasts predicted thunderstorms with a 90% chance of rain, with a high of 88 degrees expected during the game.