In a game packed with drama, excitement, and late-game heroics, the Colorado Buffaloes edged out the Baylor Bears 38-31 in a heart-pounding overtime thriller. It was a story of resilience, big plays, and standout performances, with Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter stealing the show. Their efforts ensured that Colorado emerged victorious in their Big 12 opener, capping off a day that will long be remembered by college football fans.
Colorado Triumphs in Overtime with Game-Deciding Defensive Play
Colorado’s win came in the most dramatic of fashions. After Baylor appeared poised to tie the game in overtime, the Buffaloes’ Travis Hunter delivered a game-sealing defensive play. As Baylor’s Dominic Richardson tried to leap into the end zone for a touchdown, Hunter hit him hard enough to force a fumble. Colorado recovered the loose ball, ending Baylor’s hopes of extending the game and securing the Buffaloes’ first Big 12 victory since rejoining the conference.
The thrilling conclusion followed an equally dramatic sequence to close out regulation. With just two seconds left, Sanders connected with LaJohntay Wester on a game-tying touchdown pass, sending the game to overtime tied at 31-31.
Shedeur Sanders Shines in Crucial Moments
The Buffaloes’ quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, once again showcased his ability to deliver in clutch moments. He finished the game with 341 passing yards, two touchdowns, and completed 25-of-41 passes. His most critical throw came at the end of regulation, where he engineered a last-minute drive to keep Colorado alive.
With the game on the line and the Buffaloes trailing 31-24, Sanders executed a perfectly timed 43-yard pass to Will Sheppard. Though Sheppard dropped the ball, the team maintained composure. On the next play, Sanders rolled left under pressure and found Wester with a sliding catch in the end zone, tying the game with no time left on the clock.
This moment was reminiscent of another iconic play in Colorado history, 30 years after Kordell Stewart’s “Miracle at Michigan,” where the Buffaloes stunned Michigan with a last-second Hail Mary.
Travis Hunter Dominates on Both Sides of the Ball
Travis Hunter, the multi-talented star, continued to solidify his Heisman Trophy candidacy with a performance that will be talked about for weeks. Not only did he play both wide receiver and cornerback, but he also made significant contributions on both sides of the ball, proving once again why he is one of the best two-way players in college football.
On offense, Hunter hauled in seven receptions for 130 yards, including a stunning 31-yard catch late in the third quarter that helped Colorado tie the game at 24-24. On defense, his game-winning forced fumble in overtime showed that his impact extends far beyond highlight-reel catches.
Hunter’s statistics this season are remarkable, with 37 receptions for 472 yards and five touchdowns. Additionally, he has recorded five consecutive 100-yard receiving games, a feat no other Colorado player has ever achieved. Despite his heavy offensive load, Hunter’s defensive play remains top-notch, making him a cornerstone of the Buffaloes’ success.
Baylor’s Strong Start and Mid-Game Surge
Despite Colorado’s eventual victory, Baylor controlled large parts of the game, particularly in the first half. The Bears responded to Colorado’s early touchdown by scoring on three of their next four possessions. The turning point came when Monaray Baldwin made an incredible 30-yard diving catch for a touchdown to even the score at 7-7.
Baylor seized momentum when Jamaal Bell returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bears a 17-10 lead. Bell’s speed outpaced Colorado’s defenders, as he found a lane and sprinted past all pursuit for the longest play of the game. The Bears further extended their lead to 24-10 when quarterback Sawyer Robertson broke free for a 45-yard touchdown run on a fourth-and-1 play, silencing the crowd at Folsom Field.
Colorado’s Comeback Begins
The Buffaloes found themselves trailing 24-10 late in the second quarter but refused to fold. On their final possession before halftime, Sanders engineered a crucial touchdown drive. After a holding penalty pushed the Buffaloes back to their 25-yard line, Sanders delivered a 17-yard pass to Jimmy Horn Jr. to get the ball to midfield. On the very next play, Sanders evaded a tackle and threw to Omarion Miller.
Miller’s catch-and-run was nothing short of miraculous. After appearing to be tackled low, Miller regained his balance without his knee touching the ground and sprinted 35 yards into the end zone, completing a 58-yard touchdown pass. A replay confirmed that his knee never touched the ground, and Colorado closed the gap to 24-17 at the half.
The Second Half—A Defensive Battle
After a frenetic first half, both defenses tightened up in the second half, limiting big plays and forcing punts. However, Colorado found a breakthrough late in the third quarter when Travis Hunter’s 31-yard catch set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Micah Welch, tying the score at 24-24.
Baylor responded with a touchdown of their own, as Robertson hit Hal Presley for a 24-yard score, giving the Bears a 31-24 lead with just over five minutes left in the game. But Baylor’s inability to extend their lead after missing a crucial 45-yard field goal kept Colorado within striking distance.
Colorado’s Defense Comes Up Big in Overtime
As the game entered overtime, the pressure mounted for both teams. Colorado quickly capitalized on their possession with a 1-yard touchdown run by Welch, putting the Buffaloes ahead 38-31. On Baylor’s ensuing drive, the Bears moved the ball downfield with ease, and it looked like they were about to tie the game once again.
However, Hunter’s timely hit on Richardson near the goal line forced a fumble that Colorado recovered, sealing the victory and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Looking Ahead for Colorado
With this dramatic win, Colorado improves to 4-0 and continues to build momentum in their return to the Big 12. Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter have emerged as two of the top players in college football, giving the Buffaloes a realistic shot at making noise in the conference this season.
Next up, Colorado faces a formidable opponent in UCF, who is also undefeated at 3-0. The matchup will be another test for Sanders and Hunter, as they continue their march towards postseason contention.
Meanwhile, Baylor falls to 1-3 after this heartbreaking loss and will look to rebound against BYU next week.
Conclusion: A Game for the Ages
Colorado’s 38-31 overtime victory over Baylor was a testament to the resilience and star power of this Buffaloes team. From Shedeur Sanders’ clutch throws to Travis Hunter’s game-altering plays on both sides of the ball, Colorado showed they have what it takes to compete in the Big 12. As the season progresses, fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on this team, and their high-profile stars, as they continue their pursuit of success.
The combination of dynamic quarterback play and defensive heroics has made Colorado one of the most exciting teams in college football this season, and this thrilling victory only adds to their growing legend.
