In their season opener, the Colorado Buffaloes demonstrated a resolve that had been missing in the latter half of Deion Sanders' first year as head coach. They managed to secure a narrow 31-26 victory against North Dakota State, a team known for its strength and resilience. While the Buffs showed flashes of the same problems that plagued them last season—such as a porous defense and a lackluster running game—they ultimately found a way to win, a feat they struggled with last year when they lost five games by seven points or fewer.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders played a crucial role in the victory, completing 26 of 34 passes for an impressive 445 yards and four touchdowns. His ability to extend plays under pressure, particularly in the game's final moments, was pivotal in sealing the win. Shedeur's performance was complemented by Travis Hunter, a two-way star who shone on offense with seven catches for 132 yards and three touchdowns. Despite Hunter's standout performance, he wasn’t the leading receiver of the night; Jimmy Horn Jr. matched his seven receptions and added 198 yards and a touchdown to the Buffs' tally.
The game was not without its challenges. Colorado found themselves trailing 20-17 at halftime, with North Dakota State scoring on each of its first four possessions. However, the Buffaloes' defense tightened up in the second half, holding the Bison to just six points after the break. The crowd at Folsom Field, numbering 49,438, witnessed the Buffs' resilience, although it was the first time under Sanders that a home game did not sell out.
As the game drew to a close, Shedeur Sanders showcased his composure on a critical third-and-8 play with just under two minutes remaining. Scrambling away from pressure, Sanders delivered a pass that resulted in a pass interference call against North Dakota State, giving Colorado a fresh set of downs. Although some questionable clock management followed, the Buffs managed to hold on, leaving the Bison with only 31 seconds to attempt a final, futile drive.
The Buffaloes will look to build on this hard-fought victory when they face Nebraska on September 7th. As they move forward, they will need to address the issues that nearly cost them the game, but for now, they can take pride in their ability to finish strong and secure a win.
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