BOULDER – The Colorado Buffaloes overcame a fierce challenge from FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, securing a 31-26 victory on Thursday night. Led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter, Colorado rallied from a halftime deficit to start the 2024 season with a hard-earned win.

The game began with North Dakota State showing why they are a perennial FCS contender, scoring on their first four possessions to take a 20-17 lead into halftime. Bison quarterback Cam Miller showcased his dual-threat abilities, keeping Colorado’s defense on its heels throughout the first half. However, the Buffaloes’ defense, which struggled early on, found its rhythm in the second half, making crucial stops to shift the momentum.

The turning point came in the third quarter when Colorado’s defense forced a pair of third-down stops, giving the ball back to their explosive offense. Sanders, who surpassed 400 yards passing for the third time in his Colorado career, orchestrated a methodical 17-play, 80-yard drive that drained over eight minutes off the clock. The drive, which spanned the end of the third quarter and the start of the fourth, was capped by a spectacular touchdown catch from Travis Hunter, putting Colorado ahead 31-20.

While Hunter’s three touchdowns were critical, Jimmy Horn Jr. also made his presence felt in a big way. Horn finished the night with seven receptions for 198 yards, including a highlight-reel 69-yard touchdown that electrified the crowd at Folsom Field. His ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch added a crucial dimension to Colorado’s offense, keeping the North Dakota State defense on their heels throughout the game.

Horn’s 69-yard touchdown was a pivotal moment in the first half, showcasing his speed and playmaking ability. After catching a quick pass from Sanders, Horn turned on the jets, outrunning the Bison secondary for the score. His performance throughout the night was instrumental in Colorado’s ability to move the ball effectively and put points on the board when they needed it most.

Despite Sanders’ impressive night, which included numerous escapes from pressure to keep plays alive, the Buffaloes faced a scare in the final moments. North Dakota State responded to Hunter’s touchdown with a scoring drive of their own, pulling within 31-26 with just over two minutes remaining. The Bison then got the ball back with 32 seconds left, but Colorado’s defense held firm, preventing a last-second comeback.

One of the few blemishes on Sanders’ otherwise stellar performance came on an unfortunate play in the third quarter. A pass intended for the end zone ricocheted off a defender’s foot and into the hands of a Bison player for an interception. Despite the turnover, Sanders remained composed, continuing to distribute the ball effectively to his playmakers.

Late in the game, with victory nearly in hand, Sanders made an attempt to secure a touchdown for LaJohntay Wester. The pass, however, fell incomplete, stopping the clock and giving North Dakota State one last opportunity. Deion Sanders reflected on the moment, acknowledging his son’s good intentions but noting the need for a more strategic approach in such situations. “Shedeur’s such a good kid, sometimes it costs him,” Coach Sanders remarked, emphasizing the importance of closing out games efficiently.

Reflecting on the game, it’s clear that Colorado’s stars stepped up when it mattered most. Deion Sanders, now in his second year as head coach, has his team off to a 1-0 start, though the close call against North Dakota State serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done. Colorado will need to build on this victory as they prepare for a tough road game against Nebraska next week.

The Buffaloes’ resilience in the face of adversity was on full display, and while there were moments of concern, their ability to execute in crucial situations ultimately secured the win. As Colorado moves forward, the connection between Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter will be a storyline to watch, along with the continued development of their defensive unit under pressure.

NEXT UP:

Colorado vs. Nebraska on Sat, Sep 7, 5:30PM (Memorial Stadium) in Lincoln, NE