The Colorado Buffaloes pulled off their biggest win of the season Saturday, stunning No. 22 Iowa State 24–17 at Folsom Field behind a sharp performance from quarterback Kaidon Salter and a resilient defense that stood tall in crunch time.

The victory snapped a two-game skid and marked Colorado’s first win over a ranked opponent under head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, who returned to the sideline following a health scare earlier this month.

Fast Start, Strong Finish

Colorado struck first late in the opening quarter when running back Micah Welch capped a 90-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown run. Iowa State answered with a pair of scoring drives in the second quarter, taking a 10–7 halftime lead.

After the break, Colorado’s offense ignited. Salter connected with Joseph Williams for a short touchdown, giving the Buffs a 14–10 lead. Later in the third quarter, after Iowa State briefly reclaimed the advantage, Salter hit Omarion Miller on a 70-yard bomb that electrified the Folsom crowd and pushed Colorado ahead 21–17.

Defense Delivers Late

Colorado’s defense closed the door in the fourth quarter. With Iowa State driving inside the red zone, cornerback Tawfiq Byard made a diving interception in the end zone to erase a scoring threat.

Moments later, the Buffs’ defensive front stuffed a fourth-and-1 run at their own 18-yard line, forcing the Cyclones to settle for a field goal attempt that sailed wide. That sequence proved decisive as Colorado drained the clock on its final possession.

Salter Steps Up

Quarterback Kaidon Salter delivered one of his most efficient games of the season, throwing for 255 yards and two touchdowns while adding poise in the pocket. His chemistry with Joseph Williams was undeniable — the duo connected eight times for 128 yards and a pair of crucial third-down conversions.

Wideout Omarion Miller added 95 yards on four receptions, including the 70-yard score that flipped momentum for good.

Key Turning Points

Byard’s Fourth-Quarter Interception: Stopped Iowa State’s best chance to tie the game. Goal-Line Stand: Colorado’s front seven denied the Cyclones on fourth-and-1 in the red zone. Miller’s Deep Strike: The 70-yard touchdown early in the third quarter gave Colorado permanent control.

What It Means

With the win, Colorado improves to 3–4 overall and 1–3 in the Big 12, earning a crucial boost of confidence before the bye week.

For Sanders, the victory validated his team’s toughness and resilience. “We’re better than what people think,” he said postgame. “We just needed to finish — and tonight, we did.”

Iowa State dropped to 5–2 (2–2 Big 12), undone by turnovers and missed opportunities despite outgaining Colorado in total yards, 441–395.

Final Score: Colorado 24, Iowa State 17