Colorado Buffaloes Overcome Baylor Bears in Overtime Victory

In a thrilling conclusion to the game against Baylor on Saturday night, Colorado executed a clever strategy that led to a dramatic victory. As the Buffaloes prepared for the final play of regulation with the score needing a last-minute Hail Mary touchdown, the team had a unique plan involving their star player, Travis Hunter. The intention was for Hunter to draw defenders away as a decoy, while allowing LaJohntay Wester to make the crucial play.

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders explained the thought process behind the plan: “We put Travis backside; he’s going to get all the attention, and then LaJohntay’s just going to be there, outside, one-on-one.” With the game in the balance, Sanders rolled left after hiking the ball, trusting his instincts to deliver the pass. “I just threw it up to God, and God answered the prayer,” he added.

From the 49-yard line, Sanders launched the ball, which found Wester in the end zone. He made a remarkable catch between two Baylor defenders, securing the critical touchdown. Colorado ultimately triumphed 38-31 in overtime, igniting celebrations as fans rushed the field at Folsom Field. The victory marked their first Big 12 win since rejoining the conference under the guidance of their second-year head coach, Deion Sanders.

Sanders praised his team’s resilience and determination. “Great, great, great, great, great win,” he said. “The young men were resilient. They never gave up.” His quarterback, Shedeur, ended the game with 341 passing yards, throwing touchdown passes of 58 yards and 43 yards, leading to yet another thrilling chapter in this season.

Hunter continued to highlight his credentials as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate, contributing significantly to the game with seven catches for 130 receiving yards. His defensive performance was just as impactful in overtime when he prevented what appeared to be a certain touchdown for Baylor’s Dominic Richardson, causing a fumble that went out of the end zone.

The field erupted in celebration as officials reviewed the play, confirming that the ball had been dislodged before Richardson crossed the goal line. Reflecting on that moment, Hunter said, “Shedeur told me to go out there and get the ball once Colorado scored, so I kept my word. I knew I had to tackle.”

On the final snap of regulation, Hunter executed his role perfectly. He recognized the stakes of the Hail Mary attempt, emphasizing that such plays usually hinge on luck, but Colorado’s depth at receiver made the odds more favorable. Wester described the moment: “I saw the ball coming my way. As a receiver, your job is to make the quarterback right, whether it’s a good ball or a bad ball. I just made a play on it.”

Baylor’s head coach, Dave Aranda, admitted that their defensive strategy for the final play should have been executed better. He identified a mix-up in the rush that allowed Sanders the space he needed to throw the touchdown pass. “I have to find a way to coach that better,” he stated, taking accountability for the miscommunication.

The atmosphere post-game was electric, according to Wester, who described it as “a party.” Although Deion Sanders expressed some regret about not being able to shake hands with his counterpart from Baylor due to the tumultuous celebration, he expressed gratitude towards the passionate Colorado fan base. “We have a fan base that’s phenomenal,” Sanders noted, highlighting the young fans who passionately support the Buffaloes.

Sanders also acknowledged the offensive line, which has often faced criticism but played a crucial role in the team’s success. They helped score three rushing touchdowns, even as Baylor’s defense managed to compile eight sacks during the game. Rusher Micah Welch noted, “I just want everybody to know we can run the ball, and shut up all the haters about it.”

As the game progressed, a missed field goal attempt by Baylor with just over two minutes left became a pivotal moment. Had they scored, it would have given them a 10-point lead. Instead, Colorado capitalized on the opportunity, marking a significant moment for the team this season. Deion Sanders reflected on the exciting nature of the game, joking that it felt reminiscent of the tension from the previous year’s early games. “I’m excited that we won,” he concluded, underscoring the thrill of the victory.