Baylor vs Colorado: Colorado secured its Big 12 opener with a 38-31 victory over Baylor, thanks to a 1-yard touchdown run by Micah Welch in overtime. The Bears seemed poised to equalize on their next drive, but Colorado's Travis Hunter made a crucial play, forcing a fumble from Dominic Richardson as he tried to leap over the goal line.
The game went into overtime after Baylor took a 31-24 lead with 5:43 left, courtesy of Sawyer Robertson's 24-yard touchdown pass to Hal Presley. Colorado had a chance to tie when Isaiah Hankins missed a 45-yard field goal that could have put Baylor up by 10. Will Sheppard then dropped a potential 43-yard touchdown at the 5-yard line.
However, with just two seconds left, Shedeur Sanders rolled left and found LaJohntay Wester, who made a sliding catch in the end zone to tie the score at 31-31. It was reminiscent of the iconic moment 30 years ago when Kordell Stewart connected with Michael Westbrook for a 64-yard Hail Mary at Michigan Stadium, as Colorado pulled off another stunning play.
The thrilling conclusion escalated when Colorado fans stormed the field before the game officially ended, unaware that Richardson's fumble was still under review.
Sanders had an impressive performance, throwing for 341 yards and two touchdowns on 25-of-41 passing. Hunter contributed significantly with seven receptions for 130 yards, including a diving 31-yard catch late in the third quarter that set up Welch’s 2-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 24-24. On defense, Hunter also played a key role by forcing the pivotal fumble.
Hunter has recorded 37 receptions for 472 yards and five touchdowns this season, achieving five consecutive 100-yard receiving games—the first Colorado player to do so. Remarkably, he manages this while also playing full-time as a cornerback.
The Buffaloes struck first, capping a 75-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run by Sanders. However, Baylor responded by reaching the end zone on three of its next four possessions, starting with Monaray Baldwin's spectacular diving catch for a 30-yard touchdown.
After Colorado tied the game at 10-10 with a field goal, the Bears responded immediately when Jamaal Bell returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. Finding a seam at the Baylor 30-yard line, Bell outran all defenders to reach the end zone.
Baylor extended its lead to 24-10 when Robertson executed a QB draw on fourth-and-1, breaking free for a 45-yard touchdown run.
Colorado narrowed the gap to 24-17 on their last possession of the first half. After a holding penalty on Jordan Seaton pushed them back to their own 25, Sanders connected with Jimmy Horn Jr. for a 17-yard gain that brought them to midfield. On the next play, Sanders evaded a tackle from Steve Linton, rolled to his right, and delivered a pass to Omarion Miller.
Miller appeared to be tackled low, but his knee never touched the ground, allowing him to regain his balance and sprint 35 yards to the end zone, completing a 58-yard touchdown pass. A replay review confirmed that Miller's left knee did not touch the ground, and the score stood.
Saturday’s game marked the Buffaloes’ first Big 12 matchup at Folsom Field since 2010. Colorado left the conference to join the Pac-12 the following season but returned to the Big 12 this year.
Next Saturday, Colorado will travel to UCF (3-0), while Baylor will face BYU. Kickoff times for both games have yet to be announced.
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