Deion Sanders and the Colorado football team found themselves in a dogfight to kickoff the 2024 season.
Perennial FCS powerhouse North Dakota State arrived at Folsom Field unafraid of the Buffaloes‘ home crowd and pair of projected first-round NFL draft picks. The Bison punched first, punched back and gave Colorado fans a legitimate scare on Thursday night.
In the end, it was Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter who led Colorado to a second-half comeback and 31-26 win over NDSU.
Here’s a look at how it happened and takeaways from the game.
Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter fuel Colorado comeback vs NDSU
Shedeur Sanders’ 100th career passing touchdown was perfect timing.
It came just minutes after the Colorado quarterback threw his first interception of the year on one of the oddest plays you’ll ever see. Sanders put his short memory on display and led a five-play, 72-yard scoring drive capped off by a 13-yard touchdown to Hunter.
The two-way star and preseason AP All-American’s leaping grab in 1-on-1 coverage gave the Buffs a 24-20 lead midway through the third quarter. They never looked back.
It was one of a few massive plays Sanders and Hunter made to propel Colorado to a season-opening win. The duo connected on a 41-yard touchdown early in the first half after NDSU jumped out to a 3-0 lead.
Sanders finished the game completing 26 of his 34 pass attempts for 445 yards and four touchdowns. Hunter hauled in seven receptions for 132 yards and three scores. They both looked like future NFL stars.
The same can be said for Colorado receiver Jimmy Horn Jr., who caught seven passes for 198 yards and touchdown, highlighted by a 69-yard catch and run. A projected first-round draft pick at quarterback surrounded by a group of talented pass catchers is a scary sight (even if the running game is virtually non-existent).
Just ask NDSU.
Colorado defense struggles early, finds footing late
The Colorado defense looked downright dreadful in the first half against NDSU.
At halftime, the Bison had 242 yards of total offense and quarterback Cam Miller was 10-for-13 for 114 yards and two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing). They also controlled the time of possession (21:48 vs. 8:12) through two quarters.
The loss of starting safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig early on due to injury (replaced by Vanderbilt transfer Savion Riley) didn’t help the Buffs’ defensive efforts. In the second half, however, Colorado stifled NDSU’s offense.
After scoring 20 first-half points (and leading 20-17) at half, the Bison were unable to sustain drives and keep up with the Buffs’ explosive passing game. Colorado’s pass rush settled in late and prevented Miller from ripping off chunk gains with his arm or legs.
Shilo Sanders and Trevor Woods led the Buffs with eight total tackles apiece. Dayon Hayes was disruptive on the edge, notching five total tackles and one for a loss. Defensive tackle Chidozie Nwankwo notched Colorado’s lone sack of the night.
An adjustment period was expected with a new defensive coordinator and so many incoming transfers on that side of the ball, but the Buffs came out of halftime locked in.
What does this mean for Week 2 vs Nebraska?
Attention now shifts to Week 2 and a bitter rival.
Colorado travels to Lincoln next weekend to battle Nebraska and the Cornhuskers‘ true freshman starting quarterback: Dylan Raiola. Nebraska opens its season against UTEP on Saturday, meaning the Buffs will have extra time to rest and prepare.
They’ll need it after playing a physical game with NDSU, a game that saw both sides of ball play 50-plus snaps. It’ll be interesting to see how Colorado looks early on in next week’s game in front of a raucous crowd after somewhat of an emotional win.
Follow Colorado Buffaloes sports reporter Scott Procter on X.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado football survives scare from NDSU; 3 takeaways
