Boulder, Co—It was a crisp, electric morning in Boulder, Colorado, as a roaring crowd of 54,646 fans, decked out in black and gold, poured into Folsom Field for the highly anticipated early kickoff between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Utah Utes.
The energy was palpable as Colorado sought to end a seven-game losing streak, while Utah aimed to maintain dominance in the Rumble in the Rockies rivalry—a matchup that has tilted heavily in Utah’s favor since its 2011 revival.
The day began in classic Boulder fashion, with Ralphie leading the team onto the field amidst the snow-dusted peaks of the Rocky Mountains. However, the game’s opening moments brought drama, as Shedeur Sanders threw an interception on the very first play. Colorado’s defense immediately proved their mettle, holding Utah to just a field goal despite the Utes starting at the Buffaloes’ 21-yard line.
The Buffs responded with energy as Colton Hood’s electrifying 38-yard kickoff return set them up near midfield. Faced with an early fourth-and-five, Coach Deion “Prime Time” Sanders showed his trademark confidence, leaving the ball in Shedeur’s capable hands.
A defensive offside gave Shedeur a free play, and he took full advantage, launching a 40-yard touchdown pass to Will Sheppard. The crowd erupted as Colorado seized a 7-3 lead. Utah faltered on their next possession, and LaJohntay Wester capitalized with a punt return touchdown, extending the lead to 14-3 by the end of the first quarter.
As the game settled into a defensive battle, Travis Hunter delivered a key interception that stopped Utah’s momentum. Though the teams traded punts for much of the second quarter, the action reignited in the final minutes.
After Shedeur fumbled deep in Colorado territory, the Buffaloes’ defense stood strong again, limiting Utah to another field goal. On the ensuing drive, Shedeur orchestrated an 85-yard march, capped by another touchdown pass to Sheppard. Utah managed a late field goal before halftime, narrowing the Buffs’ lead to 21-9.
The second half began with a statement from Colorado’s defense. Niihau Hill-Green intercepted Utah quarterback Isaac Wilson, giving the Buffs excellent field position. Isaiah Augustave wasted no time, breaking free for a 37-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 28-9.
Utah finally found the end zone with a 40-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Dorian Singer, cutting the deficit to 28-16 as the third quarter ended.
In the fourth quarter, Shedeur Sanders delivered a highlight-reel moment, hitting freshman Drelon Miller for a 47-yard touchdown. Miller’s dazzling performance, including six catches for 108 yards, extended Colorado’s lead to 35-16.
Utah responded with urgency, scoring on a trick play and converting a two-point attempt to make it 35-24. However, the Buffaloes’ defense held firm, with DJ McKinney’s interception halting Utah’s comeback hopes.
Charlie Offerdahl sealed the victory with a 4-yard touchdown run, and Travis Hunter put on a final show of brilliance, turning a broken Philly Special into a jaw-dropping touchdown to cap the game at 49-24.
This was perhaps Colorado’s finest performance of the season, showcasing their growth and unity under Coach Prime. After the game, Coach Sanders reflected on his team’s potential: “We haven’t even played our best game—that should, in itself, be scary.” He reiterated his unwavering confidence: “When I said we comin’, we still comin’. We never stopped comin’, and we ain’t nearly there yet.”
The win secures Colorado a spot in the BIG-12 Championship against undefeated BYU, with a potential playoff berth on the line. While fans may see this as a dream scenario, for Coach Prime and the Buffaloes, it’s simply the expectation. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Boulder as Colorado continues its remarkable journey.
