Colorado Football - Colorado vs North Dakota State Highlight- Colorado holds on , begins Deion Sander's Seconde Season

Colorado Football: Colorado vs. North Dakota State Highlights

Colorado Edges Out North Dakota State in Season Opener, Kicking Off Deion Sanders' Second Year with a Win

BOULDER, Colo. – The Colorado Buffaloes demonstrated a tenacity that was notably absent during the latter half of Deion Sanders’ first season as head coach. In their season opener against North Dakota State, Colorado managed to hold on for a narrow 31-26 victory, showcasing their determination to finish strong.

Despite the win, the Buffs exhibited some of the same issues that plagued them last year, particularly in the first half. Defensive lapses, inconsistent blocking, and a struggling run game were all evident. However, unlike last season, where they lost five games by seven points or fewer, this time they managed to close out the game.

Quarterback Shedeur Sanders was instrumental in the victory, completing 26 of 34 passes for 445 yards and four touchdowns. Two-way star Travis Hunter also shined, catching three of those touchdowns.

North Dakota State led 20-17 at halftime, scoring on each of their first four possessions. But Colorado’s defense tightened in the second half, holding the Bison at bay in front of a crowd of 49,438 at Folsom Field. This marked the first home game under Sanders where the Buffs did not sell out the stadium. Colorado will next face Nebraska on September 7.

Travis Hunter Stats
Travis Hunter played both offense and defense, making a significant impact on offense with seven catches for 132 yards and three touchdowns. Interestingly, he wasn’t the leading receiver for Colorado—Jimmy Horn Jr. also caught seven passes for 198 yards and a touchdown.

Shedeur Sanders Stats
Shedeur Sanders completed 26 of 34 passes for 445 yards and four touchdowns, with one interception on an unusual play. He also rushed for 17 yards on six carries.

Colorado vs. North Dakota State Final Score
Colorado secured a 31-26 win, holding off North Dakota State in a tense finish.

Shedeur Sanders’ ability to extend plays was crucial, especially on a third-and-8 with 1:52 left in the game. Sanders scrambled under pressure and launched a pass toward LaJohntay Wester, leading to a pass interference call against North Dakota State’s Sam Jung. This allowed Colorado to reset the downs. Despite some questionable clock management, Colorado held on, leaving NDSU with only 31 seconds to attempt a final drive. The Bison's last effort fell short.

North Dakota State’s Late Push
The Bison made a late-game push, driving 75 yards in 11 plays, with QB Cam Miller scoring a 20-yard rushing touchdown to cut Colorado’s lead to 31-26. However, they failed to convert the two-point attempt, leaving them five points behind with 2:19 remaining.

Travis Hunter's Game-Changing Catch
Travis Hunter’s third touchdown of the game—a 3-yard catch in the front right corner of the end zone—gave Colorado a 31-20 lead with 7:57 left in the fourth quarter. This capped a 17-play, 80-yard drive orchestrated by Shedeur Sanders. Hunter’s performance on both sides of the ball was key to the Buffs’ victory.

Colorado vs. North Dakota State: End of the Third Quarter
As the third quarter ended, Colorado held a 24-20 lead and had possession of the ball. With the defense starting to find its rhythm, the Buffs were poised to extend their lead and secure the win.

Colorado Takes Back the Lead
After an interception in the end zone on a bizarre play, Colorado quickly regained their momentum. Shedeur Sanders led a 72-yard drive, culminating in a 13-yard touchdown pass to Travis Hunter, putting the Buffs back in front 24-20 in the third quarter.

North Dakota State’s Wild Interception
Early in the second half, North Dakota State intercepted a pass in the end zone on one of the wildest plays of the game. Despite this setback, Colorado’s defense responded by forcing a three-and-out, giving the Buffs another chance to regain control.

Colorado vs. North Dakota State: Halftime Recap
At halftime, Colorado trailed 20-17 after Shedeur Sanders led an 89-yard drive, ending in a 27-yard field goal. Despite Sanders’ impressive first-half stats—12 completions on 15 attempts for 254 yards and two touchdowns—Colorado struggled to keep pace with North Dakota State, who controlled the clock with their power running game.

North Dakota State Takes the Lead and Makes a Defensive Stop
In the second quarter, North Dakota State took a 17-14 lead after a 10-play, 77-yard touchdown drive. They then made their first defensive stop of the game, halting Colorado on a fourth down attempt. The Bison capitalized on the short field, kicking a 31-yard field goal to extend their lead to 20-14.

End of the First Quarter
The first quarter ended with Colorado leading 14-10, as both teams combined for 308 yards of offense. The game was shaping up to be a shootout, with neither defense able to make a stop.

Shedeur Sanders and Jimmy Horn Jr. Connect for Long TD
Shedeur Sanders connected with Jimmy Horn Jr. for a 69-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter, giving Colorado a 14-10 lead. Sanders was perfect in the opening quarter, completing all five of his pass attempts for 134 yards and two touchdowns.

North Dakota State Scores to Take Early Lead
North Dakota State took an early 10-7 lead after their second possession, with QB Cam Miller finding tight end Joe Stoffel for a 7-yard touchdown. The Bison’s offense was efficient, scoring on both of their first two drives.