Year two of Boulder's coaching prime is off to a strong start.
Colorado, playing its first game as a member of the Big 12 Conference, defeated North Dakota State 31-26 on Thursday.
Colorado had just two drives in the first quarter, totaling less than 3 1/2 minutes, but both ended with long scores: Travis Hunter ran 41 yards to the end zone and Shedua Sanders threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Jimmy Horn Jr.
But Colorado's defense was shaky early on, and NDSU led 20-17 at halftime.
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Colorado State University quarterback Shedul Sanders warms up before an NCAA college football game against North Dakota State University, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colorado. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Another long pass from Hunter put the Buffaloes inside the 10-yard line to start the third quarter, but a lucky bounce off a Bisons defender's leg led to an interception and a fizzled drive. But after three straight blocked attempts, Sanders and Hunter connected again to take a 24-20 lead.
The Buffaloes defense stepped up in the third quarter, forcing the Bisons to punt on two drives in the fourth quarter, while Sanders and Hunter continued to prove why they're the best duo in the sport, scoring his third touchdown of the night on a stunning catch by Hunter in the end zone to put the Buffaloes up 31-20 midway through the fourth quarter.
NDSU quarterback Cam Miller reached the end zone with 2 minutes, 19 seconds remaining, but the Bisons were unable to convert the two-point conversion. They got the ball back at their own 8-yard line with 31 seconds left, but the effort was too late as the final pass was caught at the 5-yard line, giving Colorado the win.
Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter celebrates a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Dakota State, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colorado. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter celebrates for a first down during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Dakota State, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colorado. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Colorado star Travis Hunter exudes confidence heading into the 2024 season: “When the lights come on, I shine even more.”
Sanders completed 26 of 34 passes for 445 yards and four touchdowns, with Horn (198) and Hunter (132) combining for 330 yards.
It was Colorado's first win since Oct. 7. They started last season 3-0 but lost eight of their next nine games and each of their final six.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders waves to the crowd before an NCAA college football game against North Dakota State, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colorado. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
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The Buffaloes are on the road for their next two games, visiting Nebraska next week and Colorado State the following week before returning home in Week 4 for their conference opener against Baylor.
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