In an electrifying season opener, Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter led the Colorado Buffaloes to a thrilling 31-26 victory over North Dakota State. The game, held in Boulder, marked the beginning of Year 2 under head coach Deion Sanders and was a showcase of resilience, skill, and a bit of late-game drama that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Shedeur Sanders, the star quarterback, delivered an outstanding performance, throwing for 445 yards and four touchdowns, three of which were to the versatile Travis Hunter. Despite his impressive stats, the game had a nail-biting finish that nearly unraveled due to a moment of miscalculation.
With just over a minute left in the game and a lead to protect, Shedeur attempted a deep pass to LaJohntay Wester, a move that stopped the clock when only a few running plays would have secured the win. The incomplete pass handed North Dakota State a final opportunity, giving the Bison the ball with 31 seconds remaining. The tension escalated as Cam Miller, the Bison quarterback, launched a desperate pass from his own 47-yard line. The pass was caught by Tyler Terhark, but he was stopped just four yards short of the end zone as time expired.
Deion Sanders, visibly relieved but still holding back frustration, remarked on the game’s conclusion, “You ever feel like you won but you didn't win? Let's move on from that. I'm going to try my best to hold back my anger. But we got a 'W' so I'm happy." This victory was crucial for Colorado, who were favorites by 10½ points, but it exposed areas that need improvement as they look to build on last year’s success.
Travis Hunter, who played a pivotal role on both offense and defense, drew praise from all corners, including NBA legend LeBron James, who tweeted, "MAN TRAVIS HUNTER IS RIDICULOUS!!!!! WOW." Hunter’s performance was indeed spectacular, as he caught seven passes for 132 yards and scored three touchdowns, including a remarkable 3-yard grab that gave Colorado a crucial 31-20 lead late in the game.
Despite the win, Shedeur Sanders was not entirely satisfied. "It was cool," he said about his big night. "But every incompletion, it hurts me inside a little bit. I'm excited for the win, but [there are] definitely situations in that game I personally could've handled better." His attention to detail and drive for perfection are qualities that could propel him into serious Heisman Trophy contention as the season progresses.
While Colorado's passing game was dynamic, their ground attack struggled, managing only 59 rushing yards compared to North Dakota State's 157. The offensive line, though improved, still allowed Sanders to be pressured frequently, an issue that the Buffaloes will need to address as they face tougher competition.
Defensively, Colorado showed potential but remains a work in progress under new coordinator Robert Livingston. The Bison were able to move the ball effectively in the first half, leading 20-17 at halftime. Cam Miller was instrumental for North Dakota State, scoring two rushing touchdowns and throwing for another. His leadership and playmaking nearly led to an upset, underscoring why the Bison are ranked No. 2 in the FCS preseason polls.
New North Dakota State coach Tim Polasek reflected on the game, acknowledging the close margin of the loss. "The difference in the game comes down to they made a few more plays than we did," he said. "I really believe that." His team’s performance, despite the loss, will undoubtedly give them confidence as they continue their season.
For Colorado, the narrow win serves as both a relief and a reminder of the challenges ahead. With Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter leading the way, the Buffaloes have the talent to compete at a high level, but they’ll need to tighten up their play if they want to make a significant impact this season. As they continue to develop under the leadership of Deion Sanders, fans can expect more thrilling moments and, hopefully, more victories as the season unfolds.
This game was not just a test of skill but also of character, as Colorado had to fight until the very last second to secure their win. It's clear that with their current roster and coaching staff, the Buffaloes are a team to watch, not just for their potential but for their ability to entertain and engage fans in every game.