The Coach Prime era in Colorado remains a captivating spectacle, even though questions about the team’s overall quality linger. Since Deion Sanders took the reins, the Buffaloes have consistently found themselves in high-stakes, dramatic games, but Saturday night reached new heights. In a thrilling overtime victory, Colorado (3-1) stunned the Baylor Bears with a last-second Hail Mary, followed by a game-saving fumble in OT and not just one, but two field-storming celebrations.
Throughout most of the night, it seemed as if Baylor had the game under control. Colorado trailed late as quarterback Shedeur Sanders tried to mount a game-tying drive. On their penultimate play of regulation, Sanders launched a rocket to receiver Will Sheppard at the 5-yard line, but the ball slipped through his hands. It felt like their best shot had slipped away too.
But miracles happen. With just seconds left, Sanders rolled out and fired another dart—this time to LaJohntay Wester, who caught it while sliding on his knees in the end zone, securing the game-tying touchdown. Overtime was suddenly a reality.
Once there, Colorado capitalized, scoring on their first drive. Baylor, too, looked poised to respond, but two-way star Travis Hunter—arguably the best player in college football—had other plans. As Baylor’s Dominic Richardson neared the goal line, Hunter made a bone-crunching hit that forced a fumble. The ball rolled out of the back of the end zone, resulting in a touchback. Colorado had won.
Shedeur Sanders delivered under pressure, finishing the night with 367 total yards and three touchdowns, despite taking numerous hits behind a struggling offensive line. Meanwhile, Travis Hunter’s claim to the Heisman Trophy grew even stronger. His performance—seven catches for 130 yards, a tackle for loss, and the game-saving forced fumble—cements him as a rare talent. Few players, if any, have dominated on both sides of the ball like Hunter since Paul Hornung, the 1956 Heisman winner.
For the Buffaloes, the rollercoaster ride continues. They’re now just three wins away from bowl eligibility, though next week’s game at Central Florida, who will be fresh off a bye week, poses another tough test.
Meanwhile, Baylor contributed to their own demise. The defense, led by embattled head coach Dave Aranda, crumbled when it mattered most. A series of penalties and poor coverage decisions allowed Colorado to stay in the game. The single coverage on Sanders’ final two deep throws was especially baffling. After this latest defeat, Aranda’s seat as head coach only grows hotter, with his team now at 2-2 and having lost 15 of their last 20 games. His job security is shaky, and it’s uncertain how much longer he’ll remain at the helm.