2024-08-30 03:57:31
Shedeur Sanders threw for 445 yards and four touchdowns (Travis Hunter had three) and Colorado beat FCS powerhouse 31-26 on Thursday night. Dakota State, starting its second year under Deion Sanders.
Buffalo was a 10.5-point favorite on most sports betting sites, but they couldn’t shake the pesky Bison, who scored with 2:19 left to make the game interesting.
Shedeur Sanders looked like a lock to win the season opener when he threw a pass downfield on third-and-8, causing pass interference. With 1:41 left in the game, Buffalo fell behind first and North Dakota State had only one timeout left. But Colorado elected to pass first, ultimately leaving time on the clock after Colorado punted.
North Dakota State got the ball back with 31 seconds left. As time expired, Cam Miller threw a pass from his own 47 yards and was caught by Tyler Terhark 4 yards from the end zone.
The Bison’s methodical play in the first half helped keep Heisman Trophy hopeful Sanders and Colorado’s offense on the sidelines. But Sanders got to work as soon as he came out.
Jimmy Horn Jr. had seven catches for 198 yards and a score, while Hunter caught seven passes for 132 yards. His acrobatic 3-yard touchdown run and a run by the defensive backs gave Colorado a 31-20 lead with 7:57 left in the game. He celebrated by spinning the ball and dancing. Even though Hunter played all night at cornerback, he still had plenty of energy.
Like Sanders, Hunter is often mentioned in the Heisman conversation.
Sanders went 26-for-34 with four touchdowns and one interception and had a passer rating of 219.4.
This version of Buffalo’s offense looks a lot like last season — a terrible passing game but little to no rushing attack. The overhauled offensive line allowed just one sack, but Sanders spent a fair amount of time moving around.
Colorado’s defense remains under new defensive coordinator Robert Livingston. Miller scored on a 20-yard rush to bring the score to 31-26. His two-point conversion pass was incomplete.
New North Dakota State coach Tim Polasek has his team on the verge of an upset. The Bison led 20-17 at halftime thanks to Miller’s performance. He rushed for two runs and pitched another. The Bison showed a national audience why they are ranked No. 2 in the FCS preseason poll.
Associated Press reports.
Colorado Buffaloes
Sherdel Sanders
Travis Hunter
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