Buffs Survive Scare, Defeat North Dakota State 31-26 Behind Shedeur Sanders’ Career Day

Boulder, CO — In a thrilling contest at Folsom Field, the Colorado Buffaloes held off a resilient North Dakota State squad, securing a 31-26 victory. The game was marked by explosive plays and a standout performance by quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who threw for a career-high 445 yards and four touchdowns.

Shedeur Sanders Shines

Shedeur Sanders was the star of the day, showcasing his arm talent and poise under pressure. He completed 26 of 34 passes, slicing through the Bison defense with precision. Sanders connected with seven different receivers but found his top targets, Jimmy Horn Jr. and Travis Hunter, for the most damage.

Sanders' day wasn’t without adversity. He threw a second-quarter interception that momentarily swung momentum in North Dakota State's favor, leading to a touchdown that cut Colorado's lead to 14-10. However, the sophomore signal-caller responded like a veteran, leading two more touchdown drives in the second half to keep the Buffs ahead.

Jimmy Horn Jr. and Travis Hunter: Dynamic Duo

Jimmy Horn Jr. had a career game, hauling in seven receptions for 198 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown strike in the first quarter that set the tone for Colorado’s offense. Horn’s speed and ability to stretch the field were on full display, making him a nightmare for the Bison secondary.

Not to be outdone, Travis Hunter proved to be Sanders' most reliable red-zone target, catching seven passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns. Hunter’s versatility and knack for finding the end zone were pivotal in keeping the Buffaloes ahead, especially as North Dakota State mounted their comeback attempt.

Defensive Stalwarts

On the defensive side, Trevor Woods led the Buffs with 10 total tackles, frequently stepping up to stop the Bison's ground game. Shilo Sanders, the brother of Shedeur, was right behind him with nine tackles, including several key stops that prevented big gains.

While the Buffaloes' defense gave up some big plays, particularly in the second half, they made crucial stops when it mattered most, including a key fourth-down stand late in the game to seal the victory.

A Narrow Escape

North Dakota State, known for its strong program and success in the FCS, gave Colorado all they could handle. The Bison capitalized on Colorado’s mistakes and kept the game close with a balanced attack. However, their efforts fell short as the Buffs managed to control the clock in the final minutes, running out the clock to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

Colorado's narrow victory improves their record to 2-0, but it also exposes areas that need improvement as they head into the tougher parts of their schedule. The Buffs’ offense, led by the Sanders-Hunter-Horn trio, looks potent, but the defense will need to tighten up if they hope to compete in the Pac-12.

Next week, the Buffaloes will face a stiff challenge as they travel to take on TCU. If Shedeur Sanders can continue his stellar play, and the defense can shore up its weaknesses, Colorado could be in for an exciting season. However, they'll need to avoid lapses like those seen against North Dakota State to keep the wins coming.