The second year of the Coach Prime era in Boulder is off to a solid start.
Colorado, playing its first game as a member of the Big 12 Conference, defeated North Dakota State on Thursday, 31-26.
Colorado had just two drives in the first quarter, which totaled less than three and a half minutes, but that was because both ended in long scores. Travis Hunter ran 41 yards to the end zone and Sheduer Sanders found Jimmy Horn Jr. for a 70-yard touchdown.
However, Colorado's defense was suspect from the start and at halftime NDSU led 20-17.
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Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders warms up before an NCAA college football game against North Dakota State, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Another long reception by Hunter allowed the Buffs to reach the 10-yard line to start the third quarter, but a fortunate bounce off the leg of a Bison defender resulted in an interception, ending the drive. However, after forcing a triple out, Sanders and Hunter connected again to take a 24-20 lead.
The Buffaloes' defense stepped up in the third quarter, as the Bison were forced to punt on both of their drives in the fourth. Meanwhile, Sanders and Hunter continued to show why they are perhaps the best duo in the sport. The pair connected for their third touchdown of the night on an incredible catch by Hunter in the end zone to put the Buffs up, 31-20, midway through the fourth quarter.
NDSU quarterback Cam Miller found the end zone with 2:19 left, but the Bison were unable to convert the two-point conversion. They got the ball back with 31 seconds left at their own eight-yard line, but the efforts were too little, too late as the final pass was caught at the five-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 on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter celebrates a first down during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Dakota State, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
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Sanders completed 26 of his 34 passes for 445 yards and four touchdowns — Horn (198) and Hunter (132) combined for 330 of those yards.
It's Colorado's first win since Oct. 7 of last year — they lost eight of their last nine games last season, including each of their last six, after starting last season 3-0.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders greets the crowd before an NCAA college football game against North Dakota State, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
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The Buffs will be on the road for their next two games, visiting Nebraska next week and then heading to Colorado State the following week, before returning home in Week 4 for their first conference matchup against Baylor.
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