Welcome to my other blog today we discussed “Colorado’s Dramatic Overtime Victory Against Baylor”.When Colorado lined up for the final play of regulation against Baylor on Saturday night, the strategy involved using star player Travis Hunter as a decoy. The Buffaloes needed a miracle touchdown to force overtime, and they believed that Hunter, who had already caught six passes for 126 yards, would draw the defense’s focus.
The plan was for Hunter to run toward the center of the end zone, clearing space for wide receiver LaJohntay Wester, a 5-foot-11, 167-pound player.
“We put Travis backside because we knew he would draw all the attention, and LaJohntay would get a one-on-one matchup on the outside,” explained Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. “People won’t expect us to throw to him because he’s smaller in that situation. So I rolled left, everyone moved toward the middle of the end zone, and I just trusted in God. I threw it up to God, and God answered, for sure.”
The Miracle Hail Mary
Sanders’ Hail Mary from Baylor’s 49-yard line sailed toward Wester, who was sandwiched between two Bears defenders. Wester managed to wedge himself between them and dove into the end zone for the touchdown, forcing overtime. Colorado then went on to secure a thrilling 38-31 win in overtime, igniting an eruption of celebration at Folsom Field in what became the most dramatic win of head coach Deion Sanders’ tenure so far.
The Buffaloes clawed back from three deficits during the game, including overcoming a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown by Baylor. This victory marked Colorado’s first Big 12 win since rejoining the conference.
“Great, great, great, great, great win,” said a jubilant Deion Sanders. “The young men showed resilience. They never gave up.”
Shedeur Sanders Shines in Crucial Moments
Shedeur Sanders delivered a stellar performance, throwing for 341 yards and multiple touchdown passes. His key strikes included a 58-yard pass to Omarion Miller just before halftime and the game-tying 43-yard touchdown to Wester at the end of regulation. In overtime, Sanders led another successful touchdown drive, ending with Micah Welch’s second rushing score.
“That’s why I always use the word ‘legendary.’ I stand by it, I live by it,” Shedeur Sanders said. “Through all the moments, I know that at the end of the day, ‘legendary’ is what’s ingrained in me.”
Travis Hunter’s Dual Threat Performance
Travis Hunter continued to make his case for the Heisman Trophy, recording seven catches for 130 yards. However, it was his clutch defensive play in overtime that sealed the victory. Baylor’s Dominic Richardson was en route to what seemed like a sure touchdown, but Hunter knocked the ball loose at the last moment, sending it out of the end zone.
Colorado fans stormed the field as the officials reviewed the play. They confirmed that the ball was knocked out before Richardson crossed the goal line, securing the Buffaloes’ win.
“Shedeur told me to go out there and get the ball once we scored,” Hunter said. “I told him, ‘I got you,’ and I kept my word. I knew I had to make the tackle. You could even see me putting in my mouthpiece late in the play because I knew they were coming at me. They don’t think I can tackle, so I had to show them.”
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The Hail Mary Setup and Execution
Hunter also played a critical role in the Hail Mary at the end of regulation, knowing he had to pull the defense toward him. Although most Hail Mary plays are a 50-50 gamble, Hunter believed Colorado’s talented receiving corps tipped the odds in their favor.
“I saw Shedeur roll out, and then I saw the ball heading my way,” said Wester, who transferred to Colorado after a successful stint at Florida Atlantic. “As a receiver, your job is to make the quarterback look good, whether it’s a great pass or not. I just made a play on the ball.”
Baylor head coach Dave Aranda reflected on the defensive lapse during the Hail Mary, saying that their call was designed to flush the quarterback into a contain rusher.
“We had an ‘up-and-under’ rush, but it went the wrong way,” Aranda said. “The contain player went to the other side. When you watch the play, you’ll see someone come from the right, go under—it’s a shame because he was supposed to contain. I take full responsibility for that.”
A Night of Celebration
Following the dramatic win, the Colorado team celebrated with a postgame “party” atmosphere, as Wester called it. The joy spread from the field to the Buffaloes’ locker room. Deion Sanders acknowledged the wild atmosphere but expressed regret for not being able to shake Aranda’s hand due to the fans rushing the field.
“We have an incredible fan base,” Sanders said. “The young people on this campus love and breathe Colorado football, and I’m so thankful for their support.”
Sanders also praised the offensive line, which often faces criticism but helped the team achieve three rushing touchdowns. Despite that, Baylor still managed eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and three quarterback hurries.
Welch, who contributed two rushing touchdowns, responded to the critics, saying, “I just want everyone to know we can run the ball, and they need to stop the negativity.”
Baylor missed a crucial field goal attempt with just over two minutes left, which would have given them a 10-point lead. Colorado capitalized, thanks to Shedeur Sanders leading the charge.
Reflecting on the game, Deion Sanders said, “It kind of felt like last year, that nostalgia, those kinds of tough games. But I’m excited we won. This press conference could be very different right now.”
