By: Ethan Horner
(Photo/Sabri Haidar-The Mojo Network)
Week 1 of the college football season kicked off with the Colorado Buffaloes facing the high-powered FCS North Dakota State Bison. We were in attendance for this high-flying matchup. Both teams were eager to start the season strong, especially the Buffaloes, who were looking to silence the media after last season's disappointing finish.
The first quarter began with a bang, as NDSU quarterback Cam Miller connected with running back TK Marshall for a 48-yard gain on a slant route. However, the Buffaloes managed to hold the Bison to just three points, with Griffin Crosa converting the field goal. Colorado quickly responded, with star quarterback Shedeur Sanders hitting standout receiver Travis Hunter for a 41-yard touchdown. Bison QB Cam Miller answered with a 75-yard touchdown drive. Buffaloes star Shedeur Sanders finished the first quarter a perfect 5/5, racking up 134 yards and two touchdowns, the second of which was a 69-yard deep ball to receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. The Buffaloes ended the first quarter with a 14-10 lead over the Bison.
The Bison reclaimed the lead early in the second quarter, capping off a 10-play, 77-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown run from QB Cam Miller. NDSU extended their lead to 20-14 with another field goal. The Bison defense held strong, limiting the Buffaloes to just three points in the second quarter, which came on a last-second 27-yard field goal by Buffalo kicker Alejandro Mata.
The third quarter saw the Buffaloes advance 70 yards, but on 3rd and goal, Colorado’s quarterback's pass was intercepted by NDSU linebacker Nick Kubitz. However, the Buffaloes' defense responded by forcing the Bison offense into a quick three-and-out. Shedeur Sanders and the Buffaloes offense rebounded swiftly, scoring in just five plays with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Travis Hunter.
NDSU entered the fourth quarter trailing 24-20 after being held scoreless in the third quarter. The Buffaloes then increased their lead to 31-20 following a 17-play scoring drive. Cam Miller and the Bison offense responded with a touchdown, narrowing the score to 31-26 in favor of Colorado. The Bison attempted a two-point conversion to close the gap to three points but were unsuccessful, leaving the score at 31-26. The Bison defense made a crucial stop, giving their offense a chance to win the game with 31 seconds left and no timeouts remaining. NDSU quarterback Cam Miller managed to miraculously complete a 49-yard Hail Mary pass to receiver Tyler Terhark as the clock hit triple zeros. However, Terhark was tackled just short of the end zone, and the game ended.
Despite the loss, NDSU can hold their heads high, having matched up impressively against a Power 4 school. The Buffaloes' stars were pivotal in the win, with quarterback Shedeur Sanders completing 26 of 34 passes for 445 yards and four touchdowns. Receivers Jimmy Horn Jr. and Travis Hunter combined for 330 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing their offensive brilliance.
We’ll see what lies ahead for Colorado as the rest of the season unfolds.
Ethan Horner