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There were some magical moments in this game but these plays were game changers
This Saturday, Colorado stole a win in what some are saying could be the game of the year. It was an instant classic, with plenty of big plays and turning points to dive into. Here’s a breakdown of the most important plays from the Buffs’ first Big 12 win of the season.
#5: Micah Welch’s overtime touchdown run
While this touchdown run was only a one-yard gain, there was much to be learned from Colorado’s offensive performance. The play showcased to the entire Big 12 that the Buffs’ offensive line can hold its own against tougher opponents. It also highlighted Shedeur Sanders’ selflessness, as he got behind Welch and helped push him into the end zone. It was reminiscent of the Eagles’ classic “tush-push,” but with the running back as the battering ram instead of the quarterback. This play also underscored the improved play-calling we’ve seen from Colorado over the last two weeks.
#4: B.J. Green’s 4th-and-1 tackle for loss
This game featured two different fourth-and-one attempts from Baylor on Colorado’s side of the field. Both times this play was called, it was obvious to people familiar with Baylor that it would be a quarterback run. The first time Baylor called the quarterback draw, backup quarterback Sawyer Robertson took the ball 45 yards for a touchdown. The second time Baylor ran this play, it was in a much bigger moment. Baylor had fourth-and-one in scoring position late in the third quarter, but this time they had no luck. B.J. Green dominated his assignment and suffocated Robertson in the backfield. Had this stop not been made, we might have seen Baylor pull out to an insurmountable lead. This stop ultimately set up Colorado’s offense with decent field position for a drive that ended in a game-tying touchdown at the end of the third quarter.
#3: Omarion Miller’s 48-yard TD
Baylor dominated the second quarter, outscoring Colorado 21-3 until Omarion Miller’s big play shifted the momentum. In the postgame press conference, Deion Sanders praised Miller’s resilience, drive, and passion, traits that kept him locked in and ready to make a difference. The Buffs knew they needed something special to get back into the game. That’s exactly when Miller delivered and that resilience was on full display. Miller caught a deep ball and initiated a big hit with the safety and kept pushing forward after contact, refusing to go down even when many assumed he was already stopped. We saw flashes of his potential last season and Miller’s potential emergence could solidify Colorado’s receiving room as the best in the Big 12.
#2: Travis Hunter’s Game-Sealing Forced Fumble
After 60 minutes of some of the best football Travis Hunter has ever played, he capped off his performance with a game-saving knockout. As Baylor advanced the ball toward the end zone in overtime, many wondered if Baylor would kick the extra point to tie the game or go for two to win it outright. That question was left unanswered when Hunter forced a fumble at the one-yard line, sending the ball through the back of the end zone and securing the Buffaloes’ victory.
Throughout the second half, it became clear that Baylor was determined to challenge Hunter on the ground. They repeatedly targeted him with runs and screens that forced him into open-field, one-on-one tackles against bigger ball carriers. Time and again, Hunter came up with crucial tackles, including several for loss, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion. The defining moment came in overtime when Hunter, once again targeted, made the game-sealing play with his forced fumble.
Hunter’s impact on the game is undeniable and his value to this Colorado team has become increasingly clear with each passing week. Whether it’s in pass coverage or run defense, Hunter consistently delivers in the clutch. His performance in this game not only saved Colorado’s season but also cemented his position as the most valuable player in the nation. Expect to see Hunter continue making game-changing plays as the season progresses, and the moments get bigger.
#1: Shedeur Sanders’ Hail Mary to LaJohntay Wester
Buffaloes fans won’t need a reminder of this play and how pivotal it was. With two seconds left on the clock, Shedeur Sanders rolled to the left side and launched a pass towards the end zone. The Baylor DB slipped and LaJohntay Wester adjusted to make the diving catch. This play will undoubtedly go down in Colorado Buffaloes history, making their triumphant return to the Big 12 unforgettable.
What makes this play even more remarkable is how close it came to never happening. In the postgame press conference, Baylor head coach Dave Aranda revealed that Baylor called a timeout right before the Hail Mary to regroup and get their defense aligned. They discussed their go-to play for Hail Mary situations and ensured everyone understood the call. Despite their efforts, backup linebacker Kyland Reed didn’t set the contain, allowing Shedeur to roll left and buy just enough time to release the pass.
In Colorado’s press conference we heard how they decided on a play call for the biggest play of the game. The play had been drawn up to target the left side, where Wester was expected to see single coverage due to his short stature and reputation of speed. While Wester lined up far on the left side, we saw Travis Hunter was set close to the right all alone. For Colorado’s offense this was an attempt to draw a double team and give Wester his one-on-one on the backside. Knowing what we know now from Baylor’s press conference, a more perfect play couldn’t have been drawn up.
by Jacob.Thompson
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