Colorado’s Dramatic Victory over Baylor in Big 12 Showdown

In a thrilling return to the Big 12 conference, the Colorado Buffaloes defeated the Baylor Bears in a dramatic overtime victory. The game was highlighted by a last-second Hail Mary pass from Shedeur Sanders to LaJohntay Wester, which sent the game into overtime, and a decisive defensive play by Travis Hunter that secured Colorado’s win.

Shedeur Sanders, the Buffaloes’ quarterback, orchestrated a stunning 44-yard touchdown pass to Wester as the clock expired in regulation, tying the game at 31-31. “We put Travis backside, he’s going to get all the attention, and then LaJohntay’s just going to be there, outside, one-on-one,” Sanders explained about the setup of the play. “So then I roll left, everybody went in the middle of the end zone and I just trusted God.”

Travis Hunter, who had a remarkable game with 130 receiving yards, played a crucial role on defense when he forced a fumble from Baylor’s Dominic Richardson at the goal line in overtime. This defensive stop prevented Baylor from equalizing after Micah Welch’s touchdown run had given Colorado the lead.

The win marked Colorado’s first Big 12 conference game victory since returning to the league and was celebrated by a storm of the field by fans. Deion Sanders, Colorado’s head coach, praised his team’s resilience, stating, “The young men were resilient. They never gave up.”

Baylor had their moments in the game, including a spectacular 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Jamaal Bell and a 45-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Sawyer Robertson. However, they ultimately fell short despite recording eight sacks and twelve tackles for loss.

The game, which kept fans on the edge of their seats, showcased the potential of Colorado’s offense and the developing chemistry under Coach Sanders’ guidance. “That’s why I use the word legendary,” Shedeur Sanders remarked about the game’s outcome. “Through all the moments, throughout everything, I know, at the end of the day, legendary, that’s what ingrained in me,” he added.

Despite missing a crucial field goal that could have extended their lead late in the game, Baylor’s coach Dave Aranda assured full responsibility for the defensive play call on the Hail Mary, acknowledging, “I have to find a way to coach that better.”