Colorado Upsets No. 22 Iowa State, 24-17

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Kaidon Salter threw two touchdown passes as the Colorado Buffaloes defeated No. 22 Iowa State 24-17 on Saturday, snapping a two-game losing streak.

Playing at Folsom Field, Salter passed for 255 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown connection with Omarion Miller. The Buffaloes improved to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in the Big 12 Conference.

Salter celebrated the win by taking a knee and throwing the football into the air, inspiring fans to rush the field despite warnings from officials. “I love it,” said Colorado coach Deion Sanders. “I want to see the kids rush the field.” When reminded of potential fines for this, he responded, “Who made that rule? Come on, man. That ain’t right.”

This victory marked Sanders’ second win against a ranked opponent since taking over the program, the first being against No. 17 TCU last season. Sanders, who recently had surgery, noted, “We’re better than what our record says.”

In the fourth quarter, Iowa State struggled to convert key plays, including a pivotal third-and-goal situation where Rocco Becht‘s pass was intercepted. A questionable pass interference call was overturned by officials, infuriating Iowa State coach Matt Campbell. “That (pass interference) didn’t happen until after the ball was thrown, which is not true,” Campbell explained post-game.

The Cyclones, with a record of 5-2 and 2-2 in the conference, failed to capitalize on several opportunities, including a failed fourth-down attempt at their own 18-yard line shortly after the officials’ review.

Despite the loss, Iowa State’s Abu Sama rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Becht finished the game 18 of 33 for 205 yards with one interception.

Colorado’s defense was crucial, making multiple key plays to halt Iowa State. Linebacker Jeremiah Brown noted the energy brought by Sanders’ return to practice, stating, “He’s giving us all the energy we needed.”

Next, Iowa State will host No. 18 BYU on October 25, while Colorado prepares to face Utah on the same day.