BOULDER — A Friday night party in Boulder turned into an unforgettable collapse for the Colorado Buffaloes. In a stunning turn of events, the Stanford Cardinal erased a 29-point halftime deficit, scoring on every possession after the half and hitting a game-tying field goal on the final play of regulation to force double-overtime. They eventually emerged victorious with a thrilling 46-43 win at Folsom Field.
Stanford’s comeback was nothing short of remarkable. They scored on every second-half and overtime possession, going a perfect 8-for-8. This victory was especially sweet for Stanford, considering their disappointing start to the season with a record of 2-4. CU star Travis Hunter’s anticipated return to action was overshadowed by the Cardinal’s resilience.
The Cardinal’s quarterback, Ashton Daniels, was unstoppable against the Buffs’ defense. He threw for four touchdowns and an impressive 396 yards, with the majority of his yardage coming in the second half. Daniels led a 70-yard drive in the final three minutes of regulation, setting up Joshua Karty for a game-tying kick.
Both teams traded touchdowns in overtime, including an incredible over-the-shoulder catch by Elic Ayomanor to force a second overtime. Unfortunately for the Buffaloes, their drive in the second overtime ended in an interception, sealing their fate. Stanford made the most of their possession, securing a first down before Karty sealed the win with a game-winning kick.
The celebration erupted for Stanford, who had defied the odds after their slow start to the season. The Folsom Field crowd, which had significantly diminished from its peak of 53,134, left in a state of shock. This loss marked the largest blown lead in Colorado football history and their biggest collapse since 2010. CU coach Deion Sanders expressed his disappointment, acknowledging that this was a tough loss for the team.
Here are three key takeaways from the Buffs’ collapse:
1. Not Ready for the Spotlight: Despite playing in their sixth nationally-televised game of the season, the Buffaloes were unable to handle the pressure. Stanford outperformed them in every aspect of the game, as Colorado fell apart after a dominant first half. Penalties were a significant problem for the Buffs, committing 17 of them for 127 yards. Missed tackles and coverage busts also contributed to their downfall.
2. Travis Hunter’s Return: The sold-out crowd erupted with excitement when star player Travis Hunter returned to the field. Hunter made his presence felt with key plays on both offense and defense, contributing to the Buffs’ strong first-half performance. However, his return was overshadowed by the team’s collapse, and he didn’t appear to be at full strength. The Buffs will need Hunter to regain his dominant form moving forward.
3. Bowl Hopes in Jeopardy: This devastating loss has put Colorado’s bowl chances at risk. With four currently-ranked teams remaining on their schedule, securing a bowl game berth is no longer a guarantee. The team will need to bounce back from this embarrassing defeat to keep their postseason hopes alive. Coach Prime emphasized the need for resilience and growth in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, the Buffaloes experienced a heartbreaking collapse against Stanford. Their inability to handle the pressure, along with crucial mistakes and a lack of discipline, led to their downfall. This loss not only threatens their postseason aspirations but also presents a psychological challenge for the team moving forward. Only time will tell if they can recover and emerge stronger from this defeat.
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