Colorado, Deion Sanders' hype train roll on with electric comeback win over Colorado State in 2OT

The Buffaloes moved to 3-0 on Saturday with the most dramatic win of the Coach Prime era to this point

No. 18 Colorado overcame a double-digit, fourth-quarter deficit to shock rival Colorado State 43-35 in double-overtime. Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw for four touchdowns, including three in the fourth quarter and overtime, to move to 3-0 in the Deion Sanders era. 

Colorado faced an eight-point deficit late in the fourth quarter as a masterful Colorado State landed at the 2-yard line. Back against the wall, Sanders put together one of his finest moments, throwing for 106 yards on the drive as part of a monster 348-yard, four-touchdown performance. Sanders added a pair of overtime touchdowns to Michael Harrison to seal the victory. The Buffaloes averaged under 3.0 yards per carry, but Sanders made big plays throughout to keep the offense on schedule. 

Colorado State was in control for most of the game, leading 28-17 after scoring with 11:22 remaining. Freshman quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi threw for 367 yards and three touchdowns in a breakout performance; however, an early pick six and interception on the last play of the game cost the Rams significantly. 

The Rams outgained Colorado by 80 yards in a strong performance, but undisciplined penalties cost them significantly down the stretch. Colorado State committed 16 penalties for 176 yards, more than double the 86 penalty yards called against Colorado. Three significant flags were thrown during the overtime periods, including an illegal blindside block on what would have been a game-tying touchdown.

Instead, it was Sanders standing in the pocket and connecting with Harrison for an 18-yard touchdown that ultimately was the game winner. Colorado State had to throw a long pass on fourth down in the second overtime that was ultimately picked off. 

Colorado receiver Xavier Weaver led the way with 98 yards receiving and a touchdown, while Harrison added 76 yards and his two touchdowns in overtime. Colorado State featured three 100-yard receivers -- Tory Horton, Louis Brown and tight end Dallin Holker -- and the trio combined for four touchdowns. 

Notably, two-way star Travis Hunter had to leave the game for Colorado with an unidentified injury after being on the receiving end of a hard hit early in the first quarter. He returned to the game but was later taken out of the stadium and to the hospital for further evaluation. 

The win was Colorado's sixth straight against rival Colorado State in the Rocky Mountain Showdown, the longest streak since 1998. These two teams have seven more matchups scheduled in the coming years, including a game in 2024 which will take place in Fort Collins, Colorado. 

[Sep 17, 2023 at 2:14 am ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Rams strike back

Colorado State 35, Colorado 35

The Rams were unfazed by Colorado's first strike as freshman quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi completed three passes to get CSU into the end zone, capped off by a toss in the back of the end zone to star Tory Horton. The Rams have responded to every punch, but double-overtime presents new challenges. 

[Sep 17, 2023 at 2:08 am ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Flags cost CSU

Colorado 35, Colorado State 28

Colorado State committed two bad penalties to set up a throw from Shedeur Sanders to give Colorado its first lead since 7-0. The Rams have outgained the Buffaloes significantly, but have committed 15 penalties that have cost 167 crucial yards. Colorado State has to score to extend the game.