Miracle Comeback Seals Thrilling Big 12 Opener for Colorado

In a dramatic Big 12 conference opener, the Colorado Buffaloes overcame a late deficit to defeat the Baylor Bears in overtime, 38-31. The game featured a series of remarkable plays and a stunning comeback that had the Folsom Field crowd on the edge of their seats until the final seconds.

A Rollercoaster of Emotions in Boulder

Baylor Strikes First, but Colorado Responds

The Bears struck first, with Monaray Baldwin making a spectacular diving catch for a 30-yard touchdown. However, Colorado quickly responded, finishing a 75-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run by quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Special Teams Heroics and a Defensive Standoff

The game then took an unexpected turn, as Baylor's Jamaal Bell returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bears a 17-10 lead. The defenses then settled in, with both teams struggling to find the end zone until late in the first half.

Buffaloes Claw Back Before Halftime

Just before the half, Colorado closed the gap to 24-17 with a 58-yard touchdown pass from Sanders to Omarion Miller. The play was reviewed and confirmed, as Miller's knee never touched the ground, allowing him to regain his balance and reach the end zone.

A Dramatic Fourth Quarter and Overtime Thriller

The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with Baylor taking a 31-24 lead late in the fourth quarter. However, Colorado responded with a game-tying touchdown pass from Sanders to LaJohntay Wester with just seconds remaining, sending the game to overtime.In the extra period, the Buffaloes' Micah Welch scored the game-winning touchdown on a 1-yard run. The Bears appeared to tie the game on the next possession, but Colorado's Travis Hunter forced a fumble as Baylor's Dominic Richardson attempted to leap over the goal line, sealing the victory for the Buffaloes.

Individual Standouts and Historic Implications

Sanders finished the game with 341 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Hunter had a standout performance, recording seven receptions for 130 yards and forcing the game-deciding fumble. The win was particularly significant for Colorado, as it marked the Buffaloes' first Big 12 conference matchup at Folsom Field since 2010, when they left the conference to join the Pac-12.The thrilling victory sets the stage for an exciting season ahead for the Buffaloes, who will look to build on this momentum as they travel to face UCF next Saturday. Meanwhile, Baylor will have the opportunity to rebound when they take on BYU in their next outing.