Colorado Survives a Tough Test From North Dakota State

© Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

No one in the FBS wants to be tasked with playing North Dakota State in the season's opening week. Colorado found out why that was the case after getting everything they could handle from the Bison.

This game was played at Folsom Field in Boulder Colorado on Aug. 29 and the Buffaloes won 31-26. The Colorado defense struggled in the first half giving up 242 total yards and 20 points. The Buffaloes figured it out in the second half giving up 207 yards and 6 points. It should be noted that 49 of those yards came on the game's last play on a hail mary that ended at the 4-yard line.

Game Summary

This game was the Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. show. Sanders threw for 445 yards, 4 touchdowns and 1 interception. Sanders' lone interception came on a play in the red zone that deflected off of a Bison defender's leg while he was falling. Hunter had 7 catches for 132 yards and 3 touchdowns. When Colorado needed a clutch play, they went to Hunter who scored on a 3-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter that was made while falling and reaching across the defender. Horn also had 7 catches, for 198 yards and 1 touchdown. NDSU QB Cam Miller had a great performance against the Buffaloes throwing for 277 yards and a touchdown while also adding 81 yards on the ground and 2 touchdowns.

Turning Point

In the fourth quarter NDSU brought the game to a five-point spread and got Colorado to third down. The Bison defense got through the Colorado offensive line pressuring Sanders and forcing him to scramble and throw a deep pass to WR LaJohntay Wester that was underthrown, which drew a clear pass interference flag on safety Sam Jung.

This gave the Buffaloes a first down allowing the clock to tick down before the Bison got the ball back and they came up just 4-yards short.

What It Means

Colorado escaped the scare from NDSU giving them their first win since October 2023. This was a huge test before they travel to Lincoln, Neb., next week to renew that old Big 12 Conference rivalry. The Colorado defense struggled last year down the stretch but there were signs of improvements in this game. It will remain to be seen if they can continue improving as the season continues.

NDSU showed they will be a force again this season in the FCS. This game will not hurt their chance at another run at a national championship. Miller is a special player and is someone to keep an eye on this coming season. The Bison should be able to win every game on the schedule leading up to the matchup with South Dakota State on Oct 19.