Colorado celebrated a historic victory on Friday night, beating No. 14 Houston 42-32 at Folsom Field. The win marked the Buffaloes’ first triumph over an AP top‑15 team since a 2007 upset of Oklahoma, and it gave coach Deion Sanders a much‑needed boost as his tenure enters a critical stretch.
Game recap
Trailing 20-7 late in the first half, Colorado answered with 28 unanswered points, turning the contest in their favor. The Buffaloes amassed 466 total yards, including a season‑high 249 rushing yards – the most ground production in the Sanders era at Colorado.
Sanders, who hired offensive coordinator Brennan Marion to install the fast‑paced “Go‑Go” offense, saw his team finally click. Colorado, which entered the game averaging a league‑low 19.8 points per game, exploded for four touchdowns of 32 yards or more.
Running back Isaac Wilson sparked the offense before exiting with an injury early in the third quarter. Replacement Kaneal Sweetwyne scored on his first carry, a 14‑yard run that pushed the lead to 35-20. Wilson briefly returned on a questionable ankle, and a later fourth‑and‑3 attempt in Houston territory ended in a stop.
Colorado recorded five rushing touchdowns for the first time since a 2020 win over UCLA. Highlights included a 67‑yard run by DeKalon Taylor, a 38‑yard score from Richard Young, and a 32‑yard burst by JaQuail Smith.
Coach Sanders’ perspective
“These kids are resilient. They have not stopped. They have not quit,” Sanders said after the win. “I’m really a proud guy right now.” He added that the team has been capable of this level of play all season, but had not yet put it together.
Sanders also addressed speculation about his future, noting on the ESPN broadcast that he has “been around noise all my life” and remains focused on the program.
Houston response
Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns but also tossed an interception. Coach Willie Fritz called the loss “a tough one” and said his staff was prepared for criticism.
Looking ahead
Colorado (4-6, 2-5 Big 12) must win its remaining games to become bowl‑eligible and avoid a third losing season in Sanders’ four years. The Buffaloes head to Cincinnati on Nov. 21 for their final regular‑season matchup.
Houston (7-3, 4-3) travels to West Virginia on Nov. 21 to continue its push for a conference championship.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
