The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Colorado Runs Over No. 14 Houston 42-32 for Third Ranked Win of the Sanders Era
By Hollis Brandt
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Colorado delivered one of its biggest victories of the season Friday night, knocking off No. 14 Houston 42-32 at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. The upset improved the Buffaloes to 4-6 overall and 2-5 in Big 12 play, while dealing a significant blow to Houston’s College Football Playoff hopes.
The Cougars entered the game ranked 14th nationally and at 7-2, with an opportunity to strengthen their postseason position. Instead, they left Colorado with a third defeat of the season, falling to 7-3 overall and 4-3 in conference play. According to theScore, the loss marked Houston’s second defeat in three games and substantially weakened its playoff prospects.
For Colorado, the victory marked its third win over a ranked opponent under head coach Deion Sanders. The Buffaloes found themselves in an early hole before producing the scoring run that ultimately decided the game.
Houston controlled the opening portion of the contest, scoring on each of its first four drives. The Cougars built a 20-7 advantage, putting Colorado in a position where it needed to respond offensively to remain competitive.
The response was emphatic. Colorado scored 28 unanswered points, turning a 13-point deficit into control of the game. The Buffaloes found their greatest success on the ground, finishing with 250 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.
According to the game statistics, the rushing total represented Colorado’s most in a single game under Sanders. The production gave the Buffaloes a consistent way to move the ball and provided the foundation for their comeback against a ranked opponent.
Colorado’s ability to take control after Houston’s fast start changed the complexion of the contest. The Cougars had scored on all four of their opening possessions, but the Buffaloes answered with a sustained stretch of scoring that shifted the advantage to the home team.
One of the defining plays came in the third quarter. Colorado’s quarterback delivered a deep pass down the right sideline, finding receiver Joseph Williams in stride. Williams caught the ball without breaking stride and ran untouched into the end zone for a touchdown, extending the Buffaloes’ advantage to 28-20.
The play gave Colorado a two-score lead and illustrated how the Buffaloes could threaten Houston through the air even as their rushing attack supplied the bulk of the production. It was a significant moment in a game that had begun with the Cougars dictating the pace.
Colorado continued to build its advantage, leading 35-20 late in the third quarter. Houston’s early scoring success had given the Cougars an opportunity to establish control, but the Buffaloes’ response ensured that the early advantage would not hold.
The result leaves Colorado with a 4-6 record and two conference victories. Although the Buffaloes remain below .500, the victory over a ranked opponent provided a clear highlight in a season that has included difficult stretches.
Houston, meanwhile, faces a difficult postseason outlook after its third loss. At 7-3, the Cougars still have a winning record, but their path to the College Football Playoff became considerably more difficult following a second defeat in three games.
The Buffaloes entered Friday night with a losing record. They left Folsom Field with a ranked victory and a performance that demonstrated the impact of their ground game. For Houston, the night ended with a missed opportunity and a loss that reshaped its postseason picture.
Hollis Brandt
College Football, The Library Media
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