When Colorado lined up for the final play of regulation against Baylor on that thrilling Saturday night, the Buffaloes had a strategy that was a bit unconventional, especially given the circumstances. They were down by six points and needed a Hail Mary touchdown to tie the game. You’d think they’d go to Travis Hunter, their superstar who had been sensational throughout the night with six receptions for 126 yards. But the Buffaloes had a different plan in mind—Hunter was going to be a decoy.
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado’s talented quarterback and son of legendary coach Deion Sanders, revealed the strategy post-game: "We put Travis backside, he's going to get all the attention, and then LaJohntay’s just going to be there, outside, one-on-one." It made sense. Hunter, being a major offensive threat, would naturally draw defenders toward the middle of the end zone. This left LaJohntay Wester, a 5-foot-11, 167-pound wideout, in a more favorable position.
"They’re not going to think we’re going to throw him the ball because he's a shorter guy, probably in that situation," Sanders explained. As the play unfolded, Sanders rolled to his left, keeping his eyes downfield, and lofted the ball toward the end zone. “I just trusted God. I threw it up to God, and God answered the prayer, for sure.”
And boy, did that prayer get answered. Sanders’ throw from Baylor’s 49-yard line found Wester in a jaw-dropping moment, as he squeezed between two Baylor defenders and dove into the end zone for the game-tying touchdown. Pandemonium ensued at Folsom Field. The Buffaloes eventually secured a dramatic 38-31 overtime win, sending their fans into a frenzy and marking the most electrifying finish under second-year coach Deion Sanders.
This win wasn’t just any victory; it was a statement. Colorado overcame three separate deficits throughout the game and even bounced back from a crushing 100-yard kick return touchdown by Baylor. For Colorado, it was a return to form in their first Big 12 win since rejoining the conference. Coach Sanders was effusive in his praise for the team's resilience. "Great, great, great, great, great, great win," he declared. "The young men were resilient. They never gave up."
This victory was the culmination of a complete team effort. Shedeur Sanders threw for an impressive 341 yards, connecting on two pivotal touchdown strikes—a 58-yard bomb to Omarion Miller just before halftime and a 43-yard dart to Wester as the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter. In overtime, Sanders led a clutch touchdown drive, capped off by Micah Welch’s second rushing score of the game.
Speaking about the moment, Shedeur summed up his feelings, saying, "That's why I use the word legendary, and I post it so many times. That’s the word I stand by and live by. Through all the moments, throughout everything, I know, at the end of the day, legendary, that’s what’s ingrained in me."
Hunter, who was already having an incredible night with 130 receiving yards on seven catches, put the finishing touches on the game in overtime on the defensive side. Baylor's Dominic Richardson was on a straight path to the end zone when Hunter swooped in, knocking the ball free. It rolled out of the end zone, and after an official review, it was confirmed: Colorado had dodged a bullet.
Colorado’s fans stormed the field, celebrating in pure euphoria. As for Hunter, he was calm and focused. "Shedeur told me to go out there and get the ball once [Colorado] scored, so I told him, 'I got you,' and I kept my word," he said. "I knew I had to tackle. You could see me putting in my mouthpiece late on the play, so I was already ready. I knew they were coming at me. They don't think I can tackle, so I had to show them."
On the final play of regulation, Hunter understood his role perfectly. Most Hail Mary plays are 50-50 propositions, but with Colorado’s dynamic receiving corps, Hunter believed their chances were more like 80-20. The plan worked flawlessly, leaving Baylor’s defense scrambling.
LaJohntay Wester, the man of the hour, gave credit where it was due. "I saw [Sanders] rolling out, and then I saw the ball coming my way," Wester said. "As a receiver, your job is to make the quarterback right, whether it’s a good ball or a bad ball. I just made a play on the ball." Wester, a transfer from Florida Atlantic, has been a crucial addition to the Buffaloes this season, making the most of his opportunities.
On the other side, Baylor coach Dave Aranda was left frustrated by the defensive breakdown on the Hail Mary. He explained that the play call was supposed to be a "victory cigar," designed to flush Sanders toward a contain rusher. But the defenders mixed up their assignments, and Colorado capitalized on the mistake. "I’ve never seen that, and I take full responsibility for that. I have to find a way to coach that better," Aranda said, reflecting on the miscue.
The atmosphere after the game was electric. Wester called it a "party," describing how the celebration spilled from the field into the locker room. Even though Deion Sanders admitted that the field storm prevented him from shaking hands with Aranda, he couldn’t help but commend the fans for their unwavering support. "We have a fan base that’s phenomenal," Sanders said. "We have some young kids on this campus that love and breathe CU football, and I’m thankful."
In a game full of highlights, Colorado’s offensive line quietly made a significant impact. Despite being heavily criticized throughout the season, they paved the way for three rushing touchdowns, something that had been a point of contention for the Buffs. While Baylor’s defense racked up eight sacks and 12 tackles for loss, the Buffaloes stood tall when it mattered most. "I just want everybody to know we can run the ball, and shut up all the haters about it," Micah Welch said.
One pivotal moment in the game came when Baylor missed a field goal with 2:16 remaining. Had they converted, the Bears would have gone up by 10 points, effectively putting the game out of reach. Instead, they left the door open, and Shedeur Sanders didn’t waste the opportunity.
Reflecting on the game, Deion Sanders couldn’t help but smile, though he acknowledged the stress of such a roller-coaster game. "It kind of threw us back to last year a little bit, didn’t it? Like that nostalgia, that's the way stuff was starting last year," Sanders quipped, alluding to Colorado’s surprising 3-0 start to his tenure. "I’m like, 'Man, I’m going gray, what you trying to do to me, fellas?' It was a tough one. This press conference could be totally different right now, but I’m excited that we won."
The Buffaloes’ victory over Baylor was more than just a win—it was a declaration of resilience, a reminder that this team, under the leadership of Deion Sanders and the brilliance of Shedeur Sanders, will never quit.
Login