Sanders, Hunter push Colorado past North Dakota State in opener, 31-26

Buffs take care of Bison late, but it wasn't easy in Thursday night affair

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Shedeur Sanders led Colorado to a 31-26 victory over FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, showcasing his remarkable passing ability and resilience. Sanders threw for an impressive 445 yards and four touchdowns, including three to standout Travis Hunter, as the Buffaloes began Year two under Deion Sanders with a hard-fought win on Thursday night. Despite the victory, Colorado faced a persistent challenge from the Bison, who made the game tense until the final seconds.

The Buffaloes seemed to secure the win when Sanders, under pressure, scrambled and launched a deep pass on third-and-8, drawing a pass interference call that provided Colorado with a crucial first down with just 1:41 left. However, a surprising decision to pass on first down left time on the clock, allowing North Dakota State one last opportunity. The Bison regained possession with 31 seconds remaining, and quarterback Cam Miller’s desperate heave from his own 47-yard line as time expired was caught by Tyler Terhark, falling just four yards short of a potential game-winning touchdown.

Throughout the game, North Dakota State’s methodical approach kept Sanders and Colorado’s explosive offense sidelined for much of the first half. Once on the field, however, Sanders wasted no time, executing quick and effective drives. Jimmy Horn Jr. emerged as a key target, recording seven receptions for 198 yards and a touchdown, while Hunter caught seven passes for 132 yards. Hunter’s acrobatic 3-yard touchdown grab, where he outmuscled a defender, gave the Buffaloes a 31-20 lead with 7:57 remaining. Despite playing both ways, Hunter continued to deliver game-changing performances on offense and defense.

What NFL scouts said about Shedeur Sanders vs. North Dakota State

Sanders ended the night completing 26-of-34 passes with an interception and an impressive passer rating of 219.4. However, the Buffaloes’ offense bore a striking resemblance to last season's, with a dynamic passing attack overshadowing a limited rushing game. Although the revamped offensive line allowed only one sack, Sanders frequently found himself scrambling to extend plays.

Defensively, Colorado remains a work in progress under new coordinator Robert Livingston. The unit struggled at times, allowing Miller to score on a 20-yard scramble that pulled North Dakota State within five points late in the game. The Bison’s final drive nearly ended in an upset, but Colorado’s defense held firm when it mattered most.

North Dakota State, led by new head coach Tim Polasek, demonstrated why they are ranked No. 2 in the FCS preseason polls. Miller was instrumental, rushing for two touchdowns and passing for another as the Bison led 20-17 at halftime. Despite the loss, North Dakota State’s performance against an FBS opponent underscored their reputation as a formidable program, though they fell to 9-5 all-time against FBS teams, including 3-2 against Big 12 opponents.