In a game that will be etched in the memories of Colorado Buffaloes fans for years to come, Shedeur Sanders once again demonstrated his remarkable composure and late-game heroics. Sanders’ “Brady Mode” was on full display as he led the Buffaloes to a stunning victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils, marking Colorado’s first conference win in the competitive PAC-12.
nn
The young quarterback had previously invoked the name of his mentor, Tom Brady, when talking about clutch performances, and on this Friday night, he lived up to that billing. With a mere 50 seconds left on the clock, Sanders orchestrated a memorable drive that culminated in a game-winning field goal by Alejandro Mata.
nn
Sanders’ resilience was a testament to his character, as he bounced back from taking some hard hits in the first half to deliver when it mattered most. He showcased his arm strength and precision, throwing a critical pass from his own 20-yard line to Javon Antonio, who skillfully maneuvered the ball into field goal range.
nn
After the victory, Sanders added a touch of swagger to his reputation by celebrating with the Arizona State student section, making his signature watch-throwing gesture.
nn
Mata, a key addition who followed Coach Deion Sanders from Jackson State to Colorado, proved his mettle by nailing the game-winning field goal. Coach Prime’s encouragement for Mata to “Do his dance” captured the joyous spirit of the moment.
nn
This win came on the heels of a tumultuous two weeks for Colorado, with losses to Oregon and USC, making the victory over a 1-4 Arizona State team all the more crucial. What’s remarkable is that this was their first full-game win without their star player, Travis Hunter.
nn
According to Coach Deion Sanders, Hunter’s return is just a few weeks away, and his absence has been keenly felt on both offense and defense. However, every week, the Buffaloes seem to unearth a new offensive weapon, and this week, it was Javon Antonio who took center stage. Antonio delivered with 81 yards on 5 receptions, including a vital touchdown. Jimmy Horn, Jr. continued to shine with 49 yards on 5 receptions.
nn
While Shedeur Sanders’ passing numbers of 239 yards and 1 touchdown may seem modest by his standards, he once again proved that he thrives under pressure, coming through when it matters most.
nn
Defensively, the Buffaloes faced a stern challenge, giving up 335 passing yards to the Sun Devils. However, they found a silver lining by excelling against the run, holding Arizona State to a mere 57 yards rushing—an area where Colorado had previously struggled.
nn
Statistically, Arizona State may have won in numerous categories, including first downs, 4th down conversions, total plays, time of possession, total yards, rushing yards, passing yards, and yards per play. However, the Buffaloes decisively won the only stat that truly counts—points—thanks to Shedeur Sanders’ brilliance in the game’s final moments.
nn
For Colorado, every game has been a fierce battle, win or lose, and as they gear up to face Stanford next Friday night, their ability to thrive under pressure and fight until the end remains their defining characteristic. With Shedeur Sanders leading the charge, the Buffaloes are proving themselves as a formidable force in the PAC-12.
