Another close match, ending with Colorado loss as time expires 

Shedeur Sanders runs for a first quarter touchdown against Arizona at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday November 11, 2023. Arizona won 34 to 31. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

Boulder, CU – With no time remaining and a tied game, the Arizona Wildcats secured their win against the Colorado Buffaloes 34-31 with a 24-yard field goal Saturday at a sold-out Folsom Field for the final home game this season. 

“We could have won the darn game. I like that we should have won. I’m tired of we could’ve won,” coach Deion Sander said. 

Colorado’s Jimmy Horn Jr. (5) attempts to hurdle over Arizona’s Genesis Smith (12) in the second quarter at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday November 11, 2023. Arizona won 34 to 31. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

And he’s right, they should have won. The drive prior to the final game winning field goal, Colorado kicker Alejandro Mata missed a 44-yard field goal to the right with 4:57 remaining. The team was also in the lead until the final snap. 

The last four loses have been by a total of 25 points. 

After two back-to-back punts, Colorado took the lead Saturday as Sanders finished a three-play drive with a 16-yard run. The Wildcats replied with a touchdown, tying the match 7-7. 

Arizona’s Noah Fifita (11) looks for his running back to make the hand off in the fourth quarter at Colorado at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday November 11, 2023. Arizona won 34 to 31. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

But Colorado replied again with another touchdown, this time a 20-yard pass from Sanders to wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. 

Shedeur Sanders ended the match with two passing touchdowns and a run; he also finished with 262 yards passing to go over the 10,000-yard mark for his career. And despite the losing season, Sanders is close to breaking some program records at Colorado as he is 56 passing yards away from the single season passing yard record of 3,2000 set by Sefo Liufau in 2014. 

Colorado went into the second half with another touchdown and field goal, leading 24-17. 

Arizona’s Tanner McLachlan (84) makes a fourth quarter sideline reception while Colorado’s Jordan Domineck (44) closes in to make the tackle at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday November 11, 2023. Arizona won 34 to 31. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

The Wildcats scored early in the 3rd, attempting a comeback, and tying the match 24-24 after a 2-yard pass. 

However, Shedeur Sanders’ seven-yard touchdown pass to tight end Michael Harrison late in the third put Colorado up 31-24. On the same play, Arizona defensive end Taylor Upshaw was called for a roughing call; Upshaw briefly joined Colorado before transferring to Arizona in the Spring. 

Two-way stand out Travis Hunter ended with no touchdowns this week, but still had 5 receptions for 74 yards on offense and a pass breakup and six tackles on defense. 

The lead soon became a tie as the Wildcats scored with 14:55 left in the fourth, not scoring again until no time remained. 

Shedeur Sanders runs for a first quarter touchdown against Arizona at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday November 11, 2023. Arizona won 34 to 31. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

However, Shedeur Sanders chooses to not let this loss and the season bring down his confidence and belief in himself. 

“You can’t go in a dark tunnel if you have a season like this,” he said after. “Nothing will ever be perfect.” 

The Buffaloes ended the season 2-4 home this season, and 4-6 overall. 

Colorado is heading to Washington State on Friday, Nov. 17. With two games left, Colorado won’t be playing in any bowl games, but can end the season even if they win both games.