Boulder, CU- The Colorado Buffaloes entered the second half with a commanding 21-3 lead, energized by the return of senior quarterback Kaidon Salter, who started after being benched in the previous week’s loss to Houston. The team demonstrated strong execution early, building momentum and capitalizing on Wyoming’s mistakes.
On a cool night at Folsom Field, with intermittent rain, Colorado’s defense set the tempo in the opening quarter. The Buffaloes forced Wyoming into two consecutive punts, and the Cowboys only managed first downs via Colorado pass interference penalties.
Colorado struck first in the opening half on their second possession, when Salter connected with junior wide receiver Omarion Miller for a 29-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone. Wyoming responded by marching down the field for a field goal, aided by a 50-yard run that highlighted Colorado’s vulnerability against the rush. Entering the game, the Buffaloes had been allowing an average of 123 rushing yards per contest, and Wyoming ultimately finished with 165 yards on the ground.
The Buffaloes answered immediately, as Salter found graduate student Sincere Brown down the sideline for a 68-yard touchdown. This play marked the receiver’s second touchdown of the season and was his second-longest catch to date. Salter praised his wideouts after the game, saying, “We got big, explosive receivers that can go down and make those down-end field plays. I just have to put it in a spot for them to have the opportunity to put their hands on the ball.”
Colorado capped the first half with another touchdown, completing an eight-play, 67-yard drive in under three minutes. Senior running back Simeon Price finished the sequence with a one-yard run for his first touchdown of the season.
Coming out of halftime, Colorado continued to build on their momentum with a quick scoring drive. The Buffaloes needed only three plays to cover 75 yards, with Salter throwing his third touchdown pass of the game. Senior Joseph Williams caught his first—and only—reception of the contest for the score.
However, Colorado’s offense stalled as Wyoming responded with 13 unanswered points. The Buffaloes were unable to score again in the third quarter, ending their final drive with a costly fumble at Wyoming’s one-yard line.
Early in the fourth quarter, Colorado’s defense came up big. Senior defensive end Arden Walker capitalized on Wyoming’s poor field position, sacking quarterback Kaden Anderson in the end zone for a safety on the first play of the period.
Colorado and Wyoming both completed the game with a touchdown drive apiece. Wyoming out-scored Colorado in the second half 17-16 as they failed to push the momentum and consistency of the first half.
“I’m not happy with the finish,” Coach Deon Sanders said during the post-game press conference. “I’m happy with the results, but I’m not happy with the finish. I told our young men, too much haha and heheing on the sideline when we got the lead.” Adding, “Hats off to the opposition. They did a wonderful job, Wyoming, of getting back in that game and playing their butts off with a no-quit attitude.”
Salter’s performance this game solidifies him as the starter for now. With three explosive touchdown passes and a late 35-yard touchdown run, the senior quarterback is hoping for continued success and is also focused on consistency, “This is my last year, so I want to go out there and be the best version of me for the team,” he said. “But the thing is consistency, and I just have to out there and do it again moving forward.”
The 2-2 Buffaloes host BYU next Week at 8:15 p.m. Mountain Time at Folsom Field.
