Full Breakdown
Colorado Buffaloes Secure Upset Victory Over No. 22 Iowa State
10/13/2025, 12:48:55 AM
Game Overview and Key Moments
On October 11, 2025, the Colorado Buffaloes achieved a significant 24-17 victory against the No. 22 Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. This win marked Colorado's first Big 12 victory of the season, improving their record to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in conference play. The Buffaloes snapped a two-game losing streak, while Iowa State fell to 5-2 and 2-2 in the Big 12.
Quarterback Kaidon Salter played a pivotal role, completing 16 of 25 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns. His standout moment included a 70-yard touchdown pass to Omarion Miller, which shifted the momentum in Colorado's favor. Joseph Williams also contributed significantly, catching eight passes for 128 yards and a touchdown.
Defensive Highlights
Colorado's defense was crucial in the fourth quarter, highlighted by an interception from Tawfiq Byard, who made the play despite having a cast on his left hand. This interception occurred during a critical moment when Iowa State was attempting to regain the lead. The Buffaloes also executed a key fourth-down stop against Iowa State, which allowed them to maintain their lead and ultimately secure the victory.
Controversial Officiating
The game featured a controversial officiating decision that impacted Iowa State's momentum. In the fourth quarter, Rocco Becht's pass was intercepted by Byard, but a flag for defensive pass interference was initially thrown. After a brief discussion, officials waived off the penalty, leading to frustration from Iowa State's head coach, Matt Campbell. He expressed disappointment over the lack of explanation regarding the decision, stating, “It’s a really tough situation... we’ll have to evaluate it, but tough call.”
Team Responses and Future Outlook
Following the game, Colorado's head coach Deion Sanders, who returned to the sidelines after recent surgery, praised his team's resilience. He remarked, “We have a team full of dawgs that just don’t quit.” This victory is seen as a confidence booster for the Buffaloes as they prepare for their next matchup against Utah on October 25.
Conversely, Iowa State's performance was marred by penalties, as they committed seven infractions during the game, a trend that has emerged in their recent outings. Coach Campbell emphasized the need to return to fundamental play, stating, “We’ve got to go back to the fundamentals of what we do.”
Conclusion
The Colorado Buffaloes' victory over Iowa State not only serves as a morale boost but also highlights their potential as they navigate the remainder of the season. With key performances from Salter and the defense, Colorado aims to build on this momentum in their upcoming games, while Iowa State seeks to regroup and address their recent challenges.
