Full Breakdown
Colorado Buffaloes Fall to Arizona State Sun Devils in Senior Night Defeat
11/23/2025, 8:52:55 PM
Game Overview: Colorado vs. Arizona State
The Colorado Buffaloes faced a disappointing 42-17 loss against the Arizona State Sun Devils on November 22, 2025, at Folsom Field, marking their fourth consecutive defeat. The Buffaloes, now 3-8 overall and 1-7 in the Big 12, struggled to capitalize on opportunities, despite forcing four turnovers from the Sun Devils. Arizona State improved to 8-3, maintaining their hopes for a spot in the Big 12 Championship game.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The game was tightly contested until the fourth quarter, with Colorado trailing by just four points, 21-17. However, a critical decision by head coach Deion Sanders to insert walk-on Ronald Coleman into the game proved pivotal. Coleman, who had never carried the ball in a college game, fumbled on his first touch, leading to an 88-yard touchdown run by Arizona State's Raleek Brown just moments later. This sequence shifted the momentum decisively in favor of the Sun Devils, who scored 21 unanswered points in the final quarter.
Performance Analysis: Raleek Brown and Julian Lewis
Raleek Brown was the standout performer for Arizona State, rushing for a career-high 255 yards and scoring two touchdowns, including the game-changing 88-yard run. His performance set a new road rushing record for the Sun Devils and showcased his explosive playmaking ability.
On the other hand, Colorado's freshman quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis completed 19 of 38 passes for 161 yards and one touchdown. Despite showing flashes of potential, Lewis struggled under pressure, being sacked four times and failing to maintain consistent offensive rhythm. After the game, Lewis expressed disappointment in the team's performance, emphasizing the need for improvement across the board.
Official Statements and Responses
Deion Sanders took full responsibility for the loss, particularly for the decision to play Coleman at a critical moment. “The gentleman who fumbled, that’s on me,” Sanders stated. He acknowledged that the team needs to improve in situational football and expressed frustration over missed opportunities to capitalize on turnovers.
Arizona State's head coach, Kenny Dillingham, praised his team's resilience, noting that despite their turnovers, they managed to dominate the game in the second half. “The O-line played phenomenal in the second half,” Dillingham remarked, highlighting the effectiveness of their run game.
Criticism and Opposition
The decision to play Coleman has drawn significant criticism from fans and analysts alike, with many questioning the coaching staff's judgment in high-pressure situations. The Buffaloes' inability to convert on turnovers and their struggles against the run have also raised concerns about the team's direction under Sanders. Critics argue that the coaching staff has not adequately prepared the team to compete consistently in the Big 12.
What's Next for Colorado
With one game remaining in the season against the Kansas State Wildcats, the Buffaloes face a challenging road ahead. The outcome of this game will not only conclude their disappointing season but also set the stage for significant offseason changes, as Sanders has indicated that major adjustments are forthcoming. The focus will be on retaining key players and improving the overall performance of the team as they look to rebuild for the 2026 season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The goal was to stop the running game because we figured they wouldn't profound a pass, and we gave up 355 yards rushing.” — Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado Buffaloes
- “The O-line played phenomenal in the second half.” — Kenny Dillingham, Head Coach, Arizona State Sun Devils
- “Just missed opportunity, realistically,” — Julian Lewis, Quarterback, Colorado Buffaloes
The Buffaloes' season has been marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities, leaving fans and analysts questioning the future direction of the program under Coach Sanders.
