Colorado defeats No. 14 Houston 42-32 in first AP top-15 win since 2007

Colorado football defeated No. 14 Houston 42-32 on Friday night in Boulder. It marks the program's first win against an AP top-15 team since beating No. 3 Oklahoma on Sept. 29, 2007. The victory improves the Buffaloes' record to 4-6 overall and 2-5 in the Big 12.

Head coach Deion Sanders described the squad as resilient, noting that neither the players nor the coaching staff had stopped fighting. Sanders has compiled a 20-27 record in four seasons at Colorado. The team must win its final two games to become bowl eligible and avoid a third losing campaign in that span.

The Buffaloes trailed 20-7 late in the first half before scoring 28 consecutive points to take control. The offense gained 466 total yards, including a season-high 249 yards on the ground. Colorado recorded five rushing touchdowns, a first for the team since Nov. 7, 2020. DeKalon Taylor ran for 67 yards, Richard Young for 38, and JaQuail Smith for 32.

Quarterback Isaac Wilson led the comeback drive but limped off with 5:34 left in the third quarter on a banged-up ankle. Kaneal Sweetwyne replaced him and scored a 14-yard keeper to extend the lead to 35-20. Wilson returned for the fourth quarter but was stopped on a fourth-and-3 attempt in Houston territory. Houston scored on the next drive to cut the lead to 35-26 before missing a two-point conversion.

Houston quarterback Conner Weigman threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns while intercepting the ball once. The Cougars finish with a 7-3 record, including 4-3 in conference play. Coach Willie Fritz called the loss difficult, telling his players they could point the finger at him if they wanted.

Before the game, social media users created the hashtag #PlayForPrime to support Sanders. He was seen on the sideline in a stocking cap and puffy vest, retrieving a helmet that flew off the field. Sanders said he was not bothered by speculation about his future, stating, "I’ve been around noise all my life. This isn’t new."

Defensive back Randon Fontenette recorded a sack that led to a key turnover. He said he played hard because he owed it to Sanders. The Buffaloes have won their last two home games, including a 27-24 overtime victory over Kansas State on Oct. 31. Both teams play at West Virginia and Cincinnati, respectively, on Nov. 21.