Hail Mary Saves Day: Buffaloes' Miraculous Overtime Win!

Hail Mary Saves Day: Buffaloes' Miraculous Overtime Win!

3 minute read
Published: 9/22/2024

In a thrilling showdown at Folsom Field, the Colorado Buffaloes staged a stunning comeback, winning against Baylor 38-31 in overtime thanks to a jaw-dropping Hail Mary and a game-saving fumble recovery.

This nail-biting victory not only marked Colorado's first Big 12 matchup since 2010 but also showcased their resilience, as they rallied from a 24-10 deficit, with Shedeur Sanders throwing a miraculous 43-yard Hail Mary and Travis Hunter sealing the win with a crucial fumble recovery. With a sold-out crowd of nearly 53,000 witnessing the drama unfold, Coach Deion Sanders found himself torn between pride and disbelief as his team improved to 3-1 for the second year in a row.

The game began with more action than a reality TV show, as Baylor jumped to an early lead, leaving Colorado's fans wondering if they should start searching for their emotional support animals. At one point, it was 31-24 in favor of Baylor, but just when it seemed all hope was lost for the Buffaloes, they mounted an incredible comeback that led to a thrilling overtime victory.

With seconds left on the clock and the weight of the world on his shoulders, Shedeur Sanders stood tall. Facing increasing pressure, both from the Baylor defense and the hearts of hopeful fans, he unleashed a 43-yard Hail Mary pass to LaJohntay Wester, who caught it like a seasoned magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat. This statement play shocked the crowd and snatched momentum back into Colorado's favor, forcing the game into overtime.

Once the overtime rules came into play, things didn't slow down. Micah Welch was the hero of the initial possession, scoring the first touchdown in this new chapter of the match. His yardage was comparable to an entire trip down a grocery store aisle — long enough to give fans a mini heart attack, once again reminding everyone that nothing is guaranteed, especially when your team is known for late-game theatrics.

But ever the dramatic protagonists, the Buffaloes had to endure yet another tense moment when Baylor had their chance to respond. They were leading 31-24 before the final sequence of plays that forced overtime, but fate had a different script. Travis Hunter charged in and forced a fumble at the goal line during Baylor's overtime possession, stopping their chances dead in their tracks. As the ball bounced away like a wayward child at a family reunion, Colorado's defense roared with the ferocity of a thousand coffee-fueled athletes.

After the fumble, it was time for the jubilant Buffaloes to take a collective breath. Coach Deion Sanders, known for his ability to elicit mind-boggling performances from his players, was visibly overwhelmed. ‘I’m proud of how they kept fighting,’ he stated, perhaps choosing to ignore the mounting number of sacks his quarterback endured — a whopping eight times in total. Clearly, this instance did not warrant a victory dance for the offensive line.

The crowd of 52,794 fans — a number that can only be described as 'an incredible turnout' — erupted as the clock ticked down. When the final whistle blew, those beloved fans wasted no time in storming the field, filling the space with cheers and inexplicable dance moves. Reports suggested that several devoted fans reenacted their version of a soul train, which has been known to influence a few clumsy tackles on the sideline in the past.

This win not only improved Colorado's record to 3-1 but also sent a resounding message across the conference: the Buffaloes may swagger into the arena, but they can leave with a sudden flair for the dramatic. And with this victory, one can only imagine how Colorado's swagger is likely to evolve from here on.

The game served as both an emotional rollercoaster and a potent reminder for both teams: Never count out a Buffalo, especially not when they have a Hail Mary up their sleeve. As fans happily trotted back to their cars, the taste of victory mingling with the lingering scent of popcorn in the air, one couldn't help but smile — after all, sports is, and will always be, a bit of a circus, and in this case, the Buffaloes came out as the ringmasters.