The college football season kicked off with a dramatic upset as Deion Sanders' Colorado Buffaloes clinched a 14-13 road victory against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. The win was sealed on the final play when Colorado's Boo Carter blocked a 45-yard field goal attempt by Georgia Tech's Aidan Birr, stunning the home crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Late-Game Heroics
The decisive moment came just moments after Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis connected with tight end Charlie Williams for a 20-yard touchdown with 37 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. This score ended a prolonged offensive drought for the Buffaloes, who had only managed a second-quarter touchdown prior to the late surge.
Colorado's defense played a crucial role throughout the game, holding Georgia Tech scoreless in the third quarter and keeping the score within reach. The Yellow Jackets had extended their lead to 10-7 earlier in the fourth quarter with a field goal from Birr, following a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Rahkeem Smith in the second quarter.
Despite struggles on special teams, including a blocked field goal attempt by Colorado earlier in the fourth quarter, Carter's defensive stand ultimately secured the win. Colorado's offense demonstrated a strong run game under new offensive coordinator Breanna Marion, outrushing Georgia Tech 183-51, though this advantage did not consistently translate into points.
Season Outlook
The victory marks an encouraging start for the Buffaloes, who finished last season with a 3-9 record in Sanders' third year as head coach. While areas such as special teams require refinement, the hard-fought win provides momentum as the team aims to improve its standing in the upcoming season.