Deion Sanders apologizes after Baylor-Colorado ends with premature field storm
Colorado fans felt so good about beating Baylor, they rushed the field. Twice, to the chagrin of Deion Sanders.
The Buffaloes' Big 12-opening 38-31 win over unranked Baylor ended in chaotic fashion. In the span of a couple minutes, Baylor appeared on the verge of scoring a game-tying touchdown, Colorado appeared to force a fumble, the play went to a review, Colorado fans stormed the field, the PA announcer pleaded with them to get off the field, the officials ruled the play a fumble and Colorado fans stormed the field again.
And that was only after a game-tying Hail Mary to end regulation.
The game came down to a first-and-goal play from the 2-yard line in which Baylor needed a touchdown to send the game to a second overtime. Baylor running back Dominic Richardson found enough space to make a touchdown likely, but unfortunately, Travis Hunter was in the way.
The NFL Draft first-round prospect found the ball at the perfect time and forced a fumble into the end zone.
TRAVIS HUNTER FORCES THE FUMBLE FOR THE COLORADO WIN 😤🔥@CUBuffsFootball pic.twitter.com/9HIumwyqCl
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 22, 2024
Colorado recovered the ball, but the officials needed to review the play to make sure Richardson actually lost it before crossing the plane for a touchdown. The review was likely to go the Buffaloes' way, but their fans decided they'd rather not wait.
FANS STORMED THE FIELD BEFORE THE GAME IS OFFICIALLY OVER 😱 pic.twitter.com/Dsk5NfeF5A
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 22, 2024
"Ladies and gentlemen, please exit the field, the play is under review," the Colorado PA announcer could be heard saying.
It didn't take long for the officials to keep the call on the field, opening the door for a full field storm. Colorado was a 2.5-point favorite on BetMGM.
FIELD STORM IN BOULDER
COLORADO WINS IT @CUBuffsFootball pic.twitter.com/ypaPVSatyp— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 22, 2024
One person who didn't like how the game ended was Sanders. The Colorado head coach apologized while speaking to reporters for the field storm, which he said prevented him from shaking hands with Baylor head coach Dave Aranda.
"That's not professional, I wanted to shake his hand and acknowledge him," Sanders said, via Tyler King of the Denver Gazette.
The win improves Colorado's record to 3-1, one win short of its entire total from last year. The Buffaloes will try to equal that number next weekend on the road against UCF.