Controversial Call Sparks Colorado Buffaloes’ First-Quarter Lead Against Iowa State

A reversed call on an incomplete pass ignited a scoring drive for the Colorado Buffaloes yesterday, giving them a 7-3 lead over the No. 22 Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field in Boulder.

Early in the game, the Buffaloes’ offense struggled, gaining only 16 yards in their first two drives, and quarterback Kaidon Salter appeared unsettled. However, on third down near their own end zone, wide receiver Joseph Williams made a contested catch that was initially ruled incomplete. After review, officials overturned the call, awarding Colorado a crucial first down. This pivotal moment shifted momentum, leading to an eight-yard touchdown run by running back Micah Welch.

Despite the early success, Colorado’s offense continued to face challenges, managing just 73 total yards outside of that initial 90-yard drive. Iowa State’s strong run defense limited the Buffs’ ground game to 33 yards on 12 carries, and Salter experienced accuracy issues. However, Colorado’s defense, led by linemen Keaten Wade and Amari McNeill, kept the game close, forcing several key incompletions from Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht. The strong defensive showing is a positive sign for a unit that has faced scrutiny this season.

Iowa State responded late in the second quarter, scoring a touchdown to take a 10-7 lead into halftime. The game is a significant early-season test for Coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes as they navigate a challenging Big 12 schedule. Colorado Athletics officials stated they will review the play with the conference to ensure clarity in future rulings, while the Cyclones are looking to capitalize on their momentum in the second half.