The Colorado Buffaloes’ hopes for a Big 12 resurgence took a dramatic hit last Saturday night in Fort Worth, as the TCU Horned Frogs staged a second-half comeback to hand Deion Sanders’ squad a stinging 35-21 defeat. For fans and analysts alike, the game was a microcosm of Colorado’s season: flashes of promise, followed by missed opportunities and a painful unraveling.
Early Dominance, Sudden Downfall
Colorado came out swinging, jumping to a
14-0 lead midway through the second quarter. The Buffaloes leaned heavily on their run game, with Dallan Hayden and Micah Welch pounding out tough yards behind an offensive line that looked sharper than it has all season. For a moment, it seemed like the Buffs might finally break their losing streak and revive their bowl hopes.
But the momentum didn’t last. TCU’s offense, led by quarterback Josh Hoover, found its rhythm and began to exploit Colorado’s defensive lapses. Turnovers and self-inflicted mistakes—recurring issues for the Buffaloes—flipped the script. By the final whistle, Colorado had surrendered 35 unanswered points, walking off the field with another bitter loss.
TCU’s Offensive Explosion
Josh Hoover was the star of the night, accounting for five touchdowns and orchestrating a relentless second-half attack. The Horned Frogs’ ability to adjust and capitalize on Colorado’s errors was a testament to their coaching and depth. TCU’s win not only kept their own Big 12 hopes alive but also showcased why they remain one of the conference’s most dangerous teams.
Winners and Losers: Who Stood Out?
Despite the defeat, there were bright spots for Colorado:
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Offensive Line: The unit delivered its best run blocking of the season, giving the Buffaloes a fighting chance early on.
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Running Backs: Dallan Hayden and Micah Welch provided a steady punch, even as injuries thinned the backfield.
On the flip side, the loss exposed ongoing issues:
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Turnovers: Costly mistakes continue to haunt Colorado, derailing promising drives and shifting momentum.
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Missed Opportunities: Failure to capitalize on early dominance allowed TCU to claw back and ultimately take control.
What’s Next for Colorado?
With this defeat, Colorado is now
at risk of missing a bowl game altogether. The Buffaloes must win four of their final six games to keep postseason hopes alive—a tall order given their recent form and the strength of upcoming opponents.
For Deion Sanders and his team, the challenge is clear: fix the mistakes, harness the flashes of potential, and find a way to finish strong. Otherwise, a season that began with optimism could end in disappointment.
Actionable Takeaways and Future Implications
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Colorado must address turnovers and mental errors if they want to salvage their season.
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TCU’s win solidifies their status as a Big 12 contender, with Josh Hoover emerging as a key playmaker.
- Fans should watch Colorado’s next few games closely—each one could determine the fate of their bowl eligibility.
Sources
1. Colorado's Biggest Winners, Losers From Costly Collapse Against TCU Horned Frogs
2. FUBO News Today | Why did fuboTV stock go down today?
3. TCU heads to the Little Apple to face Kansas State
4. SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
5. TCU 35-21 Colorado (Oct 4, 2025) Game Recap
6. The Big Boo Cast
7. Colorado Buffaloes vs. TCU Horned Frogs | Full Game Highlights
