The West Virginia Mountaineers delivered a statement win on Saturday, outlasting the Colorado Buffaloes 29-22 in a tense Big 12 showdown that has reignited bowl hopes in Morgantown and raised tough questions for Deion Sanders’ struggling Buffaloes.
A Game of Surprises and Standouts
West Virginia, now 4-6 on the season, leaned on unexpected heroes to secure their second straight victory—a feat they hadn’t managed all year. With their running back corps decimated by injuries, sophomore Curtis Jones Jr., usually a hybrid linebacker, stepped up in the backfield. Jones punched in two short touchdown runs, providing the physical edge the Mountaineers desperately needed.
Head coach Rich Rodriguez praised Jones’ versatility, calling him “a weapon” after the game. “I’m just trying to help my team in any situation I can,” Jones said, reflecting the gritty, next-man-up mentality that defined West Virginia’s performance.
Colorado’s Freshman Gamble Falls Short
For Colorado, the loss marks their third straight defeat and officially ends their bowl eligibility for the fourth time in five seasons. Freshman quarterback Ju Ju Lewis, making his first start in place of Kaidon Salter, showed flashes of brilliance. Lewis threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns, including a 23-yard strike to Omarion Miller that kept the Buffaloes within striking distance in the third quarter.
Despite Lewis’ efforts and a season-high 131 receiving yards from Miller, Colorado never led. The Buffaloes’ offensive line struggled, surrendering seven sacks to a relentless West Virginia defense.
Key Moments and Turning Points
-
Blocked Punt for a Safety: West Virginia’s Israel Boyce blocked a Colorado punt in the first quarter, resulting in a safety—the Mountaineers’ first since 2014.
-
Big Plays on Both Sides: Diore Hubbard’s 69-yard catch set up a crucial touchdown for West Virginia, while Colorado’s Joseph Williams and Omarion Miller kept the Buffaloes in the hunt with timely receptions.
-
Late Drama: After a late Colorado field goal cut the deficit to 29-22, West Virginia recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock, sealing the win.
What This Means for Both Programs
West Virginia: Bowl Hopes Back in Play
With the win, West Virginia’s bowl prospects are suddenly alive. The defense looked disruptive, racking up 15 tackles for loss and making life miserable for Colorado’s offense. If the Mountaineers can keep this momentum, a postseason berth is within reach—a remarkable turnaround for a team that looked dead in the water just weeks ago.
Colorado: Deion Sanders Faces Tough Questions
For Deion Sanders, now 16-19 in his third year at Colorado, the pressure is mounting. The Buffaloes have been outscored 105-24 in their previous two games and have now dropped three straight. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued the team, and with bowl hopes dashed, the focus shifts to player development and salvaging pride in the final games.
Looking Ahead
-
Colorado enters a bye week before hosting Arizona State on November 22.
-
West Virginia travels to Arizona State next Saturday, hoping to keep their bowl dreams alive.
The Big 12’s new landscape is as unpredictable as ever, and Saturday’s clash between Colorado and West Virginia proved that grit, adaptability, and a little bit of luck can change a team’s fortunes overnight.
Sources
1. Colorado vs. West Virginia Game Highlights | 2025 Big 12 Football
2. Colorado Buffaloes 2025 Season Preview: Wide Receivers
3. Colorado Buffaloes vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Live Score and ...
4. What I Think: WVU looks steadier — and suddenly, bowl talk is back on the table
5. Colorado vs West Virginia | November 8, 2025 Big 12 College Football
