North Dakota State Bison vs. Colorado Buffaloes | Full Game Highlights | ESPN College Football

North Dakota State and Colorado delivered a thrilling season opener marked by dynamic offenses and strategic plays. Cam Miller's impressive passing and running, supported by key catches from Bryce Lance and Henderson, kept North Dakota State competitive. However, Colorado's Shador Sanders showcased his exceptional quarterback skills, connecting frequently with standout Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn for crucial touchdowns. The game featured significant defensive plays, including interceptions and sacks, but ultimately, Colorado secured the win in a nail-biting finish, stopping North Dakota State's final drive short of the end zone.

• The game begins with the Bison starting their first drive.
• Miller completes a significant pass to Marshall, who gains substantial yardage.
• Jamar Brown runs for a decent gain on first down.

"Miller surveys finds a man underneath wide open, Marshall with real estate ahead of him. Marshall caught from behind and dragged down at the 20-yard line by DJ McKenna but a huge game."

• Miller finds Marshall for a big gain, setting up a strong offensive position.

"It's just a little Texas route, an angle route by the running back dumped off to TK Marshall in a big game for a season ago."

• The play involved a Texas route by the running back, leading to a significant gain.

• The field goal is successfully kicked.
• The Bison convert on third down with a significant run through a large gap in the defense.

"On third down and four trying to stay on the field, a gaping hole up the middle and offerall picks up the first down and moves the chains."

• A huge hole in the defense allows Offerall to gain the first down and keep the drive alive.

• Sanders connects with Horn for a substantial gain.
• Travis Hunter makes an impressive move, resulting in a touchdown.

"Sanders gets it out to Horn on the edge and a nice gain of about eight maybe nine on the play exploiting their speed a little bit there Rody."

• Sanders utilizes Horn's speed to gain significant yardage on the edge.

"Pressure coming shur gets out of D complete to Hunter on the move showing him his shoe bottoms Buffalo's cribbet touchdown."

• Travis Hunter evades defenders and scores a touchdown, showcasing his agility and skill.

• Miller continues to find success with passes, targeting Henderson multiple times.
• The drive concludes with a touchdown pass to Stuffle.

"Miller gets it out underneath complete to Henderson. Henderson with a good burst and pushed out of bounds by Shiloh Sanders near that first down marker."

• Miller finds Henderson, who gains yardage and is pushed out of bounds near the first down marker.

"Second and two quick slant complete for the first down out near Midfield, it's Brilin Henderson."

• A quick slant pass to Henderson results in a first down.

"Miller touchdown bison stle with the catch and Stuffle giving North Dakota State the lead."

• Stuffle catches a touchdown pass from Miller, giving North Dakota State the lead.

• Colorado uses tablets on the sidelines for strategic purposes.
• Sanders connects with Horn for another significant gain, resulting in a touchdown.

"See the use of the tablet on the sidelines, one of the changes this year in college football."

• The use of tablets on the sidelines is highlighted as a new change in college football.

"Chature Sanders over the middle of the field horn on the catch at the other end the connection and a touchdown."

• Sanders completes a pass to Horn, leading to a touchdown and showcasing their effective offensive strategy.

• D Hayden performs adequately against the blitz, providing Shador Sanders with sufficient time to execute throws.
• Joe Horn (Jimmy Horn) is notably open, making it easy for Sanders to connect with him.
• Horn's speed is a significant asset for the Colorado offense, demonstrated by his ability to reach the end zone.

"D Hayden does just good enough up against the blitz to be able to give Shador Sanders enough time to throw it down the field. Joe Horn is so open, Jimmy Horn, excuse me, so open that all you have to do is put it in the area code and then he does the rest."

• Hayden's performance against the blitz is crucial for Sanders to make effective throws.
• Horn’s openness and speed are key elements of Colorado's offensive success.

• Miller showcases his running ability, although a flag is thrown during the play.
• The penalty occurs due to hands getting high during a push.

"Second and nine, Miller showing his running ability. There's a flag down. Miller brought down right here in the middle is where it happens. The push is good initially; those hands get high."

• Miller's running is effective but marred by penalties.
• Penalty details: high hands during a push.

• Miller evades pressure on third and seven, completing a pass to Stuffle.
• Colorado's defense collapses the pocket, but Miller manages to deliver a pass downfield.

"Miller on Third and seven escapes and finds a man for the first down, Stuffle again and again. The legs of C Miller despite the pressure by Colorado collapsing the pocket, he spins out of it and delivers down the field."

• Miller's mobility and composure under pressure are crucial.
• Stuffle is a reliable target for Miller.

• Miller keeps the ball on first and ten, demonstrating strong running between the tackles.
• Defensive players attempt to strip the ball, but Bentley makes the stop.
• Travis Hunter's extensive playtime is noted.

"Miller back in keeps it himself between the tackles. Those defensive players trying to rip the ball out. Bentley finally making the stop. See Travis Hunter at the bottom of your screen; he's played in all 32 plays so far."

• Miller's running is effective, and defensive efforts to strip the ball are highlighted.
• Travis Hunter's endurance and continuous play are significant.

• Miller scores a touchdown with effective blocking from Bryce Lance.
• Lance’s blocking is crucial, and his brother Trey Lance would be proud.

"Miller keeps it, got a good block, touchdown bison. Bryce Lance with another key block; his brother Trey Lance would certainly be proud."

• Effective blocking by Bryce Lance enables Miller's touchdown.
• Family pride is noted in Bryce Lance's performance.

• Coach Shermer, the first-year offensive coordinator, faces early defining moments.
• Decision to keep the ball on the ground is close but results in a turnover on downs.

"Coach Shermer, the first-year offensive coordinator, in his first early defining moment. They keep it on the ground. Oh, it's going to be close. Not sure that Hayden got there. It's going to be North Dakota state football on Downs."

• Coach Shermer's decisions are critical in close game situations.
• Ground game decision results in turnover.

• Miller shows poise, making basic plays as instructed by the offensive coordinator.
• He progresses through reads, finding Lance for a catch, albeit short of a first down.

"Mostart again, Dick Landry the offensive coordinator has told Miller you don't have to be a superhero, just make the basic play. Keeps it this time and will pick up another bison first down showing impeccable poise."

• Miller’s poise and adherence to basic plays are emphasized.
• Progressions and reads are key to Miller’s effectiveness.

• Successful field goal attempt from 30 yards makes the score 20 to 14.
• Sanders connects with Travis Hunter, who has played extensively.

"R made his first attempt from 36, this one coming from about 30 and he knocks it through, good to make it 20 to 14. Sanders gets it out quickly to Travis Hunter who has played in every play so far."

• Field goals contribute significantly to the score.
• Hunter’s extensive playtime and Sanders’ quick connections are crucial.

• Sanders is sacked on third and four due to coverage downfield and defensive pressure.
• Simulated pressure and a Blitzer from the left side contribute to the sack.

"Third and four for Sanders and he's going to be sack back in Midfield at the 50 yd line. There was coverage down field, the punt unit comes in. Simulated pressure, get a drop her from the left side and 91 just bullies the center, Hank Linis, into the back field."

• Defensive pressures and coverage lead to Sanders being sacked.
• Specifics of the defensive strategy are highlighted.

• Sanders sets up a screen pass from the end zone, attempting to reach the edge.
• Offer doll makes the catch, and Sanders steps up to complete a pass at the 24-yard line.

"They set up the screen out of the end zone, trying to get to the edge, Offer doll making the catch. So a third and four, Sanders stepping up, PS complete at the 24 yd."

• Execution of screen passes and stepping up in the pocket are key offensive strategies.
• Offer doll's catch and Sanders’ completion are crucial to the drive.

• First Down Completion:

  • Sanders delivers a complete pass to Shepherd, who remains in bounds and picks up the first down.
  • Quote:

    "Blitz coming off the edge Sanders delivers complete and this time Shepherd stays in bounds and picks up the first down."

  • Explanation:
    • Sanders successfully handles the blitz and completes the pass to Shepherd, maintaining the drive.

• Elusiveness and Poise:

  • Sanders escapes pressure, avoids rushers, and throws a precise pass to Wester.
  • Quote:

    "This is just purely the magic of Shador. I mean, it's almost immediate pressure coming from his left. He escapes out, avoids another rusher, has the poise to stop behind the line of scrimmage, and that's an absolute dart, man."

  • Explanation:
    • Demonstrates Sanders' ability to remain calm under pressure and deliver accurate throws.

• Toughness:

  • Sanders' resilience and ability to endure hits from the previous season.
  • Quote:

    "One thing that's underrated about this guy is his toughness. The amount of times that he got hit last year, he got no shot."

  • Explanation:
    • Highlights Sanders' physical and mental toughness in the face of adversity.

• Completion to Jimmy Horn:

  • Sanders completes a pass to Jimmy Horn down the middle, who loses his helmet and must leave the game.
  • Quote:

    "Sanders gets it off down the middle, caught at the 8-yard line, Jimmy Horn. His helmet comes off, so by rule, he'll have to come out of the game."

  • Explanation:
    • Successful deep pass play, but Horn must exit due to helmet rule.

• Catch by Travis Hunter:

  • Sanders connects with Hunter for a significant gain, displaying Hunter's strength.
  • Quote:

    "Shador comes back the other way to Hunter, makes the catch. What a grab, first and goal, Buffaloes down the field. You can see the strength of Travis Hunter."

  • Explanation:
    • Showcases Hunter's catching ability and physical strength.

• Interception:

  • A pass intended for Hunter is deflected and intercepted by Shadmi Alfaro.
  • Quote:

    "Sanders pulls incomplete and picked off. It takes a crazy carom into Kubitz's hands, into the arms of the defender. It's the corner, Alaro Shadmi Alfaro, who's laying on the ground."

  • Explanation:
    • Unfortunate deflection leads to an interception, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the game.

• Sack by Block Bully Wano:
  • First sack of the game, showcasing strong defensive pressure.
  • Quote:

    "On third down, they get a sack, their first one of the game. The block bully Wano, Warren Sapp absolutely loves because it's what he used to do, be a bully in the middle, get push on the guard, win your one-on-one battle."

  • Explanation:
    • Emphasizes effective defensive tactics and individual player performance.

• Season Opener Context:

  • Introduction of the teams and commentators at the start of the third quarter.
  • Quote:

    "Just underway here in the third quarter, Mark Jones, Rody Jones, Quint KCK down to the field. The season opener for both these teams."

  • Explanation:
    • Sets the stage for the ongoing game and provides context.

• Wide Open Pass to Jimmy Horn:

  • Sanders finds Horn wide open for a significant gain.
  • Quote:

    "Sanders wide open, room service downfield, and all the way down to the 28, the catch by Jimmy Horn."

  • Explanation:
    • Successful execution of a play, resulting in a large gain.

• Quick Pass to Wester:

  • Sanders quickly gets the ball to Wester, who makes a couple of cuts for a first down.
  • Quote:

    "Sanders gets it out quickly into the flat, nice couple of cuts, and a nice first down run by Wester."

  • Explanation:
    • Efficient short pass play leading to a first down.

• Touchdown to Travis Hunter:

  • Sanders throws a touchdown pass to Hunter, demonstrating trust and skill.
  • Quote:

    "Sanders pulls it out into the end zone, touchdown Hunter. Unbelievable ball skills and trust from Shador Sanders."

  • Explanation:
    • Highlights the chemistry and trust between Sanders and Hunter.

• Henderson's Catch:

  • Miller finds Henderson across the formation for a short gain.
  • Quote:

    "Miller over the middle, finds him across the formation and brought down. Henderson with the catch short of the first down by a yard or two."

  • Explanation:
    • Effective short pass play, though it falls short of a first down.

• Pass Protection:

  • Berea Penu delivers a significant block in pass protection.
  • Quote:

    "Pass Pro is not passive. Check out Berea Penu coming across with a massive hit."

  • Explanation:
    • Emphasizes the importance of aggressive pass protection and effective blocking.

• The defensive line maintained strong coverage downfield, forcing the quarterback to rely on his legs for productivity.
• Arden Walker had an opportunity to make a significant play but fell short.

"This is what it's looked like most of the night when it's been covered downfield just not quite close enough. Arden Walker had a shot."

• Explanation: The defensive line effectively covered downfield, leading to a reliance on the quarterback's mobility, but missed a key tackle opportunity.

• Sanders showcased his passing ability with accurate throws, converting crucial downs.
• A critical pass to Will Shepard demonstrated Sanders' touch and precision.
• Sanders' quick decision-making under pressure led to successful completions.

"Shador, what a pass to Will Shepard. Tremendous touch for the first down."

• Explanation: Sanders' accurate and well-timed throw to Shepard was crucial for maintaining offensive momentum.

"Blitz off the edge, he gets it out quickly complete and a missed tackle on Hayden who picks up the first down."

• Explanation: Sanders' quick release under pressure enabled a successful completion and subsequent first down.

• Travis Hunter made significant contributions, including a contested catch ruled complete.
• Hunter's NFL prospects are discussed, indicating his high level of play.

"Sanders caught they're going to rule it complete to Travis Hunter."

• Explanation: Travis Hunter's ability to secure contested catches highlights his skill and potential for a professional career.

"Travis Hunter on the outside running a little dig."

• Explanation: Hunter's route-running and catching ability are emphasized, showcasing his offensive impact.

• North Dakota State's defensive communication and adjustments are highlighted, with kubitz playing a central role.
• Prest Hodge's effective open-field tackle is noted as a key defensive play.

"Kubitz, who is the Green Dot, the communicator in the middle of this North Dakota State Defense."

• Explanation: Kubitz's role as the defensive communicator underscores the importance of coordination and strategy on defense.

"A good tackle in the open field by Prest Hodge who came in like a missile."

• Explanation: Hodge's aggressive and effective tackling technique is emphasized as a critical defensive maneuver.

• The final moments of the game were tense, with North Dakota State attempting a last-second play.
• The Buffalos secured the win by effectively defending the final play.

"Miller out of the shotgun 5 Seconds to go he gets it off it's short of the end zone they wrestle for it but time has expired and the Buffalos will win it."

• Explanation: The Buffalos' defense held strong in the final moments, ensuring victory by preventing a last-second score.

• A critical pass interference penalty against North Dakota State extended the drive for the opposing team.
• The penalty played a pivotal role in maintaining offensive momentum.

"Pass interference Defense number 35 15-yard penalty enforcing the previous spot first down."

• Explanation: The pass interference penalty significantly impacted the game by giving the offense a crucial first down.

• Miller's performance under pressure and his ability to find open receivers in critical moments are highlighted.
• A miscommunication in the final seconds prevented a potential game-tying or winning play.

"Miller has a man open at the 45 and he's brought down immediately that's Henderson with 15 seconds to go."

• Explanation: Miller's ability to find open receivers in high-pressure situations is noted, but immediate tackles limited further gains.

"Miller little miscommunication there between he and Bryce Lance."

• Explanation: The miscommunication in the final moments underscores the challenges of executing under pressure and the importance of precise coordination.

• The offensive strategy included quick passes and exploiting defensive weaknesses.
• The defensive strategy focused on maintaining coverage and forcing the quarterback to make quick decisions.

"Sanders gets it out quickly complete got a block on the edge horn is going to come up a little bit short."

• Explanation: The offensive strategy of quick passes and utilizing blocks on the edge aimed to exploit defensive gaps.

"They fake the Jet Sweep pyton is going to be sacked still on his feet to no avail the second sack of the night Levante Bentley."

• Explanation: The defensive strategy included disguising plays and applying pressure, leading to successful sacks and disrupted plays.