BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Kaydon Salter threw two touchdown passes and Colorado’s defense took a big lead in the fourth quarter with an interception and a fourth-down stop to help the Buffaloes beat No. 22 Iowa State 24-17 on Saturday.
Salter threw for 255 yards, including a 70-yard TD strike to Omarion Miller, as the Buffaloes (3-4, 1-3 Big 12) snapped a two-game skid. Salter took a knee to close out the game and threw the ball high in the air. The students rushed to the square despite the warnings of the public address announcer.
It was the second win over an AP Top 25 team since coach Deion Sanders took over at Colorado. Sanders was on the sideline after undergoing surgery related to blood clots earlier in the week.
The momentum flipped early in the fourth quarter with the Hurricanes (5-2, 2-2) facing third-and-goal at the 7. Tawfiq Byard intercepted Rocco Bichette, but the flag was thrown for apparent pass interference behind the play. Officials gathered for a moment before waiving the flag.
Iowa State coach Matt Campbell was fuming on the sideline. He was still angry and yelling at officials after the Hurricanes forced a Buffaloes punt.
Soon after, Iowa State faced fourth-and-1 at their own 18 only to be stuffed by Colorado.
That led to a 29-yard field goal by Alejandro Mata to make the score 24-17.
Salter’s short TD pass to Joseph Williams in the third quarter gave the Buffaloes the lead for good. Salter also hit Williams for a 38-yard gain late in the fourth to seal the victory. Williams had eight catches for 128 yards.
Abu Sama III ran for 177 yards and a pair of short touchdowns for the Hurricanes, who dropped two straight.
Ready meals
Iowa State: The Cyclones committed seven penalties against Colorado. This after he was called up for eight days the previous week in a loss to Cincinnati. It’s an uncharacteristic trend for the Hurricanes, who over the past two seasons have been one of the least penalized teams in the country.
Colorado: 17 players were ruled out of the game with the troubled Buffaloes. They were outscored by a margin of 441-395.
the next
Iowa State: Hosts No. 18 BYU on Oct. 25.
Colorado: At Utah on October 25.