Fans storm the field as Colorado upsets No. 22 Iowa State, 24-17

Joseph Williams celebrates after a big reception (Photo by Madison Kerest/Sko Buffs Sports)

Kaidon Salter’s offense showed up late to the party, but brought an upset to Folsom Field. 

In a Big 12 contest down to the wire, the Colorado Buffaloes (3-4, 1-3 Big 12) won 24-17 over the No. 22 Iowa State Cyclones (5-2, 3-2). The victory caused a herd of fans from The Charge to rush the field.

Postgame head coach Deion Sanders was happy to be greeted by fans. 

“I love it. I want to see the fans rush the field,” Sanders said. Colorado will be fined for the rushing.“Well, we have 50,000, right? Everybody chip in,” Sanders said. 

Salter brushed off his early demons to bounce back, going 16/25 on completions and two touchdown passes for 255 yards. Colorado’s receivers Omarion Miller and Joseph Williams stole the spotlight, accounting for 210 of those receiving yards. 

Williams had 128 yards on eight receptions and a touchdown. Miller was wide open for a 70-yard bomb that gave Colorado momentum after the half and earned him a score. On a big third down to ice the game, Salter connected with Williams to silence the Cyclones. 

A stout defensive performance complemented Salter’s play. Colorado had an afternoon to be proud of, limiting the Cyclones to 17 points. Their run defense struggled but came up in big moments, earning four tackles for loss. 

Offensively, the Cyclones had success moving the ball, totaling 441 yards. On the ground, they relied on Abu Sama, who carried it 24 times for 177 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His efforts ultimately wouldn't be enough for ISU. Quarterback Rocco Becht went 18/33 for 205 yards. 

The game was a defensive battle early, with both teams having to punt often. Trading three-and-outs, both teams combined for 12 punts, splitting those evenly. Colorado running back Micah Welch was able to find the end zone first as time expired in the first quarter. At halftime, ISU led 10-7. 

The key sequence of Colorado’s victory came at the very beginning of the fourth quarter. With first and goal, ISU was knocking on a score and seemed destined to take the lead. Colorado led 21-17. After back-to-back tackles for loss, the defense forced a third and long. Tawfiq Byard lurked down from his safety spot to intercept Becht, giving the ball back to Colorado. 

Colorado’s offense wasn’t able to capitalize and had to punt. With the Cyclones back on the field, they were put into a fourth down from their own 18-yard line. Deciding to go for it, they were stuffed by the Buffs' defensive line. 

Alejandro Mata hit between the uprights to make it 24-17, and Colorado never looked back. Although they allowed 236 yards rushing, the defense only allowed one touchdown in the second half and shut out ISU in the fourth. Their continuous stops made way for the offensive success. 

Complementary football kept the Buffs afloat even when faced with adversity. Finishing has been the issue for Colorado, and a four-quarter performance is relieving for the team. The win could be a positive boost as the Buffs head into the bye week. 

Colorado returns on the road against Utah on Oct. 25.