Highlights, key plays and photos from No. 25 BYU’s 24-21 win over Colorado
A gutsy, come from behind victory puts the Cougars at 4-0 in 2025
View 25 Comments
Share
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
After being stifled since midway through the first quarter, the Buffaloes’ offense returned to its earlier form to score in six plays.
5:26 — The Cougars have clawed back to take the lead.
On a dramatic fourth-and-2 at the goal line, Bachmeier found a wide open Chase Roberts for the pair’s second touchdown connection of the night. BYU 17, Colorado 14.
BYU went 76 yards on nine plays for the go-ahead score, with Roberts and Parker Kingston each picking up chunk yardage.
The Cougars have now totaled 268 yards of offense tonight at an average of 6.2 yards per play.
Halftime
Colorado 14, BYU 10
It was all Colorado — and then some — for the first 10 minutes of play tonight.
Since then, BYU has clawed back admirably to keep the dream of a 4-0 start alive.
The Buffaloes couldn’t be stopped early, gashing the Cougars for 7.8 yards per carry on their first two drives as BYU’s offense sputtered as well.
But once Will Ferrin booted a 28-yard field goal late in the first quarter, the tide began to turn.
BYU’s defense finally settled down to force two Colorado punts, allowing the Cougars to orchestrate a touchdown drive to close the first half and pull within four points.
Bear Bachmeier has played well in his first taste of Big 12 action, completing 10 of 14 passes for 109 yards with a touchdown while running for 48 yards as well.
After being bottled up initially by the Buffaloes, LJ Martin came free for 25 yards on three carries on BYU’s final drive of the half — a development that could be a sign of good things to come for the Cougars after halftime.
BYU gave up 137 yards on Colorado’s first two drives, but since then the Buffaloes have racked up just 56 yards on their next three opportunities.
The Cougars will receive the second half kickoff for the chance to pull ahead with a touchdown.
1 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake celebrates with his team after they beat the Colorado Buffaloes 24-21 at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
2 of 42
A Colorado Buffaloes fan gestures to the camera during the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
3 of 42
A Brigham Young University Cougars fan is hoisted after a score during the second half of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
4 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) rushes during the second half of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
5 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) scrambles during the second half of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
6 of 42
Colorado Buffaloes fans “Swag Surf” in between the third and fourth quarters of a game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
7 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier (19) attempts to catch a pass while defended by Colorado Buffaloes cornerback DJ McKinney (8) during the second half of the game at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
8 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars wide receiver Cody Hagen (5) runs after the catch during the second half of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
9 of 42
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) scrambles during the second half of the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
10 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake looks on from the sidelines during the second half of the game Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
11 of 42
Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Brandon Davis-Swain (91) and Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Jeremiah Brown (42) celebrate after a missed field goal by the Brigham Young University Cougars at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
12 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs against Colorado Buffaloes safety Carter Stoutmire (23) during the second half of the game at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
13 of 42
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on during the second half of the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
14 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars fans look on during the second half of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
15 of 42
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) holds his head after throwing an interception late in the fourth quarter against the Brigham Young University Cougars at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
16 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars fans celebrate after an interception late in the fourth quarter of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
17 of 42
Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Dre'lon Miller (6) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
18 of 42
Fans celebrate after the Brigham Young University Cougars defeated the Colorado Buffaloes 24-12 at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
19 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) greets fans after the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
20 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) reacts after catching a pass for a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
21 of 42
Colorado Buffaloes fans cheer the second half of the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
22 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars place kicker Will Ferrin (44) prepares to attempt a field goal during the second half of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
23 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars fans cheer during the second half of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
24 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars wide receiver Cody Hagen (5) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
25 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars offensive lineman Trevin Ostler (74) signs the BYU fight song after the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. BYU won 24-21. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
26 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake yells to his team during the second half of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
27 of 42
Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) runs against the Brigham Young University Cougars during the first half of the game at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
28 of 42
Colorado Buffaloes defensive tackle Tavian Coleman (94) reacts after making a tackle during the first half of the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
29 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) celebrates with tight end Carsen Ryan (20) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
30 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars cornerback Evan Johnson (0) reacts after breaking up a pass during the first half of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
31 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) is tackled by Colorado Buffaloes safety Carter Stoutmire (23) during the first half of the game at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
32 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake reacts during the first half of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
33 of 42
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on before the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
34 of 42
Colorado Buffaloes living mascot Ralphie VII runs on the field before the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
35 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) is tackled by Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Teon Parks (3) during the first half of the game at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
36 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is tackled by Colorado Buffaloes defensive end Alexander McPherson (98) and safety Carter Stoutmire (23) during the first half of the game at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
37 of 42
Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Dre'lon Miller (6) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during the first half of the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colo., on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
38 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake waves to visiting fans before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
39 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars defensive tackle Anisi Purcell (94) greets fans before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
40 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
41 of 42
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) greets fans before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
42 of 42
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on before the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Second quarter
Colorado 14, BYU 10
0:46 — BYU is back in the ballgame.
The Cougars drove 94 yards on 10 plays to cut the deficit to four points, with Bachmeier connecting with Chase Roberts for a 5-yard touchdown. Colorado 14, BYU 10.
BYU was aided by a handful of Colorado penalties on the drive, but Bachmeier did make a number of impressive throws while LJ Martin finally came alive for 25 yards on three carries.
The Cougars will receive the second half kickoff, so should the Cougars keep Colorado from scoring in the final 46 seconds of the half, they would have the chance to claim the lead out of halftime with another touchdown.
First quarter
Colorado 14, BYU 3
0:45 — Will Ferrin puts the Cougars on the board with a 28-yard field goal. Colorado 14, BYU 3.
Ferrin has now made 25 consecutive field goals, extending his program record.
BYU traveled 65 yards on eight plays prior to Ferrin’s kick, moving the ball better than earlier tonight but still sputtering late.
Bachmeier linked with Carsen Ryan for a pair of first down pickups of 28 and 12 yards each, with the freshman QB adding runs of 12 and 11 as well before failing to convert a red zone third down.
5:08 — BYU’s defense gets gashed once again.
Colorado dragged the Cougars downfield for another touchdown, this time from Dre’lon Miller from five yards out. Colorado 14, BYU 0.
The Buffaloes only needed four plays to travel 62 yards into the end zone, with a 27-yard run from Micah Welch providing the bulk of the yardage.
BYU has now allowed 131 total yards to Colorado, with Deion Sanders’ squad averaging 7.8 yards per carry on the ground.
9:44 — Tough look for BYU’s defense right out the gate.
The Cougars opened Saturday’s action by allowing their second touchdown of the season, as Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter scampered into the end zone on a broken play for a 3-yard score. Colorado 7, BYU 0.
The Buffaloes traveled 75 yards in 11 plays for the touchdown, running eight times for 36 yards in the process.
BYU’s offense, led by Bear Bachmeier, now holds the pressure of operating from behind for the first time this season and attemping the quiet the rowdy Colorado home crowd.
How to watch the game
BYU’s showdown with Colorado will be broadcast on ESPN and can be streamed through the ESPN app.
Pregame prep
Here are a few stories to get you ready for BYU’s game against Colorado.