UPDATE: The Colorado Buffaloes faced a devastating 52-17 loss to the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field on November 1, 2025. This defeat was compounded by an unprecedented penalty issue, as the Buffs were flagged a staggering 14 times for 110 yards, marking a significant deviation from their previously disciplined season.
The Buffs entered the game as one of the least penalized teams in the Big 12, averaging just 5.0 penalties per game. However, they more than doubled their previous season high of six penalties, leading to frustration for both players and coaches. Head coach Deion Sanders expressed disbelief at the team’s performance, stating, “We’ve been rated in the top, got to be top 25 or whatever with penalties this season. Today just horrible. Penalty-wise, horrible. No discipline.”
The penalties proved costly, particularly when a potential 75-yard touchdown pass from Kaidon Salter to Sincere Brown was nullified due to two separate infractions. Instead of celebrating a touchdown, the Buffs faced a daunting first-and-25 from their own ten-yard line. The situation deteriorated further with additional holding calls, pushing them back to a near-impossible first-and-30.
In a critical moment, Buffs’ cornerback Ivan Yates intercepted a pass, but the play was wiped clean by a roughing the passer penalty against Arden Walker. As the penalties piled up, it became clear that discipline would be a focal point moving forward.
In a more personal note, former Buffs quarterback and current Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders was in attendance, marking the first time he has seen his father since the season began. Coach Sanders shared, “These shenanigans put a damper on it… I haven’t seen my son in a long time.” Despite the disappointing game, the father-son reunion offered a silver lining amid the chaos.
On the field, Arizona showcased a dominant rushing attack, amassing over 204 yards and becoming the sixth team to surpass 200 rushing yards against the Buffs this season. Dallan Hayden led the Buffs with 34 rushing yards, surpassing the 1,000-yard career mark with a total of 1,020 yards.
Kicker Alejandro Mata also made headlines, setting a new CU record with 104 consecutive extra points. He is now 106-of-107 in his career and ranks third in program history for made extra points, moving into 11th place on CU’s all-time scoring list with 187 points, surpassing the legendary Byron White.
As the Buffs regroup, all eyes will be on their upcoming matchups and how they plan to address the significant penalty issues that have emerged. Coach Sanders emphasized the need for immediate improvement and discipline as the team prepares for the next challenge.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Buffs seek to bounce back from this tough loss and reclaim their momentum in the season.
