UPDATE: The Colorado Buffaloes faced a humiliating 52-17 loss to Arizona on November 1, 2025, marking a critical moment in their season. The Buffs were penalized a staggering 14 times for 110 yards, a shocking escalation from their previous season high of six penalties in a game.
The Buffaloes, who entered Folsom Field with one of the lowest penalty averages in the Big 12, saw their disciplined play unravel as the game progressed. Head coach Deion Sanders candidly called the performance “horrible,” expressing disbelief after witnessing such a dramatic change in discipline and execution.
“Yeah, that’s probably a record since I’ve been here,” Sanders noted, although the team had previously recorded 17 penalties in an overtime loss to Stanford last year. This sudden spike in penalties was uncharacteristic for a team that averaged just 5.0 penalties per game prior to this matchup.
The Buffs’ penalty troubles were particularly costly. In a critical moment during the second quarter, with CU trailing 24-7, a potential 75-yard touchdown pass from Kaidon Salter to Sincere Brown was nullified due to two penalties: one for being an ineligible receiver and another for unsportsmanlike conduct. Instead of cutting the deficit, the Buffs found themselves facing a daunting first-and-30 from their own 5-yard line.
Further compounding their woes, an interception by Ivan Yates was erased when Arden Walker was flagged for roughing the passer, handing momentum back to Arizona.
While the game was a disaster for the Buffs, Coach Prime had a rare emotional moment as he reunited with his son, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns. “I haven’t seen my son in a long time,” he said, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of the day. Shedeur, sidelined with a back injury, visited to spend time with his father amid the chaos of the game.
In addition to the team’s struggles, there were notable individual performances. Arizona’s offense surged, rushing for over 204 yards against the Buffs, becoming the sixth team this season to surpass the 200-yard mark. On the brighter side, Buffs kicker Alejandro Mata set a new CU record with 104 consecutive extra points, now standing at 106-of-107 in his career, moving into 11th place on CU’s all-time scoring list with 187 points, surpassing legendary player Byron White.
As the Buffaloes look to regroup from this disheartening defeat, the focus will shift to their upcoming matches. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Buffs can regain their discipline and bounce back from this significant setback.
The loss against Arizona has left a mark, and Coach Sanders will need to address the team’s penalty issues as they prepare for their future games. The Buffs’ performance on and off the field will be under scrutiny as they seek to restore their season.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
