After a week of back-and-forth the Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams went fisticuffs in one of the best “Rocky Mountain Showdown” matchups in the rivalry’s long and storied history. In the end it was the Buffaloes overcoming a (28-17) deficit in the fourth to force overtime, and then win it 43-35 in double overtime. 

The play of early season Heisman candidate Shedeur Sanders once again stood out, as the true junior in his first season at a Power Five program led his team on a 98-yard scoring drive and game-tying two-point conversion with the game hanging in the balance. Sanders, who’s been red-hot since Week 1 went 38-47 for 347 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. 

If Sanders was looking for his Heisman moment, that 98-yard drive was all the voters need. Even more impressive for Sanders was he did it on a night when his top weapon in two-way star Travis Hunter was injured and taken to the hospital with a medical issue.

Sanders Channeled Inner Tom Brady 

Needing the long drive to avoid an upset at the hands of the Rams, Sanders did his thing, and following the game he told reporters this. 

“All I was thinking was Brady mode,” Sanders said after the game. “That’s it, simple. Brady mode, that’s it. They left too much time out there.”

Even Brady himself got in on the matter, as the seven-time Super Bowl champion posted this to his Instagram page. 

“I just want to go Shedeur mode at some point in my life.”

Sanders heroics came after his dad and head coach, Deion Sanders told him this before he took the field for the drive. 

“Do what you do,” Sanders said on the ESPN telecast. “I’ve been saying it since he was a kid. … I’m proud of my kids, but I’m proud of this team.”

Sanders other son Shilo was all over the field, and his 80-yard pick-six  got the scoring going for the Buffaloes in the first quarter. The dynamic safety also forced a fumbles which halted another scoring opportunity for the Rams. 

What’s Next For The Undefeated Buffaloes?

Next up for Colorado is road trip to Autzen Stadium to face the No.10 Oregon Ducks and their Heisman candidate quarterback Bo Nix. That matchup will be followed with a primetime battle with the No.5 USC Trojans and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. 

Shedeur calls himself “GROWN,” and after his start to the 2023 season, 107-136 for 1,251 yards, 10 touchdowns and one interception he’s definitely that. 

But he’ll need to be the adult in the room these next couple weeks.