The Colorado Buffaloes' upset bid fell short in a 27-24 defeat against No. 11 Utah on October 16, 2026. Despite a spirited effort, the Buffs were unable to overcome the Utes.
JaQuail Smith served as a standout for the Buffaloes, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and finishing with 73 yards. Smith provided a significant momentum shift early in the second half by catching a short pass and turning it into a 68-yard touchdown. On the defensive side, safety Randon Fontenette recorded 11 tackles, including nine solo tackles, along with two pass breakups and a forced fumble.
Utah's Braden Pegan helped secure the victory by recording eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns. Both of Pegan's scoring plays occurred in the second half to maintain the Utes' lead. A critical turning point occurred when Isaac Wilson threw his second interception of the night while the Buffs trailed by only three points with 5 minutes and 23 seconds remaining. This play allowed Utah to extend their lead to 10 points just three plays later.
The Buffaloes struggled with discipline throughout the game, committing 10 penalties for a total of 93 yards. Eight of those penalties, totaling 82 yards, occurred in the first half. Colorado's first two offensive drives were both thwarted by penalties. Despite a promise from head coach Deion Sanders a month ago to address these issues, the Buffs remain the most penalized team in the Big 12.
The Buffaloes will head back on the road next week to visit No. 18 Oklahoma State on Saturday.
