Buffaloes Hold Off Fcs North Dakota State 29 20

College Football Scores, Highlights: Colorado Survives Scare in Opener Against North Dakota State

Buffaloes Hold Off FCS North Dakota State 29-20

Colorado opened its 2023 football season with a narrow win over FCS North Dakota State.

The Buffaloes led by 12 at halftime, but the Bison cut the lead to 29-20 with 1:09 remaining in the game.

Colorado recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock to secure the win.

Quarterback JT Shrout completed 17 of his 23 passes for 183 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception.

Running back Alex Fontenot rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

Wide receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig caught 5 passes for 67 yards and a touchdown.

North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller completed 19 of his 36 passes for 244 yards and 2 touchdowns, but he also threw 2 interceptions.

Key Moments

• Colorado took an early lead on a 2-yard touchdown run by Fontenot.
• North Dakota State tied the game on a 1-yard touchdown run by Kobe Johnson.
• Colorado regained the lead on a 34-yard field goal by Cole Becker.
• The Buffaloes extended their lead to 19-7 on a 22-yard touchdown pass from Shrout to Lemonious-Craig.
• North Dakota State cut the lead to 19-14 on a 3-yard touchdown pass from Miller to Zach Mathis.
• Colorado added to its lead on a 35-yard field goal by Becker.
• North Dakota State scored again on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Miller to Will Mostaert.
• The Bison recovered the onside kick, but their game-tying drive stalled at the Colorado 29-yard line.

Conclusion

Colorado survived a scare in its season opener against North Dakota State, but the Buffaloes will need to improve if they want to compete in the Pac-12 this season.

The Bison, meanwhile, showed that they are a team to be reckoned with at the FCS level.