UPDATE: The Colorado Buffaloes faced a devastating defeat against Arizona, losing 52-17 in a game marred by an unprecedented penalty crisis. At Folsom Field on November 1, 2025, the Buffs were flagged a staggering 14 times for 110 yards, marking their highest penalty total of the season.
This shocking performance came after the Buffs entered the game as one of the least-penalized teams in the Big 12, and it more than doubled their previous season high of six penalties. Coach Deion Sanders expressed his disbelief, stating, “Yeah, that’s probably a record since I’ve been here.” However, it was not—previously, the Buffs were penalized 17 times in an overtime loss to Stanford earlier this season.
The penalties proved crucial, particularly a sequence in the second quarter that wiped out a potential 75-yard touchdown connection from quarterback Kaidon Salter to Sincere Brown. Instead, the Buffs faced a daunting first-and-25 from their own 10-yard line, which quickly escalated to first-and-30 after additional penalties.
In an attempt to shift the momentum, the Buffs intercepted Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita, but yet another flag—this time for roughing the passer—nullified the play, further compounding their woes.
Adding to the emotional weight of the day, former Buffs quarterback and current Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders was in attendance to visit his father, Coach Sanders. Despite the game’s outcome, Coach Prime cherished their reunion, stating, “I haven’t seen my son in a long time… Forget the game, forget this, forget that.”
On the field, Arizona’s running game dominated, rushing for 204 yards—the sixth team to surpass 200 rushing yards against Colorado this season. Dallan Hayden led the Buffs with 34 rushing yards, reaching over 1,000 career rushing yards with a total of 1,020.
In a bright spot for the Buffs, kicker Alejandro Mata set a new CU record for consecutive extra points made, now standing at 106-of-107 in his career, while moving into 11th place on CU’s all-time scoring list with 187 points.
As the Buffaloes regroup after this humiliating loss, all eyes will be on how they address the mounting penalty issues in the coming weeks. The team will need to restore discipline and focus if they hope to turn their season around. Stay tuned for updates on their next matchup and any changes in strategy.
