94-Yard Drive Fuels Colorado Buffaloes’ Upset Over Houston as They Overcome Penalties

Penalties test Colorado again

Colorado entered the matchup with 79 penalties for 677 yards, averaging 75.2 penalty yards per game. Its 32 defensive penalties ranked tied for third-most in the FBS. The flags continued against Houston. In the second quarter, officials called a personal foul involving a facemask on defensive lineman Lamont Lester Jr., adding to Colorado’s discipline concerns.

Special teams create a setback

A 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on a kickoff put Colorado in a difficult spot. The Buffaloes then struggled to handle Houston’s squib kick and started their next possession at their own 6-yard line. Colorado responded with a 94-yard scoring drive, finished by running back Richard Young’s 38-yard touchdown run.

Defense holds before halftime

Before halftime, officials made multiple clock adjustments and initially added time back, keeping Colorado’s defense on the field longer. The Buffaloes forced a punt rather than allowing Houston to benefit from the extra opportunity.

A win, with work remaining

Colorado’s comeback and response to adverse calls offered reasons to celebrate. The team found its offensive rhythm and limited calls against it compared with other matchups, while still making costly mistakes against Houston.

With two games remaining this season, the victory points to progress in handling adversity, but it does not resolve the Buffaloes’ recurring penalty problem. Defensive flags can give opponents extra yards and extend drives.