Colorado Safety Randon Fontenette Reveals Hidden Motivation Against Houston

Fontenette’s impact on the upset

Colorado delivered its biggest upset of the Coach Prime Era, beating Houston 42-32 on Friday. The Buffaloes put together their most complete game of the season, according to the report.

Safety Randon Fontenette led a strong defensive effort with 13 tackles, including 12 solo stops, plus a sack and a forced fumble. The Houston native said the stakes for both teams gave him extra drive.

Two stakes fueled his effort

Colorado needed a win to keep its bowl hopes alive, while Houston needed to win out to have a chance at a College Football Playoff bid. The loss ended Houston’s playoff hopes, the report says.

Fontenette said the teams’ different goals shaped the matchup. He said, “We were able to go out there, play free and just be the guys,” describing Colorado’s approach to the game.

Sanders’ support mattered

Fontenette also said he knew Deion Sanders was under pressure heading into the game. He said that knowledge pushed him to give everything on the field. After Fontenette missed tackles, Sanders helped restore his confidence, the safety said. Fontenette said, “Playing for him, that’s what fueled me to go hard,” adding that Sanders had brought him to Colorado.

Colorado’s next bowl tests

Colorado must win its remaining games to become bowl eligible. Its next opponent is Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio; the Bearcats have lost three straight, including a 41-13 defeat to Iowa State on Saturday.

The Buffaloes then face UCF in Boulder. The report describes UCF’s season as inconsistent, while noting a win over then-No. 2 BYU on Oct. 24.