Colorado Safety Randon Fontenette Reveals Unique Perspective on Upset Win Over Houston
Emotion before kickoff
Fontenette arrived at Folsom Field on Friday night in tears, saying afterward that he wanted the win intensely. Colorado’s victory over Houston ended a 35-game drought against AP top-15 teams, a run that began after the Buffaloes beat No. 3 Oklahoma on Sept. 29, 2007.
Fontenette said the emotion began as he stepped onto the field. He described feeling something burning inside him and said it worked out.
A sudden momentum swing
Colorado’s first pass of the third quarter deflected off Houston lineman Myles Parker’s helmet. Houston defensive back Javion White caught the ball, giving the Cougars possession and a burst of momentum.
Fontenette said he understood why fans might have feared the game was turning against Colorado. He also called the play important, saying he was glad it happened and that Colorado won.
Fontenette changes the game
On Houston’s first play after the interception, Colorado sent Fontenette on a safety blitz. He reached quarterback Conner Weigman from behind and forced a fumble, which defensive tackle Santana Hopper recovered.
Three plays later, quarterback Isaac Wilson connected with wide receiver Joseph Williams for a touchdown, giving Colorado a two-score cushion. Fontenette finished with 13 tackles, including a season-high 12 solo stops, plus a tackle for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.
Work remains for Colorado
Houston scored twice in the fourth quarter but missed both two-point attempts, and Colorado held on. The win gave a defense that had been seeking game-changing plays a timely breakthrough.
Colorado entered the game at 4-6 during a season that had drawn criticism. The Buffaloes still need wins over Cincinnati on Nov. 21 and UCF the following week to become bowl eligible.
Key points
- Colorado beat No. 14 Houston by 10 points, ending a 35-game losing streak against AP top-15 opponents.
- Randon Fontenette forced a fumble that helped set up a touchdown and a two-score lead.
- Fontenette recorded 13 tackles, 12 solo stops, a tackle for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.
- Colorado needs wins over Cincinnati and UCF to reach bowl eligibility.