TCU Tops Colorado

TCU overcame an early deficit to secure a 35-21 win over Colorado on October 4, 2025, at Amon G. Carter Stadium, marking its first Big 12 victory of the season. Colorado surged to an early 14-0 lead but was ultimately undone by turnovers, allowing TCU to rally for the win.

Game Summary

Colorado started strong, building a two-touchdown advantage early in the second quarter. Quarterback Kaidon Salter contributed both passing and rushing touchdowns to pace the Buffaloes, who seemed in control through much of the first half. However, TCU quarterback Josh Hoover led a spirited comeback. Hoover finished with 275 passing yards and four touchdowns, rebounding from a sluggish start to orchestrate two quick touchdowns before halftime, including a quarterback sneak and a 23-yard scoring strike to Eric McAlister that tied the game at 14 going into the break.

Momentum Shifts and Defensive Plays

Both defenses tightened in a scoreless third quarter, but the final period saw a series of crucial momentum swings. Colorado’s Omarion Miller caught a 31-yard touchdown to tie the game at 21 early in the fourth. Yet, turnovers continued to plague the Buffaloes — Salter was intercepted three times, and the team lost a muffed punt, handing TCU a short field on a pivotal fourth-quarter possession. Hoover capitalized, connecting with Joseph Manjack IV before sealing the game with a late touchdown pass to McAlister.

Key Statistics and Turning Points

• TCU forced four turnovers, including three interceptions and a muffed punt recovery, which proved decisive.

• Colorado’s defense started well but was unable to contain Hoover and the Horned Frogs’ aerial attack, which distributed the ball to 11 different receivers.

• The Buffaloes led by 14 points for the second consecutive week but could not hold on, falling to 2-4 on the season.

Quotes and Reactions

After the game, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders expressed disappointment, stating, “It’s another thing to feel like you beat yourselves. We had ample opportunity to win the games … for some strange reason we are not preparing these young men and equipping them enough to get over that hump”.

TCU’s Josh Hoover credited his team’s poise and ability to capitalize on breaks: “We just did a good job of never panicking”.

Looking Ahead

With this win, TCU improved to 4-1 and looks to continue its momentum in Big 12 play. Colorado, facing a three-game conference skid, returns home seeking to regroup against Iowa State.

Both teams illustrated the high-stakes drama of college football, with turnovers, late-game heroics, and coaching decisions shaping the outcome in Fort Worth.