Colorado wins season opener 14-13 vs Georgia Tech

Colorado secured a dramatic 14-13 victory over Georgia Tech in its season opener on Thursday night, September 3, 2026, with a late touchdown drive and a game-ending field goal block. The Buffaloes, facing significant pressure after a 3-9 record last season, trailed for much of the contest before quarterback Julian Lewis led a decisive 75-yard scoring march in the final minute. The win, which began Colorado's fourth season under head coach Deion Sanders, came on the road in Atlanta, a city where Sanders achieved considerable success as a player. Despite the victory, the Buffaloes' performance was marked by considerable struggles, particularly on special teams. Georgia Tech's sole touchdown came on a 100-yard kickoff return, and Colorado repeatedly made costly errors, including a punt that yielded only 21 yards and a blocked field goal attempt in the fourth quarter. Following the game, reporter Jake Shapiro voiced sharp criticism of Sanders's coaching, specifically targeting special teams execution. "Four years of Deion Sanders not understanding special teams," Shapiro wrote on social media, questioning the team's lack of a dedicated special teams coach.