Jones Lead West Virginia Past Colorado 29–22

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Curtis Jones Jr. proved that versatility can make all the difference. The West Virginia sophomore, who typically lines up as a hybrid linebacker, stepped into the offensive backfield and delivered two short touchdown runs to lift the Mountaineers to a 29–22 victory over Colorado on Saturday. Jones, who played both offense and defense in high school, saw increased practice time at running back due to a rash of injuries. On his three carries, he scored twice and provided a physical spark for a depleted unit.

“He could be a weapon,” said West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez. “He stepped up when we really needed someone to.” The Mountaineers (4–6, 2–6 Big 12) have now won consecutive games for the first time this season. Colorado (3–7, 1–6 Big 12) dropped its third straight contest after being outscored 105–24 in its previous two games.

Colorado freshman quarterback Ju Ju Lewis threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns in his first collegiate start, filling in for Kaidon Salter. Lewis connected with Omarion Miller on a 23-yard scoring pass midway through the third quarter to trim the deficit to 19–16, but the Buffaloes never took the lead. Jones’ 2-yard touchdown in the second quarter and his 4-yard run late in the fourth gave West Virginia a 29–19 cushion. Colorado’s Alejandro Mata nailed his third field goal of the game to make it 29–22 with just over a minute remaining, but the Mountaineers recovered the ensuing onside kick to secure the win.

Freshman quarterback Scotty Fox Jr. completed 17 of 28 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown for West Virginia. His 3-yard toss to tight end Ryan Ward late in the second quarter extended the Mountaineers’ lead to 16–3, following a 69-yard catch-and-run by running back Diore Hubbard that electrified the home crowd. Lewis, who has appeared in two games this season as a backup, finished 22 of 35 with 299 yards and two touchdowns. Miller led all receivers with six catches for 131 yards. “It felt amazing playing football again,” Lewis said. “But of course, it hurts to lose. We have to play better.”

West Virginia’s defense wreaked havoc up front, sacking Lewis seven times. The Mountaineers also struck early on special teams when Israel Boyce blocked a Colorado punt that rolled through the end zone for a safety — the team’s first since 2014.

The TakeawayColorado: The Buffaloes will miss bowl eligibility for the fourth time in five years. The loss drops head coach Deion Sanders to 16–19 in his third season.West Virginia: The Mountaineers continue to show late-season resilience behind a balanced offense and aggressive pass rush.

Up NextColorado has a bye next week before hosting Arizona State on Nov. 22.West Virginia travels to face Arizona State next Saturday.