King’s Late Heroics Lift Georgia Tech Over Colorado in Thrilling Season Opener

Dante Williams | Ejsports

In a game marked by early miscues and late-game drama, Haynes King led Georgia Tech to a thrilling 27–20 victory over Colorado on Friday night at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. King’s 45-yard touchdown run with 1:07 remaining sealed the win for the Yellow Jackets, who overcame three first-quarter turnovers to start their season with a statement road victory. Georgia Tech’s offense struggled out of the gate, committing two fumbles and an interception on its first three possessions. Despite the shaky start, King found his rhythm, finishing the night with 156 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while also throwing for 143 yards. The Yellow Jackets racked up 320 rushing yards and outgained Colorado by a margin of 463 to 305. “They called my number. I did my job. I followed my blockers,” King said in a postgame interview. “The rest is history.” Trailing 20–13 in the fourth quarter, Colorado tied the game with a 7-yard touchdown run from Kaidon Salter, a transfer from Liberty making his Buffaloes debut. The extra point attempt by Alejandro Mata was tipped but still managed to cross the crossbar, evening the score at 20–20 with just over eight minutes remaining.

However, Georgia Tech responded swiftly. On the ensuing drive, King carried the ball four times in five plays, culminating in his game-winning touchdown run that stunned the home crowd. Colorado had two timeouts remaining on its final possession but elected not to use them. The Buffaloes advanced the ball to midfield before a last-second Hail Mary was knocked down in the end zone.

“We could’ve won the game,” Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said afterward. “It’s not like we had our butts kicked. If we take advantage of the opportunities, I have a whole different mood up here right now.”

Salter finished with 159 passing yards, one touchdown through the air, and 43 rushing yards. However, Colorado’s offense lacked consistency, and freshman quarterback Julian “JuJu” Lewis did not play. Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key emphasized the importance of the team’s ground attack: “A lot of things we have to clean up. The difference was our ability to run the football.” The matchup was historically significant, as it marked the first time Georgia Tech and Colorado met on the football field. The programs share a connection, having split the 1990 national championship. The Buffaloes wore patches honoring former head coach Bill McCartney, who passed away in January at age 84. In addition to emotional tributes, the game included unique sideline accommodations. Sanders, recently diagnosed with bladder cancer, had a portable restroom tent placed next to the bench due to medical necessity. Missing from the action was Ralphie VI, Colorado’s beloved live buffalo mascot, who was retired earlier in the week. On the field, Colorado linebacker Martavius French recovered two fumbles, providing one of the few bright spots on defense.

Despite the loss, former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders — now with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns — expressed optimism. “They’ll figure things out. They have a great head coach,” he posted on social media following the game. Georgia Tech’s win marked its first regular-season victory in the Mountain time zone since a 1978 triumph at Air Force, breaking a 47-year drought. With King leading the offense, the Yellow Jackets appear poised for a strong season. “We ain’t got time to jell,” Coach Sanders said. “We’ve got to go right now.”