Buffs explode in 2nd quarter, take 21–3 lead over Wyoming at the half

It's Family Weekend. White-out under the lights. Ralphie VII thundering across the field (dang she looked fast). You couldn’t script a better start — and Colorado finally gave us a first half worth standing and yelling for.

After a slow, sloppy first quarter, the Buffs came alive in the second with three straight touchdowns, and now lead Wyoming 21–3 at the break.

Salter finally gets rolling

This is the Kaidon Salter we’ve been waiting to see.

He looked shaky early, but once he settled in, he started carving up Wyoming’s secondary. First, a gorgeous 29-yard strike to Omarion Miller on third-and-long. Then a quick dump-off to Sincere Brown that turned into Brown sprinting 68 yards down the sideline like he was in a track meet.

Two touchdowns, 192 passing yards on 10-of-18 throws, no turnovers. For once, we haven't had to hold our breath on every snap.

A ground game with some bite

Give Simeon Price credit. Colorado’s rushing attack hasn’t scared anyone this season, but Price gave it bite when it mattered.

Late in the second quarter, he finished off a methodical eight-play, 67-yard drive with a one-yard plunge. His second rushing TD of the year, and the exclamation point on a half where the Buffs actually controlled the line of scrimmage.

Between Salter’s scrambles and Price’s vision, Colorado found just enough balance to keep Wyoming honest. That’s something we haven’t been able to say in a while.

Defense keeps Cowboys stuck in neutral

Yes, Samuel Harris broke free for a 50-yard run that set up a Cowboy field goal. But outside of that? Wyoming’s offense has been a flat tire.

Quarterback Kaden Anderson went 4-of-13 for 49 yards. That’s it.

Linebacker Reggie Hughes has been flying around with four tackles. Safety Preston Hodge already has two pass breakups. And guys like Tawfiq Byard and London Merritt are making plays in the backfield.

This group still gives up big plays, but they’re forcing mistakes and winning downs. That’s all you need against a one-dimensional Wyoming attack.

Second half outlook

This one isn’t over. Wyoming’s not a program that folds. They’ll keep running the ball and hoping for a mistake. Colorado can’t get sloppy.

But if the Buffs keep attacking like they did in that second quarter, this could turn into a statement win we’ve been waiting for since the season kicked off.

And with five-star wideout Cederian Morgan in the house again — yes, the Alabama commit has made his way to Boulder for the third time since May — the timing couldn’t be better for Colorado to put on a show.

Halftime score: Colorado 21, Wyoming 3.

The Buffs look alive. And for once, Buffs Nation can lean back with a little smile. Yeah, this feels good.