Colorado’s defense allowed only three points in the first half against Georgia Tech. The Buffaloes still went into halftime trailing 10-7.
A kickoff return touchdown by Rahkeem Smith provided the difference, bringing renewed attention to Deion Sanders’ decision to enter the season without a designated special teams coordinator.
“We got three new coordinators?” Sanders sarcastically asked a media member during a spring press conference. “We don’t have a special teams coordinator.”
Colorado distributed those responsibilities among its assistants, with tight ends coach Josh Niblett expected to play a prominent role. One breakdown does not establish that the staffing arrangement caused it, but Smith’s return gave the Buffs an immediate reason to scrutinize their coverage.
Colorado scored first on a rushing touchdown by Micah Welch. Smith answered by taking a kickoff from inside his own end zone the length of the field, wiping away the Buffaloes’ advantage.
It was the most damaging mistake in a half that also featured missed offensive opportunities.
Boo Carter recovered a fumble to give Colorado an early chance to capitalize. Instead, the possession ended without points when DeKalon Taylor gained two yards on fourth-and-goal from the Georgia Tech 3, finishing one yard short.
Welch provided the most consistent offensive production, carrying nine times for 55 yards and the touchdown. Damian Henderson added 30 yards on five carries.
Julian Lewis completed 6 of 11 passes for 41 yards. DeAndre Moore Jr. had Colorado’s longest reception at 15 yards, while Danny Scudero caught three passes for 11 yards.
Lewis’ final third-down opportunity before halftime ended with another mishap. Facing third-and-4 with about 90 seconds remaining, the ball slipped from his hand. He recovered the fumble, but Colorado had to punt. Georgia Tech’s returner then muffed the kick, only for the Yellow Jackets to recover.
Georgia Tech’s offense found its biggest escape when Alberto Mendoza scrambled across the field on third-and-12 and connected with Jordan Allen for 22 yards to the Colorado 4. The Buffs held from there, forcing a short field goal.
Mendoza completed 8 of 12 passes for 105 yards, with Allen catching four passes for 45 yards. Justice Haynes rushed nine times for 32 yards.
Colorado’s defense delivered another important stop when Lamont Lester Jr. sacked Mendoza on third-and-20 with 27 seconds remaining. Mendoza limped off afterward, appearing to favor his left leg.
His status adds another question entering the second half. Georgia Tech will receive the kickoff, while Colorado needs cleaner execution to turn a competitive defensive performance into a lead.
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