2017 Week 11

Nebraska State scored three late touchdowns to blitz past #23 Colorado 35-17.

The Buffaloes had just taken a 17-14 lead after a 69-yard run by Alford midway through the fourth quarter. NSU took the ball on the kickoff and drove to the CU 35-yard line with just under two minutes to go. On first and 10, however, a last second win looked almost over for the Prairie Dogs.

DaMario Bates, who entered the game after starter Tony Schifano was ineffective, fumbled the ball after a blindsided hit in the pocket. Colorado recovered the ball at the 35 and was poised to run out the clock but a celebration penalty placed CU with a first and 23.

With two timeouts remaining and a stingy defense, the Prairie Dogs ensured themselves of getting the ball back with no timeouts. As it turned out, the offense wasn't needed.

Chuck Ruud took the punt and raced down the left sideline for a 72-yard return for a touchdown and putting NSU back into the lead.

"It was a great boost for our team. We needed a big play after the turnover and again Ruud came through," said Ryan Ditka, NSU head coach.

Colorado went four and out and Franklin ensured a win by racing for a nine-yard touchdown with just 0:46 left. NSU wasn't done as Lee Hodges took Colorado's next play for a 29-yard touchdown off a pick, the second straight game Hodges has returned an interception for a score.

NSU closes out Big 12 play next week against Kansas and is in need of a Buffalo upset over Nebraska to earn a shot in the Big 12 title game.