Colorado opened the 2026 season with a 14-13 road win over Georgia Tech on Thursday night, turning a late six-point deficit into a dramatic victory in the final minute. Freshman quarterback Julian Lewis led an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, then defensive back Boo Carter blocked Georgia Tech’s potential game-winning 45-yard field goal on the final play.
The University of Colorado game recap confirms that Lewis found tight end Charlie Williams for a 20-yard touchdown with 42 seconds remaining, putting the Buffaloes ahead 14-13. Georgia Tech responded immediately, but Carter came off the edge to block Aidan Birr’s kick as time expired.

The short answer: Colorado won 14-13 after Lewis threw the go-ahead touchdown to Charlie Williams with 42 seconds left and Carter blocked Georgia Tech’s walk-off field-goal attempt on the final play.

How Colorado stole the game in the final minute

Georgia Tech appeared to be in control after Birr made a 29-yard field goal with 1:42 remaining, extending the Yellow Jackets’ lead to 13-7. Colorado then took over at its own 25 with no margin for error.

Lewis converted a third-and-11 with a 16-yard completion to Joseph Williams. After another short completion, DeKalon Taylor broke a 16-yard run that moved Colorado to the Georgia Tech 20. On the next snap, Lewis found Charlie Williams on the left side, and the tight end powered into the end zone. The extra point gave Colorado its first lead since early in the second quarter.

Georgia Tech still had time. Alberto Mendoza hit Dalen Penson for 42 yards on the Yellow Jackets’ first play after the touchdown, quickly moving the ball to the Colorado 33. Tech advanced to the 27 before sending out Birr for a 45-yard attempt. Carter beat the protection from the left side and blocked the kick, preserving the win. The official Georgia Tech recap describes the finish as a gut-wrenching 14-13 defeat after a 48-yard drive in roughly half a minute.

Colorado won the rushing battle, Georgia Tech won through the air

The final score was close, but the teams moved the ball in very different ways. Colorado rushed for 183 yards, while Georgia Tech managed only 51. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted that the rushing gap cut directly against Georgia Tech’s plan to lean on a more physical ground game.

Colorado spread the work among several backs. Damian Henderson II led the Buffaloes with 65 rushing yards, Micah Welch added 58, JaQuail Smith had 42 and Taylor contributed 22, including the 16-yard run that set up the winning touchdown. The Colorado athletics follow-up on the run game confirmed the 183-yard team total.

Georgia Tech had more success passing. Mendoza finished 17-for-23 for 237 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, according to the AJC. The Yellow Jackets, however, did not score an offensive touchdown. Their only touchdown came on Rahkeen Smith’s 100-yard kickoff return after Colorado had opened the scoring in the second quarter.

Colorado vs Georgia Tech: key game facts

Category	Colorado	Georgia Tech
Final score	14	13
Rushing yards	183	51
Georgia Tech QB passing	–	Alberto Mendoza: 17/23, 237 yards
Winning score	20-yard Lewis to Charlie Williams TD	–
Final play	Boo Carter blocked 45-yard FG	Aidan Birr field-goal attempt blocked

Georgia Tech could not turn field position into touchdowns

The most damaging part of the loss for Georgia Tech was not a lack of opportunities. The Yellow Jackets reached scoring range repeatedly but settled for field goals. Colorado’s defense held Georgia Tech to 5-of-13 on third down and produced three fumbles, according to the Buffaloes’ official recap. Defensive lineman Lamont Lester Jr. recorded three sacks in his Colorado debut.

Georgia Tech coach Brent Key focused on execution after the game. The AJC quoted him saying, “I don’t think it was a lack of effort. I think it was a lack of execution.” The Yellow Jackets also committed nine penalties, another factor in a night when several promising possessions failed to become touchdowns.

What Deion Sanders said after Colorado’s comeback

Colorado coach Deion Sanders highlighted the unexpected success of his team’s ground game. Speaking after the win, he reacted to the 183-51 rushing margin and praised the physical push from Colorado’s offensive line. The official Colorado run-game recap quoted Sanders saying the Buffaloes stayed with the run because their line was moving defenders.

The result also drew national attention because Colorado opened 1-0 in dramatic fashion under Sanders. NBC Sports highlighted the last-second finish, while ESPN also covered Colorado’s late rally and the blocked field-goal attempt.

Why this result matters for both teams

For Colorado, the win showed an ability to survive a low-scoring road game without relying on explosive passing production. The Buffaloes ran effectively, produced a decisive two-minute drive and made the biggest special-teams play of the night when the game came down to one kick.

For Georgia Tech, the concern is sharper because the loss exposed problems in areas expected to be strengths. The Yellow Jackets were outrushed 183-51, did not score an offensive touchdown and missed two field-goal attempts, including the final blocked kick. Still, Mendoza’s efficient first start and the secondary’s performance gave Tech some positives to carry forward.

What comes next

Colorado returns home to face Weber State on September 12 at Folsom Field. Georgia Tech remains at Bobby Dodd Stadium for a September 12 matchup with Tennessee. The official Georgia Tech schedule lists the Yellow Jackets at 0-1 after the loss, while Colorado athletics records the Buffaloes at 1-0.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Colorado vs Georgia Tech?

Colorado beat Georgia Tech 14-13 on September 3, 2026, at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta.

How did Colorado beat Georgia Tech?

Julian Lewis led an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive and threw a 20-yard score to Charlie Williams with 42 seconds left. Boo Carter then blocked Georgia Tech’s 45-yard field-goal attempt on the final play.

How many rushing yards did Colorado have?

Colorado finished with 183 rushing yards. Georgia Tech had 51.

How did Alberto Mendoza play?

Mendoza completed 17 of 23 passes for 237 yards without a touchdown or interception. He also completed a 42-yard pass to Dalen Penson on Georgia Tech’s final drive.

Conclusion

Colorado’s 14-13 win was decided by two plays in the final 42 seconds: Lewis’ touchdown pass to Charlie Williams and Carter’s blocked field goal. Georgia Tech had enough time to create one last chance, but Colorado made the final play and left Atlanta with a 1-0 start.