The second year of the Coach Prime era in Boulder is off to a great start.

Colorado, playing its first game as a member of the Big 12 Conference, defeated North Dakota State 31-26 on Thursday.

Colorado had just two drives in the first quarter, totaling less than three and a half minutes, but that’s because they both ended in long scores. Travis Hunter sprinted 41 yards into the end zone and Sheduer Sanders found Jimmy Horn Jr. for a 70-yard touchdown.

However, Colorado’s defense was suspect early and NDSU led 20-17 at halftime.

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Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders warms up before an NCAA college football game against North Dakota State, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colorado. (AP photo/Jack Dempsey)

Another long Hunter reception brought the Buffs inside the 10-yard line to start the third quarter, but a lucky bounce off a Bison defender’s leg resulted in an interception, killing the drive. But after forcing a three-and-out, Sanders and Hunter connected again to take a 24-20 lead.

The Buffaloes’ defense took a step forward in the third period, as the Bison were forced to punt on both drives of the quarter. Meanwhile, Sanders and Hunter continued to show why they’re arguably the best duo in the sport. The pair scored their third touchdown of the night on a killer catch by Hunter in the end zone to give the Buffs a 31-20 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

NDSU quarterback Cam Miller found the end zone with 2:19 left, but the Bison were unable to convert the two-point conversion. They got the ball back with 31 seconds left on the clock at their own eight-yard line, but their efforts were too little too late as the final pass was caught at the five-yard line, giving Colorado the win.

Colorado receiver Travis Hunter celebrates a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Dakota State on Thursday, August 29, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado. (AP photo/Jack Dempsey)

Colorado receiver Travis Hunter celebrates a first down during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Dakota State, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colorado. (AP photo/Jack Dempsey)

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Sanders completed 26 of his 34 passes for 445 yards and four touchdowns — Horn (198) and Hunter (132) combined for 330 of those yards.

It’s Colorado’s first win since Oct. 7 of last year. They lost eight of their last nine games last season, including each of their last six, while starting the previous season 3-0.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders waves to the crowd prior to an NCAA college football game against North Dakota State, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colorado. (AP photo/Jack Dempsey)

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The Buffs play their next two games away from home. They play at Nebraska next week and Colorado State the week after that. They return home in Week 4 for their first regular season game against Baylor.

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