On a cold November night in Boulder, Colorado, the Arizona State Sun Devils didn’t just win — they announced themselves as a force in the newly realigned Big 12 Conference. With 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, the No. 25 Sun Devils demolished the Colorado Buffaloes 42-17 at Folsom Field on November 22, 2025, turning what had been a tight contest into a statement victory. The win keeps Arizona State alive in the conference title race, while Colorado’s season ends on a sour note — and with more questions than answers.
How a Fumble Turned Into a Firestorm
The game was tied 17-17 heading into the final quarter. Colorado, coached by the high-profile Deion Sanders, had played hard all night. Their quarterback, Juju Lewis, had shown flashes of brilliance, and the Buffaloes’ defense had contained Arizona State’s offense for three quarters. But then came the turning point — a fumble deep in Colorado territory, recovered by the Sun Devils. And then, on the very next play, Raleek Brown took a handoff, burst through the middle, and vanished down the sideline for an 88-yard touchdown. The crowd went silent. The scoreboard flashed: 28-17. The game was over."Two plays to me changed the whole course of the game," Sanders said afterward. "The fumble... and the explosion right after it. That’s what you get when you give a guy like Brown room to breathe. He’s not just fast — he’s got vision. And that’s not something you coach."
Raleek Brown: The Breakout Star
Brown didn’t just break a record — he rewrote it. His 255 rushing yards shattered Ben Malone’s 52-year-old road record of 251 yards set at Oregon State in 1973. He added 33 yards on three receptions, giving him 288 all-purpose yards — the most by any Sun Devil since 2018. His two touchdowns — the 88-yard run and a 33-yard catch — pushed him past 1,000 yards for the season, making him the 11th Arizona State rusher to hit that mark in the last 15 years. He wasn’t just the offensive engine. He was the entire offense.Quarterback Jeff Sims wasn’t perfect — 11-of-24 for 206 yards, two touchdowns — but he didn’t need to be. Arizona State’s offensive line opened gaping holes, and the Sun Devils ran for 355 yards, their fourth-highest total in a road game since 1996. The team finished with 580 total yards, the 25th-best single-game output in program history since 1996. Even with four turnovers, Arizona State’s offense was too explosive, too precise, too relentless.
Colorado’s Season of Disillusionment
For the Colorado Buffaloes, this loss was more than a defeat. It was the culmination of a season that promised more. After joining the Big 12 in 2024, expectations were high under Coach Prime. But inconsistency has plagued them — especially on defense. Their offense, led by Lewis, showed flashes but lacked finish. The 42-17 scoreline didn’t reflect the effort, but it did reflect the gap in execution."They created that opportunity," said Colorado receiver Marott Miller in a postgame interview, referring to the fumble. "Lewis told us it’s unstoppable. Yeah, but they do that the second most in the country. You can’t give them second chances."
Colorado’s season ends next Saturday at Kansas State University’s Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas. For a team that entered the year with national buzz, this finish feels hollow. Sanders has built something here — the energy, the recruiting, the culture — but wins still matter more than hype.
Arizona State’s Championship Hopes Stay Alive
The win improved Arizona State to 8-3 overall and 6-2 in Big 12 play. They’re now tied for second in the conference standings, one game behind the leader. A win in their final game — against a struggling team — could still land them in the Big 12 Championship Game. The offense, once seen as inconsistent, now looks like one of the most dangerous in the league. Brown’s emergence, combined with Sims’ steady leadership and a defense that stepped up when it mattered, gives the Sun Devils real momentum.They also became the first team since their 70-7 rout of Arizona (year unspecified) to record both a 60+ yard rushing TD and a 60+ yard passing TD in the same game. That kind of explosive capability is rare. It’s the kind of thing that changes how opponents prepare.
What’s Next?
Arizona State’s final game is against an unranked opponent, likely a team already out of contention. But for the Sun Devils, this isn’t just about winning — it’s about proving they belong among the conference’s elite. If they can close the season strong, they’ll enter next year with real momentum.Colorado, meanwhile, must rebuild. Their defense gave up 580 yards. Their quarterback threw two interceptions — one returned for a touchdown. And their star coach, despite his charisma, is now under pressure to deliver results. The Big 12 isn’t forgiving. Neither are the fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Raleek Brown’s performance compare to past Arizona State running backs?
Brown’s 255 rushing yards are the most by any Sun Devil on the road since 1973, surpassing Ben Malone’s record. He’s the 11th 1,000-yard rusher for ASU in the last 15 seasons, but only the third to break 250 yards in a single game since 2000. His 288 all-purpose yards are the highest since Demario Richard’s 314-yard game in 2017. This wasn’t just a big night — it was generational.
Why did Colorado’s defense collapse in the fourth quarter?
Colorado’s defense had held strong through three quarters, but fatigue and miscommunication caught up. After the fumble recovery, they were caught in a prevent defense that left too much space for Brown’s speed. The Sun Devils exploited that with perfect timing — and Colorado’s secondary couldn’t recover. The Buffaloes also lost two key defenders to injury in the third quarter, weakening their depth at a critical time.
What does this mean for Arizona State’s Big 12 Championship chances?
Arizona State is now 6-2 in conference play, tied for second. They need to win their final game and hope the current leader loses to avoid a tiebreaker scenario. Even if they don’t make the title game, this win significantly boosts their bowl prospects — likely securing a New Year’s Six berth if they finish 9-3. The offense’s explosiveness makes them a dangerous wildcard.
Is Deion Sanders under pressure after this loss?
Yes. While Sanders has transformed Colorado’s culture and recruiting, the team is 5-7 this season and has lost three of its last four. Fans expected more after joining the Big 12. The 42-17 loss at home — especially after leading late — raises questions about game management and defensive schemes. His reputation is strong, but wins are the currency of college football.
What’s the significance of Arizona State joining the Big 12?
Arizona State moved from the Pac-12 to the Big 12 in 2024 as part of a major realignment that saw nine schools shift conferences. The move was strategic — the Big 12 offered more stability, better TV deals, and a more favorable schedule. This win over Colorado proves they’re not just surviving — they’re thriving. The Sun Devils are now a legitimate contender in a more competitive league.
How did Arizona State overcome four turnovers?
They didn’t overcome them — they overwhelmed them. Arizona State’s offense was so explosive that even after turnovers, they scored quickly enough to erase any momentum shift. The defense, though imperfect, held Colorado to field goals when they needed to. And crucially, the Sun Devils turned two of those turnovers into 10 points — including a pick-six. It wasn’t luck. It was execution under pressure.