Colorado Stuns Georgia Tech 14-13 as Boo Carter Blocks Last-Second Field Goal

Julian Lewis Engineers Late Go-Ahead Drive Before Buffaloes Defense Slams Door on Yellow Jackets in Dramatic Road Victory

ATLANTA | Colorado needed one drive from its young quarterback and one final stand from its defense.

The Buffaloes got both.

Quarterback Julian Lewis engineered a dramatic go-ahead touchdown drive in the final two minutes, and defensive back Boo Carter blocked Georgia Tech's potential game-winning 45-yard field goal as time expired, preserving Colorado's 14-13 road victory over the Yellow Jackets.

It was the kind of finish that can define an opener — and perhaps set the tone for what Colorado hopes will become a breakthrough season.

Trailing 13-7 with less than two minutes remaining, Lewis and the Buffaloes faced their biggest test of the night. Colorado needed a touchdown, and there was little room for error.

Lewis delivered.

Third-year wide receiver Joseph Williams helped ignite the possession with crucial yards after the catch, allowing Colorado to move quickly into Georgia Tech territory. Lewis remained composed as the clock continued to disappear, eventually helping put the Buffaloes in position for Colorado native Charlie Williams to score the team's second touchdown of the game.

The score gave Colorado a 14-13 lead with only 37 seconds remaining.

But Georgia Tech wasn't finished.

Georgia Tech Gets One Final Shot

Yellow Jackets quarterback Alberto Mendoza, the younger brother of Indiana's 2026 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, quickly moved Georgia Tech into position for a potential game-winning field goal.

Mendoza completed two passes, and Georgia Tech added a rushing play to advance to Colorado's 28-yard line. With three seconds remaining, the Yellow Jackets sent their field-goal unit onto the field for a 45-yard attempt that could have erased Colorado's comeback.

Carter made sure the kick never had a chance.

The Tennessee transfer came flying off the edge and blocked the attempt, diving into the play to seal Colorado's 14-13 victory.

"This is our first game, so coming out 1-0 and going back home with a win just feels good, to be honest," Carter said.

For Carter, the block capped a performance that extended well beyond one spectacular special-teams play.

Boo Carter Makes Immediate Impact for Colorado

Carter also recovered a Georgia Tech fumble in the first quarter, ending a Yellow Jackets possession after only one play.

His performance was part of a broader defensive effort that repeatedly disrupted Georgia Tech and kept Colorado within striking distance long enough for Lewis and the offense to mount a late comeback.

Few players created more problems for the Yellow Jackets than Lamont Lester Jr.

Lester recorded three sacks in his Colorado debut, the most by a Buffaloes player making his CU debut since at least 2003. His ability to generate pressure became a defining element of a defensive performance that prevented Georgia Tech from taking complete control of the game.

Randon Fontenette led Colorado with eight total tackles, including three solo stops. Gideon ESPN Lampron added a team-high five solo tackles.

The numbers told only part of the story. Colorado's defense forced turnovers, pressured the quarterback, and ultimately delivered when Georgia Tech had a chance to steal the victory.

Julian Lewis Delivers When Colorado Needs Him Most

For Lewis, the final possession provided an early glimpse of what Colorado hopes its quarterback can become.

Late-game situations often reveal more about a quarterback than an entire night's worth of statistics. Lewis faced a six-point deficit on the road with less than two minutes remaining and responded by directing the Buffaloes down the field for the winning touchdown.

Joseph Williams' ability to turn receptions into additional yardage helped give the drive momentum, while Charlie Williams finished it with the touchdown that put Colorado ahead.

It wasn't an offensive masterpiece. Colorado scored only 14 points, and Georgia Tech's defense made the Buffaloes work for nearly everything they generated.

But when Colorado absolutely had to score, Lewis found a way.

That matters.

Colorado's Defense Provides the Difference

The Buffaloes' victory was ultimately built around defense.

Carter's fumble recovery prevented Georgia Tech from capitalizing on an early possession. Lester's three sacks created consistent pressure. Fontenette and Lampron helped anchor the tackling effort.

Then came the biggest defensive play of the night — technically on special teams — with the outcome resting on one kick.

Carter beat the protection and got his hand on the football.

Game over.

Colorado had traveled to Atlanta and survived.

The Buffaloes leave Georgia Tech with a 1-0 record, but perhaps more importantly, they leave with evidence that they can win a close game when nearly everything is riding on the final few possessions.

Lewis showed poise with the game in his hands. The defense showed it could generate pressure and create turnovers. Carter showed why his arrival from Tennessee could prove significant for Colorado's defense and special teams.

One game won't determine Colorado's season.

But a 14-13 road victory secured by a touchdown in the final minute and a blocked field goal in the final seconds is about as dramatic a way as possible to begin it.

For the Buffaloes, 1-0 was enough.

And they earned it the hard way.

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-- By James W. Thomas

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