THE HAYNES KING SHOW SPOILS THE BUFFALOES’ SEASON OPENER

Aug 29, 2025

3 min read

Updated: Oct 31

BOULDER, CO - AUGUST 29: Running Back Jamal Haynes #1 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, slips the tackle of Defensive End Keaten Wade #27 of the Colorado Buffaloes, during the college football game between the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets and the Colorado Buffaloes on August 29, 2025 at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO. (Photo by Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire)

BOULDER, Colo. — Heading into the season opener, all eyes were on Deion Sanders and his 2025 version of Colorado. Without Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, now in the NFL, the Buffaloes carried intrigue: how would they begin this new era?

The answer came from the other sideline. Haynes King, Georgia Tech’s quarterback, took control of the night. With three rushing touchdowns, including a decisive 45-yard run with 1:07 remaining, he delivered the Yellow Jackets a 27–20 victory at Folsom Field.

Flashes from Salter, but too inconsistent

Deion Sanders had hinted he might give freshman Julian “Juju” Lewis some playing time if the situation allowed. But it was Kaidon Salter who stayed under center the entire way. The former Liberty quarterback showed glimpses of his dual-threat ability, but not enough consistency to tilt the game in Colorado’s favor.

Salter finished with a respectable line: 17-of-28 passing for 159 yards and one touchdown, adding 43 rushing yards and another score on 13 carries. He got off to a sharp start, turning Colorado’s opening 36-yard drive — set up by a turnover — into a touchdown with an 8-yard pass to Dekalon Taylor.

But the Buffaloes failed to turn two more Georgia Tech giveaways into points, letting crucial opportunities slip away.

Georgia Tech rides King’s legs

While his passing output was modest (13/20, 143 yards, 1 INT), King made the difference with his legs. A nightmare for the Buffaloes’ defense, he piled up 156 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 19 carries.

His masterpiece came in the money time. With the score tied at 20–20, King faked a pitch on 3rd down, burst through the middle, and sprinted 45 yards into the end zone, a backbreaking play that effectively sealed the game.

Buffaloes’ defense battles, but fades late

Colorado’s defense hung tough for long stretches before finally giving way to King’s relentless rushing attack. Linebacker Reginald Hughes registered 11 tackles (9 solo), while Martavius French added 6 tackles and 1.5 TFL.

As the game wore on, though, the Buffaloes had no answer for the quarterback runs that kept coming.

What’s next?

For the Buffaloes, this loss stings. The opportunity was there to start the season with a signature win over an ACC opponent. Instead, offensive inconsistency and an inability to contain King proved costly.

The quarterback conversation will inevitably heat up. Salter showed flashes to justify his coach’s trust, but the presence of freshman Lewis looms large.

Colorado (0–1) will try to rebound next week at home against Delaware. Georgia Tech (1–0), meanwhile, returns to Atlanta with a statement win and will host Gardner- Webb.