5:08 remained but the considered opinion of virtually everyone watching the game was that the Buffs’ chances for a comeback had just

5:08 remained, but the considered opinion of virtually everyone watching the game was that the Buffs’ chances for a comeback had just been fumbled away.  But someone forgot to tell the Buffs, especially their defense. Three runs netted Michigan four yards, but cost CU two precious time outs in an effort to stop the clock. After a short punt return by Chris Hudson, CU had the ball at their own 28-yard line.  Now the fun would begin.  3:52 remaining – Michigan 26, Colorado 14 – Colorado ball at its own 28-yard line After two scrambles and a fumbled pitch out of bounds by Stewart, Salaam cut up the left side for 12 yards and a first down to the Buffs’ 48-yard line. “Make no mistake,” said ABC commentator Bob Greise after Salaam’s run. “There is plenty of time for the Buffaloes to score two touchdowns.” A swing pass to Salaam gave the Buffs’ another first down at the Michigan 40.

Two passes to tight end Christian Fauria gave CU another first at the UM 24 2:37 now remained in the contest. After an incomplete pass, Stewart kept the ball on an option to the left for 21 yards to the Michigan three. First and goal, Colorado.  ”The only way to stop this team is if they stop themselves,” noted Greise about the Buffs.  On the next play, a Kordell Stewart pass to the corner of the endzone intended for Michael Westbrook was too high, but Michigan had too many players on the field The penalty moved the ball to the Michigan one yard line A pitch to Salaam took care of the final yard. Neil Voskeritchian’s kick was true, and the Buffs were back to within five points, 26-21.  The Buffs’ subsequent onsides kick attempt was easily recovered by receiver Mercury Hayes, and it appeared that Colorado and its fans would spend much of the evening grousing about what could have been, and wondering how far the Buffs would fall in the polls the next morning. 2:16 remaining – Michigan 26, Colorado 21 – Michigan ball at the CU 45-yard line  All that remained for the Wolverines to do was to pick up one first down and end the game.

On third and seven, the Buffs jumped offsides, giving Michigan an easier attempt at a game-ending first down. The Wolverines, however, responded in kind with a false start, moving the ball back. After some discussion, five precious seconds were returned to the stadium clock. A three-yard run by Biakabutuka into the line gave Michigan a fourth-and-four at the CU 39-yard line Twenty one seconds remained.