Kaidon Salter made a strong return to the starting quarterback role, tossing three touchdown passes and adding a game-sealing rushing score to lead Colorado to a 37-20 victory over Wyoming on Saturday night.

BOULDER, Colo. — Kaidon Salter made a triumphant return to the starting quarterback role on Saturday night, throwing three touchdown passes and sealing the game with a late scoring run as Colorado defeated Wyoming 37-20.

Salter, who had been benched in favor of Ryan Staub last week, completed 18 of 28 passes for 304 yards and added 86 rushing yards. His performance helped the Buffaloes (2-2) bounce back after a disappointing loss to Houston.

Colorado jumped out to a 28-3 lead early in the third quarter, but Wyoming (2-2) mounted a comeback attempt. The surge was halted when Buffaloes defensive end Arden Walker sacked Wyoming quarterback Kaden Anderson in the end zone for a safety, extending Colorado’s lead to 30-13.

Following a Wyoming touchdown that cut the lead to 10, Salter iced the game with a 35-yard touchdown run with under two minutes remaining.

“I’m happy with the results, but not with the finish,” Colorado head coach Deion Sanders said. “We were doing too much laughing and joking on the sidelines with the lead. I want us to develop more of a killer instinct — the ability to put teams away when we’re in control.”

Salter, a transfer from Liberty, started the season’s first two games but was replaced last week. Reinstated as the starter, he delivered explosive plays, including touchdown passes of 29 yards to Omarion Miller, 68 yards to Sincere Brown, and 47 yards to Joseph Williams.

“It’s tough not playing,” Salter said. “I just wanted to come back and be the best version of myself for my teammates.”

When asked if the benching served as a wake-up call, Sanders responded: “I’m not going to say what a man needs. But everyone in that locker room, including me, has to be accountable. Sometimes that means tough decisions. I want to win, but I also want our players to grow.”

Wyoming quarterback Kaden Anderson threw for 176 yards and two touchdowns, while freshman running back Samuel Harris rushed for 126 yards, including a 50-yard burst.

“We made too many mistakes at the wrong times,” said Cowboys coach Jay Sawvel. “We didn’t finish plays in the first half, and it cost us.”

Ralphie VII Makes Debut

Saturday also marked the debut of Colorado’s new live mascot, Ralphie VII, a 1-year-old bison who replaces Ralphie VI. The newcomer drew cheers from the crowd as she made her first run.

“I heard she was energetic,” Sanders said. “She started strong and finished strong — unlike us.”

Rivalry Renewed

This was the first meeting between Colorado and Wyoming in 16 years, despite the schools being just 130 miles apart. They've now faced off only seven times since 1947.

Injuries & Ejections

• Left tackle Jordan Seaton was replaced by Kareem Harden in the second half after appearing on the sidelines in sweats with a limp.

• Defensive tackle Anquin Barnes Jr. was ejected in the third quarter for targeting.

Game Notes

Wyoming blocked its third field goal of the season, a 34-yard attempt by Alejandro Mata.

Colorado racked up 497 total yards, including 193 on the ground.

Up Next

Wyoming returns home to face UNLV on Oct. 4.

Colorado continues its home stand, hosting BYU next Saturday.