Colorado Football - CU v. Michigan (1994) - "The Catch"

Two top ten teams.  A national television audience, with Keith Jackson at the microphone.  Already a marquee matchup, the game would end with one of the most memorable calls in college football history.

September 24th - @ Michigan               #7 Colorado 27, #4 Michigan 26

While there is much to be said about the final six seconds of the 1994 Colorado/Michigan game, the set-up is equally important. Both teams had the opportunity to dominate the game, but fell short. Momentum swayed back and forth before 106,427 fans, the largest crowd to witness a Colorado football game in school history.

Midway through the second quarter, the Buffs were putting on a show for the Wolverine faithful. Up 14-3, CU threatened to make the game a rout after Kordell Stewart hit Michael Westbrook on a 27-yard touchdown with 7:54 remaining in the half. But for the next two full quarters it was all Michigan. Wolverine running back Tim Biakabutuka scored on a four yard run to pull UM to within 14-9 with 1:14 before halftime. Going for a two point conversion to pull the Wolverines to within a field goal of the Buffs, quarterback Todd Collins was intercepted by Buffs' linebacker Matt Russell, preserving a five point lead for Colorado.

The third quarter was a nightmare for the Buffs, as Michigan posted 17 unanswered points to take a 26-14 lead. Less than five minutes into the quarter, Tyrone Wheatley capped a 62-yard drive with a six yard scoring run. A short field goal after the Buffs' fumbled the kickoff return and a 65-yard bomb from Collins to receiver Amani Toomer gave the Wolverines their biggest advantage, 26-14, with just under three minutes remaining in the third. The Buffs were sluggish on offense, and the game appeared to be well in hand for the home team.

Now it was time for the Buffs to mount a comeback, but not before giving CU fans more reason to test their faith. After punting the ball away on its first four second half possessions (not including the James Kidd fumble after a Michigan kickoff), Colorado finally mounted a drive. Commencing with about eight minutes remaining in the game, Stewart methodically passed the Buffs down the field. After Stewart hit Michael Westbrook for nine yards down to the Michigan four yard line, the Buffs had a first-and-goal. Yes, CU was down 12 points, but now they were at point blank range, and still over five minutes remained on the game clock. Plenty of time for two scores and a victory.