GOLDEN, Colorado — The Colorado School of Mines Orediggers delivered a decisive performance against the West Texas A&M Buffaloes Thursday night, winning 41-13 before a crowd of over 4,200 at Marv Kay Stadium. The fifth-ranked Orediggers exhibited their offensive firepower and defensive prowess, leaving the Buffaloes trailing from the first drive.
The Colorado School of Mines took charge early. On their opening drive, running back Landon Walker broke free for a 47-yard touchdown run, giving the Orediggers a 7-0 lead. West Texas A&M briefly evened the score when junior quarterback Sean Johnson connected with wide receiver Zorian Stanton for a 27-yard touchdown pass, making it 7-7. However, the Orediggers responded quickly, as Evan Foster, who completed 20 of 30 passes for 269 yards, found Max McLeod for a 27-yard touchdown, reclaiming the lead at 14-7.
The Buffaloes struggled to match Colorado’s offensive efficiency. Colorado’s next drive spanned 75 yards and ended with a two-yard touchdown pass from Foster to Brayden Duerksen. A missed extra point left the score at 20-7. West Texas A&M’s following drive faltered due to penalties, allowing Colorado to capitalize. With less than two minutes remaining in the half, the Orediggers mounted a swift drive that ended with a six-yard touchdown run by Braelon Tate, giving them a commanding 27-7 lead at halftime.
The second half began with a quick three-and-out for the Buffaloes. Colorado extended their lead as Walker scored his second touchdown with an eight-yard run, making it 34-7. West Texas A&M finally responded with a six-yard touchdown run by Johnson, closing the gap to 34-13. Unfortunately for the Buffaloes, that was their last score of the game.
Colorado’s defense was as effective as their offense. The Orediggers recorded two sacks and six tackles for loss, consistently disrupting Johnson’s rhythm. Despite Johnson’s efforts, which included 196 passing yards and 78 rushing yards, he was intercepted and had a touchdown pass nullified by a penalty.
Wide receivers Zorian Stanton and Tyrie Tipton were Johnson’s main targets. Stanton caught five passes for 84 yards and a touchdown, while Tipton added five catches for 47 yards. Despite their contributions, they could not overcome Colorado’s defensive line, which neutralized the Buffaloes’ offensive line throughout the game.
In the final moments, Colorado sealed the victory with a seven-yard touchdown run by Max Barnes, making the score 41-13. The Orediggers outgained West Texas A&M 447 to 295 in total offensive yardage. Colorado’s defensive line effectively shut down the Buffaloes’ offense, failing to record a sack and putting minimal pressure on Foster.
Senior linebacker Zach Schlager led the Buffaloes with seven tackles, including five solo efforts. Despite his strong performance, he could not single-handedly shift the momentum against the Orediggers’ well-rounded attack.
The loss drops West Texas A&M to 1-1 on the season. The Buffaloes will aim to rebound when they host the 15th-ranked Western Colorado Mountaineers next Saturday at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
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This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Colorado School of Mines overpowers West Texas A&M, 41-13
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