‘Resilient’ Buffaloes win in OT after Hail Mary
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Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
When Colorado lined up for the final play of regulation Saturday night against Baylor, the plan called for Travis Hunter, the Buffaloes’ do-it-all star, to serve as … a decoy?
Colorado needed a Hail Mary touchdown to tie the score, and figured Hunter, who had six receptions for 126 yards, would attract the most attention. Hunter would run toward the middle of the end zone, ideally creating a more favorable matchup for LaJohntay Wester, a 5-foot-11, 167-pound wideout.
“We put Travis backside, he’s going to get all the attention, and then LaJohntay’s just going to be there, outside, one-on-one,” Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders said. “They’re not going to think we’re going to throw him the ball because he’s a shorter guy, probably in that situation. So then I roll left, everybody went in the middle of the end zone and I just trusted God. I threw it up to God and God answered the prayer, for sure.”
Sanders’ heave from the Baylor 49-yard line fell to Wester, who wedged between two Bears defenders and dove in the end zone for a touchdown. Colorado went on to win 38-31 in overtime, setting off a storming at Folsom Field and the most dramatic finish under second-year coach Deion Sanders. The Buffs erased three deficits and overcame a 100-yard Baylor kick return touchdown to win their first Big 12 game since returning to the league.
“Great, great, great, great, great, great win,” Deion Sanders said. “The young men were resilient. They never gave up.”
Shedeur Sanders finished with 341 passing yards and touchdown strikes of 58 yards to Omarion Miller just before halftime and 43 yards to Wester as the fourth quarter expired. He led an overtime touchdown drive that culminated with Micah Welch‘s second rushing score.
“That’s why I use the word legendary, and I post it so many times,” Shedeur Sanders said. “That’s the word that I stand by and I live by. Through all the moments, throughout everything, I know, at the end of the day, legendary, that’s what ingrained in me.”
Hunter continued to strengthen his case as a top Heisman Trophy candidate with 130 receiving yards on seven catches, and the game-sealing play on defense in overtime. Baylor’s Dominic Richardson seemed headed for a sure touchdown before Hunter knocked the ball free and it scooted out of the end zone.
Colorado fans stormed the field as officials reviewed the ball, determining the ball was out before Richardson crossed the goal line.
“Shedeur told me to go out there and get the ball once [Colorado] scored, so I told him, ‘I got you,’ and I kept my word,” Hunter said. “I knew I had to tackle. You could see me putting in my mouthpiece late on the play, so I was already ready. I knew they were coming at me. They don’t think I can tackle, so I had to show them.”
On the final snap of regulation, Hunter knew he had to pull Baylor’s defenders in his direction, saying that most Hail Mary plays are 50-50 chances but Colorado’s talented receiving corps increased the odds to 80-20.
“I saw [Sanders] rolling out and then I saw the ball coming my way,” said Wester, who transferred to Colorado this season after a productive career at Florida Atlantic. “As a receiver, your job is to make the quarterback right, whether it’s a good ball or a bad ball. I just made a play on the ball.”
Baylor coach Dave Aranda said the defensive play call on the Hail Mary is “victory cigar,” which includes an up-and-under rush to flush the quarterback toward a contain rusher.
“We went to opposite sides,” Aranda said. “The guy that was up-and-under went away, and the guy that was contain went to the other side, so when you watch that play, you’ll watch someone come from the right and go up and under, well, that’s a shame, because he’s contain.
“I’ve never seen that, and I take full responsibility for that. I have to find a way to coach that better.”
Wester called the postgame atmosphere “a party,” as the celebration went from the field to the Buffaloes’ locker room. Deion Sanders said he regretted the field storm because it prevented him from shaking hands with Aranda, but he praised Colorado fans for their support.
“We have a fan base that’s phenomenal,” Deion Sanders said. “We have some young kids on this campus that love and breath CU football, and I’m thankful.”
Sanders also recognized Colorado’s offensive line, which “always gets ridiculed” but helped the team record three rushing touchdowns. Baylor still recorded eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries.
“I just want everybody to know we can run the ball, and shut up all the haters about it,” Welch said.
But the Bears badly missed a field-goal attempt with 2:16 left that would have given them a 10-point lead and Shedeur Sanders and Colorado ultimately capitalized.
“It kind of threw us back to last year a little bit, didn’t it? Like that nostalgia, that’s the way stuff was starting last year,” said Deion Sanders, referring to Colorado’s 3-0 start to his tenure. “I’m like, ‘Man, I’m going gray, what you trying to do to me, fellas?’ It was a tough one. This press conference could be totally different right now, but I’m excited that we won.”
Just like that, the 2024-25 MLB hot stove has kicked off! We had a trade just one day after the Los Angeles Dodgers hoisted the World Series championship trophy.
All eyes this winter were on the top free agent, young slugger Juan Soto, who left the New York Yankees for a record contract with the New York Mets. But he’s not the only one who will make a splash in the market.
Which teams will go all-in to contend for a 2025 World Series title? Where will other top free agents such as Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman land? And who will make the trades and deals that have everyone buzzing?
Below is a running list of notable transactions and updates from throughout the MLB offseason.
Free agency, trade grades | Top 50 free agents | Fantasy spin
Notable MLB offseason transactions
Jan. 28
Dodgers sign All-Star reliever Yates
Right-handed reliever Kirby Yates and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a one-year, $13 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Can get up to $14M with 55 games pitched. Grade »
Jan. 26
Cubs trade for veteran reliever Pressly
The Chicago Cubs are finalizing a trade to acquire closer Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros, pending medical review, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 23
Braves land All-Star outfielder in Profar
Outfielder Jurickson Profar and the Atlanta Braves are finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract, sources tell ESPN.
Jan. 20
Blue Jays add Santander to outfield
The Toronto Blue Jays and outfielder Anthony Santander are in agreement on a five-year contract worth $92.5 million, giving the team one of the best hitters available this offseason after failed attempts to land a marquee free agent in recent years. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 19
Dodgers nab Scott for bullpen
The Los Angeles Dodgers have added left-hander Tanner Scott, arguably the best relief pitcher on the free agent market, agreeing to terms on a four-year, $72 million contract, sources told ESPN on Sunday. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 17
Japanese ace Sasaki picks Dodgers
Roki Sasaki, the prized Japanese pitching prospect who has had scouts drooling over his potential since high school, has chosen the Los Angeles Dodgers as his major league team, he announced on Instagram on Friday. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 16
Winker returns to Mets on one-year deal
Outfielder Jesse Winker and the New York Mets have agreed on a one-year deal, a source confirmed to ESPN amid multiple reports Thursday. Story »
Jan. 10
Blue Jays sign top reliever Hoffman
The Toronto Blue Jays announced they have signed right-handed reliever Jeff Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million deal. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 7
Giants add Verlander on one-year deal
Right-hander Justin Verlander and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a one-year, $15 million contract, sources told ESPN on Tuesday, continuing the future Hall of Famer’s career at age 42 in one of the pitcher-friendliest stadiums in baseball. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 6
Reds acquire Lux in trade with Dodgers
The Cincinnati Reds acquired infielder Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers for a draft pick and an outfield prospect, the teams announced Monday, adding another prime-age hitter to a team that hopes to ascend in the National League Central this season. Story » | Grades »
Royals bring back pitcher Lorenzen
Right-hander Michael Lorenzen and the Kansas City Royals agreed on a one-year, $7 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 3
Dodgers land star KBO infielder
The Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement with Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim on a 3-year, $12.5 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN on Friday. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 30
Nats sign Bell to one-year deal
The Washington Nationals have agreed to terms with first baseman Josh Bell on a one-year contract worth $6 million, according to multiple reports. Story »
Dec. 29
Cubs and Marlins swap infielders
The Chicago Cubs acquired utility man Vidal Bruján on Sunday, sending first baseman Matt Mervis to the Miami Marlins in a swap of former top-100 prospects. Story »
Dec. 28
Burnes joins D-backs on $210 million deal
Right-hander Corbin Burnes and the Arizona Diamondbacks are in agreement on a six-year, $210 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 27
Dodgers bring back All-Star outfielder Hernandez
Outfielder Teoscar Hernández and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a three-year, $66 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Tigers add Torres to infield on one-year deal
Infielder Gleyber Torres and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a one-year, $15 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 23
McCutchen returns to the Pirates
Veteran slugger Andrew McCutchen is returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team announced on social media. Story »
Buehler, Red Sox agree to 1-year deal
Right-hander Walker Buehler and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $21.05 million contract, sources told ESPN, sending the pitcher who secured the final out of the World Series this year to a team loading up on starting pitching as it pivots toward contention. Story » | Grade »
Rangers add veteran bat Pederson
Outfielder Joc Pederson and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a contract pending a physical, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Manaea returns to Mets on three-year deal
Left-hander Sean Manaea and the New York Mets are in agreement on a three-year, $75 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 22
Phillies bolster rotation with trade for Luzardo
The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired left-handed starter Jesus Luzardo from the Miami Marlins for two prospects, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN. Story » | Grades »
Nationals land 1B Lowe in trade with Rangers
The Washington Nationals on Sunday acquired first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers in exchange for lefty reliever Robert Garcia. Story » | Grades »
Dec. 21
Guardians trade Naylor to D-backs, sign Santana
The Cleveland Guardians traded first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday and quickly replaced him, with sources telling ESPN that they agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with free agent Carlos Santana, bringing him back for his third stint with the team. Story » | Grades »
Goldschmidt, Yankees agree on 1-year deal
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a one-year, $12.5 million contract, sources told ESPN, pairing the former National League MVP and seven-time All-Star with the American League champion in the midst of a significant overhaul. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 20
Astros bring Walker to Houston
The Houston Astros and free-agent first baseman Christian Walker have agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN amid multiple reports. Story » | Grade »
Yanks ship Trevino to Reds for Cruz, Jackson
The New York Yankees traded catcher Jose Trevino to the Cincinnati Reds for right-hander Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson, the teams announced Friday. Story »
Red Sox add rotation arm
Left-hander Patrick Sandoval and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a two-year, $18.25 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Story »
A’s land veteran infielder
Gio Urshela is in agreement with the Athletics on a major league contract, sources confirm to ESPN. Story »
Dec. 19
Phillies bolster outfield with Kepler
Outfielder Max Kepler and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a one-year, $10 million contract, pending a physical, sources tell ESPN. Story »
Dec. 17
Yankees land Bellinger in trade with Cubs
OF/1B Cody Bellinger has been traded from the Chicago Cubs to the New York Yankees for right-handed reliever Cody Poteet, sources tell ESPN. (New York will also receive cash considerations.) Story » | Grades »
Dec. 16
O’s, Sugano agree on 1-year, $13M deal
Right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano and the Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a contract, the team announced Monday night, uniting one of the most successful Japanese pitchers of his generation with a team in need of rotation help. The deal is for one year and $13 million, sources told ESPN. Story »
Dec. 14
A’s acquire lefty Springs from Rays
The Athletics are acquiring left-hander Jeffrey Springs in a six-player trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, the team announced Saturday, continuing their push toward contention with a significant increase in their payroll as they head into their first season in Sacramento. Story » | Grades »
Dec. 13
Cubs land three-time All-Star Tucker in deal with Astros
The Chicago Cubs are acquiring Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker in exchange for third baseman Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and prospect Cam Smith, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story » | Grades »
Yankees get All-Star closer Williams from Milwaukee
The New York Yankees are acquiring closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for left-hander Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash considerations, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story » | Grades »
Dec. 11
Loáisiga returns to Yankees
Right-handed pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga and the Yankees have agreed on a one-year contract with a team option for 2026, a source tells ESPN. Story »
Red Sox trading for Crochet
The Boston Red Sox are acquiring left-hander Garrett Crochet in a trade with the Chicago White Sox for four highly-regarded prospects, sources tell ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story »
Dec. 10
Marlins, Rangers agree to trade for Jake Burger
The Texas Rangers have agreed to a trade for power-hitting corner infielder Jake Burger, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. In exchange, the Miami Marlins will receive two shortstop prospects, Echedry Vargas and Max Acosta, and a young left-handed starting pitcher in Brayan Mendoza. Story » | Grades »
Eovaldi returning to the Rangers
Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a three-year, $75 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Guardians and Blue Jays complete trade
The Toronto Blue Jays are finalizing a trade to acquire three-time Gold Glove-winning second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grades »
Yankees land Fried on $218 million contract
Left-hander Max Fried and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a eight-year, $218 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. It is the largest guarantee in baseball history for a left-handed pitcher. Story » | Grade »
Blue Jays sign pitcher Garcia
The Toronto Blue Jays and right-hander Yimi Garcia are in agreement on a two-year, $15 million contract, a source told ESPN on Tuesday. Story »
Dec. 9
Phillies add Romano to bullpen
Closer Jordan Romano and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a free agent contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Romano was nontendered by Toronto earlier this offseason. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 8
Mets sign Soto for MLB record $765 million
Superstar outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets are in agreement on a 15-year, $765 million contract, sources tell ESPN. It is the largest deal in professional sports history. Story » | Grade »
Conforto joins Dodgers on $17 million deal
Outfielder Michael Conforto joined the Dodgers on a one-year deal. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 7
Giants, Adames agree on 7 years, $182M
Shortstop Willy Adames and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a seven-year, $182 million contract, the largest outlay in franchise history, sources told ESPN on Saturday. Story » | Grade »
O’s land O’Neill
Outfielder Tyler O’Neill and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a three-year, $49.5 million contract, a source told ESPN, filling a void created by the free agency of slugging outfielder Anthony Santander. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 6
Mets sign Holmes … as a starter
Right-hander Clay Holmes and the New York Mets are in agreement on a three-year, $38 million contract with an opt-out after the second year, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Friday night. Story » | Grade »
Rays add catcher Jansen
Catcher Danny Jansen and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a one-year, $8.5 million contract that includes a mutual option for a second season, sources tell ESPN.
Dec. 5
A’s sign Severino to franchise-record contract
Right-hander Luis Severino and the Athletics are in agreement on a three-year, $67 million free agent contract that is the largest guarantee in the franchise’s history, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 3
Red Sox add Chapman to bullpen
Left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $10.75 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 2
Cubs sign pitcher Boyd to two-year deal
The Chicago Cubs have added Matthew Boyd to their rotation in their first big offseason move, agreeing to a $29 million, two-year contract with the veteran left-hander, sources confirmed to ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Mets add to rotation with Montas signing
Right-hander Frankie Montas and the New York Mets are in agreement on a two-year, $34 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 26
Dodgers make splash with Snell signing
Left-hander Blake Snell and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a five-year, $182 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 25
Angels add to rotation in yet another move
Left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi is in agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a three-year, $63 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 22
Royals trade for position players
The Kansas City Royals traded right-handed pitcher Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds for infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer, the teams announced on Friday. Story » | Grades »
Nov. 20
Cubs add reliever in deal with Guardians
The Chicago Cubs are acquiring right-handed reliever Eli Morgan in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians, sources tell ESPN.
Nov. 19
Mets get outfield help in deal with Rays
The New York Mets have acquired outfielder Jose Siri from the Tampa Bay Rays for reliever Eric Orze. Story »
Nov. 18
Martinez accepts qualifying offer to stay with Reds
Right-hander Nick Martinez accepted the Cincinnati Reds‘ $21.05 million qualifying offer, multiple outlets reported Monday. Story »
Nov. 14
Angels sign infielder Newman to one-year deal
The Los Angeles Angels and infielder Kevin Newman agreed to a one-year $2.5 million contract with a club option for 2026, the team announced . Story »
Red Sox add reliever Wilson
Left-hander Justin Wilson and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a $2.25 million, one-year contract, according to multiple reports. Story »
Nov. 12
Angels sign d’Arnaud to two-year deal
Catcher Travis d’Arnaud and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a two-year, $12 million contract. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 6
Hedges returns to Guardians on one-year deal
Catcher Austin Hedges and the Cleveland Guardians are in agreement on a one-year contract, sources tell ESPN. Story »
Angels add veteran arm to rotation
Kyle Hendricks is in agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a one-year, $2.5 million deal, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 3
Royals re-sign Wacha to 3-year deal
Right-hander Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals are in agreement on a three-year, $51 million contract, sources tell ESPN. The deal includes a club option and can max out at four years, $72 million. Story » | Grade »
Oct. 31
Braves make first splash of offseason
The Atlanta Braves are trading outfielder Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels and will receive right-hander Griffin Canning, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Key MLB offseason dates
Dec. 9-12: Winter meetings in Dallas, Texas
Dec. 11: Rule 5 draft
Jan. 9: Deadline for teams and arbitration-eligible players to submit salary figures
End of January: Arbitration hearings begin
Feb. 22: Spring training games begin
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