In an exciting first quarter filled with fireworks, Colorado Buffaloes safety Preston Hodge made a game-changing play against UCF. As UCF threatened to score, Hodge intercepted quarterback KJ Jefferson in the end zone, stopping the drive and giving Colorado a touchback. The pick brought Shedeur Sanders and the Buffaloes' offense to the 20-yard line and they immediately took advantage of the turnover.

On the ensuing drive, Colorado completed an 11-play, 80-yard drive capped by a perfectly placed 23-yard touchdown pass from Sanders to dynamic two-way player Travis Hunter. Hunter showed off his athleticism and entered the end zone for his sixth touchdown of the season. That score gave Colorado a 7-0 lead with 3:49 left in the first quarter, and it appeared the Buffs had full momentum.

However, UCF quickly responded with a big play of their own. Running back RJ Harvey took a pass from KJ Jefferson 75 yards to the house and tied the game at 7-7 just 11 seconds later with 3:38 left in the first quarter. The quick score stunned Colorado, but Shedeur Sanders and the offense were unfazed.

On their next possession, Sanders demonstrated his ball accuracy and hit wide receiver Will Sheppard with a beautifully thrown 47-yard touchdown pass. The perfectly timed throw allowed Sheppard to break free for the score, giving Colorado a 14-7 lead with just 10 seconds left in the first quarter. The first quarter ended with 256 total offense yards, setting the stage for an action-packed game. Colorado's explosive offense was firing on all cylinders while UCF proved they weren't going down without a fight.