Run Game Shines In Win Over Georgia Tech
September 04, 2026 | Football
The Colorado running game was a major highlight in the team's 14-13 victory against Georgia Tech on Thursday. The Buffs posted 183 rushing yards in the win – their most in a game since totaling 193 yards against Wyoming on Sept. 20, 2025.
The revamped running back room showcased its depth in the contest, as four different backs made significant contributions. Damian Henderson II led the way with 65 yards on 12 carries, while Micah Welch added 58 yards on 13 carries and scored the Buffs' first touchdown of the game. JaQuail Smith contributed 42 yards on 10 carries, and DeKalon Taylor added 22 yards on four carries, including a 16-yard run in the 4th quarter to set up Colorado's game-winning touchdown.
This was the third time three CU running backs posted over 40 yards in a game in the Coach Prime Era, and just the fifth time this decade. Head coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders praised the running back room after the game.
"20 (Taylor) and 29 (Welch), I know, so I trust them," said Sanders. "I know under pressure what they're going to do. The other guys are new to me, so it takes a minute for me to build that trust and that understanding of what they've got, and several of them played. Shoot, they played some good football today."
Thursday's game also marked the debut of offensive coordinator Brennan Marion's "Go-Go" offense. The Buffs' new offensive philosophy consists of a high-tempo attack that uses two-running back sets and relies on a physical downhill ground game.
"These guys are really good at what they do," said Sanders about his new coordinators. "And they don't panic. There was no panic on the headsets. There was no yelling and screaming. There was no panic. They rock steady all the way through."
Colorado found success putting Marion's coaching philosophy into action, with the offensive line providing the push necessary to establish the ground game. Sanders emphasized after the win that the decision to stick to the ground game was a direct result of the push his offensive line was getting.
"We know we're big up front," said Sanders. "We know we can be physical. We know these guys can move bodies. So that's what we went with."
