Colorado kept its bowl hopes alive on Friday with a 42-32 win over No. 14 Houston, the program's first victory over an AP top-15 team in more than 19 years. The result gave the Buffaloes (4-6, 2-5 Big 12) a chance over their final two games to salvage a season that has been marked by quarterback changes, a carousel of running backs, a five-game losing streak and a league-leading number of penalties.

Coach Deion Sanders, who is trying to avoid a third losing campaign in four seasons at Colorado, described the win in simple terms. "We all caught the same bus," he said, adding that the moment felt "like we just won the Super Bowl." Fans spilled onto the field to celebrate, and Sanders savored the scene.S2

The performance was built on players Sanders brought in to shine. Tailback Richard Young, a transfer from Alabama, rushed for two touchdowns and 99 yards. Cornerback Boo Carter, who spent time at Tennessee, came up with his first interception for the Buffaloes. Safety Randon Fontenette, who came to Boulder by way of TCU and Vanderbilt, recorded a third-quarter sack that caused a fumble, and receiver Joseph Williams added a 53-yard touchdown catch, one of four scores of 30 or more yards. The Buffaloes rushed for 249 yards, the most they have managed against Houston.S2

Quarterback Isaac Wilson made the right reads as the offense ran the high-octane "Go-Go" scheme brought in by coordinator Brennan Marion. Colorado scored 28 straight points after falling behind 20-7, and Wilson played through what appeared to be an ankle injury. Sanders said Wilson is "a fighter" and "tough."S2

Colorado plays at Cincinnati on Saturday before hosting UCF on Nov. 28 to close the regular season. Sanders said the team's unity was the key, and Fontenette said players were motivated by their coach. "I came here for him, to play for him," Fontenette said of Sanders.S2