Last-second blocked field goal leads Colorado, coach Deion Sanders to dramatic 14-13 win over Georgia Tech in opener

Deion Sanders' special teams stepped up when it was prime time.

Boo Carter blocked Aidan Birr's 45-yard attempt at a game-winning field goal as time expired, and Colorado held on for a 14-13 win at Georgia Tech in its opener on Thursday night.

The win at least temporarily turned down the pressure on Sanders after last season's 3-9 finish.

Colorado had just taken the lead on Charlie Williams' 20-yard touchdown reception from Julian Lewis with 37 seconds remaining.

Alberto Mendoza -- in his first start at quarterback for Tech since transferring from Indiana -- completed a 42-yard pass to Dalen Penson on the first play of the final possession to give the Yellow Jackets hope. Three plays netted six yards to set up the final field goal attempt.

Colorado held Tech to 288 total yards. Mendoza -- the younger brother of 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Alberto Mendoza -- completed 17 of 23 passes for 237 yards for the Yellow Jackets in his first game since transferring from Indiana.

Tech's only touchdown came on Rahkeem Smith's 100-yard kickoff return early in the second quarter that tied the game at 7.