Sports

34-Point Underdog ‘Robbed’ Of Massive Upset Over Local Rival After Controversial Replay Review

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Colorado State vs. Northern Colorado

© Logan Newell/The Coloradoan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images


The Northern Colorado football team nearly pulled a massive upset over instate rival Colorado State. Many believe the Bears should’ve been the victor.

A controversial decision was made following a replay review. Was Northern Colorado robbed?

The Bears and Rams battled in Colorado Springs during Week 2 of the 2025 college football season. Colorado State entered as 34-point favorites. It almost lost outright.

Northern Colorado was outgained by 150 yards, but 10 Colorado State penalties and five turnovers kept the Bears in the game. They had a chance to take the lead in the final seconds and appeared to do so with a go-ahead touchdown.

Was Northern Colorado robbed by replay review?

Carver Cheeks led the Bears in receiving. He looked to haul in his sixth catch of the night with eight seconds left in regulation on what would’ve been the game-winning score.

It was ruled a catch in real time. A replay review led to an overturned Northern Colorado touchdown.

Referees determined that Cheeks bobbled the ball after hitting the ground in the endzone. The overwhelming sentiment on social media was that the Bears got robbed.

What is a catch in college football?

It’s a question that’s been asked by fans frequently over the first two weeks of the season. There have now been at least three crucial touchdown catches overturned after video review.

All involve a player catching the football but being unable to “survive the ground.”

The first two incidents didn’t impact the outcomes. LSU won a close game over Clemson after an overturned score in Week 1. South Carolina took down Virginia Tech the next day following a similar instance.

The most recent decision had major implications on the final result, though. Northern Colorado was “robbed” of bragging rights over a nearby rival.

Most believe the wrong call was made.

Officials have been inconsistent on their rulings. College football fans remain unclear on what is and isn’t a catch. The Bears were on the wrong end of the replay review on Saturday night.