Kaidon Salter and the Colorado football team had a problem finishing games.

That problem might have gotten solved on Saturday.

The Buffs outplayed No. 22 Iowa State in the second half for their first win against a top-25 opponent since the 2023 season opener.

Here are three takeaways from Colorado’s 24-17 win vs. the Cyclones:

Kaidon Salter outplays Rocco Becht

Kaidon Salter’s day changed after a 7o-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Omarion Miller early in the third quarter.

It was a blown coverage by Iowa State, but it was exactly what Salter needed.

Before that TD, Salter was inaccurate and erratic. After that TD, he was composed and exactly what Colorado football fans have been looking for.

Salter delivered a beautiful throw to Joseph Williams for a three-yard TD on the next drive. It gave the Buffs a lead they would not relinquish.

Kaidon Salter finished the day completing 64% of his passes for 256 yards and two TDs. He also ran for 57 yards. It was his best game as a Colorado football player given the circumstances.

Omarion Miller caught three passes for 82 yards and a TD (his fourth in the last four games) while Joseph Williams caught a career-high eight passes for 128 yards and TD.

Kaidon Salter outdueled Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht, who completed just 55% of his passes for 205 yards and a back-breaking interception. The Buffs needed that type of offensive performance in the worst way.

Colorado’s defense comes up big

Tawfiq Byard has emerged as leader for the Buffs’ defense in recent weeks and he made the biggest play of the game on Saturday.

With Iowa State driving and in the red zone, Byard leaped to intercept Rocco Becht’s pass and take points off the board for the Cyclones. It was Colorado’s first takeaway since Week 2 vs. Delaware.

The Buffs forced a punt on four of Iowa State’s first five drives and held the Cyclones to just 2-for-12 on third down.

Byard finished with seven total tackles (six solo) and linebacker Jeremiah Brown had a game-high 10 tackles.

Colorado heads into bye week with momentum

The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for the Buffs.

They had a handful of contributors out vs. Iowa State and the week off should allow them to get close to full health. Colorado will need all the help it can get to become bowl eligible.

Sitting at 3-4, the Buffs will need to win three of their final five games to earn bowl eligibility. Colorado will hit the road after the bye week for a matchup with Utah, a team the Buffs beat handily last year in Boulder.

The Buffs’ impressive finish vs. Iowa State could propel them to a strong second half of the season.

Follow Colorado Buffaloes beat reporter Scott Procter on X.