DENVER -- Despite seeing Jeremy Bloom in only a few practices early last fall, Colorado coach Gary Barnett raved about the freshman wide receiver.

On Saturday, fans could appreciate Barnett's enthusiasm.

Bloom, who skipped the 2001 football season to qualify for the Olympics in freestyle skiing, decided to give up the endorsements he receives as a skier in order to play football this year.

It looks like a sound decision.

On the first play of the fourth quarter against rival Colorado State on Saturday, Bloom swung the momentum in Colorado's favor with an electrifying 75-yard punt return.

The Buffaloes scored on their next possession, too, to take a 14-13 lead, but Colorado State regrouped to score the winning touchdown on Bradlee Van Pelt's 23-yard run with 6:20 left, and the Rams prevailed 19-14.

"That punt return -- I was fretting they'd get a huge play and get themselves back in the game,'' Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick said.

Bloom didn't expect much action since he entered the game as third-team at wide receiver and third-team on punt returns. But when returner Donald Strickland was sidelined with cramps, the Buffs inserted Bloom.

"I didn't think I'd get into the game on punt returns,'' Bloom said. "They called my name and I felt compelled to take on the opportunity.

"Really what it came down to was the 10 guys in front of me. Everyone had their blocks and made my job easy.''

In the huddle, Bloom said his teammates told him, "'We got you on this one.' They're my teammates, they're my brothers. I love that family feeling. Those guys will go to war with you.''

After scoring, Bloom said, "There's not a feeling like it in the world. Seventy-thousand screaming people, emotions were high, college football at its best.''

Barnett called Bloom's return an exciting play. "It obviously got us back into the game. Things had started to go our way a little bit even after the frustration we experienced (with a fumble) near the goal line. Our defense came right out and held them deep, and then Jeremy's return turned things up a notch.''