Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor Evokes David Tyree With Epic Helmet Catch vs. Colorado

As Stanford pulled off an impressive comeback over Colorado, wide receiver Elic Ayomanor was right in the middle of it all. The Cardinal sophomore totaled 13 catches for a school-record 294 yards and three touchdowns on the night, almost single-handedly rallying Stanford from a 29-point halftime deficit for a stunning 46-43 double overtime victory.

All three of Ayomanor’s touchdowns were crucial, none more so than his 30-yard reception in the first overtime to extend the game. On first-and-15, while lined up against star Colorado scornerback Travis Hunter, Ayomanor caught a touchdown while pinning the ball against Hunter’s helmet, evoking David Tyree’s famous catch over Rodney Harrison in Super Bowl XLII. 

ELIC AYOMANOR OVER TRAVIS HUNTER IN OT 😱#SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/5odnyQrttn

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 14, 2023

Even before Ayomanor’s overtime score, the wideout registered two explosive touchdowns in regulation to get the Cardinal back into the game. In the third quarter, Ayomanor scored a 97-yard touchdown and a 60-yard touchdown less than two minutes apart as Stanford mounted its furious rally.

97 YARDS. HOUSE.
🔥: @elicayomanor #GoStanford | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/MOIgJQqMf7

— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) October 14, 2023

ELIC X 2 🫡

📺 ESPN#GoStanford | @elicayomanor pic.twitter.com/Quk4BQXK4g

— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) October 14, 2023

Ayomanor used the dynamic performance to double his receiving yardage total on the season, which now stands at 501, and he increased his touchdown output on the season from one to four. Stanford, which entered the game on a four-game losing streak, got its first conference win of the year along with myriad Ayomanor highlights.