I was at the 1990 game. There was a lot of electricity in Austin that night, even before the game.
Texas was coming off a terrible 1989 season, but the Horns won the season opener at Penn State. In came Colorado, who was 1-1-1 but still considered a powerhouse team. CU lost the week before to Mackovic's Illinois team. CU had dominated us in previous matchups in Boulder.
I remember Texas was the benefit of some CU fumbles, as well as a surprise on-sides kick in the 3rd quarter. I believe Texas took that gift and scored a TD just a few plays later. After that, the place was going crazy. The good old boys sitting near my dad and I went from quiet and stoic at the start, to stomping around on the bleachers and going crazy in the second half.
It's a real shame we couldn't hang on and win that game. As I recall, CU got ahead late, 27-22, and then tacked on a safety at the very end. 29-22 final. The Buffs moved to 2-1-1 on the year, wouldn't lose another game, and were eventually crowned National Champions.