Travis Hunter, the talented two-way player for the Colorado Buffaloes, made a strong impression on Heisman Trophy voters during a dominant 52-0 victory over Oklahoma State, showcasing his skills with 10 catches for 116 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. His performance also included an impressive 114 plays on the field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders had a stellar game, completing 34 out of 41 passes for 438 yards and five touchdowns, leading the Buffaloes in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 51,030 at Folsom Field. However, despite the lopsided win, Colorado (9-3) will need help to secure a spot in the Big 12 Conference championship game on December 7, due to a previous loss to Kansas which left them in a four-way tie for first place with BYU, Iowa State, and Arizona State.
For the Buffaloes to qualify for the title game, they require at least two teams among their rivals to lose their final regular-season games: BYU facing Houston, Iowa State playing Kansas State, and Arizona State up against Arizona. Alternatively, a BYU loss combined with a victory by Texas Tech over West Virginia could also pave the way for Colorado, as they hold a tiebreaker advantage over Iowa State and Arizona State.
Reaching the Big 12 Championship would not only give the Buffaloes a shot at claiming the conference title but could also land them a chance for the College Football Playoff. Should they miss out on the title game, prospects of participating in the Alamo Bowl or the Holiday Bowl are likely.
The Buffaloes have shown remarkable improvement under Head Coach Deion Sanders following a dismal 1-11 record in 2022 and a 4-8 finish the following season. The team’s recent success reflects the effectiveness of Sandler’s roster overhaul, which has bolstered both the offensive and defensive lines, as well as added key players such as wide receiver LaJohntay Wester from Florida Atlantic. Wester also made his mark in the game, catching 11 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns.
Hunter, who entered the contest as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, had this game as his last opportunity to impress voters before the ballots are distributed on Monday, with submissions due December 9. The Heisman winner will be announced on December 14.
As the Buffaloes look forward, they embrace this moment as a testament to their transformation over the past two seasons, and fans remain hopeful for their future prospects, whether in the conference championships or bowl games.
In summary, while the Buffaloes face an uphill battle for a title game appearance, their significant progress under Coach Sanders and the standout performances of players like Hunter and Sanders provide a bright outlook for the team’s future.