Colorado’s two-way star, Travis Hunter, put on an impressive performance in his final bid for the Heisman Trophy on Friday, leading the Buffaloes to a resounding 52-0 victory over Oklahoma State. Hunter showcased his versatility with 10 receptions for 116 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception, while demonstrating tireless determination by playing over 110 snaps.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders also excelled, completing 34 of 41 passes for a staggering 438 yards and five touchdowns, captivating the crowd of 51,030 at Folsom Field. Despite the victory, the Buffaloes are left in a waiting game; their loss to Kansas last week meant that they did not qualify for the Big 12 Conference championship game scheduled for December 7.
To have any chance of making it to the championship, Colorado needs a favorable series of outcomes from other games, requiring two of their rivals—BYU, Iowa State, or Arizona State—to lose their final regular-season matchups. Even if they somehow find their way to the title game, they would need to secure a win there to maintain any hope of entering the College Football Playoff.
If Colorado doesn’t qualify for the championship, they are likely headed for one of the bowl games, potentially the Alamo Bowl or the Holiday Bowl, marking a significant improvement from last year’s disappointing season.
This year has seen a remarkable turnaround for the Buffaloes, especially with the hiring of head coach Deion Sanders, who has transformed the team from a 1-11 record in 2022 to a successful 9-3 in 2023. The roster revamp has paid off, and new players like LaJohntay Wester, who caught 11 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, have strengthened the squad significantly.
For Hunter, who is currently favored to win the Heisman, this was his last opportunity to make an impression on the voters. The ballots for the prestigious award are set to be distributed soon, with submissions due by December 9, and the winner announced on December 14.
In conclusion, the Colorado Buffaloes have shown tremendous growth and potential this season, lifting the hopes of fans and making a case for the future of college football in Boulder. This season’s journey reflects a positive trend and sets high expectations for the upcoming years, regardless of the immediate outcomes in the championship or bowl games.