The Colorado Buffaloes are inching closer to a potential Big 12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff after a decisive 49-24 victory over the Utah Utes on Saturday at Folsom Field. This win marks a significant turnaround for Colorado, who had not beaten Utah in their last seven encounters.
Utah’s struggles continued as they dealt with quarterback injuries throughout the season. Coach Kyle Whittingham turned to true freshman Isaac Wilson, who faced a formidable Buffs defense. Wilson completed 21 of 40 passes for 236 yards, including two touchdowns but also threw three interceptions.
In contrast, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, projected as a top candidate for the 2025 NFL Draft, shone with a performance of 30 completions out of 41 attempts for 340 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Although Utah attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, Colorado quickly sealed their victory by scoring on their final two drives.
Game highlights included an early interception by Sanders, a remarkable 76-yard punt return touchdown by LaJohntay Wester, and standout performances from Travis Hunter. Hunter, known for his dual-threat capabilities, dazzled with an interception, an outstanding catch, and a stunning touchdown run, all while continuing to promote his Heisman candidacy. Coach Deion Sanders praised Hunter, calling him “the epitome of a football player.”
Despite the victory, there were areas for improvement. Sanders noted Colorado’s inconsistency at times, driven by turnovers and moments of sloppiness on both sides of the ball. As Colorado stands at an 8-2 record with two regular-season games left against Kansas and Oklahoma State, their focus must shift to refining their gameplay if they hope to achieve their championship aspirations.
On the other hand, Utah, now 4-6, faces a critical finish to its season. They will need to win both remaining games against Iowa State and UCF to become bowl eligible. While injuries have plagued their roster, Wilson’s development throughout the season serves as a bright spot for the Utes’ future.
In summary, both teams have pivotal challenges ahead, with Colorado looking to solidify their playoff hopes and Utah striving to recover from a difficult season.
On a hopeful note, the ongoing development of young talents like Wilson for Utah and the prowess of stars like Hunter for Colorado reflects the vibrant future of college football, contributing to a season filled with excitement and potential.