The Cincinnati football team faced a tough defeat against Colorado, losing 34-23 in a Big 12 Conference matchup on Saturday night at Folsom Field. This loss dropped the Bearcats’ overall record to 5-3 and their conference record to 3-2, while the Buffaloes improved to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the league.
Cincinnati’s redshirt sophomore quarterback completed 16 of 30 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns while adding 48 rushing yards. Senior running back contributed 94 yards on 17 carries. Defensively, a linebacker led the team with a season-high 10 tackles, with safety and linebacker close behind, recording seven tackles each. The linebacker also forced a fumble.
In a standout performance, Colorado senior quarterback Shedeur Sanders completed his first 15 passes, setting a school record, and did not throw an incompletion until the four-minute mark of the second quarter. He finished the game with 25 completions on 30 attempts for 323 yards, two touchdown passes, and a rushing touchdown. His top target was wide receiver Travis Hunter, who caught nine passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns.
Cincinnati head coach expressed disappointment in the loss, noting that the defense struggled early on and the offense could not gain momentum. He praised Colorado’s talent, especially in the receiving corps and Sanders’ accuracy.
The game began with Hunter scoring the first touchdown after the Bearcats went three-and-out on their opening drive. Although Colorado initially saw a touchdown called back due to a penalty, Sanders quickly connected with Hunter for a 3-yard touchdown to put the Buffaloes ahead 7-0. Cincinnati responded with a touchdown on their second possession, tying the game at 7-7.
Colorado regained the lead with a rushing touchdown from Sanders and continued to push ahead. Cincinnati managed to tie the game again at 14-14, but the Buffaloes took control late in the first half, ending with a 34-yard touchdown pass from Sanders to Hunter to lead 24-14 at halftime.
In the second half, Cincinnati attempted to rally but could not capitalize on key opportunities. They managed a field goal and a touchdown drive late in the game but could not close the gap. Colorado sealed the victory with a late 47-yard field goal.
Cincinnati will have a bye week before hosting West Virginia on November 9 at Historic Nippert Stadium, where they plan to honor the centennial anniversary of the stadium’s dedication. The exact game time and TV network are yet to be announced.