In a standout performance, Colorado’s Travis Hunter solidified his case for the Heisman Trophy on Friday with an impressive game against Oklahoma State. Hunter logged 10 receptions for 116 yards and secured three touchdowns, alongside making an interception in a dominant 52-0 victory for the Buffaloes.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders also excelled, completing 34 of his 41 passes for 438 yards and five touchdowns before the Buffaloes’ large lead allowed for substitutions. The game attracted an audience of 51,030 at Folsom Field in Boulder.
Despite their victory, Colorado (9-3) is facing an uphill battle to enter the Big 12 Conference championship game on December 7. They were initially tied for first place with BYU, Iowa State, and Arizona State, all holding 6-2 records. Unfortunately for the Buffaloes, their loss to Kansas the previous week may prove costly. For Colorado to qualify, they need two of the aforementioned teams to lose in their respective games over the weekend.
The team could still find its way to a College Football Playoff berth if they secure a spot in the Big 12 title game and win. Otherwise, they might end up competing in the Alamo Bowl or the Holiday Bowl later this month.
This season has been a remarkable turnaround for Colorado, which finished with a dismal 1-11 record in 2022. With the leadership of head coach Deion Sanders and strategic roster changes, the Buffaloes have shown significant improvement. Notably, LaJohntay Wester, who transferred from Florida Atlantic, recorded 11 catches for 175 yards and two touchdowns in this game.
Hunter’s performance in this game enhances his chances for recognition, particularly with Heisman ballots set to be distributed shortly. However, with no guaranteed game ahead of the voting deadline, he needed to impress in this final opportunity, and he certainly did deliver.
Overall, Colorado’s resolve and potential for postseason play highlight the positive transformation of the program under the guidance of Coach Sanders. The Buffaloes are poised for a bright future filled with opportunities to compete at higher levels of college football.
In summary, Colorado showcased a powerful performance against Oklahoma State, which underscores their dramatic progression from the previous season and showcases star players like Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. However, the road to the Big 12 Championship remains complex, relying on several other teams’ outcomes.