Travis Hunter showcased his exceptional skills in a stunning display, making a compelling case for the Heisman Trophy as he led the Colorado Buffaloes to an impressive 52-0 victory over Oklahoma State on Friday. Hunter contributed significantly, catching 10 passes for 116 yards and three touchdowns, while also making an interception, playing over 110 snaps on the field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders also had an extraordinary game, completing 34 of 41 passes for 438 yards and five touchdowns in front of 51,030 roaring fans at Folsom Field. Despite this dominant performance, the Buffaloes are now in a position of uncertainty. The victory was not sufficient to secure them a spot in the Big 12 Conference Championship game scheduled for December 7, following a previous loss to Kansas.
The Buffaloes entered this weekend tied for first place with BYU, Iowa State, and Arizona State, all boasting a 6-2 record in conference play. For Colorado to reach the title game, they will need at least two of those teams to lose in their final regular-season games. Alternatively, if BYU loses to Houston and Texas Tech defeats West Virginia, Colorado could still qualify even in a three-way tie.
Should the Buffaloes fail to progress to the Big 12 Championship, they are likely to receive invitations for postseason play in either the Alamo Bowl on December 28 or the Holiday Bowl on December 27. It’s worth noting that the team’s journey has been remarkable; just a year ago, they finished with a disappointing record of 1-11 before hiring Deion Sanders, which led to a substantial roster revamp and a much-improved 9-3 outcome this season.
Hunter entered the game as a leading contender for the Heisman, with ballots due to voters on December 9. With no games left before the voting deadline, this match was Hunter’s final opportunity to influence voters.
In a fascinating game filled with pivotal moments, Colorado quickly established control, scoring on their first three possessions. While the first half was marked by offensive prowess, the second half saw a decline in efficiency. Coach Deion Sanders expressed his concerns about execution, signaling a need for improvement despite the outcome.
Looking ahead, the Buffaloes remain optimistic about their postseason potential, whether it be through conference championship glory or bowl game participation. The experience and resilience demonstrated by both players and coaching staff this season may set the foundation for further success in the future.
Overall, Colorado’s season reflects a significant turnaround and brings hopes for a promising trajectory in the years to come. The excitement surrounding the Buffaloes and their star players’ performances provides a sense of anticipation as they await the official announcements regarding their postseason placements and the Heisman Trophy voting.