In an impressive display, Colorado’s Travis Hunter made a compelling case to Heisman Trophy voters with his standout performance on Friday in Boulder, amassing 10 catches for 116 yards, three touchdowns, and even contributing on defense with an interception in a decisive 52-0 victory over Oklahoma State. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders also shone brilliantly, completing 34 of 41 passes for a staggering 438 yards and five touchdowns, thrilling an audience of 51,030 at Folsom Field.
Despite this commanding win, Colorado (9-3) faces uncertainty regarding their postseason prospects. They were unable to secure a spot in the Big 12 Conference Championship scheduled for December 7 due to a prior loss against Kansas. They began the day tied for first place alongside BYU, Iowa State, and Arizona State, all holding 6-2 records heading into their final regular-season matches. To reach the championship game, the Buffaloes need at least two of those teams to lose in their respective games.
Even if they do not advance to the Big 12 title game, the Buffaloes are projected to play in either the Alamo Bowl on December 28 or the Holiday Bowl on December 27. This season has been a remarkable turnaround for Colorado, which finished 1-11 in 2022 and improved to a 4-8 record during Deion Sanders’ first year as head coach. The team overhauled its roster to enhance both offensive and defensive performances significantly.
Travis Hunter entered the game favored to win the Heisman, with voting ballots set to be distributed on Monday and due back by December 9. His performance against Oklahoma State provided a final opportunity to leave an impression on the voters. His heavy involvement in the game highlighted not only his athletic prowess but also Colorado’s commitment to building a competitive program.
The Buffaloes’ transformation into serious contenders is a testament to Coach Deion Sanders’ leadership and the hard work put in by the players. Regardless of the outcome in the championship race, Colorado’s journey this season symbolizes a bright future filled with potential.
Summary: Travis Hunter’s stellar performance boosts his Heisman hopes, as Colorado dominates Oklahoma State 52-0. However, the team must rely on other results to qualify for the Big 12 Championship after a prior loss, though postseason bowl opportunities remain likely, showcasing a substantial turnaround for the Buffaloes under Coach Deion Sanders.