The Buffaloes are roaming.
No. 17 Colorado (8-2, 6-1 in Huge 12) drilled Utah (4-6, 1-6 in Huge 12) in an emphatic 49-24 Week 12 win to maintain its hope of incomes an computerized CFP bid alive.
Heisman front-runner Travis Hunter might have sealed the 2024 award with one other unreal two-way efficiency.
At cornerback, he recorded his third interception of the season on a first-quarter move deflected by Buffaloes cornerback Colton Hood.
Hunter added 55 yards on 5 receptions and a dashing landing at extensive receiver, together with an unbelievable leaping catch between two defenders on a fourth-and-eight within the second quarter.
Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who rebounded from a first-play interception by going 30-of-41 for 340 yards the remainder of the sport, led the best way, very similar to the duo did in 2023 when Colorado completed the season 4-8.
The expertise surrounding Hunter and Sanders has made Colorado a contender within the Huge 12.
Freshman extensive receiver Drelon Murphy had among the finest performs of the sport, catching a seam move from Sanders at Utah’s 26-yard line, breaking a sort out try on the 15-yard line and dragging a defender towards the top zone earlier than coming free close to the purpose line for a 47-yard landing.
The protection, a weak level final season, created a number of havoc performs. Colorado had 9 tackles for loss, 5 move breakups, 4 sacks, three interceptions and three compelled fumbles.
Particular groups even obtained concerned, with extensive receiver LaJohntay Wester returning a punt 76 yards within the first quarter.
Whereas Utah has been one in every of school soccer’s greatest disappointments after getting into the season as the favourite to win the Huge 12, Colorado’s sizable win over the Utes continues to be eye-opening.
The 25-point margin of defeat is Utah’s largest since a 35-6 loss to Oregon in October 2023.
In Week 11, the Utes misplaced by one, 22-21, to No. 6 BYU (9-0, 6-0 in Huge 12).
The Cougars and Buffaloes are trending towards assembly within the Huge 12 championship sport.
Nonetheless, with 4 groups at 4-2 in convention play, Colorado, particularly, cannot afford a letdown over the ultimate two weeks of the common season.
Thankfully for head coach Deion Sanders, the Buffaloes are peaking on the proper time. They’ve received 4 in a row by a median of 19.3 factors per sport.
Their remaining two opponents, Kansas and Oklahoma State, are a mixed 6-13, together with 2-11 towards Huge 12 competitors.
The best way Colorado has performed lately, profitable the Huge 12 is actually potential.