Colorado continued its push towards a College Football Playoffs berth on Saturday evening, riding strong showings by Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, LaJohntay Webster, and Will Sheppard to a 41-27 win over Texas Tech. The No. 20-ranked Buffaloes moved to 7-2 with their win on Saturday, a crucial step as they aim for a coveted spot in the playoffs.
Buffaloes’ Victory Sets Stage for Playoff Aspirations
More vitally, the victory practically ensures that Colorado moves up the CFP standings, especially with a loss by No. 17 Iowa State likely leading to a reshuffle in those vaunted postseason rankings. The Buffs figure to be one of the few teams that will benefit from all the Week 10 mayhem when the next CFP poll is released on Tuesday. This win not only boosts their record but also their confidence as they look ahead to the final stretch of the season.
Game Overview: A Decisive Win for Colorado
Colorado may have claimed a decisive victory over its Big 12 rival on Saturday evening, but the duel wasn’t without its controversy. Segments of the crowd at Jones AT&T Stadium began tossing tortillas and trash onto the field following a few contentious non-calls, adding an unexpected layer of drama to the game. The Buffaloes and Red Raiders were locked in a tight affair partway through the third quarter when tensions escalated.
Key Moments and Player Highlights
Tensions hit a fever pitch towards the end of the third quarter when Travis Hunter found pay dirt via a 24-yard catch and run. Hunter topped off his score in style, employing yet another Kai Cenat-like jig while frolicking across the end zone. This electrifying moment not only extended Colorado’s lead but also ignited the crowd, albeit in a way that would soon turn chaotic.
TRAVIS HUNTER TO THE HOUSE 🏠 @CUBuffsFootball extends the lead in Lubbock 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VknF4aBTrZ
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 9, 2024
The score seemed to put Texas Tech’s fanbase on edge. Debris began streaming onto the field, with one item—a plastic water bottle—finding its way into the path of Shilo Sanders. The Buffaloes safety made sure to return the favor, firing the vessel back to Red Raiders fans. This moment of levity, however, was soon overshadowed by the escalating tensions and the subsequent actions of the crowd.
Controversial Calls Spark Fan Outrage
On the ensuing possession, chaos ensued. The referees rebuffed Texas Tech’s claims for a targeting call on fourth down, resulting in a turnover on downs. All hell broke loose once the call was confirmed, and debris once more returned to the Jones AT&T Stadium pasture. The atmosphere shifted from excitement to frustration, illustrating just how passionate college football fans can be.
After review, there is no foul on this play for targeting
It will be Colorado ball 👉 pic.twitter.com/mnHIrOr7Oq
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 9, 2024
Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire took to the microphone to express his displeasure with the fans’ actions, urging them to stop throwing objects onto the field. “STOP THROWING STUFF ON THE FIELD. PLEASE,” he pleaded, a moment that highlighted the tension between the excitement of the game and the need for sportsmanship.
“STOP THROWING STUFF ON THE FIELD. PLEASE.”
Coach Joey McGuire had a message for Texas Tech fans during a review against Colorado.— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 10, 2024
Deion Sanders Addresses the Situation
After the game, Deion Sanders addressed the situation with the media, expressing relief that most of what was thrown was soft. “We try to prepare our young men for that; thank God the tortillas…are soft,” he said. “When they start throwing the water bottles and other objects, that’s when you’ve got to alarm the officials.” Sanders also praised McGuire for handling the incident “professionally,” showcasing the camaraderie that can exist even amidst heated competition.
“They throwin’ everything but my mama at me.”
– @DeionSanders on if he’d ever experienced anything like the tortilla situation in Lubbock 😅 pic.twitter.com/wn0BUgbwmx— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 10, 2024
Looking Ahead: Will the NCAA Take Action?
As the dust settles from this dramatic encounter, it will be interesting to see if the NCAA doles out any punishment to Texas Tech after the incident. College football’s governing body has shown no qualms about levying fines on programs that have had similar incidents in the past, raising questions about the implications of fan behavior on the sport.
This thrilling matchup not only showcased the talent of the Colorado Buffaloes but also highlighted the passionate nature of college football fans. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how these teams navigate the challenges ahead, both on and off the field. Will Colorado continue its ascent in the rankings? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this game will be remembered for both its excitement and its controversies.
