Iowa State fell out of the College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday night, but the excitement is far from over for Colorado. The Buffaloes are firmly in the mix, sitting in second place in the Big 12 with three crucial games left on their schedule. If they can win out, they’ll secure a spot in the conference title game, with a coveted College Football Playoff (CFP) berth on the line. Can they keep the momentum going?
Colorado’s Path to the Playoff
Currently, Colorado boasts a solid 5-1 record in league play. Their upcoming match against Utah on Saturday is pivotal, followed by games against Kansas and Oklahoma State, who collectively hold a record of 10-18. On3’s Ari Wasserman has even placed the Buffaloes as the No. 4 seed in the latest College Football Playoff Bubble Watch. Meanwhile, ESPN’s FPI gives them a 24.4% chance of making it to the playoffs. The stakes couldn’t be higher!
Game Highlights: Colorado vs. Utah
In a thrilling matchup, Colorado triumphed over Utah with a score of 49-24, solidifying their playoff aspirations. Now sitting at 8-2, the Buffaloes are just two wins away from clinching a spot in the Big 12 championship game. Star player Travis Hunter showcased his talent yet again, contributing with a rushing touchdown and an interception, further solidifying his status as a Heisman Trophy frontrunner. “Travis is the epitome of a football player,” said head coach Deion Sanders, highlighting Hunter’s impact on the field.
Breaking Records
In their victory against Utah, Colorado made history by becoming the first team to score 49 or more points against the Utes since 2014. The last team to achieve this feat? None other than Oregon, which went on to compete in the national championship game. This record speaks volumes about the offensive prowess of the Buffaloes and their potential to make waves in the postseason.
Key Moments in the Game
The game was filled with pivotal moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. One such moment occurred late in the fourth quarter when Colorado’s defense made a crucial play. A strip sack by Shilo Sanders led to a turnover, allowing quarterback Shedeur Sanders to connect with LaJohntay Wester for a 14-yard touchdown pass. This was followed by Travis Hunter rushing for a 5-yard touchdown, marking his first career rushing touchdown and bringing the score to 49-24 with just two minutes left in the game.
Earlier in the game, Colorado extended their lead with a 4-yard touchdown run from Charlie Offerdahl, capping off a swift 5-play, 63-yard drive. The Buffaloes were dominant, leading 42-24 with just over four minutes remaining.
Defensive Dominance
Utah struggled against Colorado’s tenacious defense throughout the game. Quarterback Isaac Wilson faced a tough challenge, throwing three interceptions, including one by cornerback D.J. McKinney. The Buffaloes capitalized on Wilson’s mistakes, taking over possession at their 37-yard line with just under six minutes remaining.
In a particularly memorable moment, Colorado linebacker Nikahi Hill-Green intercepted Wilson, showcasing the Buffaloes’ defensive strength. The Utes managed to score a late touchdown, but it was too little, too late as Colorado maintained control of the game.
First Half Overview
The first half set the tone for Colorado’s dominance. They entered halftime with a 21-9 lead, thanks in part to Shedeur Sanders’ performance, which included two touchdown passes despite a couple of turnovers. The Buffaloes’ defense was relentless, limiting Utah to just 83 yards of total offense in the first half.
One highlight was LaJohntay Wester’s electrifying 76-yard punt return for a touchdown, which put Colorado up 14-3 early in the game. This early momentum was crucial, as it allowed the Buffaloes to dictate the pace of the game.
Looking Ahead
With their eyes set on the Big 12 Championship Game, Colorado’s next matchups against Kansas and Oklahoma State are critical. If they can maintain their winning streak, they will not only secure a spot in the championship but also keep their playoff hopes alive. The Buffaloes have shown they can rise to the occasion, and fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next.
As the season progresses, the excitement surrounding Colorado football continues to build. Can they finish strong and make a run for the playoffs? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Buffaloes are a team to watch as they chase their championship dreams.
Final Thoughts
The Buffaloes’ journey this season has been nothing short of thrilling. With a blend of explosive offense and a tenacious defense, they have proven they can compete with the best. As they prepare for their next challenges, the passion and energy surrounding Colorado football are palpable. Will they rise to the occasion and secure their place in college football history? The countdown to the next game has begun, and fans can hardly wait!
