FORT COLLINS, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 14: Travis Hunter #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Colorado State Rams at Canvas Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Fort Collins, Colorado. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/CU Independent)
The University of Colorado Buffaloes are returning from their bye week with momentum and excitement for the seven games remaining on their schedule.
Standing at a respectable 4-1, the Deion Sanders-led Buffaloes aim to build on their three-game win streak and maintain the buzz surrounding Travis Hunter’s outstanding play. Four of these games will be played at home, providing a much-needed advantage, as five of the seven teams awaiting the Buffs have been ranked in the AP and Coaches Poll this season. With 16 votes in the Coaches Poll and three in the AP Poll, the Buffaloes could be ranked themselves if they manage to defeat No. 19 Kansas State University this weekend.
The first five games of the season offer insight into what to expect moving forward and highlight areas for improvement to ensure a successful second half. The Buffaloes have relied on a pass-heavy offense, with Shedeur Sanders often seeking out his various weapons at wide receiver. Considered one of the top NFL quarterback prospects in college football, Sanders has thrown for 1,630 yards and 14 touchdowns, both ranking in the top ten nationally. Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr., LaJohntay Wester, and Will Sheppard have all caught passes for 250 yards or more, with Hunter leading the way with 556 yards (eighth nationally) and six touchdowns (tied for fifth nationally) on 46 receptions (tied for third nationally).
While the Buffaloes showcased elite passing last year, teams quickly learned how to counter it. The season’s success now hinges on a stronger offensive line to protect Sanders and an improved run game to force defenses to adjust. Although the offensive line has not been flawless—yielding eight sacks against Baylor University and six against the University of Nebraska—Sanders has generally enjoyed more time to make plays.
In the last three contests against Colorado State University, Baylor and the University of Central Florida, the run game has come to life. Since Deion Sanders took over as coach in Boulder, the offense has rushed for over 100 yards only four times, with two of those instances occurring this year against CSU and UCF. A consistent ground game will be essential for success in the remainder of the season. The Buffs do not need to set rushing records; they simply need to be consistent. Dallan Hayden, Isiah Augustave and Micah Welch have shared touches this season, each providing similar production. If the Buffaloes can maintain this productivity, good things are likely ahead.
Coming off the bye week, Hayden is confident the run game and overall quality of play displayed against UCF will continue.
“We have a pro team mindset, so there were no distractions during the bye week. Everybody was focused on the main goal. Everybody wanted to get their bodies right and get away from it but still be where your feet are,” Hayden said.
Defensively, Colorado has performed well against both Colorado State and UCF, particularly in the second half, allowing just six points to the Rams and seven to the Knights. Baylor also scored only seven points in the second half after a strong first half.
The Buffaloes limited UCF, one of the top rushing teams in the country, to just 177 yards compared to their 282-yard average. Defensive tackle Chidozie Nwankwo, who returned against UCF after an injury sustained in the Nebraska game, is leading Colorado’s efforts to stop the run. A graduate transfer from the University of Houston, Nwankwo brings valuable experience to a youthful defensive line.
“We’re definitely getting stronger each and every week. Seeing different blocking schemes is making us better. Knowing that we are a young defensive line, I’m looking forward to us improving,” Nwankwo said.
Travis Hunter has electrified both sides of the field, leading the team with six receiving touchdowns and two interceptions so far. His outstanding play has drawn attention as a potential Heisman Trophy frontrunner. The Heisman is awarded annually to the best player in college football and has gone to a defensive player only once—defensive back Charles Woodson in 1997.
Woodson played snaps at wide receiver, but not to the extent that Hunter does. Averaging over 100 snaps per game, Hunter’s productivity is historic; no player has played both sides of the ball as frequently or as effectively. Hunter’s +350 Heisman odds trail only Boise State University running back Ashton Jeanty, who leads with +250 odds. In 1994, Rashaan Salaam won Colorado’s only Heisman Trophy to date after a historic season for the Buffaloes, who finished ranked No. 3. Only time will tell, but coming off the bye week, a second Heisman may be on its way to Boulder this December.
The Big 12 Conference has emerged as one of the four remaining power conferences, providing the Buffaloes with a consistent challenge in conference play. After a Hail Mary miracle from Sanders to LaJohntay Wester led to an overtime victory over Baylor, the Buffaloes steamrolled past UCF on the road.
With a 2-0 record in conference play, the Buffaloes have a chance to carry their momentum into critical matchups. Kansas State and Utah are both currently ranked in the AP Poll, while the University of Arizona, the University of Kansas, and Oklahoma State University have also spent time ranked this season. Texas Tech University is receiving votes in the latest AP and Coaches Poll. The Buffaloes are favored in all but one of their remaining seven matchups, the exception being Kansas State. If they can continue playing at their best, the Buffs may have a shot at a respectable first season back in the Big 12.
Colorado will have a second bye week following their matchup with Cincinnati. If the Buffs can win at least two more games, they may secure a bowl game. The Buffaloes have not participated in a bowl game since 2020, when they lost in the Alamo Bowl to Texas.
Glimpses of high-level football have emerged from the Buffaloes this season. Some may be surprised by their 4-1 record, but if you ask head coach Deion Sanders, you will never be surprised by something you expect.
“You don’t expect it, but we do. We expect it. It’s not being cocky; that’s just what we expect. When we practice like we do, prepare like we do, we expect the results,” said Sanders.
Buff fans will have to wait until Saturday evening to see if the bye week was beneficial or detrimental to their momentum, but one thing is certain: Deion Sanders and Colorado football will be prepared to meet their own expectations.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Wilson Georges at wilson.georges@colorado.edu
