Litman Lake
Football and faculty soccer analyst
Colorado is one step nearer to taking part in for a Big 12 championship — and doubtlessly incomes a spot within the College Football Playoff — after a convincing 49-24 win over Utah on Saturday at Folsom Field.
The Utes had received the final seven consecutive video games of this sequence in opposition to the Buffaloes, however entered this week from a deficit. Coach Kyle Whittingham misplaced three quarterbacks to accidents this season, most notably Cam Rising, who was poised for an enormous 12 months after coping with accidents for a lot of his profession. Last week, Whittingham performed third-string quarterback Brandon Rose in opposition to BYU, however suffered a season-ending leg damage. This week, true freshman Isaac Wilsonthe brother of former BYU nice and Denver Broncos backup QB Zach Wilson, received the nod. But the junior struggled a lot of the day in opposition to the Buffs’ bodily protection, going 21 of 40 for 236 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Colorado QB Shedeur Sanderswho’s extensively projected to be the primary quarterback chosen within the 2025 NFL Draft, fared higher, going 30-of-41 for 340 yards with three touchdowns and an interception in opposition to the Big 12’s prime protection.
Utah’s offense struggled for a lot of the day, however virtually made issues attention-grabbing within the fourth quarter once they pulled inside 11 factors. But then Colorado scored on its remaining two drives to place the sport away.
Here are the takeaways from the sport:
Initial distinction
The sport began with Sanders throwing an interception on the very first play, however Colorado responded shortly and by no means let up.
On that opening play, Sanders was hit within the pocket and Utah linebacker Lander Barton stepped into the passing lane to choose him off. The turnover, which was Colorado’s first in two video games, gave the Utes a brief subject. But they could not take benefit because the Buffs held them to the sphere purpose.
On Colorado’s subsequent possession, Sanders discovered LaJohntay Wester for 18 yards on third-and-long, after which on fourth-and-5, he hit Will Sheppard ultimately zone for a 40-yard landing bomb to take a 7-3 lead.
The remainder of the primary half included a number of dramatic performs by Colorado, whereas a lackluster Utah group struggled to get something going. First, there was Wester’s 76-yard punt return for a landing, during which he confirmed off his wheels and was barely touched on his approach to the top zone.
Then it turned the Travis Hunter present. For a second within the first quarter, it regarded just like the Utes may drive, however Wilson was pressured and threw the ball down the left sideline the place Colton Hood knocked it away and into Hunter’s palms, giving the star a two-way . his third interception of the season. Hunter instantly struck the Heisman pose — he spoke overtly about his candidacy for the award this season — and was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. Later, Hunter made one of the vital gorgeous catches of the season to arrange one other Colorado landing earlier than halftime.
Game of the sport
About Hunter’s seize talked about earlier. … It was fourth-and-8 when Sanders threw the ball to Hunter in double protection. He jumped larger than everybody round him to catch the 28-yard go and arrange Colorado on the 6-yard line.
Sanders discovered Sheppard for a landing on the subsequent play, capping a high quality 14-play, 85-yard drive to offer the Buffs a 21-9 halftime lead.
Then, late within the fourth quarter, Hunter took a reverse handoff, ran backward to keep away from a defender after which turned on the Jets for a jaw-dropping landing run up the center. The two-way famous person celebrated as soon as once more with the Heisman pose.
“Travis is the epitome of a soccer participant,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders mentioned after the sport.
Hunter, who performed almost each snap of the sport, gave up a landing within the third quarter. And given his aggressive nature, he’ll most likely remorse it greater than something.
Key statistic
Before the sport started, Coach Prime was requested about Utah’s physicality, because the Utes had the very best protection within the Big 12 coming into this showdown.
“And our physicality?” Sanders requested. “We’re those with the luggage, proper?”
Sanders was referring to the truth that Colorado had totaled 29 sacks this season, which was ninth within the nation.
Utah’s protection made Sanders work on this sport, sacking him thrice and forcing three turnovers. But Colorado made up for it with 4 sacks, three of which got here within the fourth quarter, plus three interceptions and 5 go breakups.
Deion Sanders recaps the Colorado Buffaloes’ win over Utah and talks about Travis Hunter
What is the way forward for Colorado?
Colorado is now 8-2 with two common season video games remaining in opposition to Kansas and Oklahoma State. By profitable each, the Buffs will probably be within the Big 12 title sport.
Colorado – n. 17 within the newest CFP rankings – enhancing each week. But the Buffs can nonetheless be inconsistent at instances. While Hunter’s buzz and pleasure will seize headlines, and rightfully so, there have been instances when each the offense and protection regarded sloppy. Shedeur Sanders was up and down early and Colorado had three turnovers. The Buffs have proven they will reply in an enormous means after making errors, but when they wish to win the Big 12 and make a CFP run, they should clear issues up.
What is the way forward for Utah?
The Utes transfer to 4-6 after struggling their sixth straight loss. To change into bowl eligible and end the common season at .500, they might want to win their remaining two video games in opposition to Iowa State and UCF.
Unfortunately, this group has suffered too many accidents to key gamers this season. But on the intense aspect, Wilson gained priceless expertise and confirmed grit and tenacity in opposition to Colorado’s intense entrance seven.
Laken Litman covers faculty soccer, faculty basketball and soccer for FOX Sports. He beforehand wrote for Sports Illustrated, USA Today and The Indianapolis Star. She is the writer of “Strong Like a Woman,” printed in spring 2022 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Title IX. Follow her to @LakenLitman.
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