Shedeur Sanders overcomes a rocky beginning, delivering three touchdown passes to propel No. 18 Colorado to a 49-24 victory over Utah.

One victory achieved, two more remain for Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes. Following an impressive display from two-way standout Travis Hunter, the team edged closer to the Big 12 championship game on Saturday, defeating Utah at home with a score of 49-24. Hunter, who plays both cornerback and receiver, participated in every play until he exited the game after scoring a 5-yard rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter. He recorded five receptions for 55 yards on offense, made three tackles on defense, and secured an interception, which compensated for a touchdown he allowed in the third quarter—his first of the season. “Travis is the epitome,” remarked Coach Deion Sanders in an interview with Fox Sports following the match. With two games remaining in their regular season, the Buffaloes (8-2) have the opportunity to secure a spot in the Big 12 title game in Arlington, Texas, on December 7, should they win both contests. A victory in that game would grant them entry into the new 12-team College Football Playoff, potentially earning a first-round bye as one of the four highest-ranked conference champions. This prospect appeared increasingly feasible on Saturday, as they largely dominated Utah, despite some lapses. They held a 21-9 lead at halftime and managed to overcome two fumbles and an interception thrown by Shedeur Sanders on the game's opening play. Sanders, the quarterback for Colorado, completed 30 of 41 passes for 340 yards and three touchdowns. The Buffaloes entered the contest ranked 17th in the playoff standings and were positioned second in the Big 12, trailing only BYU. They will conclude their regular season with matches against Kansas next week and a home game against Oklahoma State on November 29. Coach Deion Sanders now holds a record of 12-10 over two seasons, having improved from a 4-8 finish in his inaugural year in Boulder. The Buffaloes had a dismal 1-11 record the season prior to his arrival and have not achieved this many wins in a season since 2016, when they concluded with a 10-4 record and participated in the Alamo Bowl. Saturday's victory also marked their first win against Utah since that season, breaking a streak of seven consecutive losses to the Utes.

Former walk-on running back Charlie Offerdahl achieved his first career touchdown with 5:25 remaining in the game, breaking into the end zone on a 4-yard run, which allowed the Colorado Buffaloes to extend their lead to 42-24. Offerdahl, a junior from Littleton, Colorado, received a scholarship from head coach Deion Sanders prior to the season. His touchdown concluded a 63-yard drive and effectively put the game out of reach for the Utes. This marked Offerdahl's only carry thus far, having garnered praise from Sanders for his diligent work ethic during practice. The Utes managed to re-enter the game with a touchdown and a two-point conversion with 8:34 left on the clock. Freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson orchestrated an eight-play, 75-yard scoring drive, culminating in a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Caleb Lohner in the left corner of the end zone. Wilson then executed a two-point conversion, rolling to the right and delivering a backward pass to offensive tackle Spencer Fano, who powered in for the score, narrowing Colorado’s lead to 35-24. The Utes have successfully scored touchdowns on two of their last three possessions. On a critical third down with 12 yards to go at the Utah 47-yard line, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders connected with freshman receiver Drelon Miller near the 25-yard line, who then carried the ball into the end zone for a 47-yard touchdown reception. Miller celebrated with a high step as he crossed into the end zone with 13:58 left in the fourth quarter, further extending the Buffaloes' lead to 35-16. Sanders has completed 24 of 35 passes for 243 yards, achieving three touchdowns while throwing one interception on the game’s opening play. As the fourth quarter begins, Utah finds itself in a position where it must accomplish something it has yet to do throughout the game—score at least two touchdowns against Colorado. The Buffaloes currently lead 28-16, having limited the Utes to three field goals and allowing only a rare 40-yard touchdown pass, which was permitted by cornerback Travis Hunter. Hunter has contributed four receptions for 55 yards on offense and recorded an interception on defense, balancing out the sole touchdown pass he has allowed all season. Colorado begins the fourth quarter with possession in Utah territory.

Colorado cornerback Travis Hunter has just conceded his first touchdown of the season, achieved through a flawlessly executed pass. Following a change of possession at the Colorado 40-yard line on first down, Utah's freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson launched a 40-yard touchdown pass along the left sideline. Receiver Dorian Singer managed to stay a step ahead of Hunter as the ball arced over him, allowing Singer to secure the catch and score, narrowing Colorado's lead to 28-16 with 6:10 remaining in the third quarter. At this point, Colorado was enjoying a 28-9 advantage, bolstered by a 37-yard touchdown run from running back Isaiah Augustave with 11:43 left in the third quarter. This score occurred immediately after Utah's opening drive of the second half ended in an interception, with Wilson's pass being intercepted by Colorado linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green, a former Michigan player. Prior to the touchdown, the Buffaloes had recorded negative four rushing yards, but following it, they managed 10 rushes for 33 yards. Travis Hunter, a standout two-way player, added another impressive moment to his Heisman Trophy candidacy by making a 28-yard catch on fourth down, despite being surrounded by two Utah defenders. After leaping to secure the ball, he landed at the Colorado 6-yard line, where quarterback Shedeur Sanders subsequently connected with receiver Will Sheppard for a 6-yard touchdown pass on the next play. Sanders completed 12 of 13 passes during that drive, propelling the Buffaloes to a 21-6 lead with 49 seconds left in the first half. However, Utah responded with a 47-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, reducing the Buffaloes' lead to 21-9. Hunter has recorded three receptions for 42 yards on offense and an interception on defense. Meanwhile, Sanders has completed 18 of 25 passes for 165 yards, contributing two touchdowns and one interception. Utah's scoring has been limited to field goals by Cole Becker, a transfer from Colorado, with the first two occurring after turnovers by Colorado, including an interception by Sanders on the initial play of the game.

Colorado has taken a 14-3 lead following a punt from Utah that was caught by LaJohntay Wester. Wester, a transfer from Florida Atlantic, showcased his speed by sprinting 76 yards for a touchdown after receiving the ball at his own 24-yard line, scoring with 5:49 remaining in the first quarter. Utah has had possession of the ball twice, resulting in a field goal for the Utes and a touchdown for Colorado via a punt return. In response to Utah's initial score, Colorado executed a 40-yard touchdown pass on a fourth down play from quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Although Utah was penalized for jumping offsides, Sanders successfully launched a deep pass to the left side, where Will Sheppard, a transfer from Vanderbilt, made the catch in the end zone. This drive consisted of five plays covering 58 yards, allowing the Buffaloes to take a 7-3 advantage with 7:51 left in the first quarter. The game began with an interception thrown by Sanders over the middle, which was caught by Utah linebacker Lander Barton, who returned it 17 yards to the Colorado 21-yard line. The Utes managed to run seven plays but ultimately settled for a 32-yard field goal after a sack on third down, giving Utah an early lead of 3-0 with 10:08 remaining in the first quarter.

Birthday Wishes For Peggy

Colorado superfan Peggy Coppom received a birthday cake during Fox’s pregame show on Saturday, just days ahead of her 100th birthday, which falls on Tuesday. Alongside her late twin sister Betty, she has attended over 2,500 CU games across various sports since approximately 1940, according to university estimates. Following the hiring of Colorado coach Deion Sanders in December 2022, Coppom developed a unique connection with him. He pledged at the beginning of the season to ensure her attendance at a postseason bowl game, and now he aspires for even greater achievements as his team aims for the Big 12 championship.

What bowl game will Colorado go to?

The Buffaloes achieved bowl eligibility last month and are now vying for a playoff spot and an invitation to a prestigious bowl game. Their fate hinges on the outcomes of their remaining games. Should they lose one or more of their last three regular-season matches, they risk being eliminated from playoff consideration and may find themselves participating in the Holiday or Alamo bowls on December 27 and 28. Conversely, if they secure victories in all their remaining games and subsequently triumph in the Big 12 championship on December 7, they would qualify for the new 12-team playoff and potentially receive a first-round bye as one of the four highest-ranked conference champions. In such a scenario, they would compete in a quarterfinal match on December 31 or January 1 in one of the Fiesta, Sugar, Rose, or Peach bowls.