Will Colorado standout Travis Hunter have an impact on Oklahoma State football?

Mike Gundy's admiration for Colorado standout Travis Hunter is clearly evident. "You must be aware of his positioning," remarked the Oklahoma State coach regarding Hunter. "It is no secret that (quarterback Shedeur Sanders) aims to pass to him, and I would do the same." He added, "While you cannot simply employ a box-and-1 defense, it is crucial to know his location on the field, as he poses a significant threat." With over 1,000 receiving yards already, Hunter will seek to enhance his statistics when Colorado faces OSU at 11 a.m. on Friday at Folsom Field. Hunter is a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy due to his exceptional skills on both offense and defense, and he is also in contention for the Biletnikoff Award, which honors the nation's top receiver. Gundy identifies the greatest risk in this matchup, especially following a game in which the Cowboys allowed over 400 passing yards; the combination of Sanders and Hunter is expected to be particularly challenging.

Examining the matchup breakdown:

When Colorado passes the ball, Gundy did not limit his praise to Hunter alone; he also expressed admiration for Sanders, especially his proficiency in throwing on the run, whether to the right or left. Coupled with the other receiving threats the Buffaloes possess, this presents a daunting challenge for a Cowboy defense that has surrendered nearly 1,000 passing yards in the last three games.

When Colorado runs the ball, the Buffaloes do not boast a particularly formidable rushing attack, led by Isaia Augustave, who has accumulated 373 yards and four touchdowns. They are not inclined to run the ball frequently, averaging 26.6 carries per game. However, it is essential for the Cowboys to effectively contain the run when Colorado opts for it, which will be a challenge given the defensive focus required for the passing game.

When Oklahoma State passes the ball, true freshman quarterback Maealiuaki Smith, following a strong debut, will face a more formidable challenge against a Colorado pass defense led by Hunter, who has recorded three of the team’s ten interceptions. Smith previously threw for 326 yards.